Nova Scotia is also famous for its fresh seafood. Lobster, scallops, and oysters are on the menu in many restaurants. The “Lobster Trail” and the “Good Cheer Trail” guide gourmets through the region’s best restaurants and wineries.

Nova Scotia Round Trip – Route & Duration

We spent a week in Nova Scotia exploring the western part of the region. From Halifax, we went to Peggy’s Cove, via Lunenburg, to Shelburne, Yarmouth, and Digby, before returning to Halifax after a week. We had just under 1,000 km on our odometer at the end.

Our Nova Scotia route ledmostly along the coast; we deliberately skipped the interior on this trip, because 7 days go by quicker than you’d like. The weather at the end of June was unfortunately very mixed: 3 days of sun, 3 days of rain and 1 day something in between.

• 1 night at Halifax Airport
• 1 night at Halifax Downtown
• 1 night at Lunenburg
• 1 night at White Beach
• 1 night at Mavillette
• 1 night at Digby
• 1 night at Wolfsville

By loading the map you accept Google’s privacy policy.
Learn more

Load map

Always unblock Google Maps

16 great highlights of our round trip

The focus of our trip was activities on, in and on the water. The province boasts that no place is more than 60 km from the sea. And if you always drive along the coast, the water is practically always in view.

During our tour, we visited amazing places, tried out adventurous activities, and explored beautiful landscapes. We’ll tell you all the sights, highlights, and excursion destinations in Nova Scotia in the following section.

1. The capital, Halifax

The capital, Halifax, is a great starting point for exploring Nova Scotia. We spent our first day here and were impressed from the start. Halifax is an urban, vibrant, and colorful city with many restaurants, cafés, shops, museums, galleries, and historic buildings.

For an initial overview, we recommend the Harbour Hoppers Tour*. A hybrid of a road vehicle and a boat lets you explore the city and learn many interesting facts. Also visit the Pier 21 Museum* and learn all about the history of immigration to Canada. We also found the exhibition about the Titanic at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic very interesting.

If you like street art, then you should take a long walk through Halifax. There are some incredibly cool murals to discover. You can find a really cool map with all the spots here: Downtown Halifax. For strolling and browsing, we recommend Barrington Street, Argyle Street, and Lower Water Street.

A special highlight in Halifax is the very well-developed waterfront. This lively promenade boasts restaurants, shops, historic buildings, and plenty of great seating areas right on the water. A detour to the historic Citadel should not be missed, as should a stroll through the Halifax Public Gardens.

Our food tips for Halifax:

• Weird Harbour Café (super Flat White)
• Sketti & Ball (pasta and meatball creations)
• Harvest Clean Eats (healthy dishes)
• Dilly Dally Coffee Cafe (great breakfast)
• Coffeeology Espresso (delicious coffee)
• The Bicycle Thief (Italian dishes right on the harbor)
• Cabin Coffee (good for a midday snack)
• The Board Room Game Cafe (board games & cafe in one)

Powered by GetYourGuide

2. Fishing Village of Peggy’s Cove

An absolute highlight in Nova Scotia is the quaint and charming fishing village of Peggy’s Cove, which is located about 43 kilometers southwest of Halifax on the Chebucto Peninsula and has just 30 inhabitants. The village is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and is surrounded by rocky granite cliffs and coves.

The origins of Peggy’s Cove date back to 1811, when the first European settlers, mainly German immigrants, settled in the region. The village was founded as a fishing community, and fishing still plays an important role in the lives of its residents today.

The top highlight is the Peggy’s Cove lighthouse, officially known as Peggy’s Point Lighthouse. It is one of Canada’s most recognizable landmarks and the most photographed lighthouse in the world. It was built in 1915 and stands on a large granite boulder right on the coast.

Peggy’s Cove has a vibrant arts scene with several galleries and craft shops exhibiting and selling work by local artists. Stop by the Neil Depew Gallery or Hags on the Hill. You’ll also find a tourist information office and public restrooms at the large free parking lot.

Food tips for Peggy’s Cove:

• Tom’s Lobster Shack
• Sou’Wester Restaurant
• Bubba Magoos & Bistro

3. Charming Mahone Bay

From Peggy’s Cove, our route continued to Mahone Bay, a small coastal town about an hour from Halifax. The town is located on a sheltered bay surrounded by numerous small islands. The three historic churches, picturesquely situated along the coast, are striking and definitely worth a photo.

Mahone Bay is super charming and invites you to stroll. Along the main street, you’ll find numerous great, colorful wooden houses, some accommodations, shops, restaurants, and museums. The sheltered bay and the surrounding islands also offer ideal conditions for sailing, kayaking, and other water sports.

