Nova Scotia — Where to Go
Top Things to See
Halifax Harbour
The provincial capital, Halifax, claims to have the second-largest natural harbor in the world (after Sydney in Australia) and has a long and distinguished history as a naval and military base. Harbour tours are available.
Military history
The Citadel, a star-shaped masonry fortress built in 1856 on the site of a 1749 structure, is one of Canada's most visited National Historic Sites. Dominating Halifax, it is known for its kilted regiment of historical re-enactors, and good views of the city and harbor.
Heritage in Halifax
Other Halifax highlights include the Historic Properties, a redeveloped waterfront area of shops and restaurants; Province House, the birthplace of Canadian democracy in 1819; St Paul's, Canada's oldest Protestant church; the Museum of Natural History; the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic (featuring Titanic exhibits); Pier 21, an excellent museum of immigration; and the Halifax Public Gardens.
The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo
The world's largest annual indoor show features more than 2000 local and international performers and takes place in Halifax Metro Center during the first week of July.
Peggy's Cove
Situated in an area known for its rugged and beautiful coastal scenery, Peggy's Cove is famed as the site of Canada's most photographed lighthouse.
Lunenburg
This German settlement was established in 1753 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town's beautiful waterfront speaks of a rich history of fishing, shipbuilding and other maritime activities.
Gaelic accent
More evidence of Nova Scotia's close ties with Scotland: street signs in Pugwash are in English and Gaelic and highland games are held annually in Antigonish.
Landscapes and landmarks
Nature lovers should head for Cape Breton Island. While there, visit Cape Breton Highlands National Park for spectacular scenery; the Fortress of Louisbourg, Canada's largest historical restoration; and Baddeck, which is home to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site and Bell's final resting place.
Bears and bald eagles
You can spot some of the province's most characteristic wildlife in the Provincial Wildlife Park at Shubenacadie; among other creatures, the park shelters moose, bears, cougars, coyotes and bald eagles (of which it has a particularly high population).
Top Things to Do
Cabot Trail
The Cabot Trail, one of North America's most spectacular ocean drives, is a 298km (185-mile) ribbon of road that loops around Cape Breton Island and passes through Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
Other scenic drives
The Lighthouse Route travels along the South Shore, where seafaring traditions are especially strong. The Evangeline Trail, a rural road that goes through the beautiful Annapolis Valley, is known for its orchards, forts and Victorian mansions.
Watersports
Sailing, kayaking and canoeing are popular pastimes along the coast or on myriad inland kayaking routes, such as in Kejimkujik National Park. Try swimming on Melmerby Beach on the Northumberland Strait and tidal bore rafting on the Shubenacadie River.
Beaches
The Sunrise Trail follows the Northumberland Strait past dozens of sandy beaches and the warmest waters north of the Carolinas.
Fishing
Anglers intending to fish in Nova Scotia's 9,000 freshwater lakes require a valid fishing license, obtainable from any provincial Department of Natural Resources office or from one of almost 700 authorized vendors. Note that a separate license is required for salmon. Deep-sea fishing is popular, with charter boat trips available from several places, including Halifax.
Marine life
It's easy to catch a glimpse of some dolphins and whales. Tours leave from a string of ports along the coast - those from Westport and villages along the Digby Neck peninsula (multiple daily trips from late May to mid October) are among the best.
Rocks and fossils
Eagle-eyed visitors can scavenge for amethyst, agate, quartz and jasper around Parrsboro. Fossil hunting enthusiasts can also sign up for a cliff tour at Joggins.
Celtic flavor
The Halifax Highland Games and Scottish Festival celebrates Nova Scotia's Celtic influences. It is held every summer on Dartmouth Common, across the Narrows from Halifax. For another taste of the province's Old World heritage, try the Celtic Colors International Festival on Cape Breton Island in October.
Shops and bars
You can find excellent shopping, nightlife and restaurants in both the old and new sections of Halifax.
