Top 7 Attractions in Nova Scotia, Canada
Did you know that Canada has more lakes than any other country in the world combined? Or that in Canada 90% of the area is uninhabited and 10% of all forests are there? Lots of nature, but what really makes it so special? Let us take you to the east coast of Canada, more precisely to the province of Nova Scotia. Here, in the midst of untouched nature, you can disconnect from everyday life, enjoy the tranquility and consciously experience your relaxing vacation. Here are my 7 personal highlights from my experience traveling in Nova Scotia.
1.Halifax
Halifax is the capital of the province of Nova Scotia and has its own airport. The official language of the east coast of Canada is English, in some regions French is also spoken.
One of Halifax’s top sights is definitely the extraordinary Citadel Hill from 1856. At that time it served as a military base in both world wars (World War I and World War II), but today you can visit the Army Museum, which It exhibits a vast collection of precious 19th century military artifacts.
You should also take a city tour with Harbor Hopper Tours and explore Halifax’s waterfront (the waterfront). Halifax also offers beautiful parks, such as the Halifax Public Gardens, as well as numerous museums, such as the Canadian Immigration Museum at Pier 21, where visitors are given an in-depth look at the history of Canadian immigrants.
2. Peggy’s Cove
Founded in 1808, Peggy’s Cove is a cute little fishing village on St. Margarets Bay. Hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to the few inhabitants every year to photograph the world-famous lighthouse, which was occupied until about 1950. Today you can get unique postcards and take great pictures there!
In addition, you can visit the famous “Fishermen’s Monument” of the Galerie deGarthe. The roughly 100-foot-long granite stone was made in honor of Nova Scotia fishermen. Next to the lighthouse there is a hiking trail along the coast and a restaurant in the immediate vicinity of the lighthouse, where you can enjoy excellent lobster.
3. Lunenburg
Lunenburg originated from the oldest German settlement in Canada and is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immediately striking are the beautiful little wooden houses, which can be found in various colours. Known for its incomparable shipyards and ports, even the “Surprise” was made here. It is the largest wooden ship in the world and it is still in operation!
A walk along the promenade with a view of the beautiful houses, the port and the sea is not to be missed! But there is also a lot to explore in the city center. Lunenburg was already founded in 1753 and much has been preserved from that time. On almost every corner you can find small churches, often built in the Victorian or Neo-Gothic style and, of course, made of wood.
4. Cape Breton
The extraordinary island of Cape Breton is connected to the mainland of Nova Scotia by a causeway. But the island can also be reached by boat; the main harbor or port is in Sydney, Canada. The most fascinating trail in Cape Breton is the famous Cabot Trail. The approximately 300 km long path can be traveled by car or motorcycle, as well as by bicycle or on foot. Along the coast, the hiking trails offer an incredible panoramic view of nature with its forests and the eternal sea on the horizon.
5. Bay of Fundy
The Bay of Fundy is located between the provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and is characterized as a bay by a huge difference, with more than 20 m, between low tide and high tide. One of the highlights in all of Nova Scotia is whale watching. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a unique view of the various species of whales that frolic in the Bay of Fundy.
For the absolute adrenaline rush, you can scale the coastal cliffs and explore the bay from the air with a zip line.
6. Kejimkujik National Park
Kejimkujik National Park is a real sensation! It covers a total area of more than 400 square kilometers and is divided into a main park with many forests and rivers and a secondary park with beaches and bays directly on the coast.
Canoes and boats can be rented in the main park, with which you can explore the beautiful park from a completely different perspective. Native Americans used the small canal trails within the park to take their canoes from the Bay of Fundy to the Atlantic Ocean.
7. Carters Beach
Carters Beach is an absolute insider tip and a must see in Nova Scotia! It is also called “Little Caribbean” because it is made up of fine, white powdery sand. Thanks to the wind-protected bay and the gently sloping beach, bathing fun is guaranteed even at lower temperatures. It is ideal for family outings and is easily accessible thanks to the parking facilities on Carters Beach Road.
Special advice from an expert!
Rent a cozy cabin for your Canadian vacation, for example, in cozy Ponhooklake in Nova Scotia!