9 Picturesque Places to Kayak in Nova Scotia
From the majestic Bay of Fundy to the serene Kejimkujik National Park & National Historic Site to the urban escape via the Shubenacadie Canal, ...
When planning a trip, booking those must-see things to do, places to stay, and making sure you know where to get that perfect cup of coffee or tea to kickstart your day are all part of the fun… and researching things like weather, currency, distance between those booked adventures and destinations are also an important parts of the pre-trip planning process.
From our tourism colleagues that greet travellers with their trip-planning questions by email, phone and in-person at our provincial visitor information centres, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) – with our answers and recommendations – to help you ensure that you are prepared for your adventures in Nova Scotia!
Additional FAQs can be found on Nova Scotia’s seven travel region‘s pages, as well.
What are your top recommendations for me to do and see when visiting Nova Scotia on my vacation?
Want to visit a lighthouse? Planning to go whale watching? Looking to explore UNESCO sites, the Cabot Trail, top festivals & events, award-winning wineries, National Historic Sites and more? You’ll be able to hit the ground running when you arrive, thanks to our Top 25 page. Depending on your interests, activity level, and what areas you will be travelling within, you’ll find many of the main attractions, activities and events that we know are popular with travellers visiting Nova Scotia.
This website strives to be a top resource for all things Nova Scotia – from offering information on places to stay, things to do, road trip itineraries, and the blog section which features articles with tips, hints, and things to see and do like unique experiences, popular hikes, and where to find a lobster dinner or the BEST lobster rolls.
I heard it is recommended that we carry light jackets or sweaters with us, even in the summertime. Why?
One saying you may hear in Nova Scotia – “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes or drive five kilometers”.
And it’s true!
Nova Scotia is known as Canada’s Ocean Playground – and for good reason – we’re almost entirely surrounded by water! In fact, we are bordered by three different bodies of water: the Bay of Fundy, the Northumberland Strait and the Atlantic Ocean. Each of these bodies of water influence the weather across Nova Scotia. For example, a south breeze off the Atlantic Ocean in Nova Scotia could mean thick sea fog and mist in Halifax but in the Annapolis Valley, it may be warm and sunny as that south breeze warms up over the land, which is perfect for our many vineyards, orchards and farms.
Fog can often lower the temperature by up to 10C/50F in a short period of time which will make you happy that you have that light jacket or sweater with you. Heading out on a boat tour? That extra layer may come in handy on the water too.
What is the best way to get to Nova Scotia?
This depends entirely on you and your starting location!
You can drive to Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is a peninsula that is connected to the province of New Brunswick. This means you can easily drive – or even cycle – into Nova Scotia.
You can take a ferry to Nova Scotia
Each year, we welcome travellers who arrive in Nova Scotia via:
- The CAT high-speed car ferry: travels between Bar Harbor, Maine and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, May through October
- MV Fundy Rose car ferry: travels between Saint John, New Brunswick and Digby, Nova Scotia, year-round
- MV Confederation and MV Northumberland car ferries: travel between Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island and Caribou, Nova Scotia near the town of Pictou, May through October
- Ala’suinu, Blue Puttees, and Highlanders car ferries: travel between two ports in Newfoundland and Labrador (seasonal and year-round) and North Sydney, Cape Breton Island
- Argentia, NL port: service mid-June to late-September
- Port aux Basques, NL port: year-round service
You can take the train to Nova Scotia
All aboard! Hop aboard VIA Rail’s Ocean Route train in Montreal and let the scenery pass you by. You can arrive in Nova Scotia at the stop in Amherst or the station in Truro and final stop at the VIA Rail station in downtown Halifax.
You can take a bus to Nova Scotia
Both Greyhound and Voyageur bus lines connect with Maritime Bus which services over 30 stops across the province.
