No visit to Atlantic Canada is complete without a stop in Nova Scotia. It’s a province in eastern Canada that is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history. Located on the Atlantic coast, Nova Scotia is home to a rugged coastline with many picturesque beaches, quaint fishing villages, and scenic hiking trails. The province is also known for its delicious seafood and unique cultural heritage, with a strong connection to the province’s Acadian and Mi’kmaq peoples. Nova Scotia is also home to many interesting attractions, including the historic town of Lunenburg, the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and the Bay of Fundy, which is home to the world’s highest tides.
To help you kickstart your exploration of Canada’s ocean playground, I put together a little (completely unordered) list of some of the best things to do in Nova Scotia. Where will you start?
- Drive the CABOT TRAIL in the fall
If you’re looking for stunning autumn scenery then head to Cape Breton in late September or early October and marvel at how the leaves blaze in oranges and reds and contrast with the big, blue ocean. - Get a selfie with the WORLD’S LARGEST FIDDLE in Sydney
If you love roadside attractions as much as we do then you won’t want to miss this massive fiddle. If you listen closely you’ll even hear it play you a tune. - Have a drink at the LOWER DECK
If there’s a more iconic place in Halifax to have a drink and listen to sea shanties, folk songs, and covers that make you want to sing a long then we’d like to hear it. - Visit the GIANT BLUEBERRY in Oxford
Check another item off the Nova Scotia roadside attraction bucket list with a stop in Oxford, home of the best wild blueberries around. - Go down a MINE in Springhill
Mining was very important to the development of Nova Scotia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today you can gear up and head down into a mine yourself to get an idea of what it was like for the men who worked there. - Fortress of LOUISBOURG
Step through Louisbourg’s fortress walls and time-warp back to the 1700s. Mingle with Louisbourg’s lively 18th century citizens, hearing their stories and tasting their food while soldiers march, cannons blast, and ladies dance in formal parlours. Sip rum and watch lace-making as children play 300-year-old games and stew simmers on an open-hearth fire. - Meet the wild horses of SABLE ISLAND
This might be the most magical of all places in Nova Scotia. You’ll need to take a guided tour via flight or expedition ship but watching the wild horses run across white sand beaches is worth it. - Hunt for buried treasure on OAK ISLAND
If you’re a fan of the History Channel’s “The Curse of Oak Island” you’ll want to book a tour of the island and maybe try your own hand at finding the lost treasure of Blackbeard or Captain Kidd. - Go back in time at PORT-ROYAL
Visit the site of one of the first European settlements in North America. After a harsh winter in New Brunswick, Samuel de Champlain and his crew settled in the Annapolis Basin creating the first colony north of Florida. Today, the Port-Royal National Historic Site of Canada features a reconstruction of the settlement’s early 17th- century buildings, including the distinctive, closed-in quadrangle known as the Habitation. - Sleep in a COCOON TREE BED above Ingonish Beach
In 2016 Parks Canada installed a cocoon tent up in the trees at its Ingonish Beach site. The tent is suspended in the trees 6m off the ground, giving you a bird’s eye view of the area and possibly the best night’s sleep ever. - Enjoy some DIGBY SCALLOPS
Indulge in the freshest and most delicious scallops you’ll ever taste, straight from the waters of Digby. - Go TIDAL BORE RAFTING
Experience the thrill of riding the tidal bore on the Shubenacadie River, a truly unique adventure. - Be a soldier for a day at CITADEL HILL in Halifax
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the life of a 19th-century soldier at this historic fortification. - Photograph PEGGY’S COVE Lighthouse
