14 Best Things to Do in Nova Scotia and Complete Guide
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When you think of Canada, you probably picture epic landscapes – vast national parks, piercing blue lakes, diverse wildlife and magnificent mountain ranges. While Nova Scotia doesn’t have the colossal peaks of the Rocky Mountains that inspire awe and adventure, it’s a hidden gem that invokes peace and contemplation, and its landscapes are just as captivating.
Nova Scotia is shaped by the sea – rugged coastlines, quaint colourful fishing villages, forested headlands and lighthouses perched on rocky shores. Inland, you’ll discover huge, tranquil lakes nestled amongst tall, silent trees. Where the coast feels wild and windswept, inland feels peaceful and timeless.
Nova Scotia is deeply tied to its history and the diverse cultures that have shaped it. The Mi’kmaq (pronounced Mee-gmah) have called the province home for over 11,000 years and formed its foundation with their culture, language, and connection to the land still evident today. French Acadian, Gaelic, Celtic and African Nova Scotian communities also play a huge role, creating a vibrant tapestry expressed through festivals, music, food and traditions.
For nature lovers, Nova Scotia is a paradise. Walk along rocky coastal paths, on the ocean floor at the site of the world’s highest tides, along gentle woodland paths or up mountains for incredible views across lakes. Spot majestic wildlife from black bears and moose, to turtles and whales and see magical sunsets across the Atlantic. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, breathe deeply and feel wonderfully small in the best way.
You seafood fans are in for an absolute treat! Especially lobster, which you’ll find in any form imaginable, from boiled to rolls, tacos, ravioli, sandwiches and even wontons!
In this guide, we’ll share the very best things to do in Nova Scotia, plus everything you need for an unforgettable trip – how to get around, where to stay, the best time to visit Nova Scotia, Canada, and so much more.
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So, let’s dive into the best places to visit and things to do in Nova Scotia.
Best Things to do in Nova Scotia, Canada
Visit Peggy's Cove
One of the best places to visit in Nova Scotia is Peggy’s Cove, a quaint, working fishing village about 45 minutes south of Halifax. Clinging to the rocky shoreline are colourful wooden houses home to families who’ve lived here for generations. Fishing boats bob in the harbour, and lobster cages and nets scatter the village streets.
Peggy’s Cove is home to Nova Scotia’s most iconic landmark – Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse (also known as Peggy’s Point Lighthouse). This is considered to be the most photographed lighthouse in Canada. Built in 1915, the lighthouse sits atop massive granite rocks looking out across the Atlantic, guarding the village. Spend some time exploring the area, wandering over the rocks, enjoying the sweeping views across the ocean and back toward the village.
Our top tip: avoid the dark grey boulders – these are often hit by sudden big waves and can be very slippery.
In town, many of the houses have turned into charming gift shops and art galleries, perfect for souvenirs. We bought a lovely painting of a lobster from Hags on the Hill – a collective of local artists who take turns running the shop. You may even meet the artist who created your piece!
Don’t leave Peggy’s Cove without grabbing a lobster roll from Tom’s Lobster Shack. We tried both the classic and truffle – both were absolutely delicious, but the truffle just won for us.
Drive the Cabot Trail (best places to visit in Nova Scotia)
Driving the Cabot Trail is one of the most iconic things to do in Nova Scotia. This 298-kilometre scenic highway around northern Cape Breton Island offers sweeping coastal views, incredible mountain landscapes, charming villages, magnificent natural scenery, and some of the best hiking in Nova Scotia.
Although the drive can be done in a day, we’d recommend taking two days to fully enjoy the hikes, lakes, forests, and viewpoints. We only had a day and wished we’d had another. Driving counter-clockwise is usually best for ocean-side stops and the best views.
The trail starts at Baddeck, a quaint village on the shores of the tranquil Bras d’Or Lake. Stroll the town, grab a coffee from Bean There Cafe, shop for souvenirs at local boutiques, or take in peaceful lake views. Baddeck is also home to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, showcasing his inventions.
Your next stop is Ingonish, about an hour from Baddeck. Just before Ingonish, make sure you pull over at Pathend Brook Lookout, one of the best Cabot Trail viewpoints for sweeping views of lush forest meeting the Atlantic. For lunch, stop at Main Street Restaurant (you’ll drive past it) for fresh local lobster – the bruschetta and tacos are must-haves!!
One of the most unique places in Nova Scotia is Ingonish Beach, where you’ll find a freshwater lake next to the ocean, separated only by a strip of sand. Spend time sitting by the lake listening to the sound of the ocean, or enjoy a 2.5-kilometre loop walk around its shore.