You can also book yourself on a motorcoach bus tour that will take you to and around Nova Scotia to see the sights. Check with a local travel agent or tour company to explore your options for a bus tour excursion to Nova Scotia
You can fly from anywhere to Nova Scotia
Arrive on one of the many non-stop flights arriving from across Canada, the USA, UK, Germany, Europe and Bermuda.
You can cruise to Nova Scotia
Coming for a short visit aboard a cruise ship? With many major cruise lines visiting Nova Scotia from April through November, we look forward to showing you why you need to come back and visit with us longer!
Visit Cruise Atlantic‘s website to learn more about cruising to Nova Scotia.
Can I drive around the entire province of Nova Scotia in a day?
You technically can… but Nova Scotia is a lot bigger than it looks!
If you were to arrive in Nova Scotia aboard the CAT Ferry and drive directly from Yarmouth, along the 100 series highways all the way to the Big Fiddle on the Sydney waterfront on Cape Breton Island, it would take you approximately 7 hours without stopping AND you would cover 700km / 435 miles.
Doing this point A to point B drive, you would miss out on experiencing everything from:
- Beach hopping along the Northumberland Shore (approximately 300km / 186 miles with numerous provincial park beaches to check out), visiting towns and villages, dining in local restaurants and cafés, visiting a traditional maple syrup camp serving maple brunches year-round on weekends at Sugar Moon Farm near Tatamagouche, lavender fields at Seafoam Lavender Gardens, rich Gaelic history in the town of Pictou at the Hector Heritage Quay, and discovering the many artists and artisans, shops and galleries all along the way;
- Rich Acadian heritage, lighthouses and so much more in Nova Scotia’s Yarmouth & Acadian Shores and South Shore (440+ km / 273+ miles) regions when you take the scenic coastal routes through quaint towns and working fishing communities, visiting Cape Forchu Lighthouse to climb to the top, the drowned forest at The Hawk Beach, Kejimkujik National Park Seaside, Old Town Lunenburg UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Peggy’s Cove along the way;
- The world-famous Cabot Trail (295 km / 183 miles in a loop starting and ending in Baddeck); the popular musical coast along the scenic Ceilidh Trail (107 km / 67 miles Canso Causeway to Margaree); driving around our inland sea, the Bras d’Or Lake (299 km / 186 miles), and driving from Sydney, visiting Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, with a visit to Goat Island to experience Eskasoni Cultural Journeys, and a stop in Isle Madame before returning to the Canso Causeway (266 km / 165 miles), via the connecting Marconi, Fleur-de-Lis, and Metro Cape Breton trails on Cape Breton Island;
- The Bay of Fundy – which includes fossils in the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark and Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site to the highest tides in the world at Burntcoat Head Park, award winning wineries and whale watching off Brier Island (590 km / 367 miles from Amherst to Brier Island);
- The meandering quiet roads leading to scenic vistas, the incredible 100 Wild Islands, Sherbrooke Village – the largest living history museum in Nova Scotia, and eventually to the entrance of Cape Breton Island when you travel along the Eastern Shore (396 km / 246 miles between Halifax and Cape Breton Island);
- Our capital city of Halifax, with its vibrant energy, walkable waterfront, museums, galleries, and multitude of restaurants, breweries, and pubs offering local music and entertainment. Be sure to visit the suburb of Dartmouth across the harbour from Halifax for even more eateries, activities, and scenic views;
I am driving my electric vehicle (EV) to Nova Scotia. Where can I charge it?
Nova Scotia continues to work to meet the growing demand from residents and travellers with electric vehicles (EVs) by building fast and ultra fast charge stations in locations throughout the province.
Visit our EV Charging Stations page for information on new and upcoming accessible ultra-fast chargers and visit plugshare.com to view all available EV charging stations across the province.
We require wheelchair accessible or wheelchair friendly places with limited barriers. Can you provide a list of accessible businesses?
We certainly can! Please visit our Wheelchair Accessibility in Nova Scotia section to view businesses and properties in each of Nova Scotia’s seven travel regions that have self-identified as being wheelchair accessible and/or partially accessible / wheelchair friendly.
