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Clinging to its maritime past, Nova Scotia is a largely unspoilt land of green hills, rocky coastline and fishing towns and villages whose appearance and traditions have changed little over the centuries. Our specialists have explored this corner of Canada extensively and can plan a vacation to Nova Scotia around your interests that takes in the province’s best bits.
You’ll begin your visit in the provincial capital, Halifax. It’s a city where Celtic music and old sea shanties ring out of pubs, fresh seafood chowder is ladled into bowls in waterfront restaurants, and museums fill you in on the region’s past, from its military history to its role in welcoming immigrants to Canada.
Take the scenic Lighthouse Route along the coast and you’ll pass through Peggy’s Cove, a small fishing village where you can visit one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country. The road hugs the coastline until it reaches the town of Lunenburg. Here, a rabble of red-painted wooden houses covers the hillside, and shops and galleries line the narrow streets.
Elsewhere in Nova Scotia, we recommend driving the Cabot Trail. This 297 km (185 mile) coast road winds around the highlands of Cape Breton Island, presenting a different view over the ocean at every turn. You could drive it all in one go, or our specialists can arrange for you to stay overnight, giving you time to explore the walking trails of Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Nova Scotia by contacting one of our Canada specialists
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617-223-4521617-223-4583
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Places to visit in Nova Scotia
Featuring heavily on our experiences of visiting Nova Scotia, these selected places are destinations that also prove consistently popular with our travelers. Our specialists can help you choose how to include them in your wider trip, based on your preferences.
Suggested itineraries featuring Nova Scotia
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Nova Scotia, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places in and around Nova Scotia
- Annapolis Royal Nova Scotia
- Cape Breton & Cabot Trail Nova Scotia
- Charlos Cove Nova Scotia
- Halifax Nova Scotia
- Ingonish Nova Scotia
- Liscomb Mills Nova Scotia
- Louisbourg Nova Scotia
- Lunenburg Nova Scotia
- Pictou Nova Scotia
- Spry Point 68 miles away
- Charlottetown 73 miles away
- Prince Edward Island 85 miles away
- Cavendish 94 miles away
- Hopewell Rocks 107 miles away
- West Point 130 miles away
- ÃŽles de la Madeleine 148 miles away
- Kouchibouguac National Park 159 miles away
- Saint John 173 miles away
- The Bay of Fundy 174 miles away
- New Brunswick 202 miles away
- Caraquet & the Acadian Peninsula 208 miles away
- Saint Andrews by-the-Sea 222 miles away
- The Gaspé Peninsula 263 miles away
- Anticosti Island 293 miles away
Photos of Nova Scotia
Our expert guides to exploring Nova Scotia
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Nova Scotia, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Nova Scotia at its best.
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Canada’s Maritime Provinces Canada’s Maritime Provinces
Canada’s Maritime Provinces
Canada’s Maritime Provinces offer a quieter alternative to the west coast. Here, you can follow coastal roads to secluded coves and traditional lighthouses. Visit peaceful fishing villages where saltbox houses line the waterfront. And, explore the area’s Celtic roots. Canada specialist Jon shares his highlights of the region.
Read this guide -
Self-drive vacations in Canada Self-drive vacations in Canada
Self-drive vacations in Canada
Whether you choose a route circuiting western Canada’s renowned mountains, glaciers and lakes, or you’d rather go off-grid exploring the traditional fishing villages and coastal drives of the Maritimes, Canada’s well-maintained, easily navigable roads make it an excellent self-drive destination.
Read this guide
Accommodation choices for Nova Scotia
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Nova Scotia. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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Liscombe Lodge
Liscomb Mills -
Louisbourg Harbour Inn
Louisbourg -
Seawind Landing
Charlos Cove -
The Lunenburg Arms
Lunenburg -
Queen Anne Inn
Annapolis Royal -
Lantern Hill and Hollow
Ingonish -
Seascape Coastal Retreat
Ingonish -
Prince George Hotel
Halifax -
Halliburton House
Halifax -
Cambridge Suites Hotel
Halifax -
Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites
Halifax -
Glenora Inn & Distillery
Nova Scotia