Standing on Ingonish Beach, to your left, you’ll see a peninsula jutting out to the ocean. This is Middle Head, one of the best hiking trails in Nova Scotia (more on that later). Other nearby hiking trails are Franey and Warren Head, which we’d like to have done if we’d had another day.
Along the Cabot Trail, stop off as often as you like. Quaint fishing villages line the coast; there’s always a viewpoint to enjoy, and for some of the best whale-watching in Nova Scotia, head to Pleasant Bay. On the western side of Cape Breton, the Skyline Trail is an absolute must on your Nova Scotia road trip, so don’t miss that – ideally for sunset (more on that below).
The Cabot Trail ends at Chéticamp, a small French-Acadian fishing village dating back to the 1700s.
Hike Skyline Trail at Sunset (best hiking in Nova Scotia)
The Skyline Trail is one of the most epic hiking trails in Nova Scotia and the most iconic along the Cabot Trail.
The path takes you to a cliff overlooking the rugged coastline, where the headland juts dramatically out over the Gulf of St Lawrence. From here, you can enjoy magnificent views of the Cabot Trail winding around the mountains below and the vast ocean stretching to the horizon.
Along the way, you’ll walk through lush forests of red spruce (Nova Scotia’s official tree), fir, maple and birch.
One of the best things to do in Nova Scotia is hike the Skyline Trail at sunset, when the sky lights up in fiery orange and gold, and the trail becomes quieter and more serene. We arrived at sunset and watched as the sky glowed over the cliffs and ocean – it was incredibly beautiful and peaceful. Sitting there, gazing out across the vast ocean, really reminded us how small we are compared to this magnificent landscape.
You have a few hiking options: a 9.5-kilometre loop or a 6.5-kilometre out-and-back. We’d recommend the loop as most people stick to the shorter route, so it’s quieter and offers more beautiful scenery. We planned to do the loop, but after spending the day driving the Cabot Trail, we were short on time and had to run to make sunset (which we actually missed by about a minute, but the colours were still spectacular).
The trail is well-maintained and pretty much flat, with only a gentle uphill on the return.
Our top tip – stay on the boardwalk – it’s there to protect the fragile plants and foliage. Rangers patrol the area and fine anyone not sticking to the path – we actually saw a couple chasing someone, so they really do enforce it. Moose also roam freely, so give them plenty of space if you spot one.
Whether you’re visiting in autumn to see the golden and orange foliage or any other season to enjoy the dramatic coastline, the Skyline Trail is one of the best places to visit in Nova Scotia.
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site Lunenburg
One of the most colourful and historic places in Nova Scotia is Lunenburg, one of only two urban communities in North America designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s the best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement in North America, with its original rectangular street plan and beautifully preserved 18th-century wooden buildings.
Exploring the waterfront is one of the best things to do in Nova Scotia. Here, stacks of lobster traps sit beside bobbing sail boats, and brightly-painted houses are now home to art galleries, shops and cafes.
The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic is one of the best things to see in Nova Scotia for a deeper insight into the region’s rich fishing heritage. If you’re lucky, you may catch the Bluenose II docked outside – a replica of the original racing schooner that’s become such a Canadian icon it’s even on the dime!
Stroll around the charming town filled with distilleries, breweries, independent shops and restaurants serving incredible seafood. The Grand Banker is an absolute must for what is probably the best burger we’ve ever had – The Lunenburger: a beef patty with smoked mozzarella, bacon, arugula, garlic aioli, Nova Scotian lobster and a bacon-wrapped scallop on top. Honestly, absolutely delicious!
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Discover Kejimkujik National Park and Historic Site
Uniquely designated both a National Park and National Historic Site, Kejimkujik is the only national park with dual designation, making it truly unique and one of the best places to visit in Nova Scotia.
Kejimkujik National Park has been home to the Mi’kmaq for thousands of years. They used the area for fishing, hunting and as an important travel route. The park’s Historic Site designation honours this deep cultural history, which you can still see today through petroglyphs, archaeological sites, ancient campsites and burial grounds scattered throughout the park. You can even see former Mi’kmaq encampments along some of the hiking trails.
Kejimkujik is an absolute haven for getting outdoors and back to nature. It’s home to some of the oldest forests in Nova Scotia, tranquil lakes and peaceful waterways – perfect for hiking, biking, canoeing and even stargazing!
This is, without a doubt, one of the most peaceful places we’ve ever visited. Tall, silent trees weave their way around tranquil lakes, and you could easily sit by the water for hours, taking in the park’s beauty and stillness. There are plenty of lakeside trails to explore, and going for a refreshing dip is an absolute must!
