A first-timer's guide to Nova Scotia

Joanna Nemes

Joanna Nemes

With direct flights from the UK to Halifax, a trip to Nova Scotia* in Atlantic Canada is now easier than ever. Nova Scotia is one of the most fascinating Canadian provinces; small enough to be explored over a couple of weeks, but with an ancient, captivating heritage.

The Maritime Province, one of three such provinces in the region, blends Mi'kmaq, Acadian and Gaelic cultures, whose influences can be seen everywhere through its museums, crafts, food and the friendliness of its people.

Combine it with the striking wilderness, and you've found the perfect holiday destination for those seeking peace and adventure.

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Getting around Nova Scotia

Undoubtedly, the best way to explore Nova Scotia is by hiring a car. The airport in Halifax is served by many familiar rental companies, such as Hertz and Enterprise.

Driving in Nova Scotia is super easy as the roads are wide, traffic is minimal and parking is free in most places outside of Halifax; what's more, most rental vehicles tend to be automatic.

It's a little tricky relying on public transport, and if you're getting the bus from the airport to downtown Halifax, note you will need the exact fare as it's cash only and no change is given.

Halifax

Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia and the largest city in the province, can be easily explored in a few days and makes a great base for day trips to the Annapolis Valley or the south coast of Nova Scotia.

The first place to visit to learn more about Nova Scotia before you start exploring more widely is the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.

You could easily spend an entire day here, learning about the Mi'kmaq, the indigenous people of Atlantic Canada, the fateful story of Titanic, told through original objects recovered from the sea in the days following the fateful night of 15 April 1912 when the ship sank 700 miles from Nova Scotia, and the maritime disaster of the Halifax Explosion in 1917.

Next up is the Halifax Citadel, where a cannon fires daily at 12pm and you'll find beautiful views over the city. Due to its strategic position, for defence purposes, now the citadel is a great place to go for watching both the sunrise and the sunset.

Peggy's Cove

Peggy's Cove, the most photographed lighthouse in Canada, rises on top of the bare boulders left behind as the glacier covering Nova Scotia melted thousands of years ago.

The landscape here is noticeably quite different from elsewhere in the province, with large granite rocks seemingly stitched together with tiny shrubs dotted with pretty flowers.

The road to Peggy's Cove bends around the water, climbing to the famous lighthouse between white-painted wooden houses, which house small shops, museums and restaurants. Consider booking a boat trip to see Peggy's Cove from the water as well as wildlife like seals and puffins, depending on the time of year.

Keep an eye out for Holy Mackerel, a small shop selling artisan products (largely all lobster-shaped) and the blue lobster boat Miss Peggy's Cove.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

The Cabot Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park is one of the most beautiful roads to drive in Atlantic Canada. Following the coast, the road climbs and descends dramatic heights, offering spectacular views.

The Cabot Trail needs to be discovered slowly through its fishing villages, Acadian culture, hiking paths through the wilderness, magnificent wildlife, Gaelic heritage and Mi'kmaw indigenous community.

Although Cape Breton offers something to see all year round, arguably the best time to go is in autumn, when the changing trees flame into life with golds, reds and greens.

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Digby

From June to September, the southwestern port town of Digby becomes a prime destination for whale watching in Nova Scotia. From May, different species of whales start migrating back to Nova Scotia, to feed on the bountiful plankton of the Bay of Fundy.

Humpback whales arrive mid-June and stay until late October. During this time, it's almost guaranteed that if you join a whale watching tour, you will see something.

The whale watching tours are not just entertaining but also educational, as local crews have sailed these waters since childhood. In the winter, they are fishing for lobster, whilst in summer, they are taking visitors whale watching.

Most of the boats will also have a marine biologist onboard, who will spot the whales but also answer questions about these giants of the ocean.

What & where to eat

The food in Nova Scotia is reason enough to visit this beautiful Maritime Province in Atlantic Canada. If you love seafood, expect an endless supply of fresh, steamed lobster, giant grilled scallops, sweet fried clams, mussels and fish.

