{"id":7745,"date":"2022-07-05T05:22:46","date_gmt":"2022-07-05T05:22:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/justpaste.in\/blogs\/epic-itinerary-to-visit-the-best-places-in-nova-scotia\/"},"modified":"2026-08-04T08:50:59","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T08:50:59","slug":"epic-itinerary-to-visit-the-best-places-in-nova-scotia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justpaste.in\/blogs\/epic-itinerary-to-visit-the-best-places-in-nova-scotia\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Epic Itinerary: Best Places In Nova Scotia"},"content":{"rendered":"

We all know how incredibly beautiful Canada is, right? With its unspoilt national parks, centuries of history, and some of the yummiest food – Canada is a total gem to explore! This is no more apparent than within the Atlantic province of Nova Scotia. Not only is there a heap of epic and best places in Nova Scotia to explore – but you\u2019ve also got some of the friendliest people ever! <\/p>\n

We loved our road trip! This is exactly why we wanted to share some of the best places in Nova Scotia you really should think of visiting on a road trip. Although quite small by Canadian standards, it\u2019s still totally vast with enough beauty spots that\u2019ll fill a road trip for countless years! <\/p>\n

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So, with so many stunners to choose from, we wanted to make it a little easier for you and share our total favourites. This way, you can fill your boots with some dreamy Nova Scotian spots as inspiration for now, whilst planning your trip for the future.<\/p>\n

Oh, and double-check Nova Scotia\u2019s FAQ\u2019s<\/a> to see which sights are open, their policies and restrictions for your trip. They\u2019ve made it totally easy to understand. <\/p>\n

Now, every road trip is slightly different, so don\u2019t feel you have to follow a \u2018step-by-step\u2019 type of instruction (where\u2019s the fun in that?).<\/p>\n

Take a little gander at the gems that really stand out to you and use these as anchor points to take you across this beautiful province, all at your own pace. <\/p>\n

\"The<\/a><\/p>\n

Right, without rambling anymore, take a look at some of the best places in Nova Scotia to visit on a future road trip. As with all our posts, pop us a message if you ever need any other tips or advice on your adventure in Nova Scotia. We love it there. <\/p>\n

Day 1-3: Halifax <\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Most international visitors (including us) first landed in Halifax<\/a> – the starting point for a Nova Scotian adventure.<\/p>\n

You can easily spend a weekend in Halifax<\/a> and it\u2019s well worth it before heading out on the open road.<\/p>\n

Whilst in Halifax<\/a>, be sure to take a wander around the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site with almost 300 years of fortifications to explore. On a sunny day, pop around the Victorian-era Halifax Public Gardens that\u2019s blooming lovely! <\/p>\n

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Plus, since our road trip, the Georges Island National Historic Site has opened to the public where you can really immerse yourself in the area\u2019s history.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Of course, by this time, you\u2019ll be within easy reach of the waterfront, which is great for a stroll.<\/p>\n

Here, you\u2019ll get to pop into the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic<\/a>, where you can see the largest collection of wooden Titanic artefacts anywhere in the world. You\u2019ll also be able to read accounts and diaries from the crew onboard. <\/p>\n

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Afterwards, Pop into the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market which\u2019s a short stroll away. Here, you\u2019ll get everything from local artist stalls, Nova Scotian wines and heaps of other craft and food stalls. <\/p>\n

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Feeling peckish? Head on over to The Five Fishermen Restaurant<\/a> which has some totally authentic local dishes.<\/p>\n

We spent a good few hours munching on their menu and didn\u2019t wanna leave. Of course, we had to go for the Nova Scotian lobster dinner with all the trimmings. It was so fresh and tasty – we were stuffed.<\/p>\n

We checked into the Halliburton Hotel<\/a>, a boutique little find that\u2019s mere steps away from the waterfront. With its charming townhouse rooms and sink-in beds, it\u2019s such a treat. Fancy a lay-in? <\/p>\n

Read more: Best things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Day 4: Peggy\u2019s Cove<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Look, you can\u2019t head out on a road trip to see the best places in Nova Scotia and not visit Peggy\u2019s Cove! Totally historic, friendly and totally iconic, Peggy\u2019s Cove is the epitome of what Nova Scotia is all about. <\/p>\n

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Nestled on the shores of St. Margaret\u2019s Bay, Peggy\u2019s Cove is around a 45-minute drive from central Halifax. With a sleepy (and totally quaint) fishing village vibe, Peggy\u2019s Cove is the stuff that\u2019s straight outta storybooks.<\/p>\n

With colourful fishing huts, cute vintage stores and foodie stalls it\u2019s the kind of spot you can spend a good few hours within. <\/p>\n

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Don\u2019t forget to take a peek inside the local independent shops for a little souvenir and wander around Peggy\u2019s Point Lighthouse for the stunning views across the cove and ocean.<\/p>\n

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For ease, here\u2019s the Google Maps link<\/a> for the car park. <\/p>\n

