Essential Road Trip Itinerary for Nova Scotia Adventures

Looking for the very best things to do on a Nova Scotia road trip? Nova Scotia is our favorite place to visit on the East Coast of Canada. After extensively traveling the entire province by car from North to South, we’ve had many grand adventures.

This road trip itinerary will help you make the most of your time in Nova Scotia and offer unique ideas of what to see and do.

Road Trip to Nova Scotia Overview

We’ve broken down this Nova Scotia itinerary into sections with maps so you can plan which part of the province you want to see during your visit.

The main airport for Nova Scotia is Halifax, and it is a 2.5-hour flight from Toronto. You can rent your car directly at the airport. To rent a car for your road trip around Nova Scotia, check out this car rental comparison site for prices and availability.

Day 1 – Explore Halifax

Most trips to Nova Scotia will begin in Nova Scotia’s Capital city, Halifax. It is worth staying in the city for at least a couple of days.

Halifax has a bustling waterfront filled with attractions, restaurants, and scenic views. The Canadian Museum of Immigration is the star attraction at Pier 21 located along the beautiful Halifax Harbourfront. Here you’ll learn about the fascinating history of immigration to Canada.

One day in Halifax is definitely not enough, but if you only have one day, these are the not-to-miss sights:

• Alexander Keith’s Brewery Tour – A fantastic and fun brewery tour in the heart of downtown Halifax.
• Halifax Waterfront – You can see much of the best things to do in Halifax along the waterfront. The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is Canada’s answer to Ellis Island in New York. This is where the majority of immigrants came through, and you can trace your ancestry at this interactive museum.
• Maritime Museum of the Atlantic – A superb interactive museum detailing the history of shipping and East Coast Maritime heritage, with an excellent display on the Titanic.

When you are finished at the water, head up to Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. This fort, founded in 1749, is an excellent place to watch the sunset, or if you are a history buff, take a tour here during the day.

Day 2 – Visit Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse

Heading southwest from Halifax, your first stop is Peggy’s Cove located just 45 minutes from Halifax. Peggy’s Cove is one of Nova Scotia’s most visited attractions, and crowds can be huge here!

Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse is set against a backdrop of 400 million-year-old rock stretching out to the sea, formed by molten lava bubbling up from the Earth’s surface. The fishing village of Peggy’s Cove, dating back to 1811, offers plenty of activities besides visiting the lighthouse.

We recommend staying overnight in the area and visiting at sunrise. Tour buses don’t arrive until late morning, so if you stay over and get to the lighthouse early, you’ll have it all to yourself before moving on to your next stop.

We enjoyed our time at Oceanstone Resort, located just outside Peggy’s Cove, making it an ideal home base.

Click here for your google map of our complete South Shore road trip route

Day 3 – Travel from Mahone Bay to Lunenburg

After leaving Peggy’s Cove, stop at Mahone Bay, a must-see on any Nova Scotia road trip, renowned for being one of Canada’s prettiest small-town downtowns.

The most famous landmark in Mahone Bay is the iconic Three Churches. The three spires along the waterfront are a popular stop for photographers, making it a perfect photo opportunity.

Here, you can stop for lunch and browse the downtown shops. Be sure to visit the Haskapa Berry Store to learn about this superfood—try the delicious Haskapa gin!

Lunenburg

After driving from Peggy’s Cove, you’ll spend the afternoon and evening in Lunenburg—one of only two urban centers in North America designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lunenburg is famous for its painted houses creating a stunning array of colors along the waterfront. The pastel buildings must adhere to strict codes, ensuring the town remains beautiful.

If you arrive early enough, join an afternoon Walking Tour to learn about Lunenburg’s maritime history and discover its Victorian architecture. It concludes at a memorial dedicated to fishermen and mariners who lost their lives at sea.

Don’t forget to visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, where you might spot the Bluenose II, which resides in Lunenburg when not touring the country. Afterward, you can find a local restaurant to enjoy Nova Scotia’s fresh lobster or seafood.

