Canada

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia, Canada
Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada
Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada
Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada

Why visit Nova Scotia

Surrounded almost entirely by the Atlantic, Nova Scotia is known for its rugged coastline and charming seaside towns. The province offers over 20 hiking trails and six beaches, perfect for exploring its natural beauty.

Nova Scotia’s heritage is shaped by centuries of Mi’kmaq, Acadian, Scottish and Loyalist influence, seen in its vibrant music, Gaelic and French traditions, historic towns and rich maritime culture.

One of the province’s highlights is Cape Breton Highlands National Park on Cape Breton Island. This natural paradise features cliffs, dense forests and dramatic Atlantic coastline, and forms part of the Cabot Trail, one of the world’s most celebrated drives.

The waters and shores of Nova Scotia are rich in wildlife, including whales, seals, puffins, dolphins and porpoises. On Sable Island, a remote sandbar southeast of Halifax, you can see the famous wild horses that roam freely in this protected habitat.

Humpback Whale, Bay of Fundi, Nova Scotia, Canada

Highlights of Nova Scotia

  • Halifax: The historic port city is great to explore with a private driver or academic guide, visiting the Citadel, museums and hidden local spots. Nearby Peggy’s Cove offers wave-washed granite and its iconic red-and-white lighthouse.

  • Lunenburg : This UNESCO-listed town is famous for its colourful wooden buildings and shipbuilding history. Go sailing in Lunenburg Bay, and navigate a vintage schooner.

  • Cabot Trail: The scenic drive around Cape Breton Island features rugged cliffs, panoramic lookouts and deep highland glens. Gaelic and Acadian culture remains strong along the route.

  • Bay of Fundy: Renowned for some of the world’s highest tides, the Bay of Fundy allows you to walk on the ocean floor at low tide and offers excellent whale-watching opportunities in summer and autumn.

  • Joggins Fossil Cliffs:  A UNESCO World Heritage site with an extraordinary record of Coal Age fossils. Fossil-hunting expeditions with a Heritage Interpreter bring the geology and local history to life.

  • Bras d’Or Lake: A vast inland sea on Cape Breton Island ideal for kayaking, sailing or quiet coastal walks, providing a calm contrast to the dramatic Atlantic coast.

  • Annapolis Valley: Rolling vineyards, orchards and paddy fields of wild blueberries create a scenic backdrop. Guests can enjoy Tidal Bay wine and private cooking experiences, including Acadian cuisine.

  • Mahone Bay & South Shore Villages: A string of picturesque fishing villages set along calm, tree-lined coves. Brightly painted homes and historic churches sit alongside rocky shorelines, while gently rolling hills and forested paths rise behind the settlements.

Tailor-Made Nova Scotian Itineraries

Below are suggestions for the kind of journey you could take to Nova Scotia. Your bespoke travel itinerary will be personalised to you, so it perfectly matches the kind of trip that you want to experience. 

Ideal Length: 10 days

Nova Scotia to Newfoundland

Shaped by salt air, close-knit communities and wide horizons, northeast Canada reveals itself slowly. This journey follows the Atlantic edge from Nova Scotia to remote Newfoundland, focusing on places where landscape and daily life are still closely linked.

From £11,400pp From $13,950pp

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The Highest Tides in the World

Every day, twice a day, 160 billion tonnes of seawater flow in and out of the bay of Fundy, and Burntcoat Head holds the record for the highest tide.

Whale Watching

Nova Scotia’s waters are home to a variety of whales, including humpback, minke, fin, pilot, and the rare North Atlantic right whale, making it a prime spot for whale-watching adventures.

Good to know

Getting to Nova Scotia

The main airport in Nova Scotia is Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ), with direct flights from London Heathrow taking around seven hours. Regular direct flights also operate from major U.S. hubs and Canadian cities.

When to go

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OUR FAVOURITE TIME TO VISIT

Nova Scotia offers a distinct experience in every season. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, migrating birds and mild temperatures perfect for hiking and exploring. Summer is warm and lively, ideal for whale-watching, beach visits and outdoor festivals. Autumn paints the forests and highlands in vibrant reds and golds, creating dramatic scenery along drives like the Cabot Trail. Winter can be cold and snowy, but offers peaceful coastal landscapes, cosy local cuisine and opportunities for winter sports in inland areas and Cape Breton Island.

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