© Mark Fleming / Stocksy United
Nova Scotia
Facing the wild swells of the Atlantic, Nova Scotia is heavily influenced by the sea. With its candy-striped lighthouses, salty fishing towns and towering red cliffs, this Maritime province feels thrillingly rugged and wild, especially in winter, when storms thrash the coastline and the ocean freezes. But come summer it's a different picture: Nova Scotians emerge to hike the trails, lounge on the beaches, tuck into gigantic lobster suppers and celebrate their Celtic roots with lively ceilidhs (parties with music and dancing). Life here has always been tough, but the locals' warm-hearted humor can't fail to make you feel welcome.
Attractions
Must-see attractions
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
Cape Breton Island
The fortunes of the province that became Nova Scotia are inextricably bound up with this mighty fortress, built by the French but battled over countless…
Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
Cape Breton Island
Telecommunications pioneer and inventor Alexander Graham Bell fell in love with Bras d'Or during a family holiday – apparently the hilly scenery reminded…
Citadel Hill National Historic Site
Halifax
Perched atop the grassy hillock looming over town, this star-shaped fort played a key role in Halifax's founding. Construction began in 1749; the current…
Cape Chignecto Provincial Park
Nova Scotia
This isolated wilderness on the Bay of Fundy offers some of the best coastal hiking in Nova Scotia. The 55km coastal loop usually takes three days to…
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
Halifax
There's an argument that this dockside museum is Canada's most important institution. Between 1928 and 1971, Pier 21 was the Canadian version of the USA's…
Nova Scotia
Located on the site of the Old Joggins No 7 Coal Mine, this impressive visitor center relates the story of the World Heritage–listed Joggins Fossil Cliffs…
Fort Anne National Historic Site
Annapolis Valley
The strategic importance of Annapolis Royal, particularly its access to the Annapolis River, led to decades of conflict, mostly centered on this…
Grand Pré National Historic Site
Annapolis Valley
This interpretive center explains the historical context for the deportation of the French-Acadian people from Acadian, Mi'kmaw and British perspectives,…
Top picks from our travel experts
Curious about Nova Scotia? Consider these 11 fabulous things to do in the province
Curated by Darcy Rhyno
Nova Scotia
Situated at the edge of the Tobeatic Wilderness Area, this fabulously luxurious forest lodge offers a taste of the wild blended with old-fashioned country…
Nova Scotia
The highlight of the cove is this picture-perfect lighthouse, built in 1914. It's supposedly the most photographed lighthouse in Canada, and for many…
Nova Scotia
This handsome, scarlet-topped 110m lighthouse atop Cape George Point overlooks the calm waters of St Georges Bay. The present light (the third) was built…
Nova Scotia
The town of Church Point, also commonly known as Pointe de l'Église, takes its name from Église Ste-Marie, which towers over the town. Built between 1903…
Halifax
Established in 1867 to mark Confederation, but formally opened to the public in 1875, Halifax's delightful 6.5-hectare public gardens are a fine example…
Nova Scotia
Built in 1885, this lighthouse at the end of the spit of land overlooking Liverpool harbor stands on the place where Frenchmen Pierre Dugua and Samuel de…
Fort Anne National Historic Site
Annapolis Valley
The strategic importance of Annapolis Royal, particularly its access to the Annapolis River, led to decades of conflict, mostly centered on this…
Halifax
The oldest surviving building in Halifax is also the oldest Protestant place of worship in Canada. Established in 1749 with the founding of Halifax, St…
Africville Heritage Trust Museum
Halifax
Learn the story of Africville, Halifax's predominantly African suburb, the residents of which were evicted and their homes razed in what became the local…
William E deGarthe Gallery & Monument
Nova Scotia
Finnish-born local artist William deGarthe (1907–83) carved the magnificent Lasting Monument to Nova Scotian Fishermen into a 30m granite outcrop behind…
Nova Scotia
Instantly recognisable thanks to its strange 'apple core' shape (designed to deflect winds around the structure), the present-day lighthouse on the lonely…
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Halifax
Sea dogs will love this briny museum on the waterfront, which houses a huge collection of maritime memorabilia relating to Atlantic Canada's many nautical…
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
Halifax
There's an argument that this dockside museum is Canada's most important institution. Between 1928 and 1971, Pier 21 was the Canadian version of the USA's…
Citadel Hill National Historic Site
Halifax
Perched atop the grassy hillock looming over town, this star-shaped fort played a key role in Halifax's founding. Construction began in 1749; the current…
Nova Scotia
Launched in 1963, this handsome replica of the Bluenose racing schooner (arguably the most famous boat in Canadian history, and certainly the only one to…
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Things to Know
Nova Scotia in Canada is a welcoming place, but there are a few things you should know. Get the most out of your visit with these local tips and insight.
Read articleTransportation
This Maritime province on Canada’s eastern coast is a pleasure to explore by car, bus, plane or bicycle. Here’s how.
Read articleMoney and Costs
Even though it's considered "Canada's ocean playground," Nova Scotia doesn't break the bank – here are our tips for traveling this province on a budget.
Read articleFree Things to Do
Put away your wallet, grab your sunscreen and relax: many of the best things to do in Nova Scotia are free.
Read articleBest Road Trips
Explore the scenery and culture of Nova Scotia by road with these top driving routes.
Read articlePlan with a local
Articles
Latest stories from Nova Scotia
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CampingCurious about Nova Scotia? Consider these 11 fabulous things to do in the provinceMay 24, 2024 • 7 min read
Destination PracticalitiesHow you can drive, fly, float, cycle and more around Nova ScotiaApr 28, 2024 • 7 min read