Nova Scotia is known as the 'Capital of Lobster' thanks to its role as the largest exporter of the highest quality crustacean in the world. But it's not just the lobster that makes Nova Scotia one of the emerging foodie destinations in Canada.

For such a small city, Halifax has a tremendous number of fine dining restaurants, where talented, award-winning chefs create culinary masterpieces using native ingredients from the land and the sea.

In Halifax, don't miss the creamy comfort seafood chowder at The Cable Wharf, the hodge podge at Drift, the vegetable dishes at The Peacock Wine Bar, or the innovative fine dining experience through tasting menus at Mystic.

Beyond Halifax, sample the quark ravioli with caramelised onions and maple syrup at The Noodle Guy in Port Williams, the seafood chowder at The Chowder House in Neil's Harbour, the steamed lobster at Baddeck Lobster Suppers in Baddeck and the award-winning lobster roll at Captain Kat's Lobster Shack in Barrington, to name just a few.

Where to stay in Nova Scotia

When it comes to where to stay, Nova Scotia is full of accommodation options for all budgets. In Halifax, treat yourself with a few nights at Muir, an outstanding art hotel right on the waterfront.

You'll find a memorable stay at Louisbourg Fortress where you can book the 18th century reconstructed Lartigue House, the guard's house, and even the prison.

When visiting Cape Breton Island, don't miss the opportunity to stay at Selkies Rest Lighthouse in Baddeck, or one of the waterfront white domes in South Harbour.

If you're heading to Tatamagouche, reconnect with your inner child with a night or two in the caboose carriage at the Train Station Inn. For a luxurious pampering experience, head for Trout Point Lodge, which is located in the middle of nature, free from any man-made disturbances.

Climate in Nova Scotia

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °C
-0°C maximum daytime temperature in January in Halifax-0
-0°C maximum daytime temperature in February in Halifax-0
3°C maximum daytime temperature in March in Halifax3
8°C maximum daytime temperature in April in Halifax8
13°C maximum daytime temperature in May in Halifax13
18°C maximum daytime temperature in June in Halifax18
22°C maximum daytime temperature in July in Halifax22
22°C maximum daytime temperature in August in Halifax22
19°C maximum daytime temperature in September in Halifax19
13°C maximum daytime temperature in October in Halifax13
8°C maximum daytime temperature in November in Halifax8
2°C maximum daytime temperature in December in Halifax2
Hours of sunshine (daily)
Days with some rainfall
14 days with some rainfall in January in Halifax14
12 days with some rainfall in February in Halifax12
13 days with some rainfall in March in Halifax13
13 days with some rainfall in April in Halifax13
14 days with some rainfall in May in Halifax14
12 days with some rainfall in June in Halifax12
11 days with some rainfall in July in Halifax11
11 days with some rainfall in August in Halifax11
10 days with some rainfall in September in Halifax10
12 days with some rainfall in October in Halifax12
14 days with some rainfall in November in Halifax14
15 days with some rainfall in December in Halifax15
Sea temperature °C
2°C sea temperature in January in Halifax2
0°C sea temperature in February in Halifax0
0°C sea temperature in March in Halifax0
2°C sea temperature in April in Halifax2
5°C sea temperature in May in Halifax5
9°C sea temperature in June in Halifax9
14°C sea temperature in July in Halifax14
17°C sea temperature in August in Halifax17
16°C sea temperature in September in Halifax16
13°C sea temperature in October in Halifax13
9°C sea temperature in November in Halifax9
5°C sea temperature in December in Halifax5

The above guide shows the climate in Halifax. Find out more about conditions across the province in our complete guide to the climate in Nova Scotia.

Ready to explore Nova Scotia? Don't miss the current offers on holidays, hotels and tours with Travelbag.

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More about Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia by month

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Joanna Nemes

Joanna Nemes

Posted in: Adventure Culture Nature North America

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