Nova Scotia + August = Perfection

Thinking your window to visit Nova Scotia has closed for this summer? Think again! August is an ideal time to travel to Nova Scotia. From beaches, events, and hiking to stargazing, food, wine, and whale watching – pack your suitcase and head our way.

Hit the beach

Any time of year is a good time to visit a Nova Scotia beach (yes, even winter). But for swimming, sunbathing, beach games, and relaxing walks, August is a magical time. Beaches along the Northumberland Shore – some of the warmest on the east coast of Canada – are prime locations to set up your beach blanket for the day. Choose from several beaches along this shore for calm waters and wide sand flats.

Or relax at one of the white sandy beaches on the South Shore, or try a surf lesson along the Eastern Shore. No matter where you are in Nova Scotia, there is a beach nearby!

Look to the stars

Summer days may be getting shorter by the end of August, but that only means Nova Scotia’s dazzling starry skies show up sooner! Did you know that Nova Scotia was the first destination in North America to receive a Starlight certification by the Starlight Foundation? Acadian Skies & Mi’kmaq Lands Starlight Preserve in Southwestern Nova Scotia is home to some of the darkest skies in North America.

Visit the Deep Sky Eye Observatory, stay at Trout Point Lodge, check out a Starlight viewing platform on the Wedgeport Nature Trail, and explore the dark sky at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site – either with a guide or own your own.

Have a “whale” of time

Throughout the summer months, up to 12 species of whales migrate to the waters of the Bay of Fundy and Bay of St. Lawrence. August is a prime time to join a whale watching tour to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Your guides will share stories and provide informative commentary about the whales you’ll see and the waters you’re sailing in. Have your camera handy to watch these incredible mammals come to the surface. If you’re lucky, you may even see one breach!

Whale Watching — Whale watching tour on the Bay of Fundy

August is eventful

There is never a dull moment during the month of August, when it comes to events – from live theatre and music festivals to agricultural exhibitions, boat races, art shows, and much more!

Check out the latest event listings to see what’s on during your visit.

New Glasgow Riverfront Jubilee — The Jubilee music festival, New Glasgow

Hit the trails

Nova Scotia is home to dozens of amazing hiking trails. No matter your experience and comfort level, you’re guaranteed to find your perfect trail.

Top trails, you ask? Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, Harvest Moon Trail, Rum Runners Trail, Celtic Shores Coastal Trail, and Nova Scotia’s Provincial Parks all provide visitors with exciting scenic hikes.

Whether you need to stretch your legs after a car ride, or are seeking a back country hiking adventure, lace up and hit the trails in Nova Scotia.

Bring your appetite!

Incredible food and drink are available in Nova Scotia year-round, but come August, farmers’ fields are bursting with colourful, fresh produce, orchards are ready to share their bounty, flower u-picks and sunflower farms and mazes are ready to welcome visitors, and seasonal roadside stands start appearing everywhere.

Whether you’re visiting a Farmers’ Market, stopping by a roadside farm stand or dining on a gourmet meal featuring local ingredients, August is a favourite time for local produce.

If all this talk about food has you thirsty, we should also mention that Nova Scotia’s vineyards are also flush with soon-to-be harvested grapes for this year’s vintages. Stop by to enjoy vineyard views at several charming wineries across the province and be sure to sample a glass of Tidal Bay, Nova Scotia’s appellation wine.