Nova Scotia Holidays

Highlights of Nova Scotia

What is Nova Scotia famous for?

• Halifax, Nova Scotia’s capital city
• World’s highest tides in the Bay of Fundy
• Whale watching
• Scenic coastal drives, headlined by the iconic Cabot Trail
• Lighthouses and Peggy’s Cove, Canada’s most photographed lighthouse
• Historic fishing villages and Lunenburg, Canada’s most colourful town
• Significant Maritime legacy
• Fresh seafood (Atlantic Lobster, Digby scallops and mussels)
• Rich Celtic, Acadian, African and Mi'kmaq heritage

Halifax

Most UK travellers visiting on Nova Scotia holidays, fly to Halifax, the provincial capital city. It is under a 7-hour flight from the UK, making it one of the closest spots in Canada to visit.

Halifax is the largest city in Atlantic Canada and Nova Scotia’s vibrant cultural and entertainment hub. The famous Halifax Waterfront is the beating heart of the city and an iconic experience to have on holidays to Nova Scotia. Explore lively patios, try delicious seafood, browse shops and galleries, or dive into the province’s rich past, exploring museums, such as the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. A short walk from the harbour is the historic British fortress, Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, and the beautiful Halifax Public Gardens.

Beyond the city, Halifax is a gateway to many of Nova Scotia’s famous landmarks, including Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse and Lunenburg. With regular direct flights from the UK, excellent road connections and a great choice of rental cars in Halifax, the city is just the start of a great Nova Scotian holiday.

World’s highest tides in the Bay of Fundy

The Bay of Fundy is a funnel-shaped bay in the Atlantic Ocean locked between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. It is home to the world’s highest tides, reaching up to 18 metres. The natural phenomenon can be observed twice a day, and the actual world record has been measured at Burncoat Head Park in Nova Scotia.

It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to witness such a dramatic natural wonder and there are multiple ways to do so during your holidays in Nova Scotia, ranging from walking on the ocean floor at low tide to sea kayaking and tidal bore rafting.

Whale watching in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is a premier whale-watching destination in Canada. In summer, about 12 species of whales visit the nutrient-rich waters of the Bay of Fundy. Most common species to spot are humpback, fin and minke whales. The majestic mammals can also be seen further north, near Pleasant Bay at Cape Breton Island, alongside resident pilot whales. There are many guided boat tours, and our Travel Specialists can add this unique experience to your holiday to Nova Scotia, Canada.

Scenic coastal drives

With a coastline of approximately 13,300 kilometres, it comes as no surprise that Nova Scotia is home to some of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. The famous Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island is undeniably the most celebrated road in the province; however, it is not the only one. Great road trip ideas include the Lighthouse Route, the Sunrise Trail, the Evangeline Trail and the Glooscap Trail.

Historic lighthouses, fishing villages & significant Maritime legacy

Nova Scotia has abundant Maritime heritage evident in historic coastal villages, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old Town Lunenburg, and friendly seaside communities alike. Its coastline is dotted with over 150 lighthouses, including the oldest operating lighthouse in the Americas, Sambro Lighthouse, and Canada’s most photographed lighthouse, Peggy’s Cove. There are numerous maritime museums and well-preserved historic vessels, such as HMCS Sackville and CSS Acadia. Whichever corner you are visiting on your Nova Scotia holidays, the province overflows with iconic landmarks, seafaring stories told by locals and maritime traditions to explore.

Fresh seafood

One of Canada’s most delectable provinces, Nova Scotia is famed with its fresher-than-fresh seafood - sample local Atlantic lobster, the famous Digby scallops, or the mussels from Mahone Bay. Also, home to over 20 wineries and vineyards, you can taste the flavours of the province in their local appellation wine, aptly named Tidal Bay.

Rich Celtic, Acadian, African and Mi'kmaq heritage

Nova Scotia has a rich mosaic of cultures all playing a vital part in the vibrant identity of the province today. Take time during your holiday to Canada to learn about the history, language, traditions, music and art of Nova Scotia’s Indigenous population, the Mi'kmaw people and its vibrant Acadian, Celtic and Black Nova Scotian communities. This is a land of talented storytellers, artists, and musicians, who want nothing more than to share the history and beauty of their homeland.

Things to do on Nova Scotia holidays

Holidays in Nova Scotia are perfect for the outdoor-loving traveller, and equally so for the cultural explorer who enjoys learning about the food, traditions, lifestyle and history of a place.

Whether you are coming for the great Maritime heritage or the vast outdoors, here are the top things to do in Nova Scotia:

Explore Halifax top museums and national historic sites – Nova Scotia has a rich and eventful history. Learn about the life of the Mi'kmaq people living on these lands for over 10,000 years, the events that led to the massive post-war immigration waves to Canada, or major tragedies such as the Halifax Explosion and the sinking of Titanic. If you are a history enthusiast, there is a lot to discover on a holiday to Nova Scotia, and a great place to start from is Halifax’s top museums, including the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, and the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia.

