Everyone knows how extremely stunning Canada is, proper? With its unspoilt nationwide parks, centuries of historical past, and a few of the yummiest meals – Canada is a complete gem to discover! That is no extra obvious than inside the Atlantic province of Nova Scotia. Not solely is there a heap of epic and finest locations in Nova Scotia to discover – however you’ve additionally received a few of the friendliest individuals ever!
We cherished our highway journey! That is precisely why we wished to share a few of the finest locations in Nova Scotia you actually ought to consider visiting on a highway journey. Though fairly small by Canadian requirements, it’s nonetheless completely huge with sufficient magnificence spots that’ll fill a highway journey for numerous years!
So, with so many stunners to select from, we wished to make it somewhat simpler for you and share our whole favourites. This fashion, you possibly can fill your boots with some dreamy Nova Scotian spots as inspiration for now, while planning your journey for the long run.
Oh, and double-check Nova Scotia’s FAQ’s to see which sights are open, their insurance policies and restrictions to your journey. They’ve made it completely straightforward to grasp.
Now, each highway journey is barely totally different, so don’t really feel it’s a must to comply with a ‘step-by-step’ sort of instruction (the place’s the enjoyable in that?). Take somewhat gander on the gems that basically stand out to you and use these as anchor factors to take you throughout this stunning province, all at your personal tempo.
Proper, with out rambling anymore, check out a few of the finest locations in Nova Scotia to go to on a future highway journey. As with all our posts, pop us a message if you happen to ever want another suggestions or recommendation in your journey in Nova Scotia. We like it there.
Day 1-3: Halifax
Most worldwide guests (together with us) first landed in Halifax – the start line for a Nova Scotian journey. You’ll be able to simply spend a weekend within the metropolis and it’s properly value it earlier than heading out on the open highway.
While in Halifax, you’ll want to take a wander across the Halifax Citadel Nationwide Historic Website with virtually 300 years of fortifications to discover. On a sunny day, pop across the Victorian-era Halifax Public Gardens that’s blooming beautiful!
Plus, since our highway journey, the Georges Island Nationwide Historic Website has opened to the general public the place you possibly can actually immerse your self within the space’s historical past.”
After all, by this time, you’ll be inside straightforward attain of the waterfront, which is nice for a stroll. Right here, you’ll get to pop into the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, the place you possibly can see the most important assortment of picket Titanic artefacts anyplace on the earth. You’ll additionally have the ability to learn accounts and diaries from the crew onboard.
Afterwards, Pop into the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market which’s a brief stroll away. Right here, you’ll get all the things from native artist stalls, Nova Scotian wines and heaps of different craft and meals stalls.
Feeling peckish? Head on over to The Five Fishermen Restaurant which has some completely genuine native dishes. We spent a superb few hours munching on their menu and didn’t wanna depart. After all, we needed to go for the Nova Scotian lobster dinner with all of the trimmings. It was so recent and attractive – we have been stuffed.
We checked into the Halliburton Lodge, a boutique little discover that’s mere steps away from the waterfront. With its charming townhouse rooms and sink-in beds, it’s such a deal with. Fancy a lay in?
Day 4: Peggy’s Cove
Look, you possibly can’t head out on a highway journey to see the most effective locations in Nova Scotia and never go to Peggy’s Cove! Completely historic, pleasant and completely iconic, Peggy’s Cove is the epitome of what Nova Scotia is all about.
Nestled on the shores of St. Margaret’s Bay, Peggy’s Cove is round a 45-minute drive from central Halifax. With a sleepy (and completely quaint) fishing village vibe, Peggy’s Cove is the stuff that’s straight outta storybooks. With vibrant fishing huts, cute classic shops and foodie stalls it’s the form of spot you possibly can spend a superb few hours inside.
Don’t overlook to take a peek contained in the native impartial outlets for somewhat memento and wander round Peggy’s Level Lighthouse for the gorgeous views throughout the cove and ocean.
For ease, right here’s the Google Maps link for the carpark.
Day 4-5: Lunenburg
Driving out of Peggy’s Cove, past St Margaret’s Bay and Mahone Bay in Lunenburg, which, dare I say it – is one in all Canada’s prettiest little cities!