Capture the iconic beauty of Peggy’s Cove, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. - Have fun at UPPER CLEMENTS PARK
Enjoy a day of family fun at this amusement park with rides, games, and attractions for all ages. - Explore the HALIFAX WATERFRONT
Stroll along the bustling waterfront, lined with shops, restaurants, and historic sites. - Go WHALE WATCHING
Embark on a thrilling whale-watching excursion and witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. - Have a YURT VACATION in Church Point
Experience the tranquility of nature with a unique yurt vacation in Church Point. - Fill your belly with some LOBSTER ROLLS
Indulge in the quintessential Maritime delicacy, lobster rolls, for a taste of local flavor. - Commune with nature at KEJIMKUJIK National Park
Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature with hiking, camping, and canoeing in this national park. - Yuk it up at the HALIFAX COMEDY FEST
Enjoy a night of laughter with some of the best comedians at the Halifax Comedy Fest. - Toast the perfect vacation at BENJAMIN BRIDGE winery
Sample award-winning wines and enjoy breathtaking views at this renowned winery. - Play 18 holes at FOX HARB’R
Tee off at this world-class golf course with stunning coastal views. - Stage a DONAIR showdown: King of Donairs vs. Tony’s
Try the famous Halifax donair at these iconic spots and decide which reigns supreme. - Tour the ALEXANDER KEITH’s brewery
Discover the history of beer in Halifax with a tour of this historic brewery. - Collect stamps on your GOOD CHEER TRAIL passport
Explore Nova Scotia’s craft beverage scene and collect stamps along the way. - Sample local brews at STILLWELL Beer Garden
Enjoy a selection of local craft beers in a relaxed garden setting. - Stare into deep space at the DEEP SKY OBSERVATORY
Discover the wonders of the universe with a visit to this observatory. - Get your ceilidh on at the CELTIC COLOURS FESTIVAL
Experience the vibrant Celtic culture of Nova Scotia with music, dance, and more at this festival. - Learn about the Scottish connection aboard HECTOR
Step aboard this historic ship and learn about its role in Scottish immigration to Nova Scotia. - Go out on the MIRA
Explore the scenic Mira River by boat or kayak for a peaceful day on the water. - Go on a MI’KMAQ MEDICINE WALK
Learn about Mi’kmaq culture and traditional medicine on a guided walk. - Have a paddle and a pint in YARMOUTH
Enjoy a leisurely paddle followed by a refreshing pint in the charming town of Yarmouth. - Take in a MEN OF THE DEEPS performance in Glace Bay
Experience the rich mining heritage of Cape Breton with a performance by this renowned choir. - See a movie at the VALLEY DRIVE-IN in Cambridge
Step back in time with a visit to this nostalgic drive-in theater. - Take part in the MUD CHALLENGE during Mud Creek Days in Wolfville
Get down and dirty with this fun mud challenge during Wolfville’s Mud Creek Days. - Meet some happy hookers at the HOOKED RUG MUSEUM of North America
Discover the art of rug hooking and meet the artisans behind these beautiful creations. - Go for a sail on the BLUENOSE II
Sail on the iconic Bluenose II, a replica of the legendary Nova Scotian fishing schooner. - Learn something new at the DISCOVERY CENTRE
Explore interactive exhibits and hands-on activities at this science museum in Halifax. - Visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration at PIER 21
Discover the stories of immigrants who came to Canada through the historic Pier 21. - Stomp your Blundstones at the STAN ROGERS FOLK FESTIVAL
Enjoy live folk music and celebrate the legacy of Stan Rogers at this annual festival. - Take in the ROYAL NOVA SCOTIA INTERNATIONAL TATTOO
Experience the spectacle of this world-renowned tattoo featuring military bands and performers from around the globe. - Get your groove on at the HALIFAX JAZZ FESTIVAL
Enjoy live jazz music from local and international artists at this vibrant festival. - Discover your next favourite movie at the FIN ATLANTIC INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Explore a diverse selection of films from around the world at this annual film festival. - Catch a show by TWO PLANKS AND A PASSION Theatre