Many businesses include information around the accessibility of their property in their business listing(s) on our website, however you should always contact businesses directly with questions and for more information about your specific needs.
Are streets and highways lit around Nova Scotia?
Most highways are not lit at night in Nova Scotia and if you are not used to driving at night without forms of lighting such as streetlights, we recommend that you arrive at your destination before nightfall… at least until you are sure you are comfortable with driving in the dark. Driving at night in Nova Scotia, even with your car’s lights on, can still feel a bit blinding when you are not used to it.
Urban centers such as our capital city of Halifax and Sydney on Cape Breton Island are well lit along with downtown areas in many towns and communities across the province. For those arriving by air, the area directly surrounding the Halifax Stanfield International Airport, which includes hotel accommodations, is also well lit.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Nova Scotia is a spectacular place for stargazing, thanks to a lack of light pollution at night!
Are there important laws and rules of the road everyone should be aware of when visiting Nova Scotia?
While wearing seatbelts and having children in appropriate car seats, driving the posted speed limit, and obeying traffic signals and signs are important rules of the road here, there are some laws in Nova Scotia that may not be the same across Canada and/or in other countries, including:
- Sharing the road with Cyclists – One Metre Rule: Ensure you give cyclists on the road 1 metre / 3 feet of space when passing in your vehicle. Learn more here.
- Helmets: It is law to wear helmets while operating a motorcycle, bicycle/e-bike, skateboard, scooter, all-terrain vehicle (ATV/SXS/UTV), etc. in Nova Scotia. Learn more here.
- Cellphone usage while driving: Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the steering wheel at all times. Cellphones should only be used through hands-free methods. Learn more here.
- Crosswalk Safety: pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks (every road intersection has marked and/or unmarked crosswalks) have the right of way and drivers must yield to pedestrians. Learn more here.
- Slow Down, Move Over: If you see an emergency vehicle pulled over on the side of the road with its emergency lights flashing, slow down to 60 km/h / 37 miles/h OR obey the speed limit if it’s lower than 60 km/h, before you pass by. If you’re on a road with 2 or more lanes in your direction, you must also move into another lane farther away from the stopped vehicle if you can do so safely. Learn more here.
- Emergency vehicles with lights flashing have the right of way on the roads: Drivers must slow down and pull to the shoulder of the road when safe to do so and stop to allow the emergency vehicle(s) to pass safely before continuing on your way.
- Yield to Transit buses: Drivers are required to yield the right of way to public transit buses signaling their intention to re-enter the traffic stream. Learn more here.
Can I use American money in Canada?
There are some businesses that may accept US dollars – but be sure to ask when you enter a business and the exchange rate they offer. It is important to remember that you may not receive the most current exchange rate at a business.
It may be easier – and more economical – for travellers with USD to visit a bank or to use a bank’s ATM banking machine to exchange USD for Canadian dollars. Be sure to check with your preferred US bank to see if they allow free or reduced cost transaction fees from certain Canadian banks.
Along with cash, Visa Debit, MasterCard Debit and major credit cards are accepted in most places which allows you to receive the daily exchange rate for that day.
Is there reliable cell service and coverage throughout Nova Scotia?
Cell service is strong along most major routes and in cities, towns and communities throughout Nova Scotia however there are areas where you will find coverage is not as strong and at times, and you may pass through an area with no coverage at all.
The Province of Nova Scotia is working towards improving service to ensure 95% coverage for standard-definition service (e.g. emails, web browsing and social media) in Nova Scotia and 99% coverage for making calls on your cellphone.
I’m looking for places to stay in Nova Scotia. Are B&Bs the same as Airbnbs?
B&Bs or Bed & Breakfasts are not quite the same as Airbnbs. While both offer overnight stays, the term “Airbnb” has become synonymous with rental accommodations thanks to the popular online booking platform which offers a wide selection of places to stay that can range from a room in a private home to the rental of a luxurious vacation home.
