“Did you know that the flight time from London to Halifax, capital of Nova Scotia, is only 6-hours?”

Denise Hunn

Nova Scotia is stunning in its diversity and offers maritime history, amazing coastal scenery, incredible seafood, charming lighthouses, UNESCO Sites, world class hotels and restaurants, award-winning wineries, and so much more.

Some highlights include...

Halifax - Nova Scotia’s capital was founded in 1749 as a British garrison town and its social and military history can be explored with a visit to the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, a star-shaped fortress, atop Citadel Hill to defend the harbour, which is one of the world’s largest natural harbours. At the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 step into the past to experience what it was like for nearly one million immigrants who arrived at Halifax between 1928 and 1971. Explore the 4km boardwalk which spans the waterfront, and discover the city’s seafaring history through exhibits at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic which include displays on the city’s link to the Titanic disaster. Refuel on one of the stunning waterfront patios where you can get a taste for the regions fresh seafood, relax with a walk through the Public Gardens or enjoy a beer at the 200-year-old Alexander Keith’s brewery. For great views and photographs of Halifax’s waterfront hop abord North America’s longest running saltwater ferry and cross the harbour to the Dartmouth side.

Nova Scotia: Seafood, Scenery and Seaside Charm

South Shore – Old Town Lunenburg, is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and with its narrow streets, colourful waterfront, home of Bluenose II, historic warehouses, and Captain’s houses, many of which are now B&B’s, is a ‘must-visit’. The much-photographed Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse and surrounding fishing village and picturesque Mahone Bay are just some highlights of the South Shore area.

Bay of Fundy & Annapolis Valley – in the Bay of Fundy, with the world’s highest tides, 12 species of whales call the bay home during the summer months and, from Digby, drive along Digby Neck to Brier Island, via a short ferry ride, to enjoy a whale watching boat tour to view these gentle giants. Digby is home to the world’s largest scallop fishing fleet, and these famous shellfish can be sampled, along with lobster, at one of the many restaurants in town. Annapolis Royal, home to one of the first European Settlement in North America, and Canada’s oldest National Historic Site, Fort Anne. With its 135 registered heritage properties and a charming streetscape that has been designated a National Historic District, Annapolis Royal is a picturesque waterfront town combining history with vibrant galleries, modern cafés and artisan shops. The Wolfville area is at the epicentre of Nova Scotia’s burgeoning wine scene, and the nearby Grand-Pré National Historic Site is historically significant in marking the Deportation of Acadians from Nova Scotia.

Northumberland Shore – has more warm-water ocean beaches than anywhere else in Atlantic Canada and the warmest waters north of the Carolina’s. Explore the town of Pictou, known as the ‘Birthplace of New Scotland’ and step aboard the legendary Ship Hector replica to imagine what it was like for the many Scottish immigrants who voyaged across the Atlantic Ocean. Fresh lobster is a favourite food here and experience Fox Harb’r Resort a 5*, 4-diamond resort which has an amazing golf course. At Antigonish enjoy the beach, visit Cape George Point Lighthouse, relax at a charming B&B and dine on a menu filled with local fare from the area’s rich fishing and farming community.

Cape Breton Island – drive the world-famous Cabot Trail and visit Baddeck, nestled along the shore of the Bras d’Or Lake in Cape Breton. Here, the genius work of Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone, is commemorated at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site. Surrounded by Cape Breton’s rocky shoreline is the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site that re-creates French colonial life between 1813 and 1758, with its looming fortifications, elegant houses of the reconstruction, costumed animators and breathtaking scenery it’s a great visit while on Cape Breton. Between late May to October, enjoy a whale watching excursion from Chéticamp, Pleasant Bay or Ingonish, where the area’s deep waters and rich marine life make it a prime location for minke and pilot whales, with humpbacks also being seen during the summer months.

Nova Scotia offers diversity in all aspects, from formal dining to a lobster roll in a café; from a world-class city hotel to a restored lighthouse; whale watching or a hike around the Skyline Trail, a reconstructed fortress or original Citadel – explore and enjoy all that Nova Scotia has to offer – there’s lots to see and do!