I am going to share with you some things that you can do in Nova Scotia, Canada. Located on the east coast, Nova Scotia is the second-smalle...
I am going to share with you some things that you can do in Nova Scotia, Canada. Located on the east coast, Nova Scotia is the second-smallest province in Canada.
Even though it is small in comparison with other provinces, there are tons of entertaining activities for travellers to enjoy. The best way to get around the province is to have your own car. Either rent a car or a recreational vehicle- RV when you arrive.
If you live in Canada, bring your own car. Nova Scotia is a place that can be visited year-round, but for the majority of the activities on this list, you want to visit during the warmer spring and summer months.
Let’s get started with the things to do in Nova Scotia
Tidal Bore Rafting
Two times a day, the tides in the Bay of Fundy rise and fall between 4 and a half metres and 16 metres. When this massive influx of water meets the Shubenacadie River the two collide to create rapids waves and a whole lot of swirls.
Not bragging, this is the only place in the world that you can do this thing, but it's not all about the crazy adventure on the river. You also enjoy a quiet boat ride before the tide comes in w spotting bald eagles high in the trees and after a few rounds of flying over the rapids. You can release your inner child and do some mud sliding on the banks of the river.
There are numerous companies to choose from, but we recommend Tidal Bore Rafting Resort in Urbania. They have been doing this from 1985 to date. Tidal Bore Rafting is so much fun must surely be on your bucket list of fun things to do in Nova Scotia.
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Tidal Bore Rafting[/caption]Go hiking
Two national parks are situated in Nova Scotia, Cape Breton Highlands National Park and Kejimkujik National Park. There are numerous provincial and historic parks. Some of the best places to go on a hike are in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park area.
This place is home to 26 hiking trails. Most popular there is the Skyline Trail. But if you prefer to hike by yourself then this route isn't for you. At least in the summer months, it is quite busy at the skyline. The trail is popular for good reason at the end of the loop you are rewarded with views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and many people actually find moves on this trail as well.
Another place you can hike is Middle Head, which is a shorter trail. It is a peninsula hike that takes about two hours. It is a nice enjoyable loop and make sure you watch out for whales and seabirds as well.
Kejimkujik National Park is another great hiking spot in Nova Scotia.
There are 15 regular hiking trails and two backcountry roots here as well, try the 5 kilometres hemlock-hardwood track which passes by 300-year-old hemlock trees. There are so many other trails spread across the length and breadth of beautiful Nova Scotia. The Celtic Shores Coastal Trail in Cape Breton Island is a really good one is also great for cycling
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Hiker[/caption]Go and watch some whales
There are fantastic whale watching opportunities in the Bay of Fundy, just outside of Digby on the Digby's neck and also off of Cape Breton Island. The whales begin arriving in early spring and stay until fall, but typically the humpback whales don't show up until mid-June.
Both whale watching spots in Nova Scotia -the Bay of Fundy and Cape Breton Island offer the chance to see humpback, fin and minke whales. The Bay of Fundy has a crop of Northern Right Whales that come to be sighted on such adventures, while Cape Breton has the largest of them all, the Blue Whale as well as Pilot Whales. There is something magical about seeing wildlife in its natural habitat and Nova Scotia is a great place to do just that.
Getting on the boat and seeing the whales is one of the best things to do in Nova Scotia.
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Whale Watching[/caption]Kayaking
Since Nova Scotia is almost bordered around by water and is home to numerous coves, bays and islands. Kayaking is one of the top things to do in Nova Scotia. There are lots of areas you can go paddling, but Blue Rocks is highly recommended. This is a thriving community found just outside of Lunenburg.
The best way to see the natural beauty of the area is to help in a kayak. With pleasant paddling a kayak through narrow passageways and alongside rock islands, all while enjoying the calm water.
During your trip, you will probably see seals and numerous seabirds as well. Even though the Atlantic Ocean can be really rough and wild, the rock islands here protect kayakers and you'll enjoy a common faith experience.
