5 days
- Bay of Fundy & Annapolis Valley, Cape Breton Island, Eastern Shore, Halifax Metro, Northumberland Shore, South Shore, Yarmouth & Acadian Shores
Nova Scotia is the perfect destination for your family vacation. Learn something new at our museums, enjoy beach time, stretch your legs on a trail, and make family memories to last a lifetime!
Note: This itinerary follows two routes – one heading southwest AND one heading northeast. Both begin in the Halifax area but can easily be adjusted to fit your point of entry (i.e. Amherst, Digby, Yarmouth or Caribou) or vacation starting point in Nova Scotia.
1 Day 1: Halifax Waterfront
There’s a reason the Halifax Waterfront is the most visited attraction in eastern Canada. Head to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, or the Discovery Centre. Hop aboard a harbour cruise with Tall Ship Silva or the amphibious Harbour Hopper. Take a trip to Georges Island National Historic Site located in the middle of Halifax Harbour to hear stories of Fort Charlotte from Parks Canada interpreters. Pack a picnic and eat lunch with a scenic view of the Halifax skyline.
Dine at kid-friendly restaurants like Waterfront Warehouse, Cable Wharf Kitchen & Patio, or Harbourstone Pour House or grab a quick bite from one of the food vendors at the Salt Yard. Pick up an ice cream cone for dessert from Cow’s, Sugah! Confectionery, The Fog Company, or Black Bear Ice Cream.
Allow a full day to explore the Halifax Waterfront.
More family fun things to do in Halifax:
2 Day 2: Southwest Route to the South Shore
From Halifax head west on Highway 103 or Route 333 towards Peggy’s Cove. Plan to arrive early for a less crowded experience. The fully accessible viewing platform makes for the perfect photo opportunity. Browse the local shops in the village and drop in to the Sou’Wester Restaurant for a meal or quick coffee and snack.
From Peggy’s Cove continue west towards Lunenburg. This colourful coastal town is one of only two urban communities in North America designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, take a deck tour or sail aboard the Bluenose II (check schedule in advance), and dine on fresh, local seafood.
After exploring Lunenburg, make your way to White Point Beach Resort for the night. This family-friendly coastal resort offers up amenities like a private white sand beach, indoor and outdoor pools, kids’ zone, games room, onsite restaurant, sauna, spa, and golf course.
More family fun ideas on the South Shore:
- Black Loyalist Heritage Centre & Trail
- Cosby’s Concrete Garden
- Fort Point Lighthouse Park
- Kejimkujik National Park & National Historic Site
- Queensland Beach Provincial Park
- Rissers Beach Provincial Park
- Ross Farm Museum
- Salty Dog Sea Tours
- Shelburne’s Museums by the Sea
- Summerville Beach Provincial Park
- The Dory Shop
- Trot in Time Carriage Tours
2 Day 2: Northeast Route towards the Northumberland Shore
From Halifax head north on Highway 102 towards the Northumberland Shore region. This area is known for its beaches, warm-waters, and sprawling sand flats at low tide. There are many beaches along this coast to choose from, but Heather Beach, Melmerby Beach, or Caribou-Munroes Island Provincial Parks are popular options. These beaches are supervised during July and August and offer change houses and vault toilets. Click here for more warm water beaches in this area.
The region also hosts a variety of unique accommodations and camping sites for overnight stays.
More family fun ideas of things to do along the Northumberland Shore:
3 Day 3: Southwest Route towards Yarmouth/Digby
Depart White Point and continue west towards Yarmouth. Stop into Le Village historique acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse to learn about the area’s deep Acadian roots. This 17-acre site overlooking Pubnico Harbour depicts Acadian life in the early 1900s. Check out a blacksmith shop, boat shop, post office, and more.
Continue to the Town of Yarmouth. The Firefighters’ Museum of Nova Scotia, Frost Park, and Cape Forchu Lighthouse are all popular attractions. Take part in the Climb the Light experience and ascend a 77-step spiral staircase to the top of Cape Forchu Lighthouse for a 360-degree view. Walking trails and dining can also be found onsite.
More family fun ideas in the Yarmouth & Acadian Shores region:
3 Day 3: Northeast Route towards the Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Depart from the Northumberland Shore area and head towards the Canso Causeway and onto Cape Breton Island. Travel towards Chéticamp and the western entrance to Cape Breton Highlands National Park along the Ceilidh Trail. If you’re travelling through the park along the Cabot Trail allow for an entire day. Burn off energy on trails, stop at scenic viewpoints, drop into artisan shops along the Cabot Trail or hit the beach. Don’t miss Parks Canada programming specifically designed for children and families.
More family fun ideas for the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and surrounding area to do:
4 Day 4: Southwest Route to Whale Watching or the Annapolis Valley
Older kids will love heading out on a whale watching adventure. Head to Digby Neck and Islands and board a boat bound for the Bay of Fundy. Your local guide will share stories of land and sea, and the 12 different species of whales that migrate north to the waters of the Bay of Fundy each summer.
Annapolis Royal is a charming historic town that offers up two national historic sites – Fort Anne and Port-Royal. Check out the grounds and fortifications and enjoy a Perfect Picnic or packed lunch on the scenic property. Then grab a sweet treat at 1 Scoop, 2 Scoop.
Driving throughout the Annapolis Valley, be sure to visit beaches, seasonal u-picks and corn mazes.
More family fun ideas to do in the Annapolis Valley:
4 Day 4: Northeast Route to Louisbourg
Located 35 minutes from Sydney is the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. Time travel and see what life was like 300 years ago at this re-constructed fortress complete with costumed interpreters.
Take part in the Xplorers program, hear stories at the Mi’kmaw Cultural Centre, head to the bakery for a loaf of “soldier’s bread”, made using an 18th century recipe, have a picnic in the King’s Garden, and much more!
More family fun ideas for the Louisbourg area:
5 Day 5: Southwest Route to Burntcoat Head Park
From the Annapolis Royal area continue through the Annapolis Valley and head towards the Noel Shore and Burntcoat Head Park. Visit at low tide to explore the ocean floor. Site of the world’s highest recorded tides, Burntcoat Head Park offers tidal pools of marine life, expansive views of red cliffs, caves, and a guided tour. Plan in advance to ensure you arrive at low tide and pack a spare set of clothes as the ocean floor is muddy! A shoe/foot wash station is available and picnic tables are also onsite.
More family fun things to do along the Fundy Shore:
5 Day 5: Northeast Route to the Eastern Shore
Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore is dotted with wide sandy beaches and living history museums. Visit Sherbrooke Village Museum for a peek into the 1860s when tall ships and gold were primary industries along the St. Mary’s River. Costumed interpreters share stories from this era, including a black smith, potter, weaver, wood turner, and printer. Kids can get hands-on at the printing press, dress in period attire, and have their photo taken at the ambrotype photo studio.
Memory Lane Heritage Village in Lake Charlotte shares stories of life from the 1940s. The museum features 16 restored buildings like a general store, one-room schoolhouse, church, ice house, and cookhouse. Authentic 1940s cookhouse meals are served daily and kids will love the cute animals that roam free-range on the grounds. Don’t miss the Clam Harbour Clam Digging Adventure happening on select dates June–September. Booking ahead is recommended.
Enjoy a family beach day at Martinique Beach, Clam Harbour Beach, or Rainbow Haven Beach Provincial Parks. Check out onsite surf schools at Lawrencetown and Martinique beaches that provide surf gear, instruction, and fun!
More family fun things to do along the Eastern Shore:
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