• Where to Stay in Lunenburg – Lunenburg Arms Hotel is located downtown and overlooks Lunenburg Harbour, making it walking distance to all top attractions in the city.

Day 4 – Discover Blue Rocks to Liverpool

There is a lot to cover today, so wake up early to catch the sunrise. On your way out of Lunenburg, take a detour to the picturesque fishing village of Blue Rocks. Nothing represents the East Coast more than a fishing village lining the bay with fishing lodges and lobster traps shimmering in the waters.

It is only 10 minutes from Lunenburg. If you want to go back to town for breakfast or to grab coffee, that’s a great option as you prepare for a full day exploring the Lighthouse Route of Nova Scotia that runs from Lunenburg to Yarmouth.

LaHave Ferry

After leaving Lunenburg or Blue Rocks, it’s a thirty-minute drive to the LaHave River, where you head south. Be sure to use the LaHave Ferry instead of driving around; it will save you a lot of time.

The LaHave Ferry is one of the last remaining cable ferries in the country, operating 24 hours a day (note it’s on call between 11:30 pm and 05:30 am). It’s just a quick 5-minute journey, but it’s an incredible sight to see a cable pulling a ferry across the river.

LaHave Bakery

While in LaHave, stop at the LaHave Bakery for some baked goods. The Victorian-era building sits on the waterfront, serving fresh pastries and coffee. It’s the perfect place to stock up on road trip snacks.

Crescent Beach

The water may be cold on the Nova Scotia coast, but Crescent Beach offers a beautiful setting. Plus, it’s the only beach in Nova Scotia that you can drive on. At 2.5 km long, you can easily find a spot for a picnic or sunbathing before continuing your journey.

Liverpool

Tonight, relax in the historic town of Liverpool, which is known for its connection to the Privateers.

Liverpool is home to The Four Point Lighthouse, which is free to visit and is the third oldest lighthouse in Nova Scotia. Enjoy kayaking along the Mercy River and hiking along the shore, making it a popular stop on any Nova Scotia road trip itinerary.

• Where to Stay in Liverpool: Lanes Privateer Inn
• Where to Eat in Liverpool: La Vista Restaurant in Lanes Privateer Inn

Day 5 – Drive from Liverpool to Yarmouth

As you continue along the Lighthouse Route, the next stop is Shelburne. You may not have heard of Shelburne, but it is the third-largest natural harbor in the world!

Shelburne

During the American Revolution, 3,000 Loyalists settled in Shelburne from New York City, at one time making it the fourth-largest community in North America. Visit the Shelburne Waterfront Heritage District and the Shelburne County Museum to learn about the Loyalist history of the area.

Yarmouth

Yarmouth is the major urban center of Southern Nova Scotia, popular as a destination since ferries from Portland, Maine land here.

The Cape Forchu Lighthouse is Yarmouth’s star attraction and is Nova Scotia’s second most visited lighthouse after Peggy’s Cove. It’s worth visiting for its stunning views and fewer crowds compared to Peggy’s Cove. We found it quite serene; during our visit, only two other people were there!

We preferred staying outside of town at Ye Olde Argyle Lodge, where we could enjoy hiking and kayaking.

• Where to Stay near Shelburne and Yarmouth: Ye Olde Argyler – a full-service lodge in a beautiful setting offering kayak trips as well.

Day 6 – Adventure in Annapolis Valley

Working your way up the Bay of Fundy Shore takes you to the Annapolis Valley. It is quickly becoming a significant wine-producing region in Nova Scotia. Take your time exploring the coast and discovering the Acadian history at Port Royal and Grand Pré, which host several National Historic Sites including Fort Anne and Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens.

On your way, stop in Digby for lunch to enjoy some scallops.

Wolfville

Then, travel to Wolfville for the night. This charming town is perfect for exploring the emerging wine region of Nova Scotia, making it easy to tour the Annapolis Valley before returning to relax at your historic accommodation.

