The rugged and exquisite land that contains what’s now Nova Scotia has been inhabited by the indigenous Miꞌkmaq folks for hundreds of years – and right now it’s an unforgettable vacation spot to discover. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culinary trails or family-friendly points of interest, this Maritime province has all of it.
On the sting of the Atlantic, Nova Scotia gives up glowing sunsets and jaw-dropping surroundings – which will be seen alongside its unimaginable winding coastal roads. This slice of seaside heaven is all about outside enjoyable, so be certain to pack your sense of journey…and some layers.
1. Really feel the ability of the Bay of Fundy
Positioned midway between the equator and the North Pole, the Bay of Fundy is usually on each checklist of greatest issues to do in Nova Scotia. For good motive too. The best tides on earth, the rarest whales on the earth, semi-precious minerals and dinosaur fossils are all there to find at this Natural Wonder of North America.
There are various methods to expertise this phenomenal web site past simply pulling up for a fast roadside go to. Stroll on the ocean ground at low tide at Burntcoat Head Park, the place youngsters will get pleasure from inspecting ocean life within the tidal swimming pools and exploring caves whereas mother and father gawk on the jaw-dropping surroundings. In the meantime, foodies will wish to pre-book the Dining on the Ocean Floor expertise for a novel full-day culinary expertise that can by no means be forgotten.
Journey seekers, get able to immerse your self within the Bay of Fundy tides with Tidal Bore Rafting. You’ll end up mud sliding earlier than maneuvering the raft by the tidal waves.
Detour: In case your youngsters are into dinosaurs, take them to the Fundy Geological Museum, which has displays on fossils discovered within the space.
2. Go lighthouse recognizing
With its rugged shoreline, it ought to come as no shock that Nova Scotia is house to the most important assortment of lighthouses in Canada. Though Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse (also called Peggy’s Level Lighthouse) is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in Nova Scotia, there’s lots extra to discover as you roam across the province. Catch a sundown by Cape George Level Lighthouse, on a transparent day you possibly can see each Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton Island from atop the purpose. For those who’re visiting the Fortress of Louisbourg, hold an eye fixed out for the one there that changed the unique, which was misplaced through the well-known battles between the French and the English. As you roam the coast, you’ll spot fairly a number of of the 170+ Nova Scotian lighthouses – and true followers will certainly wish to pop in to the Out of the Fog Lighthouse Museum on Half Island Cove.
Learn extra: The 15 greatest free issues to do in Halifax
3. Glamp below the celebrities
Whereas there are quite a few scenic trails and loads of provincial and privately-owned campgrounds, not everybody is prepared for the backpacker life-style. Fortunately, Nova Scotia has loads of glamping choices even for many who search the finer issues in life.
True North Destination’s 5-star eco-resort gives luxurious domes that include full loos, kitchenettes and sizzling tubs. Mountain sunrises greet you every day and ocean sunsets will lull you to sleep. Archer’s Edge Luxury Camping, discovered on a cliff overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence close to Judique, is a strong choice for these on the lookout for an adults-only Nova Scotia getaway. Valley Sky Luxury Camping enables you to immerse your self within the wondrous outdoor and pure fantastic thing about Grand Pre and gives the best of luxuries to enhance the peace of thoughts that comes with a rural retreat.
4. Cruise the Cabot Path
Undeniably, among the best issues to do in Nova Scotia is to drive the Cabot Path. The path navigates a 185-mile (298-kilometer) loop round most of Cape Breton Island, weaving all through Cape Breton Highlands Nationwide Park. Whether or not you go clockwise or counterclockwise, spend a day or 5, be sure you find time for the Alexander Graham Bell Nationwide Historic Website in Baddeck.
Cease to benefit from the vistas, style the native flavors and sneak in a cèilidh (a conventional Scottish or Irish social gathering) if you possibly can. The Acadian village of Chéticamp is a good spot to study hooked rugs and fiddle music. The Keltic Lodge Resort is a worthy resting spot and if you happen to’re a golfer, you’ll want to swing by Highland Hyperlinks, one of many prime 100 programs on the earth. Keep in mind to pack your bathing fits if you happen to’re visiting through the hotter months of July and August as a result of there are numerous seashores on the Cabot Path.
Planning tip: For extra celtic experiences, be sure you go to through the Celtic Colours International Festival (October 7-15 in 2022). Ebook early; the competition attracts a ton of holiday makers from around the globe and lodging fills up quick.