Taking round 75-minutes to drive from Peggy’s Cove, Lunenburg is one in all solely two cities in all of North America to be a UNESCO World Heritage Website (you’ll see why as quickly as you rock up).
Nonetheless, to this present day, Lunenburg seems to be the identical because it did approach again within the 18th and nineteenth Centuries. You see, the overwhelming majority of the buildings have survived and it’s virtually like stepping again in time.
As soon as right here, take a stroll (or guided tour, like we did across the city with Lunenburg Walking Tours. We spent a superb hour wandering the colorful streets, studying all concerning the historical past of this particular place. I’m not going to spoil the tour for you, but it surely’s an ideal little factor to do; particularly to stretch your legs after driving.
Plus, you’ll get your bearings to go exploring and classic purchasing by yourself afterwards.
For lunch, head over to The Fish Shack for a mighty feast on their patio! Freshly battered native fish and chips – with lashings of vinegar (or not, if you happen to’re like Yaya).
You’ll shortly realise that a few of the tastiest spots in Nova Scotia revolve across the seafood and native catches that are available in each day from Nova Scotian fisherman. We embraced all this deliciousness in every single place we may and never as soon as have been we dissatisfied.
After exploring, verify into one of many impartial B&B’s which can be completely charming right here. We’d advocate the Mariner King Inn.
Fancy taking advantage of the seaside, drive over to Rissers Seashore that’s simply past Lunenburg. It’s completely beautiful and excellent for somewhat time within the sand.
Day 5-6: Kejimkujik Nationwide Park and Nationwide Historic Website
After a day on the streets of Lunenburg, it’s time to swap to some extra smart boots and head to Kejimkujik Nationwide Park and Nationwide Historic Website. Taking round 90-minutes to drive from Lunenburg, it’s probably the greatest locations in Nova Scotia to discover the nice outside.
Now, earlier than we get muddled up, there’s truly two distinct areas of Kejimkujik, or “Keji” because the locals name it. One, being the Kejimkujik Nationwide Park and Nationwide Historic Website, but additionally Kejimkujik Nationwide Park Seaside. For these few days, we’re suggesting a go to to the (inland) Kejimkujik Nationwide Park however you possibly can simply tie-in a go to to the seaside if you happen to’re eager to discover extra.
After arriving, you’ll shortly see what makes this space of Nova Scotia so particular and why the Mi’kmaq lived on this space for hundreds of years.
As soon as right here, you’ll want to head alongside the paths round Kejimkujik Lake or take a guided canoe journey throughout the lake itself.
When you’re completely embracing the nice outside, you possibly can even arrange camp in one of many designated campsites all through the park. When you do, you’ll be handled with an superior starry evening sky and may even spot some planets! You see, Keji is a delegated Darkish Sky Protect; which roughly interprets to it being a paradise for stargazers!
Day 7: Halls Harbour
Driving from Keji, heading north-west, to Halls Harbour will take round 100-minutes by way of the Harvest Freeway. One factor I might say is to not eat a hearty breakfast earlier than you arrive. Halls Harbour is a deal with you’ll need to keep hungry for.
You see, proper on the coast, Halls Harbour Lobster Pound could be very a lot an establishment relating to good lobster! We cherished it, particularly with the views throughout the Bay of Fundy and the completely enormous native lobsters that we devoured.
In addition they serve up some native craft beers and native wines for the non-driver.
Day 7: Grand Pré
After a pitstop at Halls Harbour, you’ll be making your approach throughout to the Grand Pré; one other of Nova Scotia’s UNESCO World Heritage Websites.
As soon as a thriving Acadian settlement (in1682-1755), you’ll get to study extra concerning the Le Grand Dérangement and the tragedies surrounding the deportation and expulsion of the Acadian individuals.
We spent all afternoon studying extra concerning the Grand Pré Nationwide Historic Website and Acadian individuals to this present day.
After a protracted day exploring, drive to close by Wolfville and verify in to The Blomidon Inn – a interval property that’s as quaint as they arrive.
With a grand piano and a tasty restaurant, we stayed in for the evening and loved the yummy dishes and candy treats earlier than heading to the patio for Nova Scotian wine. In any case, you’re within the Annapolis Valley that’s completely well-known for its wine.
Day 8-9: Pictou
Taking round 130-minutes to drive from the Blomidon Inn, Pictou might sound small however that’s all a part of its attraction. Completely pleasant and quaint, it’s an ideal place to sit back after a morning of driving up by means of Nova Scotia.