Where to Stay in Wolfville: Blomidon Inn – a beautifully restored historic BnB with luxurious accommodations. We particularly enjoyed dinner paired with Nova Scotia wines in the grand dining room.

Day 7 – Experience the Bay of Fundy

Now it’s time to drive directly to the Bay of Fundy and walk on the ocean floor. The Bay of Fundy is renowned for having the world’s highest tides. Every 6 hours, it moves a staggering 100 billion tons of water!

These tides can reach heights of 16 meters (52 feet) and occasionally extend horizontally up to 5 kilometers in places.

There are numerous options to explore the Bay of Fundy that can add anywhere from one to four days to your Nova Scotia itinerary, depending on your preferences. Either way, this coastal drive will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trip.

Burntcoat Head Park

From Wolfville, head to Burntcoat Head Park to see the world’s highest tides. Burntcoat Head is Nova Scotia’s equivalent of New Brunswick’s Hopewell Rocks. For three hours on either side of low tide, visitors can explore rock formations and sea beds typically submerged under water. This 3-acre park features hiking trails, a lighthouse, and an interpretive center, making it an ideal way to spend the afternoon.

If the timing is right, you can enjoy two iconic Bay of Fundy attractions in one day. After exploring Burntcoat Head Park, head to the Shubenacadie River for some tidal bore rafting.

Tidal Bore Rafting

If you seek an adrenaline-fueled adventure, Tidal Bore Rafting on the Shubenacadie River is an action-packed way to experience the high tides of the Bay of Fundy.

We went with River Runner’s rafting adventures, riding the waves created by the tremendous volume of water flowing into the river, generating rapids and whirlpools.

One moment you are walking on the riverbed, and the next you are jumping into rafts to ride the incoming waves—it’s undeniably one of the most fun experiences you can have at the Bay of Fundy!

Day 8 – Explore the Three Sisters

The Three Sisters on the Bay of Fundy are a spectacular sight not to be missed. These large sea stacks emerge dramatically from the sea. At low tide, they appear immense, while at high tide, you can kayak right through them.

Kayaking Three Sisters

You have two options at the Three Sisters: You can book a kayaking trip to paddle out to the sea stacks or simply hike the trail at Chignecto Provincial Park for an elevated view of the Three Sisters and high cliffs.

• Watch our video of this two-day adventure.
• Book this tour with Nova Shores Adventures out of Advocate Harbour.

This kayaking trip was one of the best experiences we’ve ever had. We camped on a secluded beach on the Bay of Fundy and spent two days exploring sea caves, sea stacks, and more.

Cape Chignecto Provincial Park

If kayaking and camping don’t appeal to you and you don’t have the time for an overnight trip, you can still see the Three Sisters from above. The 5.5 km trail (3.4 miles) consists of an easy trek to state-of-the-art wooden platforms that offer mesmerizing views of the Three Sisters.

You’ll also be treated to stunning vistas of the sea cliffs, Eatonville Harbour, and surrounding beaches. The scenery on this trail is awe-inspiring, and during our visit, there was hardly anyone else around!

Where to Stay in Advocate Harbour near Three Sisters: Driftwood Park Retreat

Day 9 – Cultural Ceilidh Trail

Ceilidh Trail is the cultural hub of Nova Scotia and a fantastic addition to your Nova Scotia itinerary. Here, you can learn about fishing traditions and the region’s Celtic heritage.

Celtic Music Interpretive Centre

Before traveling to Cape Breton Island, check out the Celtic Music Centre to delve into the history, culture, and music of the island. This helps you appreciate Nova Scotia’s heritage better, and you can often engage with locals at a pub over a pint. The center features daily performances and interactive exhibits.

Lobster Tour in Port Hood

Gillis Lobster Tours and Charters offers a real lobster boat experience, where you’ll check traps and learn about Nova Scotia’s primary fishing industry.

This fascinating lobster tour in Port Hood shows how lobsters are caught, covering important conservation rules and the legal size requirements for lobsters. You even get to fish for mackerel, with options to catch and release or bring a few home for dinner!

