Nova Scotia consists of the Nova Scotia Peninsula, Cape Breton Island and hundreds of uninhabited offshore islands. Capital city Halifax was once the gateway to Canada and a new life for millions of Europeans heading for the New World. You can discover this port city’s rich maritime and naval history at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, the Citadel Hill National Historic Site, Fisherman’s Cove and Fairview Cemetery – the final resting place of over 100 passengers of the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Historic Halifax meets the 21st Century at its characterful waterfront, a regenerated port that’s home to a selection of restaurants, bars and shops.
From Halifax, visitors usually head one of two ways – northeast to Cape Breton Island or southwest along the South Shore. The latter is the site of Nova Scotia’s most iconic landmark, Peggy’s Point Lighthouse, which overlooks beautiful Peggy’s Cove. Continue along the coast-hugging Lighthouse Route, passing through oceanside communities like Mahone Bay and Chester. Stop in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lunenburg, admiring the original 18th- and 19th-cntury colonial buildings, and see the Bluenose II, a replica of the schooner that’s celebrated on the ‘tails’ side of the Canadian dime. Further along in Liverpool, learn about the region’s privateering (legal pirating) history, see the oldest theatre in the province and discover Mi’kmaq culture at the Rossignol Cultural Centre.
Cape Breton Island, which sits off the peninsula’s northeastern coast, is the jewel in the province’s crown. Most people head here to drive or cycle one of the world’s most spectacular drives, the Cabot Trail. Winding for 185 miles around the coastal hills of the island’s northern tip, clinging to the sides of the Cape Breton Highlands and dipping down into coastal communities, the trail is an absolute must-do during a stay in Nova Scotia – especially in autumn, when the leaves of the old-growth forest turn vivid shades of yellow, orange and red. Hikers are well catered for in the national park, with 26 miles of trails including the Skyline Sunset Hike.
As well as driving and hiking, Cape Breton is one of the best places to soak up the area’s distinctly Celtic culture. The island’s Cèilidh Trail takes you through the towns of Mabou, which is known for music venues including the Red Shoe Pub and Strathspey Place; and Judique, home to the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre. Head to the fishing village of Chèticamp, where the vibe is more Gaelic than Celtic, for an Acadian experience. History buffs will find some fascinating attractions in the region, such as the Alexander Graham Bell, Fortress of Louisbourg and Marconi National Historic Sites.
Travelling west back to the mainland, you’ll reach the unique Bay of Fundy, the site of the world’s highest tides. Every day, 160 billion tonnes of seawater flow in and out of the bay between the Nova Scotia Peninsula and the south coast of the Province of New Brunswick. At Burntcoat Head Park, you can walk on ocean floor that was under 17 metres of water just a few hours earlier; while on the Shubenacadie River you can go tidal bore surfing on a Zodiac boat. If you’d rather just enjoy an elevated view of the tides, head to the high sea cliffs of Five Islands Provincial Park, which overlooks the bay’s Minas Basin inlet.
To experience more of the Acadian culture you sampled on Cape Breton Island, visit the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores region at the very western tip of the province. The inhabitants of the area’s towns and tiny villages hold strong to their roots, heritage and folk-laws, which you can learn more about at Le Village Historique de la Nouvelle-Ecosse. Hear the unique sounds of Acadian music during the Musique de la Baie festival (July and mid-September) or visit one of the many excellent restaurants to enjoy a traditional lobster supper or a Rappie pie.
Nova Scotia is served by a number of airports, including Halifax Stanfield International Airport and the smaller airports in Sydney on Cape Breton Island and Digby on the peninsula’s northwest coast. Simply contact our team and we’ll arrange everything you need to charter a private jet to Nova Scotia.