Day 4-5: Lunenburg<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Driving out of Peggy\u2019s Cove, beyond St Margaret\u2019s Bay and Mahone Bay in Lunenburg<\/a>, which, dare I say it – is one of Canada\u2019s prettiest little towns! <\/p>\n

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Taking around 75 minutes to drive from Peggy\u2019s Cove, Lunenburg is one of only two towns in all of North America to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site (you\u2019ll see why as soon as you rock up). <\/p>\n

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Still, to this day, Lunenburg looks the same as it did way back in the 18th and 19th Centuries. You see, the vast majority of the buildings have survived and it\u2019s almost like stepping back in time. <\/p>\n

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Once here, take a stroll (or guided tour, as we did around the town with Lunenburg Walking Tours<\/a>.<\/p>\n

We spent a good hour wandering the colourful streets, learning all about the history of this special place. I\u2019m not going to spoil the tour for you, but it\u2019s a great little thing to do; especially to stretch your legs after driving. <\/p>\n

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Plus, you\u2019ll get your bearings to go exploring and vintage shopping on your own afterwards. <\/p>\n

For lunch, head over to The Fish Shack for a mighty feast on their patio! Freshly battered local fish and chips – with lashings of vinegar (or not, if you\u2019re like Yaya). <\/p>\n

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You\u2019ll quickly realise that some of the tastiest spots in Nova Scotia revolve around the seafood and local catches that come in daily from Nova Scotian fisherman. We embraced all this deliciousness everywhere we could and not once were we disappointed. <\/p>\n

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After exploring, check into one of the independent B&B\u2019s that are totally charming here. We\u2019d recommend the Mariner King Inn.<\/p>\n

Fancy making the most of the beach, drive over to Rissers Beach that\u2019s just beyond Lunenburg. It\u2019s totally gorgeous and perfect for a little time in the sand. <\/p>\n

Day 5-6: Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site <\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Kejimkujik<\/a><\/p>\n

After a day on the streets of Lunenburg, it\u2019s time to swap to some more sensible boots and head to Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site. Taking around 90 minutes to drive from Lunenburg, it\u2019s one of the best places in Nova Scotia to explore the great outdoors. <\/p>\n

Now, before we get muddled up, there are actually two distinct areas of Kejimkujik or \u201cKeji\u201d as the locals call it. One is the Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, but also Kejimkujik National Park Seaside. For these few days, we\u2019re suggesting a visit to the (inland) Kejimkujik National Park but you can easily tie in a visit to the seaside if you\u2019re wanting to explore more. <\/p>\n

After arriving, you\u2019ll quickly see what makes this area of Nova Scotia so special and why the Mi\u2019kmaq lived in this area for thousands of years. <\/p>\n

Once here, be sure to head along the trails around  Kejimkujik Lake or take a guided canoe trip across the lake itself. <\/p>\n

If you\u2019re totally embracing the great outdoors, you can even set up camp in one of the designated campsites throughout the park. If you do, you\u2019ll be treated to an awesome starry night sky and might even spot some planets! You see, Keji is a designated Dark Sky Preserve; which roughly translates to it being a paradise for stargazers! <\/p>\n

Day 7: Halls Harbour<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Driving from Keji, heading northwest, to Halls Harbour will take around 100 minutes via the Harvest Highway.<\/p>\n

One thing I would say is not to eat a hearty breakfast before you arrive. Halls Harbour is a treat you\u2019ll want to stay hungry for. <\/p>\n

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You see, right on the coast, Halls Harbour Lobster Pound<\/a> is very much an institution when it comes to good lobster!<\/p>\n

We loved it, especially with the views across the Bay of Fundy and the absolutely huge local lobsters that we devoured. <\/p>\n

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They also serve up some local craft beers and local wines for the non-driver.<\/p>\n

Day 7: Grand Pr\u00e9<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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After a pitstop at Halls Harbour, you\u2019ll be making your way across to the Grand Pr\u00e9; another of Nova Scotia\u2019s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. <\/p>\n

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Once a thriving Acadian settlement (in1682-1755), you\u2019ll get to learn more about the Le Grand D\u00e9rangement and the tragedies surrounding the deportation and expulsion of the Acadian people. <\/p>\n

We spent all afternoon learning more about the Grand Pr\u00e9 National Historic Site and Acadian people to this day. <\/p>\n

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After a long day exploring, drive to nearby Wolfville and check in to The Blomidon Inn<\/a> – a period property that\u2019s as quaint as they come.<\/p>\n

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With a grand piano and a tasty restaurant, we stayed in for the night and enjoyed the yummy dishes and sweet treats before heading to the patio for Nova Scotian wine.<\/p>\n

After all, you\u2019re in the Annapolis Valley that\u2019s totally famous for its wine. <\/p>\n

Day 8-9: Pictou <\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Taking around 130 minutes to drive from the Blomidon Inn, Pictou might seem small but that\u2019s all part of its charm. Totally friendly and quaint, it\u2019s a great place to chill after a morning of driving up through Nova Scotia. <\/p>\n

