Halifax
Sit by the Water
The capital of the province, Halifax is one of the largest, most vibrant cities of the Canadian Maritimes combining the diversity of a modern metropolis with quaint small-town charm. A true harbour city, the Halifax waterfront is filled with colourful sail boats, cruise ships, and a bustling boardwalk home to cafes, bistros, and local artisans. In the summer, you can hit up local farmers markets or hit the water on rented jet-skis or kayaks. You can also board the ferry to Georges Island National Historic Site located in the centre of Halifax Harbour. You can also get a bird’s eye view of the harbour from the Halifax Citadel, the historic fort that has overlooked the city since 1749. Halifax also has a lively nightlife scene, with a variety of local microbreweries like Garrison, Good Robot, and the historic Alexander Keith’s Brewery, providing Canadians with their famous India Pale Ale for over 200 years. After dinner and drinks, head to Casino Nova Scotia for an evening of slots and table games.
Cape Breton Island
Hit the Trail
With steep, craggy cliffs lined with tall trees with lives that glow golden in the fall, Cape Breton Island is one of the most iconic landscapes in Nova Scotia. Whether you’re taking a scenic drive around its winding coastal highways or hiking up its forested mountains to get the best views of the rivers and lakes below, there is always something new to see and do on Cape Breton Island. Learn about the region’s history at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, a recreation of the infamous fortress that stood guard over Nova Scotia during the many wars between the English and the French for control over the New World in the 18th century.
Annapolis Valley
Land of Wine and Honey
Running along the Nova Scotian shores of the Bay of Fundy, the Annapolis Valley is home to verdant fields, rich apple orchards and many expansive vineyards thanks to the region’s fertile soil and cool sea breezes. Nestled between two parallel mountain ranges, the North Mountain and the South Mountain, that protect it from the cold weathers rolling in from the Atlantic, the Annapolis Valley has the perfect mild microclimate for cultivating produce. The area is particularly famous for its apple harvests, with hundreds of scenic apple orchards, most of which are owned and run by local families that have worked the land for generations.
Yarmouth
The Edge of Everywhere
Located on the southwestern tip of Nova Scotia, Yarmouth is a historic small town filled with quaint Maritime charm. The town is famous for its collection of well-preserved Victorian Gothic manors, many of them built by shipping magnates during Yarmouth’s heyday as a shipbuilding centre in the 19th century. Just outside Yarmouth stands the famous Cape Forchu Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in a province chock full of them! It also served as a stand-in for the titular lighthouse in the 2018 Robert Eggers film The Lighthouse, starring Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson. You can also tour the writhing waters of the Bay of Fundy aboard a number of ferry tours, including The CAT, a highspeed catamaran that travels between Maine and Yarmouth. Visitors can also view the works of a variety of local and indigenous artists at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia.
Sydney
Celtic Pride all the Time
The unofficial capital of Cape Breton Island, Sydney N.S is one of the fastest growing cities in Nova Scotia. A town truly proud of its Celtic heritage, Sydney’s redeveloped waterfront is home to the “Largest Ceilidh Fiddle in the World,” as well as numerous upscale cafes and restaurants. Nature lovers will adore seeing the sights of Cape Breton Island and experiencing the unique tundra-like plateau of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. North of the city lies the town of Sydney Mines, a place horror fans may recognize as the filming location for iconic 80’s cult slasher flick My Bloody Valentine. Visit in October to experience the Celtic Colours International Festival, one of the most unique things to do in Nova Scotia. This event celebrates the Irish and Scottish heritage of the Maritimes with Celtic folk acts, traditional dances, and more exciting events.