Welcome to Nova Scotia

Canada’s second-smallest province doesn’t come up short on natural beauty. Visitors to this peninsula in the Atlantic Ocean are never farther than 42 miles from the coast. From small fishing villages to the larger metropolitan area of Halifax, Nova Scotia’s diverse communities showcase different sides of this compelling province.

Explore the scenery at one of two national parks found in the province. For a change of pace, check out the Tobeatic Wilderness and Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve. Larger cities like Halifax and Sydney abound with cultural opportunities and attractions, while scenic villages like Baddeck and Peggy’s Cove reveal the heart of Nova Scotia.

Highlands and Dazzling Drives

From the coastal shores to the mountain peaks, Cape Breton Highlands National Park, located on the northeast tip of Nova Scotia, is sure to thrill your senses. Hear the waves lap the shores, watch for wildlife hidden in the stunning landscape and taste the succulent lobster pulled from pristine waters.

Several hiking trails take you through diverse habitats. The Cabot Trail passes through the park, offering panoramic ocean views. Try your hand at a round of golf at Highlands Links, if you can take your eyes off the beautiful vistas that stretch to the horizon.

While Kejimkujik National Park’s exquisite natural beauty can best be explored by day, many visitors will also stick around for the show that takes place after dark. Designated as the province’s only Dark Sky Preserve, the park’s location in southwest Nova Scotia offers a supreme spot for stargazing.

Visitors also have the unique opportunity to explore the indigenous Mi’kmaq People through preserved petroglyphs and recreated encampments. Kejimkujik’s sapphire blue waterways cut through lush green landscapes, providing paddlers a bounty of places to survey. Visit the Keji Seaside Adjunct to hike trails with epic views of the Atlantic coast.

Halifax on the Water

Halifax has a long history of serving as a fort and seaport; today, Halifax is known as Nova Scotia’s capital and the largest city of Canada’s Atlantic Provinces. The city consistently rates well as a great place to live and to do business. Visitors can explore the town’s early history with a stop at Fort George (located high above the city on Citadel Hill) and Pier 21 (where Canadian immigrants entered their new nation). For a scenic stroll, head to the Halifax Public Gardens or to the Harbourwalk, which offers views of the waterfront. The historic downtown area is home to dozens of charming shops and restaurants.

Fishing Villages

Tiny fishing villages dot Nova Scotia’s coasts, the most famous being Peggy’s Cove. Massive boulders line the sweeping coastline, and unbelievably blue waters extend to the horizon. A tidy red-capped lighthouse stands on the shore, providing a picturesque focal point. You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time with a tour of the quaint village. Be sure to stop at a local restaurant to feast on fresh lobster.