Once here, stop by the Hector Heritage Quay and the museum that shows more about the first Scottish immigrants to Nova Scotia ( which is Latin for New Scotland). If you\u2019re staying the night, head over to Harbour House for their craft ales and ciders. <\/p>\n

\"Pictou<\/a><\/p>\n

Oh, I nearly forgot to mention, Pictou (and the coastline around here) is one of the best spots to chill out on its beaches.<\/p>\n

You see, the waters are warmer but they\u2019re also much less crowded than some of the other big-hitting beaches.<\/p>\n

Its coastline is a total gem! <\/p>\n

\"Pictou<\/a><\/p>\n

There are lots of cosy B&Bs around this area of the Northumberland Shore, too! <\/p>\n

This means you can easily extend your stay within the area, especially if you want to venture further west towards New Brunswick or along the sunrise shine Trail beyond New Glasgow (notice that Scottish connection?). <\/p>\n

Day 10: Drive day to Cape Breton Island <\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Shifting from the mainland of Nova Scotia to Cape Breton Island will be a long morning drive. <\/p>\n

Taking around 110 minutes, you\u2019ll stop off at Mabou for some well-deserved R&R and pop into The Red Shoe Pub<\/a>.<\/p>\n

They make a mean maple curry (with a kick) and pan-seared scallops. There\u2019s also live music every day of the week, which is great if you decide to spend a night in Mabou itself. <\/p>\n

\"Beddeck<\/a><\/p>\n

After filling your boots (and assuming you\u2019ve decided to keep driving), head to gorgeous Baddeck, a charming little village on the Bras d\u2019Or Lake that\u2019s filled with history.<\/p>\n

In fact,  it was the summer home of Alexander Graham Bell (you know, the telephone guy) and there is a great museum there that houses hundreds of inventions that go way beyond the telephone.<\/p>\n

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Fancy a kip? Check into the Inverary Inn and grab a pint and some local tunes in the pub.<\/p>\n

Read more: Best things to do in Halifax<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Day 11: Explore Sydney (and the wider area) <\/strong><\/h3>\n

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After a good night\u2019s sleep, head to Sydney and stretch your legs on the boardwalk and get a photo op at one of Sydney\u2019s most famous spots – The Big Fiddle – it\u2019s totally kitsch!<\/p>\n

After all, it\u2019s not every day you pass the largest fiddle in the world! <\/p>\n

Along (and just off) the Esplanade, is a range of little museums to visit like: Jost Heritage House and Cossit House Museum. Alternatively, head over to the Baille Ard Trail that\u2019s a great place for a shorter walk through the brooks and over the bridges of the area. <\/p>\n

Fancy blowing the cobwebs out off? Take a short drive over to Dominion Beach, right on the coast. It has such powdery sands that are lovely for a stroll.<\/p>\n

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Finally, if you want to head to the east coast, head over to Louisbourg (About a 40-minute drive) to explore the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site.<\/p>\n

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Here, you\u2019ll get to visit the reconstructed town and learn all about this fortified French stronghold from the 1700s that\u2019s easily one of the best places in Nova Scotia to visit if you love historical finds. <\/p>\n

\"Louisbourg<\/a><\/p>\n

Taking around half a day to fully explore, check into Point of View Suites. Better yet, you can book an overnight 18th-century camping experience at the Fortress if you\u2019re feeling like a totally unique experience. <\/p>\n

Read more: Best things to do in Halifax<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Day 12-17: Cabot Trail <\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Just a little west of Sydney is the Cabot Trail<\/a>, a 185-mile loop that takes in some of Cape Breton\u2019s most stunning spots. Now, the trail will likely take you several days to explore all that there is to do but it can be shorter (or longer) depending on how many stops you\u2019d like to make. <\/p>\n

This is the kind of trail that\u2019s just as much about the drive as it is about the destination. It\u2019s a stunning route. Be sure to stop off at Ingonish Beach<\/a> that\u2019s totally great for a picnic. <\/p>\n

Though, if you want some time away from the road, head within Cape Breton Highlands National Park and follow the Freshwater Lake Look-off Trail<\/a> that\u2019s a short 10-20 minute leg-stretcher and just off the main route. For something a little longer, head on the Skyline Trail (on the other side of the National Park) that\u2019s around 5 miles long. Honestly, there are well over 20+ trails to choose from.  <\/p>\n

Oh yes, and along your way, stop off at the MacKenzie Mountain Look-off<\/a> which is a great spot for catching sight of the whales right from the shore. Just stay eagle-eyed and look out for breeches along the shore.<\/p>\n

Take a look at more things to see along the Cabot Trail, here<\/a>. It really is one of the best places in Nova Scotia to drive and explore. <\/p>\n

Read more: Best things to do in Halifax<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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10 Best Things to Do in Halifax, Nova Scotia<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n