Nova Scotia Destination Guide

Discover the captivating beauty of Nova Scotia, a province of dramatic coastlines, historic towns, and a vibrant maritime culture on Canada’s east coast.

This destination guide will provide you with essential information for planning your trip to Nova Scotia, highlight must-see attractions, and recommend delicious food.

Nova Scotia at a Glance

• Official Name: Province of Nova Scotia
• Capital: Halifax
• Official Languages: English and French
• Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
• Visa-Free Entry: Available for citizens of many countries for up to 6 months. Check visa requirements based on your nationality here.
• Getting There:
  • Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) is the main airport.
  • By Car: Via Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 104) from New Brunswick.
  • By Ferry: Nova Scotia offers several ferry options for travellers, including the MV Fundy Rose between Saint John, NB, and Digby, NS; Northumberland Ferries connecting PEI to Caribou, NS; Marine Atlantic Ferries to Newfoundland; and local provincial cable ferries for shorter routes. Additionally, the CAT Ferry provides a high-speed link between Yarmouth, NS, and Bar Harbor, Maine, offering a convenient international route.
• Getting Around:
  • Private Car Rentals (my recommendation): Essential for exploring the province beyond Halifax. While self-driving is common, be prepared for winding coastal roads, and to watch out for moose (avoid driving before light, early in the morning). The main roads in Nova Scotia are paved, so driving is smooth. I recommend using Discover Cars for renting a car for a reasonable rate. For more tips or options on renting a car, check out my guide on rental cars.
  • Campervan Rental: Canada is a fun place to drive around in a campervan. In Halifax you can rent from CanaDream, Cruise Canada RV Rental, and Four Seasons RV Rental. Book your campsites through Parks Canada (National Parks) or Nova Scotia Parks (Provincial Parks).
  • Public Transportation: Limited outside of Halifax.
  • Taxis/Ride-Sharing: Available in Halifax, but less common in smaller towns.
  • Tours: If you don’t want to drive yourself, consider booking a guided tour or hiring a driver.
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit depends on your interests. I recommend from June-October.
  • Summer (June-August): Warmest weather, ideal for coastal activities, but also the busiest, and most expensive time. I visited during the Summer and absolutely loved it. The weather is the most predictable this time of year, and it’s great for interprovincial East Coast Road Trips through New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
  • Fall (September-October): Pleasant temperatures, stunning fall foliage, fewer crowds. Check-out photos of the Cabot Trail in fall. Stunning.
  • Spring (April-May): Blooming wildflowers, and fewer tourists.
  • Winter (November – March): Can be cold, snowy, not recommended unless you’re planning a specific winter activity. Nova Scotia can get A LOT of snow (average of 60 to 90 inches).

Must-See & Do in Nova Scotia

Explore Vibrant Cities

• Halifax: Experience the vibrant waterfront, historic Citadel Hill, Public Gardens, and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic (covers exhibits on the Titanic, and the Harbour Explosion of 1917). Check out the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market.
• Lunenburg: Discover this UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its colourful waterfront architecture and shipbuilding heritage. Home to the Bluenose II.

Experience Stunning Nature

• Cabot Trail: An iconic Canadian Drive with breathtaking views, like French Mountain and hiking trails like Skyline Trail. The route goes through Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
• Kejimkujik National Park: Canoe on the lakes and rivers, hike through the forests, or view the Dark Sky Preserve.
• Peggy’s Cove: Visit the iconic lighthouse, and explore the rocky coastline. I loved it here. There happened to be someone playing bag pipes while I was here too, which was really cool.
• Cape Breton Highlands National Park: Hike through this expansive park with coastline, forests, and views.

Delve into Culture & History:

• Fortress of Louisbourg: Step back in time at this partially reconstructed 18th-century French fortified town. This is so cool, and one of my favourite things to do in Nova Scotia. Partially because I got to dress up in an old timey costume.
• Grand-Pré National Historic Site: Learn about the history of the Acadians and their deportation.
• Pier 21: Explore Canada’s immigration museum and learn about the stories of newcomers.
• Mi’kmaq Culture: Learn about the indigenous Mi’kmaq people at sites like Membertou Heritage Park and the Glooscap Cave.
• Acadian Culture: To experience vibrant Acadian culture in Nova Scotia, visit regions like Pubnico, Grand-Pré National Historic Site, Pomquet, Yarmouth, and Chezzetcook, where you can explore historic sites, enjoy local festivals, and immerse yourself in the rich heritage and traditions of the Acadian people.

Savour Nova Scotia Flavours

• Seafood Chowder: Indulge in this creamy soup filled with haddock, scallops, and other local seafood
• Lobster: A must-try, whether steamed, boiled, or in a lobster roll. If possible, I recommend trying to experience a lobster boil.
• Scallops: Savour these sweet, succulent scallops, often pan-seared or grilled.
• Hodge Podge: A traditional vegetable stew that varies from cook to cook.
• Oatcakes: A traditional oatcake that varies from cook to cook.
• Rappie Pie: A filling dish made from grated potatoes and meat.

Essential Information for Your Trip

• Currency: The Canadian dollar (CAD) is the official currency. ATMs are available in major cities. Credit cards are accepted in most establishments, but cash may be useful in smaller towns and rural areas. I basically used my credit card everywhere though.
• Language: English is the primary language in many areas. In Acadian regions, they speak a mixture of English and French. Some basic French understanding can be helpful. Some Gaelic is still spoken in certain communities.
• Visa: Visa requirements are based on nationality. You can find out if you need to a visa to visit Canada here
• Weather: Nova Scotia has a maritime climate with a diverse climate across its four seasons. In spring (March to May), temperatures range from 0°C to 20°C (32°F to 68°F), with increasing daylight and rainfall, especially in April and May. Summer (June to August) brings warm temperatures, typically between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), with occasional heat waves and thunderstorms. Autumn (September to November) offers mild temperatures from 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F), with beautiful foliage and potential hurricane impacts. Winter (December to February) is cold and snowy, with temperatures between -9°C to 0°C (16°F to 32°F), and frequent nor’easters (powerful storms). Overall, Nova Scotia’s coastal location moderates its climate, making winters relatively milder compared to other Canadian provinces. Pack accordingly, depending on the season.
• Safety: Nova Scotia is generally a safe province for tourists. However, it’s always wise to be aware of your surroundings, and take precautions against petty theft. Remember to always look up the latest safety precautions before travelling.
• Cultural Considerations & Etiquette: When visiting Nova Scotia, it’s essential to respect local customs. Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with a local, as Nova Scotians are generally friendly and welcoming. Remember to be mindful of the environment, and to take any garbage with you (don’t litter).
• eSim: I always get an eSim while travelling. I highly recommend using Airalo (if you follow this link, you will get a discount upon sign up). Keep in mind there are regions where you may lose service (e.g. national or provincial parks), so you will want to plan your activities ahead, and download any maps you need ahead of time. Google Maps works great in Canada.
• Read: For historic fictions set in Nova Scotia, check-out The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill, The Birth House by Ami McKay, Come From Away by Genevieve Graham, The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz, Fall on Your Knees by Ann-Marie MacDonald, No Great Mischief by Alistair MacLeod, and No Safe Harbour: The Halifax Explosion Diary of Charlotte Blackburn by Julie Lawson (this is technically a children’s book, but I loved it when I was 12). For non-fiction, Nova Scotia Shaped By the Sea: A Living History by Lesley Choyce.

Ready to uncover the wonders of Nova Scotia? Start your adventure today!