Our food tips for Mahone Bay:

• The Barn Coffee & Social House
• MaCone Bay Ice Cream

4. Lunenburg – Oldest German Settlement

A special highlight in Nova Scotia is the small harbor town of Lunenburg, which is Canada’s oldest German settlement. Numerous colorful wooden houses and old captain’s villas await you here, lined up closely together in the old town. The town center has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.

In addition to several galleries and craft shops, you will also find restaurants, cafés, and smaller stores in the old town where you can pick up a maritime souvenir or two. Also worth seeing are the Lunenburg Academy from 1895 and the St. John’s Anglican Churchwith neo-Gothic architecture.

Lunenburg is known for its fishing and shipbuilding tradition. The famous sailing ship “Bluenose II”, which is also depicted on the Canadian 10-cent coin, is moored in the harbor. This ship offers harbor tours in the summer and is a symbol of Lunenburg’s maritime history.

The harbor is also home to the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, which offers a fascinating exhibition on the region’s maritime history. Here you can visit historic ships, learn more about the fishing industry, and gain insights into the lives of the fishermen.

Our food tips for Lunenburg:

• The South Shore Fish Shack (fish & chips)
• Sweet Treasures Confectionery (ice cream)
• No 9 Coffee Bar (good espresso)
• The Barn Lunenburg (good coffee)

5. Ferry from Lunenburg to LaHave

Are you planning a round trip through western Nova Scotia? From Lunenburg, it’s only 15 minutes to the LaHave Cable Ferry, which crosses the LaHave River and connects East LaHave to LaHave. The ferry ride is free. This short ferry ride offers beautiful views and is also a convenient way to get to the other side of the river.

Once you arrive on the other side, you should stop by the popular LaHave Bakery, which opened in 1985. Here you can find not only incredibly delicious baked goods and dishes, but also great souvenirs. The bakery is like a small museum.

Ferry Information:

• Opening hours: 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Prices: free
• Departure times from East LaHave: every 15 minutes and 35 minutes
• Departure times from LaHave: every full and half hour

6. Blue Rocks Kayak Tour

The highlight of our Nova Scotia tour was definitely the kayak tour around Blue Rocks. The small fishing village is just a few kilometers from Lunenburg and Mahone Bay and is known for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque coastal landscapes.

We went on a 4-hour guided tour with Pleasant Paddling. We paddled in kayaks through calm waters, past impressive rock formations and small islands. After reaching the open sea, we even saw a larger colony of seals.

• Provider: Pleasant Paddling
• Duration: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from Blue Rocks (seal tour)
• Equipment: Life jacket, paddle, waterproof bag included
• Bring: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, drink

7. Surfing at White Point Beach

Whether in Portugal, Bali, or South Africa – surfing is definitely one of our favorite water sports. You can also enjoy it in Nova Scotia, especially at the beautiful White Point Beach. While the water is ice-cold and you definitely need a thick wetsuit, the scenery couldn’t be more beautiful. You can book surfing lessons at Swell Time Board Co.

On the beach is the White Point Beach Resort, which boasts rustic cottages, guest rooms, vacation homes, and new, luxurious oceanfront treehouses and lakeside condos. Hotel guests can rent kayaks, SUPs, and rowboats for free on the small freshwater lake, or simply take a long stroll along the beach.

8. Walk through Shelburne

During our Nova Scotia tour, we also stopped in Shelburne. This small town on Canada’s southwest coast played a significant role during the American Revolutionary War, when thousands of Loyalists sought refuge here and began a new life.

On a walk through the town, you can experience the cultural heritage up close and marvel at some very well-preserved houses from the 18th century. At first, we felt like we were stepping into a Hollywood film set. Walking along Dock Street will immediately put you back in time.

Be sure to stop by the Dory Shop Museum, where you can learn about the popular little boats favored by local fishermen for nearly a century. Just under 9 km south of Shelburne is the Sandy Point Lighthouse, located on a sandbar. At low tide, you can walk all the way to the lighthouse.

Our food tips for Shelburne:

• Boxing Rock Brewing Company (beer tasting)
• The Emerald Light (good for lunch)
• The Beandock Coffee & Collectibles (coffee & pastries)

9. Cool Activities at Mavillette Beach

Mavillette Beach Provincial Park in the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores region is a 1.5 km long sandy beach surrounded by fragile dunes protected by boardwalks. At low tide, the sand is exposed, and you can try out great activities such as blokarting, kite flying, or Zen Art (painting pictures in the sand).

