Nova Scotia Holidays
Almost entirely surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Nova Scotia is a nautical playground. A Nova Scotia holiday is the perfect way to discover this charming maritime province, adorned with picturesque lighthouses upon rocky cliffs, quaint and colourful towns, some of Canada’s most scenic roads, all stitched together with a rich Scottish heritage.
Let yourself be embraced by the hospitable warmth of Nova Scotia’s capital Halifax, a city with beauty and culture in equal measures. Immerse yourself in its museums, be it the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, or the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
Explore the stunning victorian-era Halifax Public Gardens, or simply wander the waterfront and enchanting streets.
Leave the city behind and head towards a slower pace of life in one of Nova Scotia’s quaint fishing towns. Nearby, Peggy’s Point Lighthouse stands in the charming village of Peggy’s Cove, keeping watch over the Atlantic Ocean, while a little further on, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lunenburg, with over 400 years of history is ready to be discovered among its colourful, wooden-fronted buildings.
Nova Scotia’s nautical nature
On the province’s west side, the Bay of Fundy is home to over 12 different species of whales, making it the perfect place to hop aboard a whale-watching tour. Glide across the water and gaze in awe as whales breach and splash back into the water with a thunderous clap.
Back on land, wander sandy beaches, explore rocky coves and head to Burntcoat Head Park to walk on the ocean floor at low tide before marveling at the powerful ocean engulfing the land you walked upon earlier at high tide.
Nova Scotia is a playground of outdoor adventure and picturesque fishing towns, but it’s just one of Canada’s incredible Maritime provinces. Why not discover Nova Scotia’s many gems before heading to Prince Edward Island to explore its capital city of Charlottetown on our Maritime Magic Treasures self drive tour?
Destination Highlights
Great sample itineraries
With a bounty of nature and rich culture, Nova Scotia holidays offer you the chance to explore this charming province, as well as its other neighbouring Maritime provinces. Get inspired by some of our sample itineraries below, then give us a call and let us plan a trip that’s tailor made for you.
Maritime Magic Treasures
Guide Price £2,699 pp
The Maritime Magic Treasures Tour begins in Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia . Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a host of historical sites, including the Citadel, along with taking in the sheer beauty of the rugged coastline...
Adventure holidays
New Brunswick and Nova Scotia Multi Centre
Guide Price £1,899 pp
Canada's Maritime Provinces are the perfect multi centre holiday. With rugged coastlines and spectacular coastal drives, this wild part of Canada is best explored on a self drive adventure. Load up your car and cruise between picturesque towns and sublime...
Wildlife holidays
Nova Scotia Suggested Motorhome Itinerary
Guide Price £1,899 pp
Famous for its stunning sweeping coasts, rocky coves, quaint lighthouses and Scottish heritage - in Nova Scotia, you are never too far from fresh sea breezes and incredible scenery. What better way of viewing the picturesque province than heading out...
Multi centre holidays
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Almost completely surrounded by ocean, with some of the best hiking trails and steeped in history, you will never be left wondering how to spend your days. You can spend your mornings on the water and your afternoons in the hills witnessing whales breaching in the ocean. No matter how active you want to be, there is something for everyone in Nova Scotia.
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![a man riding a bicycle on the side of a road]( "Cycling the Cabot Trail")
Cabot Trail
Discover the Cabot Trail, one of Canada's most beautiful drives - with rolling fields, rocky cliffs and highland scenery to be explored. Stop at Cheticamp located on the Cabot Trail, you'll be taken back by its beauty. For the more active hike the trails or take a guided nature tour.
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![Peggy's Cove Lighthouse, Nova Scotia]( "Peggy's Cove Lighthouse, Nova Scotia")
Lighthouses
Nova Scotia holds the more lighthouses than any other province and its not hard to see why, with it's dramatic coastlines. Often said to be the most photographed lighthouse in Canada, Peggy's Cove Lighthouse is located in the quaint fishing village of Peggy's Cove. We recommend you book a lighthouse tour, one of the best ways to visit and learn their history. This is a great place for enjoying the stunning coastline and breathing in the sea air.
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![Kejimkujik National Park]()
Kejimkujik National Park
With verdant forests, crystal clear lakes and winding rivers; mix with the locals as you immerse themselves in the nature. Canoe, Kayak and hike through many waterways and trails that have been there for thousands of years. Located an easy hour and half drive from Lunenburg, this is a National Park not to be missed.
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![Inverness Beach]( "Inverness Beach, Cape Breton Island")
Cape Breton Island
Cape Breton Island is truly breathtaking, and one of the most scenic destinations in the world. Head to The Fortress at Louisbourg, learn about the significance of this fortress and the history behind it. Hear the boom of the cannon if you are visiting in summer. Pack a picnic and hike the lighthouse trail from the Old Town in Louisbourg, this trail winds along the coast. Take a guided kayak tour, float alongside seals and watch seabirds pass you by. You will not want to leave this Island.