Immerse yourself in the world of theatre with a performance by this acclaimed theatre company. - Smell the roses at the ANNAPOLIS ROYAL HISTORIC GARDEN
Wander through these beautiful gardens and enjoy the sights and scents of the flowers. - Get a selfie with Halifax boardwalk’s DRUNKEN LAMPPOSTS
Have some fun with these whimsical lamp posts along the Halifax boardwalk. - Hop on the BEER BUS for a tour of Halifax’s breweries
Explore Halifax’s vibrant craft beer scene with a guided tour on the Beer Bus. - Shop for souvenirs at the AMHERST ARTISANS GALLERY
Browse unique handcrafted items by local artisans at this charming gallery. - Pick up the cutest mussel bowl at CAPE BRETON CLAY
Take home a piece of Cape Breton with a beautifully crafted mussel bowl. - THROW SOME AXES at HaliMac in Kentville
Unleash your inner lumberjack with some axe throwing at HaliMac in Kentville. - Pet a kid at the GROOVY GOAT FARM & Soap Company in Ingonish
Visit this charming farm and get to know their friendly goats. - Indulge your whimsical, but fancy side with a NOVASCOTIAN CRYSTAL curling rock bowl
Add a touch of elegance to your home with a curling rock bowl from Novascotian Crystal. - Dine at THE BICYCLE THIEF in Halifax
Enjoy a delicious meal at this popular restaurant known for its Italian cuisine. - Be a big kid at ATLANTIC SPLASH ADVENTURE
Have a blast at this water park with slides, pools, and attractions for all ages. - FISHERIES MUSEUM OF THE ATLANTIC
Explore the rich maritime history of Nova Scotia at this fascinating museum. - See Halifax from land and sea on the HARBOUR HOPPER
Take a tour of Halifax aboard an amphibious vehicle for a unique perspective of the city. - Go LIGHTHOUSE HOPPING
Discover the charm of Nova Scotia’s lighthouses with a tour of these iconic landmarks. - Try your hand at HIGHLAND DANCING
Learn the traditional Scottish dance and step to the lively tunes of the Highlands. - Stroll the HALIFAX PUBLIC GARDENS
Relax in the tranquility of these historic gardens, located in the heart of Halifax. - Shop at one of the many FARMERS MARKETS
Explore the vibrant farmers markets of Nova Scotia and sample local produce and crafts. - Tour the HMCS SACKVILLE
Step aboard Canada’s oldest warship and learn about its fascinating history. - Be a little bit country at the HANK SNOW HOME TOWN MUSEUM
Explore the life and music of country music legend Hank Snow at this museum in Liverpool. - Be a little bit rock ‘n roll at a JOEL PLASKETT show
Enjoy the music of Canadian rock icon Joel Plaskett at one of his electrifying shows. - Visit Cole Harbour, the home of SIDNEY CROSBY
Pay homage to hockey superstar Sidney Crosby with a visit to his hometown of Cole Harbour. - Enjoy the unique venue that is the LOUISBOURG PLAYHOUSE
Catch a live performance at this historic theatre in Louisbourg. - Get fairytale vibes from SAINT MARY’S, the largest wooden church in North America
Marvel at the beauty of this stunning wooden church, a true architectural gem. - Meet MARVIN, the life-size replica of a mastodon in Stewiacke
Step back in time and meet Marvin, the life-size replica of a mastodon, at the Mastodon Ridge Museum. - Wander around OLD TOWN LUNENBURG, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Explore the historic streets of Old Town Lunenburg and discover its rich maritime history. - Go for a run in POINT PLEASANT PARK
Enjoy a scenic run or leisurely stroll through this beautiful park with panoramic views of the harbour. - Sample some HASKAP GIN in Mahone Bay
Try this unique gin made from the haskap berry, grown locally in Mahone Bay. - Indulge your sweet tooth in hand-crafted maple syrup from SUGAR MOON FARM
Taste the pure sweetness of Nova Scotia with hand-crafted maple syrup from Sugar Moon Farm. - Go out of this world at the SHAG HARBOUR UFO CENTRE
Explore the mysteries of the universe with a visit to the Shag Harbour UFO Centre. - Enjoy rose-petal ice cream in the TANGLED GARDEN
