With its lonely lighthouses, rugged islands and salt sprayed fishing villages, Nova Scotia ticks off every coastal cliché in the best possible way. This is the place to ramble along coast paths, feast on lobster, spot breaching whales and generally switch off and settle into seaside life. And while Canada’s second-smallest province may be dinky in size, there’s more than enough things to do in Nova Scotia to fill an entire itinerary. Read on for our top five experiences...
- Take a Tour of Halifax
- Learn About Nova Scotia’s Lobster Industry
- Hike Around Peggy’s Cove
- Explore Cape Breton Island
- Go Whale Watching
1
Take a Tour of Halifax
When it comes to the top things to do in Nova Scotia, taking a privately guided tour of Halifax - the region’s hip and historic capital – is a great place to start. Once a rough-around-the-edges garrison town, Halifax is now known for its excellent museums, flourishing foodie scene and cinematic seascapes. Accompanied by a local guide, visit some of the city’s top sites, including the bustling Halifax Farmers’ Market (the longest continuously running market in North America), the pretty public gardens (which occupy a whopping 16 acres in the heart of the city) and the waterfront boardwalk (one of the longest in the world). Exploring with a guide gives you a wonderful local insight into the city and lets you tailor the tour to your interests, whether you’re a history buff, architecture lover or food fanatic.
2
Learn About Nova Scotia’s Lobster Industry
Once you've had a taste of city life in Halifax, set off on a bracing boat trip with local lobster fisherman to explore along the coast and learn about Nova Scotia’s most valuable seafood export. During the cruise, you’ll visit three of the city’s lighthouses, learn about the lobster industry and watch as the crew pull a live lobster trap. Back on dry land, continue the crustacean theme with a seafood feast at one of the many waterfront restaurants where you can try everything from lobster pasta to lobster poutine and learn how to crack open the shell like a pro.
3
Hike Around Peggy’s Cove
Hiking in a must when it comes to the top things to do in Nova Scotia and the charming fishing village of Peggy’s Cove (home to Nova Scotia’s most photographed lighthouse) is the perfect starting point for a romp through the wilderness accompanied by an expert local guide. The landscapes here are wonderfully wild and rugged and as you trek along the rocky coastline and through the dramatic coastal barrens, your guide will teach you about the unusual plants - many of which are endemic to the area - that call this stark setting home. While you walk, keep your camera at the ready, as you never know when you may spot a whale or some seals playing off the coast.
4
Explore Cape Breton Island
Sitting off the east coast of Nova Scotia’s mainland, Cape Breton Island is the perfect place for nature lovers to get off-grid and reconnect with mother nature. The landscapes here are gloriously untamed and the island is crisscrossed with excellent hiking trails from the world-renowned Cabot Trail in the Cape Breton Highlands Park to the Skyline Loop trail. And there’s more to the island than just hiking, too. Drive along epic coastal highways to soak up the stunning sea views, see the huge inland sea of Bras d'Or Lake, and visit Cheticamp, a community that has held onto the traditional culture, language and traditions of the first Acadian settlers.
5
Go Whale Watching
Whale watching is one of the most popular things to do in Nova Scotia and between May and October, up to 12 species of whales make their way up the Atlantic coast to the rich feeding grounds in these waters. Set off from the Bay of Fundy or Cape Breton, where you're almost guaranteed sightings, and head out to sea on a thrilling zodiac cruise. Watch as whales breach the surface, lunge out of the waves and smack back into the water as your skipper tells you stories about these marine giants.
