North America
Nova Scotia
Just six hours from the UK lies the gateway to Atlantic Canada, a place bursting with stunning natural beauty, diverse cultures, rich heritage, and warm, friendly people. Upon landing in Halifax, Nova Scotia’s capital city; visitors can pick up a rental car at the international airport and hit the road.
Average Temperature (°C)
Summer
17.7
Autumn
10.8
Winter
-1.8
Interesting Fact:
Nova Scotia is the first destination in North America to receive a Starlight certification by the Starlight Foundation, an organization supported by UNESCO.
Nova Scotia is the perfect destination for a road trip adventure with the Cabot Trail, one of the world’s top scenic drives, serving up 185 miles of spectacular highland and coastal views. Home to just under a million people and about the size of Scotland, this province is easy to navigate and the journey is very much part of the holiday experience. You may only travel a short distance before you notice the landscape and culture dramatically changing, with neighbouring towns feeling like different countries.
To experience the magic of the turning leaves immerse yourself in the Highlands of Cape Breton and fall in love with the autumn colours from early to mid-October. Don’t miss a visit from our majestic whales who love to play in the summer sunshine especially around the Bay of Fundy – August is the best month for whale watching! Snap a pic to remember at Peggy’s Cove, the lighthouse is perched on a bed of granite rocks and is glorious at sunrise or sunset – get there early to enjoy a sunrise and avoid the crowds. Take in the vast beauty of Nova Scotia’s starlit skies in Yarmouth and the Arcadian shores.
Try a Taste
Lobster
Fresh lobster is plucked straight from the Atlantic Sea across Nova Scotia and comes served in many forms including lobster rolls, bisque and tacos.
Blueberry Grunt
Nova Scotia has over 40,000 acres of wild blueberries and for the locals, Blueberry Grunt is their favourite Blueberry recipe. The juicy pie is often served with ice or whipped cream.
Scottish Oatcake
Nova Scotia is home to four founding cultures giving the destination a rich and varied menu for visitors to choose from. Scottish oatcakes were brought over by Celtic settlers and are now served up as a sweet baked treat.
Interesting Fact:
Fortress of Louisbourg is the largest reconstructed 18th-century French fortified town in North America, located on the southeast edge of Louisbourg Harbour , Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
Best time to visit Nova Scotia
Between June and October. Nova Scotia is a perfect summer destination with the summer months getting up to 28-30 degrees. Its winters are cold and therefore a lot of seasonal tourist attractions close, but then the winter wonderland activities kick into high gear. Autumn runs from mid-September to October, when the water is at its warmest, the trees are filled with an array of beautiful colours and the Celtic festival means there is plenty of fantastic live music.
Where to visit in Nova Scotia:
Lunenburg
One of only two urban communities in North America to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, Lunenburg’s vibrantly coloured architecture dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The town has a proud seafaring heritage, being the home port to Bluenose II, Nova Scotia's sailing ambassador.
Kejimkujik National Park and Natural Historic site
Escape the hustle and bustle of the world and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Nova Scotia. With its meandering rivers, sparkling lakes and rare wildlife, the park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. During your visit, explore the waterways by canoe, following the routes taken by the province's indigenous community known as the Mi'kmaq. Hike amongst the ancient trees and pitch camp beneath the stars, or take part in a traditional smudging ceremony.
Bay of Fundy
This rugged stretch of coastline experiences the highest tides in the world and is often frequented by Humpback, Minke and Finback Whales. Activities around the bay include tidal bore rafting or mud sliding. When the tide is out, take a guided tour of the dramatic coastal cliffs & coal faces embedded with fossilised trees and marine life at Joggins fossil cliffs.
Northumberland Shore
Known for its bountiful harvest of delicious lobsters, Northumberland Shore has an abundant history and Gaelic culture which is showcased every July at the Highland Games. It’s also a great place for beach hopping, thanks to being the home of the most warm-water ocean beaches in Atlantic Canada, where the water can reach up to 22 degrees.
Cape Breton
There’s amazing wildlife spotting to be had in Cape Breton. From moose and bald eagles to breaching whales, the rich wildlife spans both land and sea and can be well examined during a rural hike or on a pitstop along your road trip down Cabot Trail – one of the most picturesque drives in the world.
