Top Things to do in Nova Scotia
Top Hotels in Nova Scotia
- 1. Maritime Inn Antigonish
- 2. Prince George Hotel
- 3. Comfort Hotel Bayer's Lake
- 4. The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites
- 5. Cambridge Suites - Halifax
- 6. The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax
- 7. Comfort Hotel Bayer's Lake
- 8. Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Halifax - Dartmouth
- 9. Chateau Bedford, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
- 10. Hampton Inn by Hilton Halifax Downtown
Countries
10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Nova Scotia That You Shouldn't Miss
From Yarmouth to Sydney, Nova Scotia is full of scenic landscapes, rich history, and interesting local culture. Sights and fun experiences abound in Nova Scotia, and there is a little bit of something for everyone. Soak up the beauty and serenity to be found in the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens, or head to Cape Breton Highlands National Park for the stunning landscape and wildlife. Explore the history of the area at Louisbourg's Fortress Louisbourg, or hike the Skyline Trail in Ingonish.
Restaurants in Nova Scotia
1. White Point Hiking Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By JFLeB325 - Moncton, Canada
We came here today for a quick walk. What a great place for a hike. There are no signs here. Park at the wharf and follow the rocky road. You will not regret it.
2. Gaff Point Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By Justtravelling4 - Halifax, Canada
We thoroughly enjoyed hiking this trail, it really had a little bit of everything. A beautiful beach, stunning water views, and stunning treks through wooded areas. The walk through the fir trees was one of my favourite portions of the trail, the smell was amazing. There are some exposed roots in places and the walk across the beach rocks is a little challenging on the ankles, but overall a pretty easy to moderate trail. I recommend walking the farm land area over the hill instead of the entire beach as it gives you a break from the sea rocks. The owners have it marked and don’t mind as long as the horses are not in the field. Once you get to the loop we went to the right first. It means you finish on the water view side of the trail. The trail in total including walking Hirtle Beach is about 6.6 km. We finished the entire trail in about 90 mins, this included stopping for pics etc. I highly recommend for anyone of any age, definitely a trail I’d return to.
3. Old Burying Ground
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 289 reviews
Established in 1749, this is Halifax's first cemetery.
Reviewed By cheryljenn - Red Deer, Canada
I remembered going to this graveyard when I was a kid doing a school field trip and on this visit to Halifax we visited it again. This will be on our “must do” while in Halifax list for years to come. We visited on a mild December day and spent a good 40 minutes just walking around looking at all the headstones. You could definitely spend more or less time here depending on how interested you are/how much time you have to spend. It is free entry but you may have to pay for street parking pending when you visit. There are a lot of very very old graves and they are interesting to check out. Some of them are so old you can’t even read what they say anymore. This would be a great outing for any age as long as you have good mobility. If you are in a wheelchair or have a stroller you will most likely have to stay on the gravel paths. Can not wait to visit again.
4. McNabs Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
McNabs Island is the largest island at the entrance of Halifax Harbour in Nova Scotia. Part of the McNabs and Lawlor Islands Provincial Park, McNabs Island is only a short boat ride from Halifax or Eastern Passage, but feels like a world away with its coluorful past and unspoiled natural beauty. The Friends of McNabs Island Society is a volunteer-driven registered charity that organizes island events, tours, and works to preserve and protect this spectacular island park for visitors to enjoy.
Reviewed By ueberflieger
So there I am in Halifax, not a single rental car available. But I wanted to get out of the city. Found the departure point for the watertaxi next to the wave and for 20$ return they will get you there. A nice short scenic ride brings you to Garrison Pier. The Friends of McNabs have a very nice detailed map and are doing a great job to preserve the island. I hiked down towards the Maugers Beach Lighthouse, the access being a bit tricky because of the tides. Walked by Hangman’s Beach over to Fort McNab. Some of the secondary trails are a challenge, don’t expect a nicely groomed trail. Walked up to the Searchlights and then down to the beach at Wreck Cove. Lots of boats there, can be very busy and annoying. Then I went over to the northern part by the camp site and the former Tea House to Ives Cove and Fort Ives. All in all a good 20 kilometres, make sure to have bug spray, solid shoes and long pants, sometimes it’s like bushwalking and the Moskitos are just waiting there for you.
5. Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 733 reviews
ESCAPE from the hectic pace of everyday life with a visit to Annapolis Royal’s beautiful Historic Gardens!In a beautiful setting overlooking a tidal river valley, the 17 acre Historic Gardens is a premiere Nova Scotia attraction showcasing gardening methods, designs and materials representing more than four hundred years of local history. Highlights include a Rose collection of more than 270 cultivars, an Acadian House representing pre-deportation 1671 time period, and much more…
Reviewed By BenLar137 - Calgary, Canada
We visited early October, and so, while there were flowers, the blossoms were not at their peak. Also, it was a little early in the autumn colour season, and so the leaves had just started turning. BUT, we had a fantastic visit nonetheless! The Acadian cottage is quite charming, the main garden spaces were still green and meticulously maintained, with a few blossoms still popping. For us, we were most impressed by their garden innovation section, where we learned about several techniques that we could use in our own garden. Their statue collection in the garden was also amazing. Staff were pleasant and helpful, and we would say this is a must-see, extremely highly recommended attraction for this fabulous part of Nova Scotia.
6. Hall's Harbour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
Reviewed By PaulH4266
It is always nice to be by the water and to comb the beach. The highest tides in the world. Beautiful sunsets. Gift shops and fine seafood. Watch fishing boats come in to dock , or go on their way out to make their living.
7. Cape Forchu Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 508 reviews
Welcome to Cape Forchu, a Light Like No Other. This spectacular and unique "apple core" lighthouse is the second most photographed lighthouse in Nova Scotia and located just 10 minutes outside the Town of Yarmouth. The Cape has been welcoming visitors since 1604, when Samuel de Champlain landed and named the area "Cap Forchu," meaning "Forked tongue of land."
Reviewed By PitaLemon - Melbourne, United States
It's not just a lighthouse to take photos. It is a beautiful location to hike and enjoy the cool breezes on a hot summer day. Nice people working in the gift shop, too.
8. Arisaig Provincial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Located west of Antigonish, this park was created to protect the many fossil beds located in the cliffs overlooking its beach.
Reviewed By Joby_lake - Ottery St. Mary, United Kingdom
Our one full day in the area found us exploring the Antigonish area, especially Arisaig Provincial Park and Cape George. The weather was reasonably warm with some clouds around and gave us good visibility for the views. The drive to the park was an easy one and the parking even easier as there was very few people around. Mid September appears to be quite a quiet time to go. There is a small circular walk with gentle inclines which is a good way to get out and stretch the legs if, like us, you have spent the previous week touring and sitting down a lot in a car. The autumnal air made for a pleasant walk. We didn’t see any animals, only heard the odd bird. There were plenty of colourful mushrooms appearing on the damp floor. If you are in the area and the weather is good, do go and visit. If you are lucky you may find a fossil or two, or sea glass, or maybe even a mineral or two on the beach.
9. Gaspereau Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
Wine Boutique offering tastings, retail, & tours May-December, seven days a week with seasonal food service under our Vine-Side patio canopy, nestled against 35 acres of vines. Known for exceptional aromatic whites and food friendly, approachable reds.
Reviewed By why68 - Halifax, Canada
Visited this beautiful spot last weekend. The food and the red wine,Lucie Kuhlmann Barrel Select was amazing. It was all so great we returned again this weekend for another visit
10. Cape Split Hiking Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 245 reviews
Reviewed By 2015eastcoasters - Nova Scotia, Canada
A long hike along a trail to a beautiful view. Wear comfortable footwear because its a long walk but worth the time.
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