Nova Scotia Holidays 2024 & 2025
Experience the unparalleled beauty and rich cultural heritage of Nova Scotia on your next holiday. Immerse yourself in stunning wilderness, stay in charming coastal towns and soak in the view from the top of historic lighthouses. Indulge in the region’s delectable seafood cuisine, and embark on outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking and whale watching.
Where is Nova Scotia?
Nestled along Canada’s east coast, Nova Scotia is a peninsula jutting out in to the Atlantic Ocean from neighbouring New Brunswick. To its north is the island of Newfoundland and its southwest is the state of Maine in the USA.
Is Nova Scotia part of the Canadian Maritimes?
The Maritime Provinces are located along Canada’s Atlantic Coast and include Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
The term ‘Maritimes’ is derived from the region’s historical connection to the sea and maritime industries such as fishing, shipbuilding, and trade. ‘Atlantic Canada’ refers to the Maritime Provinces, as well as Newfoundland and Labrador.
What is the best way to travel to Nova Scotia?
Direct flights from the UK to Halifax take around seven hours. The Nova Scotia capital is also well connected with other Canadian cities by plane and VIA Rail.
The peninsula of Nova Scotia is connected by road to the neighbouring provinces of New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, the latter by the incredible 12.9 km The Confederation Bridge. You can also travel between Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland by ferry.
When is the best time to visit Nova Scotia?
The most popular time to visit Nova Scotia are the summer months of July, August and September. Although peak season is busier, crowds are rarely a problem and long daylight hours make exploring rewarding.
Visiting Nova Scotia in September and October offers a mosaic of autumnal colours, whilst the spring months of May and June bring wild flower meadows and migrating whales to the coastal waters.
How long to spend in Nova Scotia?
We recommend at least a week to tick off Nova Scotia’s highlights, but longer if you have the time.
In a week you could enjoy a couple of days in Halifax, visiting the historic fort and modern waterfront, then either head north to the rugged coast around Cape Breton Island or south to explore Kejimkujik National Park. With two weeks in Nova Scotia, you can combine both.
What should you expect from a Nova Scotia holiday?
The people of Nova Scotia are known for their warm welcomes and laid-back approach to life, so a holiday to Nova Scotia should never be rushed.
With over 8,000 miles of scenic coastline, your Nova Scotia holiday is likely to involve the sea, be it on a whale watching cruise, enjoying the view from the top of a lighthouse or just wandering along one the province’s many beautiful beaches.
Nova Scotia is home to an abundance of wildlife. From charismatic moose to reclusive bears, friendly whales and a vast variety of birdlife, you are likely to see something wild in Nova Scotia!
How do you plan a Nova Scotia Road trip?
It is easiest to travel around Nova Scotia by car or motorhome. There are only a few roads that can’t be described as ‘scenic’ in Nova Scotia. Our top five scenic driving routes on Nova Scotia are:
- Cabot Trail – considered one of North America’s most scenic drives, the Cabot Trail stretches for 180 miles around the stunning Cape Breton Island, offering panoramic views of rugged coastline, cliffs, and the Atlantic Ocean
- Lighthouse Route – a 208 miles drive following Nova Scotia’s South Shore, past historic fishing villages, charming coastal towns and iconic lighthouses
- Sunrise Trail – stretching for 186 miles along Nova Scotia’s Northumberland Shore, the Sunrise Trail offers stunning views of rugged cliffs and sandy beaches between charming seaside communities
- Evangeline Trail – winding along the Bay of Fundy and the Annapolis Valley, this 250 mile route showcases the region’s natural beauty, including rolling hills, vineyards, tidal marshes and historic Acadian villages
- Glooscap Trail – taking in the Bay of Fundy’s Minas Basin and offering stunning vistas of unique geological formations, this driving route covers 250 miles, showcasing the dramatic tidal changes of the Bay of Fundy
Read more about planning your Nova Scotia Itinerary in our Travel Blog: Exploring the Best of Nova Scotia
Your Perfect Nova Scotia Holiday
Whether you want to sample fresh lobster on the waterfront in Halifax, or spot moose on the Cabot Trail, ask one of our Canada Experts to create a Nova Scotia holiday to suit you.
Plan your holiday
