Our guide to Nova Scotia

Beautiful Nova Scotia in Canada is a place shaped by the sea in every sense. From its breath taking scenery & incredible fresh seafood to its charming coastal communities & thriving cities, it has to be experienced to be believed. 

With direct flights from the UK taking less than 7 hours, it is almost the same distance from London as it is from Vancouver. From the Arcadian Shores to Cape Breton Island, there are plenty of reasons to add this gorgeous province to your bucket list. 

Halifax

Halifax, Nova Scotia's welcoming capital city, founded in 1749 is brimming with history. It is home to historic government buildings, a wide array of galleries, museums, theatres as well as amazing dining options. 

Take a Halifax tour to see the 18th & 19th century architecture, the massive star shaped Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada or the bustling harbour. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is a great place to learn more about the seafaring history. For a fascinating insight into the experience of immigrants from 1928 to 1971, a visit to the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is a must. 

Shop at the oldest farmers' market in North America where you can also find local artisans & music. Along the waterfront, you'll find great restaurants often with live music particularly if you visit when a festival is on. 

South Shore

On the South Shore, you'll discover authentic fishing villages, white sandy beaches, island studded bays & famous lighthouses. At Peggy's Cove, the waves crash upon the rugged granite rocks under the most famous lighthouse in Nova Scotia. 

Mahone Bay is known for his 3 photogenic churches & Lunenburg, a charming UNESCO World Heritage Site is a wonderful place to wander the well maintained historic streets & the atmospheric waterfront. 

Yarmouth & Acadian Shores

The south western-most tip of Nova Scotia is renowned for its Acadian past, with colourful fishing villages, towering churches & the spectacular Cape Forchu lighthouse. Yarmouth (about 3 hrs from Halifax) is the hub of this region. 
Just south, you can visit the oldest courthouse in Canada & to the north, tiny villages are overshadowed by lofty churches. An example is St Mary's Church, the oldest wooden church in Norther America.

The Acadian Shores have a history dating back over 400 years including French-speaking villages like Pubnico which make up the oldest Acadian settlement in the province.

• Explore the rich history & genealogy at Le Village Historique Acadien & Le Musee Acadian et Les Archives.
• For culture & music, the oldest Acadian festival in the world, Festival Acadien de Clare takes place in Jul & Aug.

Place an enquiry to begin your adventure to Nova Scotia. 

Northumberland Shores

The warm, sparkling blue waters & sandy beaches of the Northumberland Strait make this region truly special. When you add in gently rolling farmland, colourful shops, unique festivals & delicious food, it makes for a wonderful holiday destination. 

Enjoy local fare such as lobster, maple syrup and blueberries (probably not all together!). A lobster supper is a great way to end the day. Stop at Jost Vineyards in Malagash for a vineyard tour where you can sample the wines or go for a swim at Melmerby Beach. 

Cape Breton Island

Cape Breton Island is known for its dramatic beauty & Scottish heritage. It's a great place for spectacular coastal hiking, world class golf courses & glorious autumn foliage. If whisky is your tipple of choice, a visit to the Glenora Distillery, Canada's only single malt whisky distillery is a must.

• Drive the Cabot Trail to explore the rocky splendour of Cape Breton's northern shore, considered one of the most scenic drives in the world. 
• Spot whales off the coastline or eagles soaring overhead.
• Visit in October for the annual Celtic Colours International Festival for Scottish dance & music but Cape Breton style.

Eastern Shore

This region's rugged coastline is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. The seaside parks offer excellent picnic spots & amazing hiking trails at some of the province's finest sandy beaches. The pounding waves at Lawrencetown Beach entices surfers & windsurfers & the lakes & rivers attract those looking to fish. 

• Step back in time at Sherbooke Village to the 1860's lumbering & ship building community
• Visit the museums at Goldboro & Goldenville where (as their names suggest) the history of gold mining in Nova Scotia is brought to life.