Traveling To Nova Scotia: Everything You Need To Know

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My little home province has been growing on the world stage! Nova Scotia has so much to do and see for everyone. From quaint small towns to the city, there are plenty of amazing sights, foods to eat, and places to explore. Here’s everything you need to know about traveling to Nova Scotia.

Planning Your Trip To Nova Scotia

Getting Here & Getting Around

Nova Scotia has 2 airports, the main one outside of Halifax, and a smaller one on Cape Breton Island just outside Sydney. For the most part you will fly into Halifax Stanfield International Airport. 

Driving you’ll have to come through New Brunswick. You can also take a ferry from Prince Edward Island, landing in Caribou, just outside of Pictou. The seasonal CAT ferry will bring you to Yarmouth NS from Bar Harbour, Maine. 

For getting around Nova Scotia, for the most part you will need a car. Public transportation is available in Halifax and some smaller communities to a lesser extent. 

When To Visit

One of the most important things to consider is the weather and how that corresponds with what you want to do while you’re here! 

In general, late June through the end of September is the warmest weather, with the most to do. 

If you want to see the famous Fall colours in Cape Breton, you’ll want to visit around the beginning to mid October. 

We have several ski hills, and if you are planning to visit for Winter sports, January to the beginning of March is your best bet. If you’re visiting during the chilly months, check out my favourite INDOOR things to do!

Personally I would avoid March-May, because the weather is not great, and most tourist spots aren’t really open for the season yet. My personal favourite time to visit is August or September because the weather is good, and there’s lots to do!

Best Places To Visit In Nova Scotia

It’s so hard not to say “all of it” because truly we live in an amazing province and I haven’t even seen it all! Here are a few ideas:

Halifax Area

The capital city has so much to do, I couldn’t possibly cover it all here, but here are a few highlights for you:

Downtown and The Boardwalk – the famous Halifax boardwalk is worth a stroll any time of year, but especially in the Summer. You’ll get great views, local shops and restaurants, plus a great feel for the city. The Downtown area has lots of great places to eat (The Black Sheep and Antojo are two of my favs). Lots of great shopping on Spring Garden Road, and make sure to spend some time in the Halifax Public Gardens. 

Museums – We have so many great museums like Pier 21, The Discovery Centre, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and more! The Halifax Citadel is now a living history museum you can wander through, with re-enactments happening throughout.

Dartmouth – Just a short ferry ride from downtown Halifax, Dartmouth is certainly worth visiting. Not only do you get great views of Halifax, there are amazing restaurants like The Canteen on Portland, and The Wooden Monkey. There’s also a cool Word Mural Walk, and many great shops. 

Peggy’s Cove – You can’t miss our beautiful and famous lighthouse! Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse is one of the most photographed lighthouses in Canada, and it just got a great accessibility upgrade. It’s quintessentially Nova Scotian and you shouldn’t miss it!

Only have 1 day in Halifax? Check out my suggested itinerary!

Halifax Public Gardens

Cape Breton

Cape Breton Island makes up the north east part of Nova Scotia and is connected to the mainland by the Canso Causeway. It’s a beautiful island with lots to see, and lots of hiking!

Sydney – The economic centre of Cape Breton and the largest community, there’s a lot going on in Sydney. I recommend checking out the boardwalk and the giant fiddle! There’s a great market on Saturdays, and I definitely recommend stopping into Island Folk Cider Co for a drink and possibly some live music!

Cabot Trail – The World Famous Cabot Trail is the reason most people head to Cape Breton. The trail is almost 300km long, and you really need 3-4 days to really explore (the more time the better!). There are 26 hiking trails of varying difficulties. We enjoyed hiking the Franey Trail (difficult) and the famous Skyline Trail (easy). If you’re a golfer, check out Cape Breton Highland Links, Cabot Cliffs or Cabot Links. Lastly, don’t miss the Alexander Graham Bell Museum in Baddeck.

Grab your Cabot Trail itinerary right here!

