Nova Scotia Holidays 2024/25

Best time to visit Nova Scotia

Located in Eastern Canada, Nova Scotia is surrounded almost entirely by water, and this influences its climate. The weather is moderate, neither too hot nor extremely cold and temperatures can fluctuate both by time of the day and by proximity to the ocean.

If you are looking forward to enjoying the beaches and trying water sports, such as kayaking, canoeing, and surfing on your holiday then the best time to visit Nova Scotia is during the summer. From mid-June until mid-September, daily temperatures are between 20°C and 25°C but with humidity they can rise to 30°C - 32°C. The only downside of the summer high season is that flights and accommodation prices can be higher. Nevertheless, it is all worth it as the Maritime Province is an outdoor lovers’ paradise in the summer with so much to discover around every corner.

If you are looking for a budget-friendly holiday to Nova Scotia, then Spring and Autumn are good options.

Autumn in Nova Scotia arrives in mid-September and until mid-November you can enjoy daily temperatures of 10°C - 20°C. The spectacular fall foliage colours are at their apex during the first two weeks of October and one of the best places to enjoy them is the scenic Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island. From mid-November until mid-December, the weather starts getting colder (0°C - 10°C), and the approaching winter (mid-December – mid-March) can be felt more considerably.

Spring comes in mid-March, with daily temperatures reaching up to 10°C in the first half of the season, gradually rising to 20°C towards June.

Overview of Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia, on Canada’s Eastern coast, is a great destination to include on any holiday to Canada. One of Canada’s four Atlantic Provinces, this beautiful province is surrounded almost completely by water, making it ideal for strolls along the beach and water-based activities such as kayaking and paddle boarding.

The continental climate means the summer months are warm, so you can enjoy spending plenty of time outdoors. Explore the province by car, by bike, on foot, or even by boat and canoe, with stops to see the local sights and culture.

Nova Scotia has an incredible 13,300km of coastline, so there is plenty of water to enjoy. Try tidal bore rafting on the Shubenacadie River, located along the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia, kayaking in Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, or even mud sliding along the Shubenacadie riverbed. Animal-lovers should look out for seals, porpoises, seabirds and at least 12 different species of whales in the Bay of Fundy.

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Overview of Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is full of Canadian history, and this is apparent in the 150+ lighthouses dotted around the province. Take a trip to visit Peggy’s Cove and see the lighthouse built in 1915, which is the most photographed in Canada. Also, discover three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 13 national historic sites, 28 provincial museums and one National Museum.

Nova Scotia is one of Canada’s most delectable provinces. The fresh seafood is legendary - sample local 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 Nova Scotia in their local appellation wine aptly named Tidal Bay, or in a glass of traditional ice wine. Sipped whilst looking across the water, this is a really relaxing way to end your day.

The province’s capital, Halifax, is the largest city in Atlantic Canada. A vibrant and cultural city, this is one of the country’s best-kept secrets. History buffs should visit Pier 21, Canada’s National Immigration Museum, and Halifax Seaport Farmer’s Market is great for foodies.

Only a 6-hour flight from the UK to Canada, you’ll be feeling the rhythm of the ocean and fresh salt air in your lungs in no time on an exciting holiday to Nova Scotia.

Highlights of Nova Scotia

What is Nova Scotia famous for?

• Halifax
• Kejimkujik National Park & Bay of Fundy
• Northumberland Shore
• Yarmouth & Acadian Shores
• South Shore
• Cape Breton Island
• Eastern Shore

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Halifax

Nova Scotia's capital, Halifax, is the largest city in Atlantic Canada. A vibrant and cultural city, this is one of Canada’s best-kept secrets. History buffs should visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. Foodies will love the Halifax Seaport Farmer’s Market - the perfect place to sample fresher-than-fresh lobsters, scallops, and mussels. Plus, Halifax is under a 7-hour flight from the UK, making it one of the closest spots in Canada to visit.

Kejimkujik National Park & Bay of Fundy

Kejimkujik National Park - or Keji to the locals - is an oasis of tranquil forests dotted with lakes and meandering rivers. It's the perfect place for hiking, cycling, and kayaking. Meanwhile, the Bay of Fundy boasts dramatic cliffs, rock formations and the highest tides in the world. This is one of the top spots for whale watching in the area. You'll find both of these beautiful regions on the province's north coast.

Northumberland Shore

This glorious stretch of coastline is known for its fabulous long, sandy beaches and has some of the warmest shores in Canada. The town of Pictou, known as the birthplace of New Scotland, can be found here. It is rich in Gaelic heritage, with plenty of opportunities to learn about the history of the first settlers. Don't forget to sample the delicious local wines and freshly caught lobster.

Yarmouth & Acadian Shores

Yarmouth nestles at the intersection between two founding cultures in Nova Scotia - the French-speaking Acadie and the English-speaking communities. There is a strong Acadian culture here and it's a good place to learn about the province's varied heritage. Visit 400-year-old fishing villages, North America's largest wooden church and fantastic maritime architecture. The Living Wharves and Cape Forchu Lightstation give an insight into a fisherman's way of life.

South Shore

The South Shore is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Town Lunenburg. This iconic town and harbour are famous for its colourful waterfront buildings. Explore the South Shore and you'll also find one of Nova Scotia's most celebrated landmarks - Peggy's Cove and Lighthouse. The quaint fishing village is charming to stroll through, and a photo of the iconic lighthouse is a must.

Cape Breton Island

Cape Breton Island is home to some of the most iconic experiences in Nova Scotia. It's here that you'll find the fabled Cabot Trail - a stunning, clifftop drive often voted one of the best road trips in the world. The Bras d'Or inland sea is also here. Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers some unrivalled hiking and is an incredible place to watch a sunset from the famous Skyline Trail.

Eastern Shore

The Eastern Shore is where you'll find Martinique Beach Provincial Park, the longest sandy beach in Nova Scotia. Surf culture is king in this laid-back area, resplendent with windswept dunes and soft sand beaches. You can also get stuck into water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking. The coastal trail systems offer fantastic hiking and cycling, too. One of the finest coastal trail systems in North America is that at Taylor Head Provincial Park.

Things to do in Nova Scotia

A diverse and beautiful destination, visitors are never short of things to do on holiday in Nova Scotia, Canada. Boasting 13,300km of stunning coastline, take a whale watching tour or kayak in water the height of a five-storey building in the phenomenal Bay of Fundy.

For those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground, hike along the spectacular coastal cliffs of Cape Chignecto Provincial Park or simply relax in the serenity of an unspoiled coastal landscape at Martinique Beach.

Nova Scotia is rich in Canadian history, apparent in the 150+ lighthouses dotted around the province. Join an excursion to picture-postcard Peggy’s Cove with us to see the lighthouse built in 1915, which is the most photographed in Canada. Also discover three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 13 national historic sites, 28 provincial museums and one National Museum. Joggins Fossil Cliffs is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site home to 300-million-year-old fossils.

A trip to the capital city, Halifax, is also a must. Learn more about the province’s connection to the Titanic at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic before enjoying fresh local food in a restaurant overlooking one of the world’s deepest harbours.

Nova Scotia is renowned for its seafood and your holiday will not be complete without sampling Digby scallops, or mussels from the pristine waters of Mahone Bay, to name but a few. With history at its heart and beautiful scenery along the shores, an unforgettable holiday is waiting for you in Nova Scotia.