My highlights from discovering Nova Scotia, Canada

I’m currently packing my bags to get them ready for my next adventure trip to Canada in a few days. My mind kept casting back to my last visit to Canada, which was a little under a year ago and took me to Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Every time I visit Canada I get more excited each and every time. It’s a destination full of adventure that has much to discover, and I love to visit this wonderful country as much as I can.

With 26 breathtaking hiking trails to choose from, Novia Scotia is also home to the Cabot Trail which is ranked as one of the most scenic drives in the world. Nova Scotia surely does have a lot to offer as a holiday destination. To help with your next trip to Canada, be sure to check out Explore Canada which is a wonderful travel resource to help with all your planning.

Many memories started to flood back from my wonderful visit while I was packing again, and I wanted to share with you some of these highlights from my visit to Nova Scotia.

Start your Journey in Halifax

Many journeys in Nova Scotia start in Halifax, and it’s a mighty fine city to base yourself in at the start or end of your journey to the province.

Walk along the waterfront and be sure to grab a return ticket on the boat taxi to Dartmouth, which will take you across the water for great views of the city. Then head on your way towards the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market to grab a local lobster roll for lunch.

Go back in time and visit the Citadel on the hill for an overview of the city from above. And be sure to head to the downtown area of Halifax for great places to eat and grab a drink. It’s really nice to sit back and enjoy a beer with the live local musicians who perform regularly until the early hours of the morning.

If you have some spare time be sure to go on the Alexander Keith’s Brewery tour, which offers one of Canada’s most loved beers. You can learn all about the history of Halifax, as the city’s past mayor founded this brewery back in the day.

Nova Scotia is home to some great wines

Canada’s great wine region is waiting for you in Nova Scotia. Head on the Good Cheer Trail, which will take you across Annapolis Valley and stop by great wineries such as Planters Ridge, where they make a fantastic Tidal Bay cocktail that pairs well with seafood. You can’t get fresher seafood than the restaurants in Nova Scotia.

You wouldn’t think wine would grow well in Canada, but they’ve found some perfect conditions to make production happen and paired it along with enthusiastic growers and producers – this region is worth exploring.

Annapolis Cider Company is also worth a visit if cider is your preferred tipple. It’s popular with the locals too, so be sure to snap up some of the limited edition batches.

Visit the cosy town of Lunenburg

Rich in maritime history, the cosy town of Lunenburg should totally be on your tourist list in Nova Scotia.

Start your trip with a fun walking tour of Lunenburg – the UNESCO town is full of history and unique stories. It’s a full on walking tour hosted by an enthusiastic local who offers great insights into the town.

Explore the colourful shopfronts in town, and be sure to stop off at some of the eating establishments for some tasty seafood grub.

I’d recommend checking out the Salt Shaker which has great fish and chips and clam chowder waiting to be enjoyed in this friendly family run deli.

Visit the Iron Works distillery located in an old marine blacksmith’s workshop to sample the unique collection of artisan spirits on offer. My favourite was the Bluenose rum, very rich and delicious.

Before you go, check if the Bluenose II is docked on the waterfront of Lunenburg where it normally resides. The schooner is one of Canadas most iconic and loved ships, and can be seen on the Canadian 10 cent coin.

Be sure to visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic to learn all about the Lunenburg’s Maritime history which has been a big part of the town’s culture and history, from the smuggling of rum to bringing workers to Canada for the booming past fishing culture.

Head to Hall’s Harbour and visit the Lobster Pound and the cook house

For a unique dining experience in Nova Scotia you have to visit Hall’s Harbour to enjoy a lobster feast at the Lobster Pound.

Local fishermen bring in their catch for the day, and the pound is where the fish gets prepared to be transported all around the world to South Korea, Belgium, and the UK to be served up in top restaurants.

50,000 tones of lobster are hauled from Nova Scotia’s waters every year.

For the locals it’s a bit different as they can enjoy lobster closer to home, and they can’t get enough of this incredible seafood.

They have a cook house located on the site so you can pick and cook the lobster you want on the spot and enjoy the catch in the dining house next door. Be sure to also try the Canadian dish of Lobster Poutine, which is a big hit in Nova Scotia.

A wonderfully unique and tasty local dining experience that is like no other place on the planet. Hall’s Harbour also has the highest tides in the world which is a beautiful sight and worth checking out.

Tidal Bore Rafting along the Bay of Fundy

What is Tidal Bore Rafting? This is a great question as I hadn’t a clue either before I experienced it. It’s a unique activity that is available for adventure-seeking visitors to Nova Scotia.

The Bay of Fundy’s incoming tide causes the tidal bore when the force of the incoming tide reverses the flow of out-flowing rivers connected to the Bay of Fundy and Minas Basin. That’s the technical explanation for you!

So why not get a raft, a group of friends and pop on some clothes you don’t mind getting dirty as you’re guaranteed to get covered in mud.

It’s an amazing natural phenomenon witnessing the incredible tides of the Bay of Fundy as they collide, and it’s super fun in a raft too! Be sure to check out this adventure packed activity on your visit.

The best way to explain is by watching my video, enjoy:

You have to stop by Peggy’s Cove

A trip to Nova Scotia wouldn’t be complete without first visiting the iconic lighthouse that is Peggy’s cove.

Did you know that Peggy’s Cove is one of the most photographed lighthouses on the planet and Nova Scotia has a rich variety and collection of over 150 lighthouses that can be found all along its coast.

If you’re lucky you might even spot bagpipes being played by Peggy’s Cove, which relates to Nova Scotia’s Scottish connections (Nova Scotia means New Scotland in Latin). A perfect stop along a roadtrip around Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia is a must-visit location for lighthouse lovers and makes for a great and fun road trip idea. Why not see how many lighthouses you can spot during your visit? With 13,300 KM of coastline, you’re always close to the ocean in Nova Scotia.

Thank you for reading all about Nova Scotia, Canada

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about my personal adventures to Halifax, Nova Scotia last year.

This article was put together in cooperation with Explore Canada and Nova Scotia.

I hope you have enjoyed reading all about this beautiful place, and I hope it has helped and inspired you with your trip planning to this unique province in Canada.

Happy travels!