Things to do on Nova Scotia holidays

Stroll Halifax Waterfront, North America’s longest wooden boardwalk – located in downtown Halifax, the 4-kilometre-long waterfront path is a signature experience for anyone visiting the city. There are six themed districts along the harbour and a great variety of attractions and things to do, such as museums, historical buildings and vessels, water activities, farmer's markets, upscale restaurants and local food kiosks, public art installations and seasonal events, luxury retailers and artisan shops.

Photograph the famous Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse – A holiday to Nova Scotia, Canada wouldn’t be complete without taking a picture of one of the most remarkable landmarks in the province, the postcard-perfect Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse. The iconic tower is easily accessible, just under an hour drive from Halifax.

Things to do on Nova Scotia holidays

Visit the picturesque Lunenburg – Old Town Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting a remarkable collection of well-preserved, brightly painted 18th and 19th-century wooden buildings. Explore independently or book a walking tour. A great sailing experience to try while visiting Lunenburg, is a harbour cruise aboard the famous replica, Bluenose II.

Drive the Cabot Trail – The 298-kilometre-long road on Cape Breton Island is Nova Scotia’s most scenic drive, world-renowned for its breath-taking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Its most dramatic section, a loop around Cape Breton Highlands National Park, hugs steep cliff edges that hang above the ocean from up to a height of 455 metres. It is a must-do experience on holidays to Nova Scotia, Canada.

Things to do on Nova Scotia holidays

Witness the world’s highest tides at the Bay of Fundy – Walk on the ocean floor at Burncoat Head Park at low tide and explore tidal pools, caves and fossils. Tidal bore rafting and mud sliding on the Shubenacadie River, or sea kayaking near the Three Sisters rock formations are other great ways to experience this natural phenomenon on your holidays to Nova Scotia.

Go whale-watching – Nova Scotia's coastline is one of the best places in Canada to spot humpback whales, minke whales, pilot whales and fin whales. Tours are offered from Brier Island, Digby Neck and Tiverton in the Bay of Fundy, and from Pleasant Bay, Chéticamp and Ingonish on Cape Breton Island.

Things to do on Nova Scotia holidays

Visit Kejimkujik National Park – Divided into two sections, an inland oasis of tranquil forests dotted with lakes and meandering rivers, and a rugged seaside zone, the park is the perfect place for hiking, cycling, canoeing and camping. Kejimkujik is also a designated Dark Sky Preserve offering unrivalled stargazing opportunities.

Hike your way - Nova Scotia is popular with those seeking the perfect walking holiday. Some of the top-rated hiking spots across the province include Cape Breton Highlands National Park (the iconic Skyline Trail and the widely popular Franey Trail), Taylor Head Provincial Park, Cape Split Provincial Park, Victoria park (Truro), Kejimkujik National Park and Historic Site, and the Celtic Shores Coastal Trail.

Nova Scotia holidays

Self-drive holidays to Nova Scotia from UK

The best way to explore Nova Scotia is on a road trip. Whether you prefer to rent a car or a motorhome, having your own wheels will give you the freedom to explore the province from coast to coast at your own pace.

To the west, the Atlantic coastline offers sandy beaches, excellent coastal hiking, picturesque landscapes framed by granite rocks, thousands of tiny islands, and rugged headlands, dotted with colourful fishing villages and historic lighthouses.

To the east, the dramatic Bay of Fundy coast captivates with towering red sandstone cliffs, the world’s highest tides, whale encounters, ancient fossil beds and rich agricultural valleys. Wherever in Nova Scotia you are, the coast is never more than 67 kilometres away.

All fly-drive holidays to Nova Scotia booked with Canadian Affair include expertly crafted itinerary, flights, car hire and accommodation. Our motorhome packages can even include pre-booked campgrounds, just let our Canada Travel Experts know that you want these added to your holiday package.

Nova Scotia holidays

Atlantic Canada rail and cruise holidays

Via Rail’s vast rail network makes city-hopping between major cities in Eastern Canada effortless. You can easily visit Toronto, Montreal and Quebec City and from there, board a scenic cruise with ports of call in Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Portland (USA).

Halifax city breaks

With year-round direct flights from London Heathrow to Halifax taking approx. 6 hours and 50 minutes, Nova Scotia is an ideal long weekend destination. Halifax overflows with attractions and activities, alongside guided day trips to iconic sites, such as Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, Lunenburg and the Annapolis Valley.

Call our Canada Travel Experts today and we will tailor make your dream holiday to Nova Scotia with expertly crafted itinerary including all the activities and places you want to visit.

Contact us