One of the best things to do in Nova Scotia in summer is rent a canoe and explore the interconnected waterways. We recommend going with a guide as you learn and see so much – the history of the region, stories of the Mi’kmaq and wildlife the park is home to (including eagles, turtles, deer, woodpeckers). Some tours even take you to see petroglyphs.
Eat Fresh Lobster in Halls Harbour (best things to do in Nova Scotia)
Halls Harbour is a picturesque fishing community in the Bay of Fundy. Head to the harbour and spot fishing boats lying on the ocean floor waiting for the world’s highest tides to come and go and fill the harbour with anywhere between 3.5 and 18 metres of water.
You can’t visit Nova Scotia and escape eating lobster, and one of the best places in Nova Scotia for lobster is the authentic, working lobster pound, Halls Harbour.
The restaurant serves some of the freshest seafood you’ll find in the province, including choosing your very own lobster from the lobster pound – it doesn’t get much fresher than that.
Walk on the Ocean Floor at Burntcoat Head Park
You may have heard of the Bay of Fundy and its record-breaking tides, but did you know Burntcoat Head Park is where the world’s highest tides have actually been recorded?!
One of the most fascinating places in Nova Scotia, Burntcoat Head Park lets you literally walk on the ocean floor. At low tide, the water retreats to reveal striking red sandstone cliffs, flowerpot islands and interesting rock formations. Stroll across the exposed seabed, peek into tide pools for tiny sea creatures, and marvel at the sheer scale of the Bay of Fundy.
Twice a day, over 160 billion tonnes of water flow in and out of the Bay of Fundy – a tidal range that can reach up to 16 metres!
Our top tip: the ocean floor is accessible 3 hours before and after low tide, so check the tide schedule before you visit.
Walking on the ocean floor at Burntcoat Head Park is one of the most unique things to do in Nova Scotia.
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Ride the World's Highest Tides (incredible things to do in Nova Scotia)
One of the most fun and unforgettable things to do in Nova Scotia is tidal bore rafting in the Bay of Fundy – home to the world’s highest tides!
Depending on your tour, you’ll either head out before the tide comes in or ride the rapids first as it rushes back, then return once it’s calm. We set off while the river was calm and shallow – at times we even had to hop out of the boat and drag it over sandbanks, it was that shallow! The guides were fantastic and so knowledgeable – pointing out wildlife along the way (we saw tons of bald eagles) and explaining how the channels change daily with the tides – which they need to memorise for the return journey!
On the way upriver, we stopped for some hilarious mud-sliding down the giant banks of red Fundy mud. Within the next hour, this bank would no longer be visible, as it would be completely underwater.
Once you reach the sandbar, you’ll wait for around 20 minutes for the incoming tide. It was incredible to see it come in – we’d never seen anything like it. The water races towards you from both directions – it’s not deep, so it’s not scary – just very surreal to see how quickly the river transforms and how fast the tide comes in.
You then jump back in the boat and ride the rapids back to the start – they start gently and grow bigger and wilder as the tide rises.
This is hands down one of the most fun activities in Nova Scotia. I started off feeling quite nervous, and we naively thought we might stay fairly dry. We couldn’t have been more wrong. Within minutes, we were absolutely soaked – sitting in a boat filled with seawater, laughing our heads off. The boats are completely safe and unsinkable, and even if you fell out, you wouldn’t end up any wetter than staying in the boat!
Our top tip: even if you’re prone to motion sickness (like me), it’s surprisingly fine.
After half an hour of riding the rapids, you’ll return to shore, where warm showers and hot chocolate are waiting for you. Tidal bore rafting is, without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Nova Scotia and a must for any Nova Scotia road trip.
Hike Middle Head Trail
Middle Head is one of the best hiking trails in Nova Scotia, taking you along a narrow peninsula just north of Ingonish Beach that juts out into the ocean between two bays.
The trail winds along the peninsula, offering some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the province. You’ll finish the hike on headland cliffs with endless views over the Atlantic, Cape Smokey and Ingonish Island, with great vistas looking back toward Ingonish Beach.
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the way – seabirds, eagles, seals, and even whales are sometimes spotted here.
The hike is around 5 kilometres and fairly easy, with a bit of up and down but nothing too strenuous.
Hike Salt Mountain (unknown hiking trails in Nova Scotia)
Salt Mountain is one of the lesser-known hiking trails in Nova Scotia, but it was hands-down our favourite and should definitely be on your list of things to do in Nova Scotia.
Located in Whycocomagh Provincial Park, the hike offers incredible views over Bras d’Or Lake, Whycocomagh Bay, and the surrounding mountains. It’s just water and greenery as far as the eye can see – honestly, so peaceful. We could have sat up here all day taking in the view. We also had the trail almost entirely to ourselves.
