Regions

Halifax

Halifax is a fun and charismatic city with an eclectic mix of shops, a fascinating arts and live music scene, and beautiful surroundings. Stop by The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic to discover the area’s longstanding ties to the sea, enjoy tranquil coastal walks along Point Pleasant Park, dine along the bustling Halifax Waterfront or perhaps skate the Oval in winter.

For further cultural explorations, wander along to the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, the country’s most visited national historic site or the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, which between 1921 and 1971 was the entry point for more than 1.5 million immigrants calling Canada their new home. Scattered with brewpubs, quaint shops, outstanding theater and also hosting countless summer festivals, Halifax is famed for its trendy and happening atmosphere.

Eastern Shore

Of all the regions in Nova Scotia, the Eastern Shore might just be the quietest—an area that truly allows you to “get away from it all”. Go back in time and observe how European settlers survived off the land and waters as far back as the 1700s. A visit to the Moose River Gold Mines Provincial Park can enlighten you about the gold rushes that began in 1860s; and Sherbrooke Village is a real treat for “kids,” young and old, as they experientially explore the interpretive community that thrived on shipbuilding, lumbering and mining.

Stay a while, as the Eastern Shore offers a variety of accommodations, from cozy bed and breakfasts and country inns to cottages, vacation rentals, motels and the signature resort, Liscombe Lodge.

South Shore

The South Shore is characterized by its intriguingly diverse cultural origins; commencing with the Mi’kmaq people, followed by one of Canada’s first French settlements, next what became the largest community of free Blacks outside continental Africa and finally the settlements of "Foreign Protestants" from Germany, Switzerland and France and who's descendants still remain in the area today.

Stand out towns along the South Shore include Lunenburg, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site; Mahone Bay, with its iconic three churches and its quaint stretch of shops and restaurants; and Shelburne, one of Canada’s most picturesque towns. The South Shore is speckled with more than 20 lighthouses along the coastal route, including the world famous one at Peggy’s Cove.

Yarmouth and Acadian Shores

Much of this region is characterized by French-speaking villages that continue to celebrate their more than 400-year old history. You can experience this vibrant Acadian culture first hand by visiting its historic sites and the several Acadian festivals hosted in this region, including the annual Festival acadien de Clare, the oldest festivities of its kind in the world. Thousands of local, national and international visitors attend this festival each summer for Acadian, Cajun and Bluegrass concerts, the parade, dance, Acadien- First Nations art exhibits, community meals and more!

One of the key attractions in the area is the Cape Forchu Lightstation, known for its distinctive ‘applecore’ shape and the stunning 10km route from popular among motorists and cyclists—the Cape Forchu Scenic Drive. Yarmouth is also the starting point for two of the province’s scenic travelways: the Evangeline Trail, which travels along the Fundy Shore through the Annapolis Valley, and the Lighthouse Route, which follows Nova Scotia’s South Shore.

Fundy Shore and Annapolis Valley

Home to the highest tides in the world, Fundy Shore and Annapolis Valley are rife with attractions. A haven of whale watching, river rafting and rugged backcountry trails, avid adventurists will not be disappointed. Make your way over to the Cape Chignecto Provincial Park or delve between the Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Annapolis Valley area boasts a copious amount of farms and wineries, and there are many opportunities for visitors to experience their bounties. U-picks, farmers’ markets and stands, corn mazes, hayrides and wine tours attract many individuals, couples and families throughout the year to the locally run rural operations. Gastropubs and other high-calibre culinary establishments continue to pop up across the Annapolis Valley, making the region one of Nova Scotia’s top culinary destinations.

Cape Breton Island

One of the most scenic islands in the world, Cape Breton is characterized by highlands, lush valleys and undulating coastline. Drawing adventure enthusiasts from around the globe, a bundle of outdoor activities are offered here. Cruise the Cabot Trail's 300 km of coastal route for spectacular views, tee-off at the ocean-view golf course of Cabot Links, sample single malt whiskey at Glenora Inn & Distillery or visit historical attractions including the Miner’s Museum or Fortress of Louisbourg, North America's largest historical reconstruction.

World famous musicians like The Rankin Family, Ashley MacIsaac and Natalie MacMaster all hail from the Island and are ambassadors for its rich Celtic history. The Cabot Trail also runs through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, a paradise for avid hikers or leisurely walkers, campers, geocachers, fishers, and nature lovers!

Northumberland Shore

Populated by charismatic towns and scenic rural landscapes, Nova Scotia’s Northumberland Shore is home to sandy beaches fringed by the warmest salt waters north of the Carolinas. Uncover the rich Celtic heritage here at the annual Antigonish Highland Games, enjoy a tipple at Jost Vineyards - Canada’s longest operating winery - or simply explore the Interactive Museum of Industry.

In winter, ski at the Maritimes’ most varied series of downhill chutes at Ski Wentworth. Arisaig Provincial Park allows you to see remnants of the Earth from more than 400 million years ago. Arisaig was also the first site where Highland Scots settled in Antigonish County. In fact, the first Scottish immigrants to come to Nova Scotia arrived at the Northumberland Shore in 1773. You can visit a replica of the ship that carried them—the Ship Hector—in the town of Pictou.