Expect a warm welcome when you travel to Nova Scotia, Canada, where the locals' friendliness is as legendary as the rolling terrain. Bordering the Atlantic, Nova Scotia's coastline extends for miles and offers stunning vistas for picture-taking as well as placid waters for fishing. To visit Nova Scotia is to become immersed in history: the province is littered with tartan shops and Gaelic signs, evidence of its proud Scottish ancestry. A cultural melting pot despite its relatively small population, Nova Scotia is also home to Acadians of French origin and the native Mi'kmaw, as well as immigrants from around the world. Let Travel + Leisure's Nova Scotia travel guide highlight the best this charming coastal community has to offer.
Things Not to Miss in Nova Scotia
Travelers often flock to the hiking trails of Nova Scotia's Cape Breton, which offer sweeping views of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. South Shore is Nova Scotia's most visited coastline, home to picturesque lighthouses, pristine white beaches and former fishing towns that have opened their doors to tourists. Halifax is the province's party central, full of bars, nightclubs and summer music festivals that draw a young and vibrant crowd. Beyond the coastal views and urban party scenes, there's plenty more to explore, including:
• Whale watching in Cape Breton
• The historic fishing village of Peggy's Cove
• Tidal bore rafting on the Shubenacadie River
• The majestic cliff-side views along the Bay of Fundy
• The Halifax Citadel, a National Historic Site of Canada
• The fishing village of Lunenburg
When to Go to Nova Scotia
Make the most of your Nova Scotia travel plans by planning a summer visit, when pleasant temperatures offset the cool ocean breeze. Many music festivals take place during the months of June, July and August, such as July's Halifax Jazz Festival. The wildly popular Halifax Pop Explosion takes place in the fall, however, when the largest crowds have gone. Sample local delicacies at one of Nova Scotia's many farmers' markets, most of which are open from March to December.
-
Hotel Lifts Ban on Guest 17 Years After Seagull and Pepperoni Incident
A Canadian man finally got the chance to clear his name after 17 years in exile from a hotel in British Columbia. His ordeal began in 2001, involving a... Read More
-
Justin Trudeau Proves He's a S'mores Expert on Adorable Family Camping Trip
No one is too busy for s’mores. Not even Justin Trudeau.The prime minister of Canada took his family on a camping trip to Shelburne in Port... Read More
-
Wrong Sydney, Kid: Shocked Teen Lands in Snowy Canada Instead of Australia
Careless teenager Milan Schipper was in for quite the surprise when boarding a recent flight he thought was headed for Sydney, Australia... Read More
-
You Can Take a Disney Cruise With Your Favorite Marvel Characters Next Year
Marvel fans will get a chance to cruise with their favorite superheroes next year, aboard each of the seven Disney Magic sailings, set to depart from... Read More
-
In Nova Scotia, People Decorate Giant Pumpkins and Turn Them Into Boats
Last week, the annual Windsor Pumpkin Regatta drew thousands of people to watch an adventurous few attempt a 20-minute race across Lake Pesaquid in... Read More
-
This Canadian Business Will Give You Land and a Job If You Move There
For anyone looking to escape—be it from unfortunate election results or just the humdrum of daily life—this Canadian business will be happy to... Read More
-
13 Otherworldly Destinations Perfect for Stargazing
The immensity of the universe is beautiful and humbling—the stars reminders of billions of lives spent, in astronomer Carl Sagan’s words, “on a mote of... Read More
-
Best Places to Fly Fish
Until a couple of decades ago, fly-fishing meant trying to hook trout. Then the definition of the sport began to expand, and today's fly fisherman is... Read More
-
New Ferry Service Reconnects Maine to Nova Scotia
On May 15th, a new ferry service will begin making daily trips between Portland, Maine, and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.With a capacity of 1,215 passengers,... Read More
-
Best Places to Travel After a Divorce
“I went through a bad divorce with a lot of heartache,” says Lucie Muns, who went surfing in Costa Rica following her split. She found the ocean healing... Read More
-
Eat Like a Local: Canada's Best Scones
Together with CNN, Travel + Leisure's multi-platform series 100 Places to Eat Like a Local combines iReports from you, television spots, chef... Read More
-
Letters | November 2011
California Dream“Malibu: California Beach Getaway” nails the subtle alchemy that makes Malibu one of the most storied yet least understood high-profile... Read More
-
World's Most Beautiful Ferry Rides
Susan Alcorn of Oakland, CA, planned an entire vacation around a ferry ride—although, granted, this isn’t your average ferry. She still gets poetic when... Read More
-
World’s Best Trip: Cape Breton, Canada
The TripAt first it’s the visual beauty that captivates you—cliff-backed beaches; forested headlands studded with lighthouses. But the sounds of Cape... Read More