Fortress of Louisbourg – If you love history, the Fortress of Louisbourg is for you! Step back to the 1700s to see how the French lived in this fortified community. There are often re-enactments, and don’t miss the delicious bread baked at the King’s Bakery. 

Read more about visiting the Fortress of Louisbourg!

Cabot Trail

Annapolis Valley

Food and drink lovers, the Annapolis Valley is the place for you! It’s also one of my personal favourite places in Nova Scotia.

Wineries – There are currently 12 wineries in the Annapolis Valley, so you have lots of options! There is also the Magic Winery Bus Tour that will take you on a hop on hop off tour of several wineries. My personal favourites are Lightfoot & Wolfville, and Luckett Vineyards, both of which have amazing restaurants as well. 

Farmer’s Markets – The Annapolis valley is the best place in Nova Scotia to find farm fresh produce. There are many markets, and places where you can pick your own apples, blueberries, pumpkins, strawberries and more. I love Elderkin’s in Wolfville, and I’ve heard great things about the Annapolis Royal Farmer’s Market.

Wolfville – This university town has so much to do. Make sure to eat at Church Brewing Co, The Naked Crepe Bistro, and grab a drink at Annapolis Cider Company. To walk off the delicious food, check out the Irving Botanical Gardens, pick apples, or shop along Main Street. 

Read all about my fav things to do in Wolfville NS

Annapolis Royal – An often overlooked town, Annapolis Royal is a treat for those who love history and Victorian architecture. I recommend wandering through the Historic Gardens, visiting the Fort Anne National Historic Site, walking along Lower St George Street and the waterfront boardwalk. Nearby you can visit Port Royal Habitation and see one of the earliest European settlements in Canada, on land that is the traditional homeland of the Mi’kmaq.

Read more about visiting Annapolis Royal

Cape Split – Since I got engaged here, I must mention the hike at Cape Split! It is a moderate to difficult hike, and is about 15km round trip. The views at the end are definitely worth the climb!

Annapolis Royal

South Shore 

It’s hard not to be biased toward the South Shore, as I was born here and recently moved back. I still love it here, and it’s a wonderful place to visit, especially in the Summer. Here’s a handy post if you want to do an epic South Shore NS road trip!

Beaches – In my not so humble opinion, the South Shore has the best beaches in Nova Scotia. For the most part the beaches are large and have white sand, however the water is usually pretty cold! Some of my favourites are Summerville Beach, Risser’s Beach, Carter’s beach, and Beach Meadows beach.

Want to know all about the best beaches in Nova Scotia? I got a post for you!

Sensea Spa – The first Nordic Spa in Nova Scotia! Located in Chester, it is an amazing place to spend a few hours relaxing and enjoying nature – no matter the time of year! 

Read more about visiting Sensea here

Lunenburg/ Mahone Bay – These towns are quintessential South Shore! Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Mahone Bay is close by (which is why I usually visit them on the same day). There are plenty of shops, restaurants and things to do. I definitely recommend wandering around both towns, stopping into Lightship Brewing in Lunenburg for a drink, checking out the Lunenburg Academy, and getting a coffee and treat at The Barn in Mahone Bay.

Get your one day itinerary for Lunenburg & Mahone Bay!

Liverpool – My hometown! My favourite thing to do here (besides the beach) is stopping into 5 Girls Baking for a treat, walking along Main Street to the Fort Point Lighthouse, checking out the Queens County Museum, and wandering through the gardens at Cosby’s Garden Centre.

Plan your trip to Liverpool with these things to do!

Shelburne – I think Shelburne is one of the most underrated towns in Nova Scotia. Some of my favourite things to do have been walking the waterfront, learning about Dory building at the Dory Shop Museum, axe throwing and drinks at Boxing Rock Brewing, and visiting the Black Loyalist Heritage Museum. The town features plenty of old buildings, and fun architecture to look at as well!

Fall in love with Shelburne – read this post!

Carter’s Beach, Nova Scotia

Final Thoughts

I hope this has helped you jump start your planning to visit Nova Scotia. It truly is a special place with so much to do! I have lots of Nova Scotia content on my site, so make sure to dive a little deeper into each region.