• Watch our full video of the Lobster Tour.

Glenora Distillery Tour

The Glenora Distillery, North America’s first single malt whiskey distillery, is also worth a visit.

Take a tour to learn how whiskey is crafted and sample some to decide what to purchase. Locals believe that the Glenora Stream is so pristine, it’s considered the “water of life,” making it perfect for distilling spirits.

Lobster Boil

When you’re in Nova Scotia, savoring fresh lobster is essential. They have perfected serving it in various forms—from lobster poutine to lobster bisque. However, the best way to relish fresh Nova Scotia lobster is simply on its own.

If the opportunity arises, have a meal at a local eatery and enjoy a fresh lobster boil—no butter or salt, just pure succulent meat.

Cape Breton Highlights

Cape Breton is undoubtedly one of the main attractions in Nova Scotia due to the sensational Cabot Trail coastal drive. Rated as one of the world’s best road trips, your Nova Scotia journey could focus solely on Cape Breton Island.

Tip: Drive counterclockwise along the trail for the best views and to stay on the outside lane for panoramic sights. From the Ceilidh Trail, you might be tempted to drive straight and tackle the Cabot Trail clockwise, but instead, head to Baddeck to kick off your adventure.

We wrote an in-depth guide to the Cabot Trail, but here are some highlights you won’t want to miss:

Day 10 – Cabot Trail Adventures in Baddeck

You’ll spend the night in Baddeck, which is key for a few nearby excursions.

Baddeck is a prominent stop on the Cabot Trail, historically significant as the summer residence of Alexander Graham Bell. His summer house, named “Beinn Bhreagh,” translates to “Beautiful Mountain” in Gaelic, and here, you can explore his inventions, including the telephone, as well as his work with Helen Keller.

North River Kayaking

Whenever we’re in Nova Scotia, we make it a point to include a kayaking adventure in our itinerary. A great stop along the Cabot Trail for kayaking is the North River. North River Kayaking provides half-day, full-day, and overnight tours, all of which are incredibly fun.

Uisge Ban Hike

Another enjoyable hike takes you to the Uisge Ban Waterfall. Located just outside Baddeck, Uisge Ban (pronounced Ishkaban) features a serene 1.5 km trail that leads to a stunning waterfall.

The trail winds through a lush, mossy forest alongside a flowing stream. If you’re visiting Alexander Graham Bell’s House, this is a must-stop.

Where to Stay in Baddeck: The Inverary Resort is an excellent choice for starting your Cape Breton Nova Scotia road trip itinerary. Here, you can relax with a cocktail and live music, indulge in fresh Nova Scotia seafood at the Lakeside Restaurant, or enjoy a lively atmosphere at the Stonehearth Pub.

Day 11 – Relax at Ingonish Beach

After exploring Baddeck, head north to Ingonish Beach for an overnight stay.

The Keltic Inn looks like an amazing place to stay; however, during this road trip, we opted for an oTENTNIK at Ingonish Beach.

oTENTNIKs are offered by Parks Canada and are a perfect lodging option for families on a Nova Scotia road trip, or for couples looking to enjoy the outdoors without too much roughing it. All the necessary camping gear is provided, making it easier for those who may not own any. You can unwind on the beach, soaking in the views, or venture out for a hike.

Middlehead Trail

The Middlehead Trail is a popular hike on the Cabot Trail, located just beyond the historic Keltic Lodge at Ingonish Beach. The 3.8 km (2.4 miles) loop leads out to the Atlantic Ocean, separating the bays of Cape Smokey and Ingonish Island.

• Time: 1 – 2 hours

In the evening, enjoy a lantern walk organized by Parks Canada, where you’ll stroll through Ingonish, learning about the area’s early settlers in an engaging, stylized tour.