We tried these three activities with Tidekite Eco Adventures and can recommend each one. Blokarting is a lot of fun in good wind conditions. If there’s no wind, you can paint beautiful pictures in the sand or fly giant, colorful kites with the help of Tidekite Eco Adventures.

The beach also features changing rooms, vaulted toilets, freshwater taps, birdwatching platforms, information boards, a parking lot, and boardwalks leading to the beach. Supervised swimming is available on Saturdays and Sundays during July and August.

10. Deep Sky Eye Observation

Another highlight of our Nova Scotia tour was the trip to the Deep Sky Eye Observation observatory. Amateur astronomer Tim Doucette built his own small observatory and shows visitors the breathtaking night sky with dedication and passion (you can book a tour here).

He took us on an exciting journey into the cosmos, showing us many constellations and letting us look through various giant telescopes. He also showed us live images of space from the observatory’s telescope, which were then projected onto a large outdoor screen.

The night sky was gigantic that day, and I don’t think we’ve ever seen a more beautiful starry sky. Even the Milky Way (our galaxy) was clearly visible to our own eyes. If you don’t want to drive home at night, you can also book the Sky Bubble or the Sky Cabin with Tim in advance and spend the night there.

11. Smugglers Cove Provincial Park

Just a 10-minute drive from Mavillette Beach is the famous Smugglers Cove. In the 1920s, the production, transportation, import, export, and sale of alcohol were prohibited. At that time, Smugglers Cove was a popular location for liquor smuggling. Hence the name.

Today, Smugglers Cove Provincial Park is a beautiful place to enjoy a picnic and gaze out over the bay. A staircase with around 80 steps leads down to a fantastic viewing platform. From there, you have the most beautiful view of Smugglers Cove.

12. Scallops in Digby

If you’re traveling through Nova Scotia, you absolutely have to try the famous scallops. Digby is the perfect place to do so. The small port town is located in the Annapolis Valley on the Bay of Fundy. Here, you can find the world-famous “Digby Scallops,” considered a delicacy, in almost every restaurant.

The town is already known as the “Scallop Capital of the World” and also has a deep connection to shipping and fishing, which becomes apparent on a stroll through the town. And don’t miss the enormous tidal range in the Bay of Fundy, which is one of the largest in the world.

Our food tips for Digby:

• Sydney Street Pub and Cafe
• The Crow’s Nest – Digby
• Ava’s Sweet Treats

13. Whale Watching Tour in the Bay of Fundy

Our Whale Watching Tour in the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia was certainly one of the highlights of this tour. The Bay of Fundy is known worldwide not only for its enormous tidal range but also for its rich marine fauna, making it one of the best places for whale watching.

In the bay, especially between June and September, you can see around 15 different whale species, including humpback whales, minke whales, and right whales, as well as seals, dolphins, puffins, sea turtles, and sharks. The reason for the high number of whale species is the cool, nutrient-rich waters in the bay, which support a rich krill population.

We took the tour with Petit Passage Whale Watch. The tour lasted around 4.5 hours and started near the Petit Passage Café in East Ferry. During our tour, we saw several humpback whales, dolphins, and seals. Don’t forget the binoculars!

14. Annapolis Royal

When it comes to the history of European settlements in Nova Scotia, Annapolis Royal plays a central role. The historic town lies on the west bank of the Annapolis River and has a rich history dating back to the early 17th century.

Founded by the French in 1605 as Port-Royal, Annapolis Royal was one of the first European settlements in North America. The settlement was the heart of the French colony of Acadia. In 1710, the city was captured by the British and renamed Annapolis Royal in honor of Queen Anne.

The city became the capital of Nova Scotia until Halifax took over this role in 1749. The Fort Anne National Historic Site is one of the main attractions in Annapolis Royal and the oldest National Historic Site in Canada. The fort features exhibits on the region’s military and colonial history, as well as a beautiful view of the Annapolis River.

Also recommended is a stroll along the town’s main street (St. George Street) and through the beautiful Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens. We really liked the vibe in Annapolis Royal. There are some cool restaurants, cafes and shops here, as well as historic buildings (see map).

Our food tips for Annapolis Royal:

• Sissiboo Coffee Roaster Cafe (good coffee)
• Annapolis Brewing Company (beer tastings)
• Lazy Daisy Café (delicious breakfast)
• Arch & Po (Café & Bakery)
• The Red Onion Market (very cool shop)

15. Wine & Farmers’ Markets around Wolfville

Our last stop on the tour was Wolfville. This student town is surrounded by fertile agricultural land, vineyards, and rolling hills, typical of the Annapolis Valley. Apple and wine growing are particularly prominent in this region. Around Wolfville, you’ll find some great farmers’ markets and award-winning wineries (Gaspereau Vineyards, Domaine de Grand Pré, Lightfoot, and Wolfville Vineyards).

