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 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. Annapolis Valley
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By tshep42 - Halifax, Canada
This is a beautiful rural region of NS. Probably the most popular thing to do is the wineries. A number is great companies have wine tours. For us beer drinkers though, there’s some nice breweries to visit. This is the farming capital of NS and I recommend a visit during the apple blossom festival. It’s great doing a u-pick for apples as well. There is some excellent restaurants in Wolfville and Kentville, some small theatre companies, and world famous scallops in Digby. There’s great parks and hikes in, for example, Blomidon and Cape Split.
2. Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,717 reviews
Experience an exciting part of Canada's history by visiting this 19th-century fort with a sweeping view of downtown Halifax. Between May and October, the Citadel is brought to life by two historic regiments of the British Army - the pageantry of the 78th Highlanders and the precision of the Royal Artillery thrill visitors daily with live re-enactments. The skirl of the bagpipes mixes with the crack of a rifle and the assembly of recruits for the next foot drill. There's no shortage of authentic experiences to view and participate in! Kids will love the Xplorers Program - an activity book just for them. When the sun sets, it's time to experience the other side of the Citadel - join the Citadel Ghost Walk and experience the dark and errie lore from the early 1800's. Tours start mid-July and run every Friday and Saturday nights starting at 8:30pm until the end of October. Cash at the front gate.
Reviewed By SophiaIneson - Exeter, United Kingdom
I visited the Citadel as a solo traveller. I went on a free guided tour which was very informative and interesting, they have demonstrations throughout the day of shooting the rifles and the canon which goes off at noon. I would advise people to visit in the morning to make the most of it. They also have many exhibitions you can visit to warm up a bit of the weather is poor. The whole site is well maintained and all of the staff are in traditional costume which is really cool.
3. Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,164 reviews
Immerse yourself in the rich marine history depicted by this museum's vast collection from binnacles and buoys to anchors and armaments.
Reviewed By B1698RKmichaelh - Burke, United States
This museum has some of the most beautiful ship models, sailboats of unique designs from the Maritime region and artifacts of the wrecks so abundant on the shoreline of Nova Scotia. And to add to this is actual artifacts from the Titanic! Including an actual deck chair. Great displays and fund for the whole family
4. Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,880 reviews
The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is located in the national historic site at the Halifax seaport where nearly one million immigrants landed in Canada from 1928 to 1971. Today, as Canada’s sixth national museum, we share the ongoing story of immigration to Canada—past to present, and coast to coast. Our exhibits immerse visitors in the immigration experience and allow for a deeper understanding of how newcomers shape our country. Our staff and collections provide opportunities for visitors to discover the countless journeys to Canada and find their own family’s connection to the story. Countless Journeys. One Canada.
Reviewed By rayp775 - Ipswich, United Kingdom
Visited here on our first full day in Halifax and a short walk from our stay. Would certainly recommend the guided tour and our guide George, an immigrant who passed through Pier 21 added immensely to our enjoyment, being able to bring to life the process and hopes and fears of all those who journeyed to a new world. With many artefacts donated by families this offers a great insight into the development of both Halifax and wider Canada and its multi-cultural make-up today. Great visit.
5. Halifax Public Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,989 reviews
Welcome to Halifax’s greatest natural and national treasure and most visited site in Halifax, Nova Scotia– a timeless oasis in an ever changing world. A beautiful Victorian-inspired garden open to the public since 1867. 16 acres in the Victorian Gardenesque style; Scroll beds shaped in an E for the reigning monarch, Serpentine beds, raised carpet beds and a profusion of colour through the artistry of our Gardeners. The Victorian Gardens were all about symmetry and there is grand harmony throughout. The majestic trees, 240 varieties, nurture and shelter and many are original. The Victorians were all about education and introduced many new species to Nova Scotia. Check our What's Blooming on our website to discover the highlights of each month. Horticultural Hall, circa 1837, the original meeting place of the Nova Scotia Horticultural Society houses a coffee shop Due to COVID-19, events are limited, our Information Desk and daily tours are not operating. Please Social Distance.
Reviewed By thevellas2019
relaxing place to walk and or sit on a bench, quiet and beautiful, ponds and ducks galore with the flowers in full bloom, so pleasant and totally unexpected in the heart of the city, across from Lord Nelson hotel which made things very convenient for me, also only a 15 min walk to the harbour front,
6. Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 902 reviews
2020 Guided Tour Experience In order to keep our visitors and staff safe during the Covid-19 pandemic, we have adapted the museum experience we offer this season. We are offering a guided tour of the first floor. The small group sizes allow for easy physical distancing and the wearing of a non-medical face mask is strongly recommended while on site. This high value experience gives the opportunity to discover how our ocean connects to our maritime identity. Small groups sizes allow for the benefit of a 1 to 5 staff to visitor ratio, and our staff are wow makers! Our ocean is a pillar of Nova Scotia’s natural and cultural heritage. We identify with our ocean but what are we doing to protect it? This tour will touch on some ocean preservation initiatives plus more! To book your tour: Call 902-930- FISH (3474)
Reviewed By cliffl973
My wife and I visited in late September. We expected to breeze through in maybe half an hour. Actually spent a couple of hours, and it was educational and informative and very entertaining. They have the best collections of shipbuilding tools I've seen, and a wonderful old birchbark canoe—just two of the many highlights of our visit. And make sure to view the cod-cleaning video by Rosie Tanner (I bough a DVD copy at the well-stocked gift shop for a friend who fancies himself an expert fish cleaner). Lisa, the interpretive guide at the aquarium, was personable, enthusiastic, and a font of knowledge. My only suggestion for the acquarium might be that they provide a nook or crevice for the Wolf Fish to retire to when he's feeling shy. On our two-week driving tour of Western Nova Scotia, this was certainly one of the most enjoyable experiences.