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Kayaking[/caption]Visit Vineyards
If you are into wine, you’ll definitely want to check out the wineries here in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia has some vineyards worth visiting and unique grape varieties worth sampling, especially if you like white and sparkling wines.
Nova Scotia is known for its Tidal Bay wine, which is the first wine appellation given in the province because Nova Scotia is known for its seafood's ties with the ocean and the cool weather, the winemakers wanted to create a wine that reflects that something cool and crisp.
The Annapolis Valley is known for being wine country and with stunning views of the Bay of Fundy and 11 wineries to visit, this is the place you want to spend some time.
We recommend Benjamin Bridge and Luckett vineyards. If you are into wine, you surely don’t have to miss these vineyards.
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Vineyard[/caption]Camping
It comes out as no surprise that camping made it on to the things to do in Nova Scotia. With natural beauty and a very long coastline, early summer and fall are the best times to go camping. Pitch a tent in one of the many campsites or if you're pulling a trailer or driving Recreational Vehicle RV there are lots of spots you can stop and have adequate amenities.
Cape Breton Island has numerous campsites available around Inverness, and many more. Plus, there are many other camping opportunities around like Thomas Raddall Provincial Park, Murphy's Camping, etc.
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Visitors camp together[/caption]Fishing
Fishing is one of the fun things to do in Nova Scotia. Whether you're into fly fishing or deep-sea fishing you'll find it here, just outside of Inverness and Cape Breton Island is Margaree falls, this is a top spot for fly fishing. 40-pound salmon run the Margaree River here. You can get a fishing license for around $65 and head out to the river there. There are lots of cottages that you can stay in right along the Margaree River or you can stay outside near the town of Inverness.
If deep-sea fishing is more of your thing, head out into the Atlantic on the Northumberland shore and you find bluefin tuna or head to the town of Eastern Passage for mackerel.
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Man fishes on a river[/caption]Head on a road journey
Driving around in the province is an activity in itself, the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island is one of the most scenic routes in North America. Stop up along the way for a hike, a chilli dip in the ocean and of course at one of the many viewpoints along the way.
Another great drive takes you out of Halifax and West, passing the numerous peninsulas and coves, stopping at Polly's Cove, Mahone Bay, Peggy's Cove and Chester before arriving in Lunenburg.
The western part of Nova Scotia is home to hospitable communities like the Town of Yarmouth. Explore the area here, including Cape Fortune and make your way to the Digby Peninsula to eat all the fresh scallops. No matter where your road trip takes you, you will find beautiful scenery here in Nova Scotia.
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Cape Breton - Nova Scotia[/caption]Go to a festival
Whether you're into music, food, or sports. There will be a fun festival that interests you here in Nova Scotia while you will definitely find events happening year-round, the vast majority happen during the summer months when the weather is a little warm and you can relish the outdoor locations.
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Scarecrow Festival Mahone Bay Nova Scotia[/caption]Domestic TD Halifax Jazz Festival, World Nova Scotia International Tattoo, Pride Parade, Lobster Crawl Festival, Wild Blueberry Festival and many more. There is a festival for everyone here in the province.
Follow any of the three popular trails
There are three trails here to follow, the chowder trail, the lobster trail and the good cheer trail.
One of the fun things to do in that you can’t see anywhere else is to follow one of the foods and drink trails around the province. Basically, pick up a passport either online or from one of the participating vendors. Once you visit one of the stops you get a stamp on your passport and once you have three stamps you can enter to win prizes.
Enjoy Seafood
Nova Scotia is home to some of the best kinds of seafood that you have ever tried. Eating freshly cut shellfish is one of the things to do here that you don't want to miss. Each part of the province has a different lobster season, but you can find lobster practically any time of the year.
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Seafoods[/caption]There is really a lot to see and do for every type of traveller. The things to do in Nova Scotia are uncountable, to say the least.