A traditional Bed & Breakfast business can be described as an accommodation rental business with 1 to 4 guestrooms/suites with ensuite, private or shared bathrooms and where breakfast is included in the price and served each morning. Some bed and breakfasts serve a full, hot breakfast while others may provide a continental or buffet breakfast. Most B&Bs have common living areas for guests with private areas for the owners/operators who live onsite.
Bed & Breakfast Inns are similar but offer 5+ guest rooms and/or suites for overnight rentals.
I heard there are ticks in Nova Scotia. What do I need to know about tick safety?
Nova Scotia has several kinds of ticks, including the blacklegged tick that carries the bacteria that can cause Lyme disease. We encourage everyone to practice tick prevention and to always check for ticks after you spend time outside in nature.
Tick prevention measures can include:
- Wearing long pants and long sleeves in areas likely to have ticks such as wooded areas, shrubs, leaf litter, long grass, urban parks and gardens.
- Wearing light coloured clothing can make it easier to see a tick and wearing enclosed footwear and tucking your pants into your socks can help.
- Walk on well-travelled pathways, avoiding long grass and vegetation.
- Apply insect and tick repellents approved by Health Canada to exposed skin and clothing as directed on the packaging. AtlanTick Repellent Products, located in Nova Scotia, has developed a 100% natural tick repellent spray that is approved by Health Canada and is safe for humans, as well as dogs and horses.
Do I need a car if I am staying in Halifax?
Halifax is very walkable with a public transit system, taxi companies and rideshare access that can help you get around the city with ease.
If you are arriving at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport, you can grab a taxi or limo, order an Uber or Lyft ride share, take an airport shuttle (check with your hotel to see if they offer this service), a private shuttle service, Maritime Bus or the Halifax Transit 320 Airport-Fall River Regional Express bus service. Accessible transportation options to/from the Halifax Stanfield International Airport are also available.
Getting around downtown Halifax is easy too. You can walk everywhere but you can also cab, public transit, Uber, or, for the more adventurous, rent bikes or go on a guided tour with I Heart Bikes, enjoy a guided waterfront Segway tour, or download the Bird Canada app to find an eBike/eScooter to use. You can also book a Halifax Harbour boat tour or hop on and off the pink double decker Hop On Hop Off City Tour Halifax. Want the best of both worlds – book a Harbour Hopper tour aboard an amphibious vehicle to see Halifax from both land and sea!
If you plan to use Halifax Transit, be sure to download the HFXGO app to create an account and to purchase and load money for bus and ferry tickets and passes. You can also purchase bus tickets at partner retailers or pay with change (no change can be issued on buses so be sure to have the correct change).
Tip: Always request a paper transfer slip when you board a bus or ferry if you are paying with change or a Halifax transit paper ticket. Paper transfers allow you to continue riding to your destination – even if it is a round trip – as long as you ride within 1.5 hours. Tickets via the HFXGO app have an e-transfer that is good for 2.5 hours.
We highly recommend taking the Halifax Transit ferry on a return trip from the Halifax Waterfront terminal to the Alderney Landing terminal at least once during your Halifax visit. Be sure to visit downtown Dartmouth and the many eateries, shops, and a popular brewery and cidery all within a short walk of the ferry terminal!
Important links:
Sustainable Travel: A note on climate and driving conditions
Nova Scotia is a coastal province with changing seasons and changing weather patterns. While travelling in Nova Scotia, you can check road conditions by dialing 511 on your phone or visiting https://511.novascotia.ca/.
Keep up-to-date with the latest weather forecasts and alerts in Nova Scotia by checking with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s website or download the WeatherCAN app.
We also encourage visitors to check your cellphone’s compatibility with Alert Ready – Canada’s Wireless Public Alerting system for emergency alerts. Visit alertready.ca.
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