Sustainable Travel: Know Before You Go

Welcome to Nova Scotia! Create an unforgettable experience in this place of coastal beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant communities.

Tourism Nova Scotia is committed to supporting sustainable tourism that enriches the lives of both our residents and visitors while promoting activities that connect travellers with our cultural and natural heritage. As you explore the province, we encourage you to travel with care, respect our communities and environment, and discover the hidden gems that make Nova Scotia so special.

Supporting and incorporating sustainable tourism practices includes:

Respect Culture & Heritage

Nova Scotia is home to vibrant culture including Mi’kmaq, African Nova Scotian, Acadian, Gaelic, and other diverse communities. Please respect our culture by learning about the traditions and history in a mindful way. Do not disrupt special places like archaeology sites and if you stumble upon an important heritage object, leave it where it was found and report it by email to Special Places Protection at spp@novascotia.ca. Removing these items is not permitted.

Explore Beyond the Crowds

Nova Scotia offers so many places to explore and lots of wide-open spaces. If you are planning to visit one of our popular destinations, like Peggy’s Cove or the Skyline Trail, plan ahead to avoid the busiest time when there may be crowds or consider exploring a similar but less busy location. Hidden gems are often close by and offer an enjoyable experience while avoiding overtourism. Consider visiting outside of the peak summer travel season for a more relaxed, unique experience. There are so many things to see and do in Nova Scotia in all seasons.

Follow “Leave No Trace” Principles

Help us preserve the natural beauty of our beaches, parks, trails, and wilderness areas by leaving no trace. Pack out anything you bring with you and use waste stations if available. Do not disturb vegetation or remove fossils from beaches. Instead, take a photo and share it on social media with #VisitNovaScotia

Stay on the Trail

Nova Scotia has variety of trails for everyone, from the most challenging hikes to a casual stroll. Nova Scotia is home to many sensitive ecosystems and species at risk including Blanding’s turtles and piping plovers whose habitat is easily damaged.

• Stick to marked trails and avoid walking or cycling on sand dunes, plants and natural habitats.
• Do not cross private property and obey signage at locations such as beaches, parks, and wilderness areas, or any restricted areas.

Camp only in Designated Camping Areas

Nova Scotia offers a wide selection of camping opportunities from serviced or unserved lots to backcountry sites, glamping domes and yurts. You can choose to camp in Provincial Parks, National Parks or private campgrounds. Please obey signs for no overnight parking/camping and do not camp on private or public land that is not a designated for camping, such as trail or beach parking lots.

Please use the dump stations available at campgrounds to dispose of RV wastewater.

Important: Please check Nova Scotia’s Fire Restrictions page daily to stay up to date on burning restrictions across the province. This includes campgrounds. The fine for violating daily burn restrictions is $25,000: novascotia.ca/burnsafe

Support Local Businesses

For an authentic Nova Scotia experience, choose locally sourced products from our many artisans, farmers and fishers, found at restaurants, markets and shops across Nova Scotia. By supporting local businesses, you contribute to the local economy and help boost communities.

Choose Eco-Friendly Options

Consider eco-friendly transportation options like cycling, walking or public transit that have reduced impact on the environment. If travelling with a zero-emissions and hybrid vehicles, find EV charge stations throughout the province.

Slow Down and Stay a While

Take time to explore Nova Scotia at a relaxed pace. Embrace each moment to fully savor the local experience, connect with communities and immerse in the vibrant culture.

Stay Informed

We also encourage you to stay informed about local guidelines and conditions to help ensure the safety of both visitors and residents.

This includes:

• Weather: Nova Scotia daily temperatures can vary by season, time of day, region and proximity to the ocean. Be sure to check the weather before planning outdoor activities or heading out to explore. For climate emergencies or severe weather, check the Nova Scotia – Weather Conditions and Forecast by location for the latest public alerts.
• Getting Around: Nova Scotia offers plenty of transportation options available, from rental cars and public transit to car shares, taxis and more.
• Road Conditions and Closures: Road condition changes and closures, construction activities and road incidents can impact getting around. Stay up to date by dialing 511 on any phone or visiting the 511 Nova Scotia website.
• Life-Threatening Emergencies: For police, fire department, or ambulance assistance in a life-threatening emergency, dial 911 from any phone.
• Nova Scotia Emergency Alerts: Get alerts and information about emergencies directly from the Province of Nova Scotia.
• Alert Ready: Canada’s Wireless Public Alerting system for emergency alerts. Ensure your mobile phone is compatible to receive alerts.

If you own a tourism business or attraction in Nova Scotia, visit our Sustainable Tourism page on our corporate website for relevant business information.