Treat yourself to a unique and delicious ice cream made with rose petals from the Tangled Garden. - Visit the SCOTTISH HIGHLAND CATTLE at That Dutchman’s Cheese Farm
Meet these adorable cattle and learn about their history and care. - Climb JACOB’S LADDER at Victoria Park in Truro
Challenge yourself with a climb up Jacob’s Ladder, a historic staircase in Victoria Park. - Learn the history of CANADA’S BLACK LOYALISTS
Discover the history and heritage of Canada’s Black Loyalists at various historical sites and museums. - Get to know the inventor of the telephone, ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL
Learn about the life and work of Alexander Graham Bell at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site. - Walk the ocean floor at BURNTCOAT HEAD PARK
Experience the world’s highest tides up close with a walk on the ocean floor at Burntcoat Head Park. - Go clam digging in CLAM HARBOUR
Dig for clams on the beautiful shores of Clam Harbour and enjoy a delicious seafood feast. - Find the grave of J. Dawson, passenger on the TITANIC
Pay your respects to the Titanic’s J. Dawson at his final resting place in Halifax. And not… it’s not Jack. - Fall in love with MOON MIST ice cream
Try this iconic Nova Scotian ice cream flavor, known for its colorful swirls and unique taste. - Visit MAUD LEWIS’ painted house at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
Explore the charming art of Maud Lewis at her restored painted house in the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. - Dig into the mystery of the FACE IN THE WINDOW at St. Paul’s Church
Uncover the legend of the face in the window at St. Paul’s Church in Halifax. - Hunt for 300 million year old fossils at JOGGINS FOSSIL CLIFFS
Explore the ancient fossils at Joggins Fossil Cliffs, a UNESCO World Heritage site. - Surf at MARTINIQUE BEACH
Ride the waves at Martinique Beach, one of the best surf spots on the East Coast. - Try your hand at GIANT BLUEFIN TUNA fishing
Experience the thrill of fishing for giant bluefin tuna off the coast of Nova Scotia. - Get the blues with Joe Murphy at YOUR FATHER’S MOUSTACHE
Enjoy live blues music at Your Father’s Moustache, a popular pub in Halifax. - Explore the coastline in a SEA KAYAK
Paddle along the rugged coastline of Nova Scotia and explore hidden coves and pristine beaches. - Make a call from the phone box in the middle of LUCKETT VINEYARDS
Step inside the iconic red phone box at Luckett Vineyards and make a call with a view. - Take a CANDLELIGHT GRAVEYARD TOUR in Annapolis Royal
Experience the eerie history of Annapolis Royal with a candlelight graveyard tour. - Raise a pint at the RED SHOE PUB
Enjoy a pint of local brew and live music at the Red Shoe Pub in Mabou. - Hike the SKYLINE TRAIL
Take a hike along the breathtaking Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. - Pick out your dinner at the Hall’s Harbour LOBSTER POUND
Choose your own lobster for dinner at Hall’s Harbour Lobster Pound and enjoy it with a view. - Explore the prettiest small-town downtown at MAHONE BAY
Wander the charming streets of Mahone Bay and admire the beautiful historic architecture. - Pretend to be a privateer in LIVERPOOL
Step back in time and explore the history of privateers in Liverpool, once a bustling privateer port. - Drop in to the GLENORA DISTILLERY, the first single malt whisky distillery in North America
Visit the Glenora Distillery and sample some of their award-winning single malt whisky. - Hike out to the UISGE BAN waterfall near Baddeck
Take a hike to the picturesque Uisge Ban waterfall and enjoy the beauty of nature. - Partake in an Ingonish AFTER DARK LANTERN WALK
Explore the historic village of Ingonish by lantern light and hear tales of its past. - Meet the GHOST AT THE GALLEY in Chester
Hear the spooky tales of the Ghost at the Galley on a ghost tour in Chester. - Pick up a treat for yourself at PEACE BY CHOCOLATE in Antigonish
Indulge in delicious handcrafted chocolates at Peace by Chocolate in Antigonish.
