10 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Nova Scotia
Looking for the most beautiful places to visit in Nova Scotia? This stunning province blends breathtaking landscapes, historic towns, and rich maritime culture. From coastal lighthouses to lush valleys, here are ten must-see destinations that capture the heart of Nova Scotia.
1. Halifax
Founded in 1749, Halifax is the monumental centrepiece of Nova Scotia. And no visit to the province would be complete without touring its capital city. Blending three centuries of history with a lively modern community and a striking setting along the waterfront, Halifax is a haven of memorable adventures.
Visit in the summer for a variety of cultural festivals or take advantage of the changing fall colours and immerse in the natural beauty of the city’s autumn setting. No matter when you visit, Halifax will amaze you. It has many historic attractions, including the iconic Halifax waterfront, the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
2. Annapolis Valley
Spanning 8,367 km2 along the northern shore of western Nova Scotia, Annapolis Valley is the lush breadbasket of the province. This region between Digby and Windsor has the best soils and climate in Atlantic Canada. It is one of the country's most important agricultural areas.
It is home to scenic drives and to striking landscapes that include sprawling fields, dykes, orchards, and vineyards and is a beautiful place to visit for a relaxing escape to wine country.
3. Peggy’s Cove
The Peggy's Cove Lighthouse is easily one of the most famous lighthouses in Canada. And it is definitely a must-visit in a province with more than 160 striking lighthouses lining its rugged shorelines.
Located just under an hour from Halifax, making the trip to Peggy’s Cove is just a short bus ride from the city. Once here, take photos of the monumental structure as the Atlantic Ocean crashes against its stoney base. Then, head over to the nearby village of Peggy’s Cove for boutique shops, seafood restaurants, and the Swissair Flight 111 Memorial.
4. Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island
The Cabot Trail is famed as being one of the most breathtaking road trips in North America. The Cabot Trail is 298 km long. It weaves through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and follows the rugged shorelines as it connects stunning landscapes with the towns of Baddeck, Margarees, Cheticamp, and Northern Cape Breton.
Take your time to explore this sleepy region. Stop to admire the picturesque scenery, cast your line into the Atlantic Ocean, or go whale watching off the shores of Pleasant Bay. While the coastline is beautiful throughout the summer, the autumn is when the region is at its most enchanting, with fall foliage accentuating its natural splendour.
5. Sou’West Nova
Known locally as Sou’West Nova, the far western communities of Nova Scotia are home to some of the most culturally distinct people and attractions in the province. Yarmouth sits in the heart of the region. To the north is the French Shore. Spanning its way to Digby, this region was first settled by the exiled Acadians and still contains much of its Acadian heritage.
Meanwhile, south of Yarmouth, you will find the historic community of Shelburne. Here, Loyalist settlers welcomed a large group of escaped African American slaves, who went on to found the neighbouring village of Birchtown. You can explore this rich cultural history at the Black Loyalist Heritage Museum.
6. Digby Neck
Branching off from the coast of the mainland in western Nova Scotia, Digby Neck runs parallel along the French Shore on the other side of St. Mary's Bay. It is one of the best spots in the province for a whale watching tour and promises unparalleled aquatic beauty.
Along with spotting the world's most majestic aquatic mammals, Digby Neck is a treasure trove of outdoor adventures. Take some time to hike along its sprawling waterfront or stop at a local fishing village for boutique shopping and seafood to explore one of the most beautiful places to visit in Nova Scotia.
7. Kejimkujik National Park
Speaking of outdoor adventures, it doesn’t get much more pristine than Kejimkujik National Park. Protecting nearly 400 km2 of inland Nova Scotia, Kejimujik is a beautifully preserved park that is largely only accessible by hiking trails or canoeing routes.
It is popular with birdwatchers and nature lovers. Still, perhaps its biggest draw is the numerous petroglyphs scattered throughout the park that speak to the historic Mi'kmaw people that once lived there. Kejimkujik is a must-visit for immersing in the rich history of Nova Scotia's oldest culture
8. Old Town Lunenburg
Set just an hour's drive west of Halifax, Old Town Lunenburg is one of the most picturesque villages in Nova Scotia. Founded in 1753, the community is famed for its colourful waterfront buildings, many of which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
Along with being a cozy oceanside retreat, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to many historical landmarks, including the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. In the water, visitors will find the Bluenose II, a replica of the historic schooner that now blesses the face of the Canadian dime.
9. Bay of Fundy
Perhaps Nova Scotia's most famous natural landmark, the Bay of Fundy, is a must-visit for any tour of the province. Here, you can marvel at the grandeur of nature as the gravitational forces of the moon and the Earth push and pull the world's highest tides
At low tide, visitors can walk along the ocean floor, admiring unique rock formations and striking scenery. Just be sure to keep track of the time, as the entire region is covered in 16 metres of water come high tide.
10. Mahone Bay
Boasting a striking setting along the sea of the South Shore, Mahone Bay is another small village and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Nova Scotia. Not as popular of a tourist stop as nearby Lunenburg, Mahone Bay is a sleepy village made famous by its photogenic Three Churches that line the waterfront.
After your photo ops, take some time to wander around the community. Stop by some of the boutiques for laid-back shopping, or plan to spend the night at a cozy B&B.
When exploring Nova Scotia's most beautiful places, you need accommodation that is equally remarkable. Stay in the heart of Halifax's entertainment district at Cameo Hotel and Suites and enjoy unparalleled services within one of the city's most historic buildings.