Day 12 – Explore Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Today is dedicated to exploring the Cabot Trail and reveling in the stunning coastal views and lookouts. The 300 km loop of the Cabot Trail winds along Cape Breton’s coast, showcasing breathtaking views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, along with hiking trails, waterfalls, campgrounds, and scenic viewpoints—essential for anyone visiting Nova Scotia.

This area is one of the premier whale watching spots in Nova Scotia, and you might even catch a glimpse of bald eagles along the route. Be sure to seek out the incredible scenic lookouts as you drive along the coastline.

Skyline Trail

The Skyline Trail is the most popular hike on the Cabot Trail; therefore, crowds can be an issue, but we recommend hiking at sunset, as we did. It’s an unforgettable way to conclude a day of exploring the Cabot Trail. The hike features a 7.5 km loop, and we suggest allocating at least 2 hours to savor the views and make spontaneous stops. The well-marked trail leads to various viewing points via an excellent boardwalk.

• See our full hike along the Skyline Trail for planning your visit.
• Where to Stay – Island Sunset Inn at Margaree Harbour

Spend your evening in Margaree Harbour, relishing a delightful lobster dinner paired with local Nova Scotia wine.

Day 13 – Discover Guysborough to Tangier

This often-overlooked destination is not present on many Nova Scotia itineraries, but it likely will be soon!

Authentic Seacoast Distillery

We began our journey at the Authentic Seacoast Distillery, where we hopped onto golf carts to explore the water’s edge on the golf course.

Next, we toured the state-of-the-art distilling and brewing facility, learning how they craft their award-winning spirits and beer. Guests can also rent bicycles to ride along the TransCanada Trail, a perfect way to spend the afternoon.

Coastal Adventures Eastern Shore Kayaking

No Nova Scotia road trip is complete without an exciting adventure, and our day concluded with a kayaking tour with Coastal Adventures along the Eastern Shore. Experience the impressive sea caves, islands, and hiking trails along this rugged coast.

Dr. Scott Cunningham, the owner and author of Sea Kayaking Nova Scotia, leads Atlantic Canada’s foremost sea-kayaking operation.

Where to Stay: You can stay directly at Coastal Adventures’ log cabin, providing an excellent base for your explorations.

From here, you can go mussel picking as the sun sets at Murphys Campground or hike the local favorite, the Liscomb River Trail. This 9.6 km trail includes a suspension bridge overlooking a fish ladder and waterfall.

Day 14 – Return to Halifax

This is your final day of your two-week Nova Scotia road trip, so it’s time to head back to Halifax. Spend the evening wandering along the waterfront, enjoying a night out on Argyle Street in one of the local pubs.

Nova Scotia is a province brimming with adventure, culture, and stunning landscapes. It’s one of our favorite places to visit in Canada, and we hope you add it to your travel itinerary as well!

This incredible destination is ideal for a road trip, with no leg of your journey taking more than 3 hours—allowing ample time to explore without spending excessive hours in the car. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Nova Scotia road trip today!

You won’t be disappointed!

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Have you explored the East Coast of Canada? What are your favorite things to do in Nova Scotia?

Explore More About Nova Scotia:

• Explore the Nova Scotia South Shore – Halifax to Yarmouth
• Tidal Bore Rafting in Nova Scotia – The World’s Highest Tides
• Nova Scotia Pictures that Will Make You Want to Visit Right Now
• Best Things to do in Nova Scotia – The Ultimate Travel Guide
• Where to Stay in Nova Scotia – Our Favorite Accommodation
• 11 Not To Be Missed Stops on the Cabot Trail
• Tips for Hiking the Skyline Trail in Cape Breton

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• Lake Superior Circle Tour – Ultimate Two Week Itinerary

Our trips to Nova Scotia have received support from Tourism Nova Scotia. For further details on attractions in Nova Scotia, visit the Nova Scotia Tourism Website.

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Travel Planning Resources

Are you planning your next trip? Use these resources that have been tried and tested by us.

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If you need further assistance with trip planning, explore our Resources Page, where we share trusted companies we rely on while traveling.