As soon as right here, cease by the Hector Heritage Quay and the museum that reveals extra concerning the first Scottish immigrants to Nova Scotia ( which is Latin for New Scotland). When you’re staying the evening, head over to Harbour Home for his or her craft ales and ciders.
Oh, I almost forgot to say, Pictou (and the shoreline round right here) is without doubt one of the finest spots to sit back out on its seashores. You see, the waters are hotter however they’re additionally a lot much less crowded than a few of the different big-hitting seashores. Its shoreline is a complete gem!
There’s plenty of cosy B&B’s round this space of the Northumberland Shore, too! This implies you possibly can simply prolong your keep inside the space, particularly if you wish to enterprise additional west in the direction of New Brunswick or alongside the Sunriseshine Path past New Glasgow (discover that Scottish connection?).
Day 10: Drive day to Cape Breton Island
Shifting from the mainland of Nova Scotia to Cape Breton Island will probably be a protracted morning drive.
Taking round 110-minutes, you’ll cease off at Mabou for some well-deserved R&R and pop into The Red Shoe Pub. They make a imply maple curry (with a kick) and pan-seared scallops. There’s additionally stay music daily of the week, which is nice if you happen to resolve to spend an evening in Mabou itself.
After filling your boots (and assuming you’ve determined to maintain driving), head to beautiful Baddeck, an enthralling little village on the Bras d’Or Lake that’s full of historical past. In reality, it was the summer season dwelling of Alexander Graham Bell (you realize, the phone man) and there’s a nice museum there that homes his tons of of innovations that go approach past the phone.
Fancy a kip? Verify into the Inverary Inn and seize a pint and a few native tunes within the pub.
Day 11: Discover Sydney (and wider space)
After a superb evening’s sleep, head to Sydney and stretch your legs on the boardwalk and get a photograph op at one in all Sydney’s most well-known spots – The Large Fiddle – it’s completely kitsch! In any case, it’s not daily you move the most important fiddle in all of the world!
Alongside (and simply off) the Esplanade, is a variety of little museums to go to like: Jost Heritage Home and Cossit Home Museum. Alternatively, head over on the Baille Ard Path that’s an ideal place for a shorter stroll by means of the brooks and over the bridges of the world.
Fancy blowing the cobwebs out off? Take a brief drive over to Dominion Seashore, proper on the coast. It has such powdery sands which can be beautiful for a stroll.
Lastly, if you wish to head to the east coast, head over to Louisbourg (A couple of 40-minutes drive) to discover the Fortress of Louisbourg Nationwide Historic Website.
Right here, you’ll get to go to the reconstructed city and study all about this fortified French stronghold from the 1700s that’s simply probably the greatest locations in Nova Scotia to go to if you happen to love historic finds.
Taking round half a day to totally discover, verify into Level of View Suites. Higher but, you possibly can guide an in a single day 18th-century tenting expertise on the Fortress if you happen to’re feeling like a completely distinctive expertise.
Day 12-17: Cabot Path
Just a bit west of Sydney is the Cabot Trail, a 185-mile loop that takes in a few of Cape Breton’s most gorgeous spots. Now, the path will doubtless take you many days to discover all that there’s to do however it may be shorter (or longer) relying on what number of stops you’d wish to make.
That is the form of path that’s simply as a lot concerning the drive as it’s concerning the vacation spot. It’s a shocking route. Make sure to cease off at Ingonish Beach that’s completely nice for a picnic.
Although, if you’d like a while away from the highway, head inside Cape Breton Highlands Nationwide Park and comply with the Freshwater Lake Look-off Trail that’s a brief 10-20 minute leg-stretcher and simply off the principle route. For one thing somewhat longer, head on the Skyline Path (on the opposite aspect of the Nationwide Park) that’s round 5-miles lengthy. Actually, there are properly over 20+ trails to select from.
Oh sure, and alongside your approach, cease off on the MacKenzie Mountain Look-off which is a superb spot for catching sight of the whales proper from the shore. Simply keep eagle-eyed and look out for breeches alongside the shore.
Check out extra issues to see alongside the Cabot Path, here. It actually is without doubt one of the finest locations in Nova Scotia to drive and discover.