We can recommend Luckett Vineyards, among others, with a wine shop, and bistro (tastings between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.). A bright red English telephone booth stands between the vines, making for a really cool photo opportunity. If you’re interested in regional products If you have any questions, stop by the Noggins Corner Farm Market.

And another tip: The popular Wolfville Farmers Market takes place every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Here you can buy fresh, regional food and handmade products. And a stroll through the small student town of Wolfville is generally worthwhile (tip: The Market Wolfville, Valley Girl Boutique, The Odd Book).

Our food tips for Wolfville:

• The Church Brewing Co (great for dinner)
• The Library Pub and Merchant Wine Tavern (for a nightcap)
• Juniper Food + Wine (high-quality food)
• TAN Coffee – Wolfville (very good coffee)

16. Grand-Pré National Historic Site

Before we headed back to Halifax, We also visited the Grand-Pré National Historic Site, which commemorates the history of the Acadians who were expelled from the region in the 18th century. The Acadians developed a unique culture and society closely linked to agriculture and the fertile soils of the Annapolis Valley.

However, in 1755, the British carried out a Great Expulsion (Le Grand Dérangement) of the Acadians. Thousands of Acadians were deported from their home villages in Nova Scotia. Grand-Pré was a central assembly point from which many Acadians were shipped.

You can explore the site on your own or take part in guided tours. You will gain detailed insights into the history and significance of Grand-Pré. The beautiful surrounding landscape is also worth seeing, with views of the surrounding fields and the Bay of Fundy.

Information about the memorial:

• Address: 2205 Grand Pré Rd, Grand Pré, NS B0P 1M0, Canada
• Opening hours: May 17 – October 14, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. / Garden open year-round
• Admission prices: Adults 9 CAD, children up to 17 years free, seniors 7.50 CAD
• Website: Grand-Pré National Historic Site

Our accommodations in Nova Scotia

During our Nova Scotia tour, we stayed in 7 different accommodations. We love road trips and have no problem changing accommodations every day. You can, of course, also choose just 3 or 4 accommodations and simply cover a bit more distance during the day. The distances in Nova Scotia are manageable.

1. Alt Hotel Halifax Airport

After our flight, we checked in directly at the Alt Hotel Halifax Airport* and enjoyed a relaxing evening there. Our room had a large double bed, a desk, and a bathroom with a shower. The hotel also has a lobby with a restaurant, a fitness room, and a small indoor pool.

☞ Book a room here*
☞ 4.5 out of 5 points on Tripadvisor*

2. The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax

We spent the second night at the chic 5* The Sutton Place Hotel. This hotel is located right in the center of Halifax and awaited us with a beautiful double room, a spacious bathroom, and a view of the Citadel. A well-equipped fitness room and a whirlpool are also among the hotel’s amenities.

☞ Book a room here*
☞ 4.5 out of 5 points on Tripadvisor*

3. Rum Runner Inn

In Lunenburg, we stayed at the cozy Rum Runner Inn*. From our double room, we had a great view of the harbor and the water. We really liked our room with a balcony (more like a winter garden), double bed, refrigerator, seating, storage space, and a bathroom with a shower.

☞ Book a room here*
☞ 4.5 out of 5 points on Tripadvisor*

4. White Point Beach Resort

Afterward, we spent one night at the White Point Beach Resort*. Here, we had a small cottage right by the sea. The cottage had a bathroom with a tub, a bedroom, a living area with a TV and a refrigerator, and a terrace. Waking up in the morning to the sound of the sea and a view of the Atlantic was especially beautiful. The huge complex also features an indoor pool, fitness room, freshwater lake, restaurant, and much more.

☞ Book a cottage here*
☞ 4 out of 5 points on Tripadvisor*

5. Cape View Motel & Cottages

The Cape View Motel & Cottages is located directly on Mavillette Beach. Our room had a large double bed, TV, refrigerator, bathroom with shower, seating area, and barbecue facilities. The long Mavillette Beach is just 200 meters from the accommodation. At the reception, you can get some snacks and drinks, as well as information about the surrounding area.

☞ Book a room here*
☞ 4.5 out of 5 points on Tripadvisor*

6. Digby Dockside Suites

In Digby, we stayed at the Dockside Suites. Here, we had a spacious room with a balcony, kitchenette, bathroom with shower, large double bed, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a seating area, and a TV. The hotel offers various rooms and suites with city or sea views. The hotel also has a restaurant.

