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Lunenburg harbour, Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia vacations

Lunenburg harbour, Nova Scotia

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.

The Cabot Trail, Cape Breton IslandElsewhere 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.

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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.

Map of Nova Scotia

Places & hotels on the map

    Places in and around 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.

    • Canada’s Maritime Provinces
      Whale Watching, British Columbia

      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.

      9 min read

      Read this guide
    • Self-drive vacations in Canada
      Jasper National Park

      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.

      7 min read

      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.