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Whale watching
Take to the ocean for the most spectacular whale watching Canada has to offer. Whale watching tours start as early as April and finish in October, the best whale watching can be found off of Cape Breton Island and around the Bay of Fundy. You'll see the playful humpback whales breaching and putting on a show for visitors, a sight not to be missed.
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![Kayaking at Three Sisters]( "Kayaking at Three Sisters, Bay of Fundy")
Outdoor activities
Nova Scotia has many outdoor pursuits for all ages and abilities. From whitewater rafting to gentle sailing tours, there is plenty to do on the water or take to the hills hiking or maybe cycling the Cabot Trail. If there is only one thing you do in Nova Scotia make sure it's the Tidal Bore Rafting this is an experience like no other, one moment you are floating on a peaceful river next you riding the rolling coaster of rapids.
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Charlotte
Destination Specialist
“If you want to catch a glimpse of the whale migration around Brier Island, the best time to visit is between June and September.”
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Emma
Destination Manager
“For an unforgettable experience, suit up and head to the tidal bore. One minute you're floating on a calm peaceful river and the next it's transformed into raging rapids.”
Events & Festivals
Festivals and events are wonderful to include during your Nova Scotia holiday, offering a glimpse into the country’s authentic culture and traditions.
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Celtic Colours International Festival
Spread over nine days during the month of October, the Celtic Colours International Festival sees a whole variety of events and activities unfolding across Breton Island. The festival celebrates the island’s traditional Scottish heritage and culture through events centred around food, music, dance, the outdoors and art. It’s a great way to experience this vibrant culture.
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Antigonish Highland Games
The Antigonish Highland Games have been running since 1863, an event that helps to uphold the Scottish way of life. Each July, the festival kicks off with Scottish heritage workshops, before the games themselves start, with the Concert Under the Stars and traditional Scottish athletic competitions, including the classic caber toss and other heavyweight events.
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Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo
Between June and July, Nova Scotia’s capital of Halifax plays host to the impressive Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo. Enjoy a spectacularly choreographed show of performers from across the world, with pipers, drummers, dancers, acrobats, singers and military bands.
Local Cuisine
Being one of Canada’s Maritime provinces, it makes sense that much of its cuisine and its culture is centred around seafood. From scallops to lobster, you’ll find plenty of local delicacies picked right from the sea in Nova Scotia.
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Seafood Chowder
All across the province, talented chefs take Nova Scotia’s fresh seafood and turn it into delectable chowders. Follow the official Chowder Trail to sample some of the province’s best takes on this beloved dish.
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Lobster
Nova Scotia’s lobster is famously fresh and delicious. You’ll find lobster on menus across the province, in the form of lobster rolls, chowder, tacos, and even combined with poutine, another of Canada’s iconic dishes.
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Digby Scallops
Digby is famous for its large and delicious scallops brought in by the Digby fishery. Despite the name, this delicious seafood is freshly distributed across the province and can actually be found on several restaurant menus across Nova Scotia.
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![a person standing next to a body of water]( "Lawrencetown Eastern Shore surfer")
Lawrencetown Eastern Shore surfer
Nova Scotia
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![Halifax Waterfront]( "Halifax Waterfront")
Halifax Waterfront
Nova Scotia
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![a clock tower lit up at night]( "Lighthouse")
Lighthouse
Nova Scotia
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![a group of people in a small boat in a body of water]( "Eastern Shore")
Eastern Shore
Nova Scotia
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![a man riding a bicycle on the side of a road]( "Cycling the Cabot Trail")
Cycling the Cabot Trail
Nova Scotia
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![a whale jumping out of the water]( "Eva, Digby Humpback whale")
Eva, Digby Humpback whale
Nova Scotia
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![a man riding a horse drawn carriage in front of a house]( "South Shore")
South Shore
Nova Scotia
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![Kejimkujik National Park]( "Kejimkujik National Park, Bay of Fundy")
Kejimkujik National Park, Bay of Fundy
Nova Scotia
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![a large body of water with a city in the background]( "Halifax Metro Harbour")
Halifax Metro Harbour
Nova Scotia
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![Vineyard]( "Vineyard")
Vineyard
Nova Scotia
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![a small boat in a harbor next to a body of water]( "Lunenburg Harbour")
Lunenburg Harbour
Nova Scotia
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![Night Sky]( "Night Sky")
Night Sky
Nova Scotia
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![a body of water with a mountain in the background]( "Yarmouth & Acadian Shores")
Yarmouth & Acadian Shores
Nova Scotia
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![a man riding a wave on a surfboard in the ocean]( "South Shore")
South Shore
Nova Scotia
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![white tower near a body of water]( "Lighthouse at Lennox Passage Provincial Park on Isle Madame")
Lighthouse at Lennox Passage Provincial Park on Isle Madame
Nova Scotia
Types of Nova Scotia holidays
More Nova Scotia inspiration
Discover Nova Scotia - force of nature
With a population of just one million. yet possessing nearly 5,000 miles of coastline, Nova Scotia offers a wilderness adventure like no other, amid fascinating French and First Nation communities.
