Amanda PhillipsNova Scotia. Home to unique landscapes and breath-taking coastline, you are set for an unforgettable trip. Spend your days learning about the maritime history of Nova Scotia, the influences of Scottish heritage and its strong links to the Titanic. Here’s just a quick snapshot of what to expect.
Where to Go in Nova Scotia
It is highly recommended that visitors hire a car or motor home to explore Nova Scotia. Most visitors start their journey in Nova Scotia’s capital city of Halifax, which is also the main transport hub. Halifax is a port city, full of maritime history and a thriving culinary scene that serves up the Atlantic Ocean’s incredible seafood.
Continue west to picturesque fishing village Peggy’s Cove where you can visit Canada’s most photographed lighthouse. The village is just one hour from Halifax.
The most famous driving route in Nova Scotia is the Cabot Trail, it will guide you on a spectacular coastal drive of Cape Breton Island. Follow the coastline and end at the island’s most Northern point, Cape Breton, which is part of the Highland National Park.
What to do in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia’s coastline has a wealth of outdoor activities to offer. Make use of the impressive scenery and take a walk through the Cape Breton Highlands or one of the many peaceful beaches on the peninsula. For those seeking the perfect walking holiday, take to the hiking trails in the Bay of Fundy and Cape Breton’s Skyline Trail. Kayak through the tranquil Kejimkujik National Park or ease along the coastline of historic fishing towns like Yarmouth.
Wildlife lovers can experience seeing seals, dolphins and whales around the coastline. Take a whale watching trip from the Bay of Fundy for your best chance of spotting whales.
Nova Scotia has historical monuments spread all over the province. Whilst we couldn’t possibly cover them all, we have included a few of our top recommendations. At the end of the Cabot Trail sits the town of Baddeck that is home to the Alexander Graham Bell Historic Site. Visitors can learn all about the inventor and his innovations here, as well as visiting his burial site.
The Maritime Museum of Atlantic Canada is located at Halifax’s waterfront and boasts the largest display of Titanic artefacts in the world. Halifax has played a specific role in the story of the Titanic and here you can learn about its connection. There are many other Titanic points of interest to visit throughout the city.
Pier 21 in Halifax is the Ellis Island of Canada, where over one million immigrants entered the country over a 20-year time frame. The Canadian Museum of Immigration here is well worth a visit.
Food & drink
Nova Scotia is renowned for offering some of the freshest seafood in the world, so be sure to feast on local lobster, scallops and mussels. Farmers markets can be found in most towns, providing delicious fresh and local produce.
Indulge yourself in some traditional Canadian Ice Wine, or sample the unique wines that are produced here. There are various wineries Nova Scotia with optional guided tours to try.
Getting to Nova Scotia
Halifax is only a 6-hour flight from the UK and direct flights are offered from Glasgow and London Gatwick. Many airlines offer a connecting service via Toronto from airports throughout the UK.
When to visit Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia has a moderate climate in summer and autumn, with an average temperature of 20 degrees Celsius in the summer months. In September and October, there is a cooler average temperature of a manageable 15 degrees Celsius. While both seasons are popular for visiting, the autumn months give a stunning burst of colour to the already magical scenery.