What are the best things to do in Nova Scotia?

Question

We will be there for 3 nights in July, arriving in Yarmouth on the CAT ferry. I won't be able to stay for 7 nights, so I can't do their pre-planned package anyway. We are a laid back couple who enjoy biking and light hiking (not shopping). Are there any locals out there who can give us "off-the-beaten-path" ideas? Thanks!

Answer 1

The mistake first time visitors make is thinking that because the province is so small on the map that it won't take long to see it. As a result they spend their holiday behind the wheel.

Everyone wants to see Cape Breton, but from Yarmouth it's a five-to-six hour drive to the Canso Causeway.

I think you would be better off concentrating on the western mainland of Nova Scotia. Drive along Hwy 101 from Yarmouth along the Bay of Fundy. It has the world's highest tides. So consider stopping at a fishing village along the way. I live near Hall's Harbour - at low tide you can walk about a mile out on the ocean floor. The rocks can be slippery, so watch your footing, but I found it fascinating as a kid to look at the life trapped in tidal pools, and as an adult it's still fascinating. You can also have a freshly cooked lobster at the pound by the wharf.

But before you get this far up the Valley, consider taking the old highway through the Acadian Villages on the 'French Shore'. The continent's largest wooden churches are here.

Do stop at Annapolis Royal. It's one of the most historic towns on the continent. Lots of B&Bs and inns, and they should be able to suggest some cool walks.

Another stop is the Wolfville-Grand Pre area. This is the site of the expulsion of the Acadians in 1755. Our Acadians became Louisiana's Cajuns. There's a national park in Grand Pre. The Grand Pre motel is a funky place for a cheap and cheerful lunch. Or just up the hill is the Grand Pre Winery which has a great European restaurant (the owners are Swiss). Wolfville is a university town with neat little shops, a couple of decent taverns and B&Bs. Here I would recommend The Tempest restaurant.

I like to cycle the dykes behind the town. If the top of the dykes haven't been mowed, then I cycle the dirt road below them. There is virtually no traffic here, this is only used by a few tractors working the fields. Otherwise you're with other cyclists, families out for a walk, the odd horseback rider and some joggers. I cycle from Wolfville to Grand Pre, have lunch at the motel (killer lemon pie!) and then back.

Uniacke House outside the capital, Halifax, is part of the 26-location Nova Scotia Museum complex. There are some hiking trails there, but I don't know how long they are.

Halifax is a fun little city - good laid-back nightlife, and a bunch of museums (it is also home to seven universities and one of the largest Buddhist communities in North America). If you go to Halifax either take a harbour cruise or take a return trip on the ferry which runs between the two downtowns (it's about $3.50 return). Great views of the city from the water.

Then you need to head down the South Shore, along the Atlantic Coast to places like Chester, Lunenburg (which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Mahone Bay and head back towards Yarmouth.

Depending on your interests and schedule, you might skip Halifax altogether and cross overland from Windsor to Chester/Chester Basin and spend some time on the shore.

Even this is pressing it.

There is a south western/west tourist association which should have a website. Or look at novascotia.com for these areas.

There's a lot more to see and do in the province in summer, but with three days you don't want to plan too much or all you'll do is see it through the car window.

Answer 2

Victoria park in Truro is a really nice park for walking and biking

Answer 3

I agree, Kejimkujik is the place to go for hiking. They have several different routes of varying length and difficulty. Get something to protect you from the black-flies.

I'd also recommend you visit the Historic Gardens in Annapolis Royal.

If you get that far up north, Victoria Park in Truro is also great for hiking.

Answer 4

Try exploring the Cape Blomidon area: home of the legendary giant Glooscap, fantastic views of the Bay of Fundy, fossils, walking trails, and travelling through the Annapolis Valley to get there.

Answer 5

I assume you're driving, so on the way to Halifax, drop by Kejimkujik National Park and it's perfect for biking and hiking...

It's got fantastic scenery in the highlands and is off the beaten path.

or if your planning to be in Halifax, then  take a stroll down the historic waterfront's boardwalk.....There are plenty of cliffs and beaches in the Halifax area. Being in Halifax, you should go to the Citadel and Alexander Kieth's brewery too....

For halifax trails, go here: http://www.halifaxinfo.com/trails.php?ge...

making a stop in Lunenburg on the way wouldn't be bad either, it being a UNESCO world heritage site.

List of hiking trails: http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ns/kejimkujik/...

well...enjoy your trip!

Answer 6

I'm not from Nova Scotia, but I love Canada. I'm considering a Nova Scotia trip sometime soon though.

I think it would be a little bit like a coastal New England trip.  You may want to do some fishing, beachwalking, taste the delicious seafood, and find spots where locals hangout.  Look at the provincial websites and attend some random event that's occurring during yoru visit, it will be even more fascinating to you than to the locals.