Learn extra: Nova Scotia’s Atlantic shoreline is a lobster lover’s paradise
5. Take a helicopter to an island picnic
Wish to discover the romantic aspect of Nova Scotia? Take within the views from above with a heli-picnic experience. Board your helicopter on the Halifax Stanfield airport and soak up a fowl’s-eye view of town of Halifax earlier than hovering over turquoise waters in the direction of secluded Sambro Island. Right here your expertise features a personal picnic and wine tasting with a sommelier on the island, which you might have all to your self.
6. Sip wine by the Annapolis Valley
Nova Scotia’s wine scene is ever-growing, and a accountable drive by one of many 4 wine areas will delight wine lovers seeking to chat with vintners and pattern the province’s Tidal Bay appellation. Of the 4 (Malagash Level, Annapolis Valley, Gaspereau Valley and the South Shore), Annapolis Valley gives quite a lot of simply navigable choices.
Vacationers can bike by Wolfville alongside the Harvest Moon Trailway and cease in for a tasting at Mercator Vineyards, attempt a number of nibbles at Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards, snap an image at Luckett Vineyards or eat a full meal at Domaine de Grand Pre’s award-winning restaurant, Le Caveau.
Base your self in Wolfville and take a look at the Grand Pre Nationwide Historic web site, a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Panorama of Grand-Pré. No matter you select, you possibly can sip, savor and benefit from the succulent flavors discovered on this a part of the province, typically with idyllic water views of the unimaginable Bay of Fundy.
Planning tip: For those who’d moderately depart the driving to another person, the Magic Winery Bus will take you on an official tour by among the best locations to go to in Nova Scotia, the Gaspereau Valley area.
7. Chow down on seafood
Nova Scotia is thought for its contemporary seafood, hearty chowders and delicious lobsters. In your East Coast journey, expertise some seaside lobster boils, embark on the chowder path, learn to shuck oysters and get some ideas from the native fishermen. Go down the lobster path making your method to the Baddeck Lobster Suppers, seize some lobster tacos at Outdated Fish Manufacturing unit in Lunenburg and clearly some Creamed Lobster at La Cuisine Robicheau. There’s additionally lobster beer and lobster fries so as to add to your checklist. Lobster every part!
Planning tip: There are a number of lobster festivals all year long together with the Lobster Crawl Festival that takes place every February.
8. Dive right into a whale-watching expedition
For those who’re on the lookout for distinctive issues to do in Nova Scotia through the summer season and fall, add whale watching to your Nova Scotia itinerary. One of the simplest ways to see the magnificent whales within the Bay of Fundy or Northern Cape Breton waters is to hitch a Zodiac tour however remember, the trip can get bumpy. For those who’re on the lookout for a smoother trip, the fishing-style boat excursions are your only option. Get that digicam prepared since you by no means know when one of many 12 species of whales identified to frequent the realm every year would possibly leap out in entrance of you.
9. Go stargazing
There are various locations to stargaze in Nova Scotia and also you’re assured a mesmerizing expertise when visiting the province. Spend the evening on the world’s first Starlight lodge, Trout Level Lodge, for among the best stargazing spots in North America. They even have onsite astronomers to assist visitors be taught in regards to the stars overhead.
Kejimkujik Nationwide Park and Nationwide Historic Website is a Darkish Sky Protect positioned lower than 2 hours from Halifax. This makes it the perfect place to see taking pictures stars and constellations or a transparent evening. And for a really instructional go to, swing by the Deep Sky Eye Observatory for a guided tour and a peek by telescopes. They’ve sky cabins and sky bubbles right here for many who need a full in a single day expertise.
10. Head off searching for the most effective brews
With over 50 breweries to discover, you’ll have fairly the time trying to find your favourite Nova Scotian beer. Most brewmasters take satisfaction of their work and are sometimes close by to reply questions on their regionally sourced components and craftsmanship, so don’t be shy.
Go to Large Spruce Brewing to get pleasure from their brewery farm and patio vibes as you sip on their basic Kitchen Celebration Pale Ale. Swing by Tatamagouche Brewing Firm for some award-winning German-inspired Nova Scotian suds. Searching for one thing completely different? A classroom taproom awaits you at Schoolhouse Brewery! It doesn’t matter what you’re within the temper for – sours, ales, IPAs, stouts – you’ll discover your good brew in Nova Scotia.