7. Cabot Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,759 reviews
One of the most magnificent loop drives in North America treats visitors to the spectacular scenery of the Cape Breton Highlands.
Reviewed By Lets_Cruise_13 - Ottawa, Canada
On Tuesday August 20th, 2019, leaving Baddeck my wife and I drove the Cabot Trail which is a scenic highway completed in 1932 in northern Victoria County and Inverness County on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. The Cabot Trail is 298 km or 185 miles in length and completes a loop around the northern tip of the island, passing along and through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park (the Park). That morning, at the Park’s East Gate we stopped to purchase two $7.80 adult day passes to drive through the Park. At the booth, the Park employee provided us with information on what to look for and other fishing villages to visit. The western and eastern sections of the Park follow the rugged coastline, with views of the ocean. The southwestern section passes through the Margaree River valley before passing along Bras d'Or Lake. Driving the Trail, we stopped at the many lookout spots in and outside the Park, such as Lakies Head, Neil’s Harbour, Rusty Anchor Restaurant in Pleasant Bay, Chéticamp and in Inverness to take photos of mountainous plateau, ocean views and fishing villages during our scenic drive through stunning landscape. What a marvelous day it was for travelling! For nature lovers, hikers or just anyone wishing to visit Cape Breton Island and the surrounding areas, the Cabot Trail and the Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a must to see as it provides beautiful scenes. We would recommend it to family and friends.
8. Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,232 reviews
Reviewed By amydM1197HO - Halifax, Canada
Such a great way to just relax and go for a nice walk along the water, watch the ships and ferries, cruise ship watch over by pier 21 or wander to the maritime museum and learn about the titanic, and Theodore tugboat, listen to the water in the hammocks on the floating docks, head down further for cows ice cream and over to the casino
9. Bluenose II
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 440 reviews
Nova Scotia's Sailing Ambassador, Bluenose II, is an exact replica of Bluenose -- the famed schooner and undefeated champion in the International Fisherman's Races. Bluenose II is available for deck tours, and harbour sails twice daily when in port. Please check our schedule for more information .
Reviewed By MartyF_12 - Plymouth, United States
Bluenose II is a 1963-launched replica of the original 1921 Bluenose, a working fishing schooner that made history starting in October, 1921, by winning the International Fishermen's Race, an end-of-the-season race against other Canadian and American fishing vessels. In 17 years of racing, Bluenose was never defeated; she became the pride of Nova Scotia and is now represented on the back of the Canadian dime. "Bluenose" is a nickname for Nova Scotians. For much more detail about her history, go to the Bluenose II website. Bluenose II is a beautiful vessel, lovingly cared for by a dedicated crew. You can book a cruise on Bluenose II (from early June to the end of September) when she's in port in Lunenburg, or you might be lucky enough to see her at other ports around Nova Scotia or throughout the Great Lakes as she tours during the summer months. We were fortunate to be able to board Bluenose II in Kingsville, Ontario, in summer, 2019, when she visited that port as part of a group of five tall ships, and then saw her again in Lunenburg on October 2 as she was being readied for winter. Cruises in Lunenburg are at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., weather permitting, and last for two hours. Check the Bluenose II website for cruise prices. Just steps away form Bluenose II's mooring spot in Lunenburg is the Bluenose II store, where you can find all kinds of Bluenose II goodies. I love my new Bluenose II t-shirt, complete with an outline drawing of the ship on the back, puchased at $25 plus tax. Enjoy Bluenose II -- hope you can get on board for a cruise!
10. Sydney Downtown Development Association
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 113 reviews
Want to experience Sydney? Visit Downtown Sydney - a safe, clean, inviting, and walk-able district with a business-friendly area for residents and visitors to experience our unique and vibrant small town atmosphere. Home to a beautiful waterfront boardwalk linked to the world's largest fiddle, and minutes to our historic district, not to mention a wealth of unique retailers and hotels, with so much to experience Downtown Sydney is proud to be the core of the CBRM.
Reviewed By db1227 - Ottawa, Canada
There is an excellent boardwalk along the waterfront which is a must-do if you would like a nice leisurely stroll, or jog if you prefer. We were there when a cruise ship was in port and that was a nice visual. The big fiddle offers a worthwhile photo-op.
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