Hidden away on Canada’s east coast, Nova Scotia is where ocean meets culture, nature meets history, and small-town charm meets unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re hiking along cliffside trails, sipping wine in rolling valleys, or swapping stories with locals over lobster, you’ll be hooked on this maritime province.
Let’s get into the best ways to experience Nova Scotia — from coastlines to cozy inns.
Get Outside: Nova Scotia’s Playground
Hike the Cabot Trail
The Cabot Trail isn’t just a road. It’s a journey through some of the most beautiful scenery in Canada. Winding through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, it has ocean views, forests, and lookouts that’ll have you pulling over more often than you expected.
Kayak the Coastline
With thousands of kilometers of shoreline, Nova Scotia is a paddler’s paradise. Rent a sea kayak and paddle through quiet coves, explore sea caves, or catch the sunset on the water.
Whale Watching with a Side of Wow
Head out from Digby or Cape Breton for a boat tour and keep your eyes peeled for humpbacks, minkes, and even the occasional blue whale. Many tours come with local guides who know their marine facts — and their jokes.
National Parks Worth the Drive
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
This one’s a no-brainer. It’s where cliffs meet sky, and moose sightings aren’t rare. Hike the Skyline Trail for postcard views and maybe a moose selfie (from a safe distance).
Kejimkujik National Park
Called “Keji” for short, this park is the peaceful inland alternative. Canoe through lakes, camp under the stars, and check out Indigenous petroglyphs etched into stone. It’s quite magical.
Looking for a relaxing place to canoe in Nova Scotia? Look no further than Kejimkujik National Park. Check us out. pic.twitter.com/lXXqExRI4v
— Kejimkujik National (@kejimikujikns) March 3, 2016
Annapolis Valley: Wine, Orchards, and Epic Views
Sip Through Wine Country
The valley is home to some of the best wineries in Eastern Canada. Think crisp whites, fruity rosés, and Nova Scotia’s signature sparkling — Tidal Bay. Many have tastings with vineyard views, and some even have live music and food trucks.
Time Travel in Grand-Pré
This UNESCO World Heritage Site tells the story of the Acadians — their settlement, expulsion, and legacy. The landscape itself, with dykes and wildflowers, is just as moving as the history.
Walk the Ocean Floor at the Bay of Fundy
The tides here are the highest in the world. No exaggeration. One minute you’re standing on dry ground, and a few hours later, the ocean has risen 16 meters. Plan your visit right and take a barefoot stroll across the ocean floor.
Taste Nova Scotia: Fresh, Local and Delicious
Seafood You’ll Dream About
This is lobster country. Whether it’s a fancy restaurant plate or a beachside boil with plastic bibs and butter, you haven’t truly visited until you’ve cracked a claw. Also worth trying: Digby scallops, smoked mackerel, and fishcakes.
Craft Beer and Cider Scene
Local breweries are booming. Halifax alone has enough taprooms for a weekend. Try a hoppy IPA, a tart blueberry ale, or a crisp Annapolis cider — you really can’t go wrong.
Farm-to-Table Dining
Nova Scotia’s chefs take full advantage of local produce, seafood, and meat. From cozy bistros in Lunenburg to creative pop-ups in Halifax, expect thoughtful, seasonal dishes that showcase the best of what’s grown and caught nearby.
Culture, History, and Maritime Heritage
The Halifax Citadel
Step inside this hilltop fortress and you’ll get more than a great view. Costumed guides, cannon demonstrations, and museum exhibits tell the story of Halifax’s military past. The Army Museum Halifax Citadel is in the Cavalier Building, and has been functional since 1953.
Celtic Roots Run Deep
Especially in Cape Breton, where fiddle music, Gaelic songs, and ceilidhs (kitchen parties) are part of everyday life. If you can, plan your trip around the Celtic Colours International Festival in October — it’s a party like no other.
Indigenous and Acadian Stories
Nova Scotia’s identity is shaped by the Mi’kmaq, the province’s first people, and the French-speaking Acadians. Visit cultural centers and museums to learn the stories that don’t always make it into guidebooks.
For the Thrill Seekers
Zip-lining and Off-Road Biking
Zoom through tree canopies or tackle rugged trails — there’s no shortage of adrenaline in Nova Scotia. Check out adventure parks around the province or hit up Keppoch Mountain for year-round thrills.
Sailing and Surfing
Try your hand at sailing in the sheltered waters around Lunenburg or catch a wave in Lawrencetown, one of Canada’s top surf spots. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner — there are lessons for that.
Tee Off or Kick Back
World-Class Golfing
Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs are world-renowned for a reason. Ocean views, challenging fairways, and jaw-dropping scenery make them worth the trip — even if your swing’s a little rusty.
Chill with Coastal Vibes
Prefer a slower pace? Hit the beach. Nova Scotia has over 7,000 kilometers of coastline, so whether you’re into soft sand or rocky shores, you’ll find your spot.
Where to Stay (And How to Stay Safe)
From oceanside cottages and charming B&Bs to boutique hotels and campgrounds, Nova Scotia has options for every style and budget. Be sure to book ahead in peak season and always check local weather and safety advisories, especially for water and trail activities. It’s all part of planning a smooth trip.
Year-Round Fun
Spring: Apple blossoms in the valley, and migrating birds make it a season of renewal.
Summer: Festivals, beaches, patios — it’s the most popular time to visit for a reason.
Fall: Crisp air, vivid foliage, and harvest season. Perfect for hiking and sipping wine.
Winter: Cozy up in cabins, go cross-country skiing, or visit the German-inspired Christmas markets.
Meet The Canada Hustle App
Looking for a guide to make your journey simpler? Our app, Canada Hustle, can be that solution for you. Your Nova Scotia adventures just got much more thrilling.
Available for both Android and iOS users, this one’s a perfect guide to all the bucket list sites you might want to visit. Whatever your travel tempo—fast, reflective, or leisurely—Canada Hustle syncs with your rhythm.
Final Thoughts
Nova Scotia is the kind of place that sticks with you, not just for its beauty but for how it makes you feel. It’s in the way strangers wave from their driveways, the taste of salt in the air, the sound of fiddles drifting from an open door. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a few weeks, you’ll leave with stories — and a strong urge to come back.