☞ Book a room here*
☞ 4.5 out of 5 points on Tripadvisor*

7. Blomidon Inn Wolfsville

We spent our last night at the Blomidon Inn in Wolfville. The stylish Victorian-style rooms are located in a historic 19th-century mansion. Our room was equipped with a bed, TV, mini-fridge, and seating area. Each room is individually decorated. A small continental breakfast buffet and afternoon tea are offered in an elegant dining room.

☞ Book a room here
☞ 4.5 out of 5 points on Tripadvisor*

Travel tips for Nova Scotia

Getting to Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is closer than many people think – you can reach the metropolis of Halifax from Germany in just about 6 hours with a direct flight. We flew from Frankfurt to Halifax with Discover Airlines (formerly Eurowings Discover). The outbound flight took only 6.5 hours, and the return flight only 5:45 hours.

We found the food, comfort, and entertainment program perfectly fine. We would fly with this airline again. Alternatively, you can also travel via other German cities, such as Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart, Düsseldorf, etc., with a transfer. ☞ Find flights to Nova Scotia

‍✈️ Entering Canada

To enter Canada, you need a valid passport, which must generally be valid for the duration of your stay. While you don’t need a visa to travel to Canada, you do need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This costs 7 CAD (approx. 5 €) and must be applied for online before your flight. ☞ Apply for an ETA here

Currency in Canada

The national currency in Canada is the Canadian dollar (CAD). You can find plenty of ATMs in Nova Scotia where you can withdraw cash using your credit card. In principle, you can also pay with a credit card almost everywhere. We only had 100 CAD in cash upon arrival, which we didn’t actually need.

We currently use the following credit cards for our trips abroad:

• Hanseatic Bank GenialCard*
• American Express*
• DKB credit cards*

⏰ Time difference

Nova Scotia is in the Atlantic Standard Time (AST) zone. During standard time (November to March), Nova Scotia is 5 hours behind CET (Central European Time). So, when it’s 12:00 PM in Germany, it’s 7:00 AM in Nova Scotia. During daylight saving time (March to November), the time difference is also 5 hours.

Book a rental car

For a road trip in Nova Scotia, we recommend a rental car. A small car is sufficient if you don’t have an unusually large amount of luggage. The roads in Nova Scotia are very well-developed, making it easy to get from point A to point B. You can pick up your rental car directly after your flight at Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ).

As always, we recommend the following inclusive services:

• Comprehensive and theft protection
• No deductible (reimbursement required)
• Glass, tire, and underbody protection
• Unlimited liability insurance
• All-kilometer unlimited
• Fuel policy: full/full

We always book our rental car in advance on the website www.billiger-mietwagen.de*. We don’t just constantly link to this site because we get a few euros in commission; we honestly use this platform 95% of the time. We’ve had nothing but positive experiences with this platform for many, many years. You can, of course, compare prices and services on many different platforms. That’s up to you.

By the way: An international driver’s license wasn’t necessary for us. However, it is generally recommended for trips abroad.

Best time to visit Nova Scotia

The best time to visit Nova Scotia depends on what kind of activities and weather you prefer. We were in Nova Scotia at the end of June and experienced very changeable weather with sunshine but also a lot of rain.

Summer (June to August): Ideal for outdoor activities, beaches, and festivals. Temperatures are pleasantly warm (20-25°C), but it’s the peak season with more tourists.

Autumn (September to October): Perfect for mild temperatures (10-20°C) and spectacular fall colors, especially along the Cabot Trail. Less crowded than in summer.

Spring (April to May): A quieter time with changeable weather (5-15°C). Ideal for nature experiences without crowds.

Winter (November to March): Cold and snowy (-5 to 5°C). Good for winter activities, but fewer tourists and limited options.

Packing List for Nova Scotia

Here are a few things you shouldn’t forget to pack:

• Travel adapter for Canada*
• Binoculars* (for wildlife observation)
• Daypack
• Nova Scotia travel guide*
• Small first-aid kit*
• Sunscreen and mosquito repellent
• Photo equipment*
• Travel credit card(s)*
• Tip: Noise-canceling headphones*
• Umbrella, rain jacket
• International health insurance*

Podcast Nova Scotia

We’ve also recorded a podcast episode about our Nova Scotia tour. Feel free to listen and immerse yourself with us in the beautiful province of Nova Scotia in eastern Canada.

LISTEN TO THE NOVA SCOTIA PODCAST HERE