Salt Mountain is one of the lesser-known hiking trails in Nova Scotia, but it was hands-down our favourite and should definitely be on your list of things to do in Nova Scotia.
Located in Whycocomagh Provincial Park, the hike offers incredible views over Bras d’Or Lake, Whycocomagh Bay, and the surrounding mountains. It’s just water and greenery as far as the eye can see – honestly, so peaceful. We could have sat up here all day taking in the view. We also had the trail almost entirely to ourselves.
The hike follows the 4-kilometre Salt Mountain and Scout Loop trail. Although not long, the path is rugged and unmaintained, so scrambling over rocks and branches makes it feel longer but also more of an adventure.
Hiking Salt Mountain is one of the very best things to do in Nova Scotia if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-track experience.
Visit Arisaig (best places to visit in Nova Scotia)
Located on the northeast coast, Arisaig is a great stop for anyone on a Nova Scotia road trip driving between Cape Breton and Halifax or Kejimkujik to break up the journey. This small, scenic community is one of the quietest places to visit in Nova Scotia.
Founded in 1758 by Scottish immigrants who named it after their home in Scotland, Arisaig is known for its stunning coastal landscapes, maritime history and a small lighthouse – all classic things to see in Nova Scotia.
One of the best things to do in Nova Scotia here is explore Arisaig Provincial Park, which offers woodland walks, fascinating geology and fossils, a waterfall, and a beach.
Nearby, Steinhart Distillery is a must for a drink with a view over the community – see below for more on that.
Have a Drink at Steinhart Distillery
If you find yourself in Arisaig, one of the best things to do in Nova Scotia is to visit Steinhart Distillery for a drink with a view.
We actually stumbled across this spot by happy accident – we were staying next door at Glory Ridge Campground and decided to pop in for a drink.
Founded by German-born Thomas Steinhart, the distillery draws on over 300 years of family experience in craft distilling. Thomas has fond memories of distilling with his grandfather in Germany and has brought that knowledge and skill to Nova Scotia, creating award-winning spirits from local ingredients.
You can enjoy cocktails, tasting flights, or a simple drink in the sunshine – everything we tried was delicious, creative, and full of flavour. The setting makes it even better: perched high above the coast, with sweeping views over Arisaig’s lighthouse, fishing boats, and the vast shimmering ocean beyond.
It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring – especially if you arrive for sunset. Grab a seat outside, and soak in the golden rays.
There’s often live music, events and activities held at the distillery and even on-site accommodation if the campground next door isn’t your thing.
Explore Nova Scotia's Capital, Halifax
You can’t visit Nova Scotia without spending a little time in its lively capital, Halifax. Halifax perfectly blends old-world charm with modern energy – where historic stone buildings sit nestled beneath sleek glass skyscrapers, and reminders of its deep maritime roots are everywhere. From the waterfront to the old shipyards and museums, the sea is still very much part of daily life in Halifax.
We only spent half a day here, but still managed to get a real feel for the city.
Start at the Halifax Citadel, perched high above downtown, where you’ll find sweeping views across the city and out towards the harbour. From there, it’s an easy downhill stroll to the waterfront, one of the best places to visit in Nova Scotia.
Stretching for around 4 kilometres, Halifax Boardwalk is one of the longest urban boardwalks in the world! It’s buzzing with life – shops, museums, street food stalls, bars, and beer gardens – and it’s easy to while away a few hours here. It’s not the prettiest waterfront we’ve ever seen (there was also some construction when we were there), but the atmosphere makes up for it.
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Grab a drink in the sun or settle into one of the colourful chairs at the end of the pier and take in the view – ferries heading to the islands, yachts bobbing in the marina, and a lighthouse just across the water.
If you’re looking for a great spot for food, head to Black Sheep, a relaxed, modern restaurant with a creative twist on local favourites. I had the lobster ravioli – creamy, delicious, and so filling – while Andy went for the lobster roll, which was incredibly fresh and full of flavour.
One of the best things to do in Nova Scotia, especially in Halifax, is to wander through the Halifax Public Gardens. These Victorian-era gardens are a beautiful, peaceful escape from the bustle of downtown. Take a slow walk along winding paths, sit by the pond with a coffee, and just enjoy the calm. We even spotted a couple having their wedding photos taken, apparently it’s a popular spot for that.
Eat Lobster (best things to do in Nova Scotia)
You can’t talk about the best things to do in Nova Scotia and not mention lobster – it’s basically a rite of passage. To be honest, coming to Nova Scotia and not eating lobster would be an absolute sin! This province is famous for it, and you’ll find it in every form you can think of – tacos, creamy bruschetta, sandwiches, crispy wontons, and the classic buttery rolls, just to name a few.
