· CA

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia, Canada

Nova Scotia: Where the Ocean's Breath Meets Untamed Beauty Imagine a place where rugged coastlines meet charming fishing villages, where the air is filled with the salty tang of the sea and the echo of Gaelic fiddles. Th…

#Maritime province#Atlantic Canada#Coastal region#Historic sites#Scenic landscapes

1/12

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Nova Scotia.

Top Hotels in Nova Scotia

Top Flights to Nova Scotia

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Nova Scotia.

Tours

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

A 19th-century fortress located in downtown Halifax, offering historical exhibits and scenic views of the city.

Peggy's Cove Lighthouse

Visit this iconic lighthouse and village with breathtaking ocean views and picturesque landscapes.

Halifax Public Gardens

One of the finest Victorian gardens in North America, perfect for leisurely walks and picnics.

The Cabot Trail

Drive one of the world's most scenic coastal routes, offering stunning ocean and highland views.

Lunenburg Historic District

Visit a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and vibrant waterfront.

Shopping

Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market

Discover local produce, crafts, and goods at this bustling indoor farmers' market.

Dartmouth Crossing

A shopping center combining retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment.

Outdoor

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Explore one of Canada's most beautiful national parks known for its scenic coastal views and hiking trails.

Keji National Park Canoe Trip

Enjoy a canoeing adventure in Kejimkujik National Park, surrounded by wilderness lakes and rivers.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Nova Scotia.

Currency

$ | CAD | Canadian Dollar

Population

1 million

Languages

English, French

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Nova Scotia.

What people love

Nova Scotia, located in Canada, offers a unique and diverse travel experience with its stunning natural landscapes, rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. Here are some detailed pros of traveling to Nova Scotia:

Scenic Beauty: Nova Scotia is known for its breathtaking landscapes, including rugged coastlines, picturesque fishing villages, sandy beaches, and lush forests. The Cabot Trail, one of the most scenic drives in the world, offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Breton Highlands.
Outdoor Activities: With its abundant natural beauty, Nova Scotia is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, whale watching, golfing, and bird watching. The province also has numerous national and provincial parks for camping and outdoor adventures.
Cultural Experiences: Nova Scotia has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its Indigenous peoples, Acadian, Scottish, Irish, and African Nova Scotian communities. Visitors can explore historic sites, museums, art galleries, and cultural events to learn about the province's diverse history and traditions.
Culinary Delights: Nova Scotia is renowned for its fresh seafood, including lobster, scallops, and Atlantic salmon. Visitors can sample local delicacies at seafood shacks, farmers' markets, and fine dining restaurants. The province is also known for its craft beer, wine, and cider production.
Friendly Locals: Nova Scotians are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness towards visitors. Travelers can expect a welcoming atmosphere and helpful locals who are eager to share their love for their province.
Historic Sites: Nova Scotia is home to several historic sites, such as the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lunenburg, the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, and the Fortress of Louisbourg. History buffs will appreciate the opportunity to explore these well-preserved landmarks.
Unique Festivals and Events: Nova Scotia hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating music, culture, food, and the arts. The Halifax International Busker Festival, the Celtic Colours International Festival, and the Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl are just a few examples of the diverse events held in the province.

Overall, traveling to Nova Scotia offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and warm hospitality, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a memorable and enriching travel experience.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Nova Scotia, Canada could include:

Weather: Nova Scotia experiences a varied climate, with cold winters and mild summers. Travelers may need to pack appropriate clothing for changing weather conditions.
Remote Location: Nova Scotia is located in the eastern part of Canada, which may result in longer travel times and higher transportation costs compared to more centrally located destinations.
Limited Public Transportation: While major cities like Halifax have public transportation options, rural areas may have limited public transportation services, which could make it challenging to explore the region without a car.
Seasonal Tourism: Nova Scotia is a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months. This could lead to crowded attractions and higher prices during peak season.
Language Barrier: While English is the dominant language in Nova Scotia, there are also French-speaking communities in the region. Travelers who do not speak English or French may face communication challenges.
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Nova Scotia, especially in urban areas like Halifax, may be higher compared to other parts of Canada. Travelers should budget accordingly for accommodations, dining, and activities.

It's important to note that these cons may vary based on individual preferences and travel experiences. It's always a good idea to research and plan ahead to make the most of your trip to Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia, a province in eastern Canada, has a rich history that spans thousands of years. Here is a detailed overview of its history, significant events, historical figures, and important landmarks:

Indigenous Peoples

Mi'kmaq Nation: The Mi'kmaq people are the original inhabitants of Nova Scotia. They have lived in the region for thousands of years, forming a part of the larger Wabanaki Confederacy. The Mi'kmaq have a deep connection to the land and waterways of the region.

European Exploration and Settlement

1497: John Cabot, an Italian navigator sailing under the English flag, is believed to have reached the Atlantic coast of Canada, possibly landing in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
1604: French explorers Pierre Dugua, Sieur de Mons, and Samuel de Champlain established one of the first European settlements in North America on Saint Croix Island, marking the beginning of Acadia.
1605: The French founded Port Royal (near present-day Annapolis Royal), which became an important early settlement and the capital of Acadia.

Colonial Struggles

1713: The Treaty of Utrecht ended the War of the Spanish Succession, ceding Acadia to Britain, which renamed it Nova Scotia.
1749: The British founded Halifax as a military stronghold and settlement under Governor Edward Cornwallis. Halifax became the capital of Nova Scotia.
1755: The Acadian Expulsion (Le Grand Dérangement) saw the forced removal of thousands of Acadians by the British due to fears of allegiance to France, leading to a significant demographic change.
1776-1783: During the American Revolutionary War, Nova Scotia remained loyal to the British Crown, serving as a base for British naval operations. Many Loyalists fled to Nova Scotia after the war, significantly increasing the population.

19th Century Development

1800s: Nova Scotia became a center for shipbuilding, with its economy thriving on the construction of wooden sailing ships.
1836: Joseph Howe, a prominent Nova Scotian, fought for freedom of the press and responsible government, leading to significant political reforms.
1867: Nova Scotia became one of the four founding provinces of the Canadian Confederation, joining Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick.

20th Century

1917: The Halifax Explosion occurred when a French cargo ship laden with explosives collided with a Norwegian vessel in Halifax Harbour, causing massive destruction and loss of life.
1960s-1970s: The province underwent economic diversification, moving away from traditional industries like shipbuilding and coal mining to manufacturing and service-based industries.

Landmarks

Peggy's Cove: Known for its iconic lighthouse and picturesque coastal scenery, it is one of Nova Scotia's most visited sites.
Citadel Hill: Located in Halifax, the Halifax Citadel is a National Historic Site, symbolizing the city's military history.
Fortress of Louisbourg: This reconstruction of an 18th-century French fortress on Cape Breton Island offers insights into colonial life.
Cabot Trail: A scenic highway that loops around the northern tip of Cape Breton Island, known for its stunning views and natural beauty.

Notable Figures

Joseph Howe: Newspaper editor and politician who championed free speech and responsible government.
Alexander Graham Bell: Though originally from Scotland, Bell spent much of his later life in Baddeck, Nova Scotia, where he conducted many of his experiments.

Nova Scotia's history is marked by its Indigenous roots, colonial struggles, cultural diversity, and maritime heritage, all of which have shaped the province's unique identity within Canada.