But, if you really want to eat lobster properly, you must have it the traditional way – freshly boiled or steamed, and ideally with a view of the ocean. Hall’s Harbour is one of the best places to visit in Nova Scotia for the freshest and most authentic lobster experience. Choose which lobster you’d like, crack it open and dip it in the delicious butter – an absolute highlight of any Nova Scotia itinerary!
Everything You Need to Know to Visit Nova Scotia
The best time to visit Nova Scotia, Canada
The best time to visit Nova Scotia, Canada, is generally between May and October when the weather is pleasant, days are long, and the landscapes are vibrant.
Summer brings the warmest temperatures, perfect for kayaking, swimming in the lakes and ocean or just relaxing on the beach. It’s also peak season, so prices will be higher and the most popular things to do in Nova Scotia in summer will be busier.
Autumn is perfect if you’re looking to escape the crowds, enjoy cooler temperatures and incredible fall foliage. Shoulder season also means cheaper accommodation.
We visited in late September, which was ideal. Most hiking trails were empty, campsites were quiet and peaceful, and the fall colours were starting to pop. The mornings and evenings were chilly, so we couldn’t really eat breakfast or dinner outside, but during the day, temperatures rose to about 20°C, which was perfect. Also, a few days before we arrived, most of the province had been under restrictions due to unusually hot, dry weather leading to wildfires, which is becoming more common.
Most of the province shuts down between late October and late April/early May. Most campsites close, and popular activities like the tidal bore rafting pause during winter.
Getting to Nova Scotia
The most popular way of getting to Nova Scotia is flying to Halifax Stanfield International Airport, which offers domestic and international flights.
You can also arrive by ferry from Maine, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island, offering beautiful, scenic landscapes, and a unique way to start your Nova Scotia itinerary.
If you’re coming from Eastern Canada or the Northeast US, driving can be a great, budget-friendly option. The roads are wide and well-maintained, and having a vehicle makes getting around Nova Scotia’s long distances much easier.
Getting around Nova Scotia
The best way of getting around Nova Scotia is with your own vehicle. Distances can be long, and you’ll have the freedom and flexibility to stop at viewpoints, lighthouses, beaches, lakes or wherever you’d like to. Some of the best things to see in Nova Scotia you may stumble upon accidentally as you drive.
A car is perfect, but hiring a motorhome or campervan is one of the best things to do in Nova Scotia. You’ll get a real sense of adventure, some of the campsites are surrounded by incredible scenery, and it’s super convenient – no need to pack and unpack when you move to a new spot every day.
Campervans come in all shapes and sizes, from compact converted vans to colossal houses on wheels – we couldn’t believe the size of some of them! But the roads are huge and quiet – like they were built for these vehicles.
It’s also possible to visit Nova Scotia without a vehicle; it’ll just take a bit more planning. Buses run between certain communities – you’ll need to check local schedules and follow timetables.
In this case, we’d highly recommend booking tours. Many include hotel pick up/drop off from various towns, making long travel days much easier as you don’t need to navigate transport. Get Your Guide offers tons of options run by friendly, knowledgeable local guides – a great way to experience the best things to do in Nova Scotia without driving.
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How many days you need for the best things to do in Nova Scotia
Our Nova Scotia itinerary was 6 nights/7 days, and we could have done with at least 2 more days. Another day in Kejimkujik National Park and another day to slow down on the Cabot Trail and enjoy more of the best hiking trails in Nova Scotia around Ingonish.
You’ll get a good feel for Nova Scotia in 5 days, but you’ll need to decide between heading north from Halifax to Cape Breton or south to Peggy’s Cove, Lunenburg and Kejimkujik. Trying to squeeze both in will feel rushed, and you’ll spend most of your time driving.
If you have the time, a 2-week Nova Scotia road trip is the dream. You’ll have the time to enjoy the peaceful pace of the province, take in the scenery without rushing, and uncover hidden gems that make Nova Scotia feel so special.
Visa
As a UK passport holder, you’ll need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter Canada. These are $7 and are valid for five years (or when the passport expires, whichever comes first).
Currency
You’ll need the Canadian Dollar. At the time of writing, 1 CAD is approximately 0.72 USD.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our guide to the best things to do in Nova Scotia, Canada. If you have any questions or want to know more about visiting Nova Scotia, drop us a comment below, and we’ll get back to you – we love helping people make the most of their trips!
Make sure to check out some of our other guides on Canada, and follow us on Instagram to stay up to date with our adventures in real time.
