nova scotia tourist towns

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The 10 Most Beautiful Towns in Nova Scotia, Canada

With its picturesque lighthouses and rugged coastlines, Nova Scotia is home to some of Canada ’s most evocative landscapes. Adding to the province’s natural beauty is its unique culture: a blend of English, Scottish and French traditions. From Lunenberg to Antigonish, we take a look at Nova Scotia’s most beautiful towns.

Architectural Landmark

Natural Feature

Wolfville is a lovely town with beautiful Victorian architecture and shady streets lined with maple and elm trees. Settled in the 1760s by New Englanders, Wolfville still exudes a noticeably New England-like atmosphere. However, the presence of Acadia University, established in 1838, adds character to this tidy town, and students comprise a large percentage of Wolfville’s population. The surrounding fields support a thriving wine industry , which has helped to fuel the town’s exciting dining scene. There are also some wonderful drives and hiking trails to be found on Wolfville’s periphery.

Annapolis Royal

Known as Canada’s birthplace, Annapolis Royal is a must-visit for anyone interested in Canadian history. Home to more than 150 historic sites and heritage buildings, the town retains a sleepy, old-fashioned charm. Today, its antique shops and cute B&Bs belie a rather turbulent history. The town was the site of Canada’s first permanent European settlement, founded by the French in the 17th century. The French and British later battled over the site for more than a century, before it was claimed by New England colonists in the early 18th century.

With its more modern buildings and larger population, Chéticamp initially seems to lack the quaint charm that characterizes many of the province’s other seaside communities. Its compelling culture and underlying beauty, however, become apparent to those who linger longer. As the gateway to Cape Breton Highlands National Park , Chéticamp has been an Acadian hub for more than two centuries. Wedged between mountains and the sea, the town is known for its excellent local crafts, particularly hooked rugs, as well as its vibrant music scene. Be sure to check out the 19th-century Church of Saint Pierre, whose silver spire looms over the town.

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Chester’s clapboard saltboxes and elegant homes are reminiscent of a typical town on the New England coast. Settled by immigrants from New England and Great Britain in 1759, the town continues to be a popular place for upper-crust Canadians and Americans to have a summer home. Chester exudes an easygoing atmosphere, defined by shady lanes and quiet streets lined with artists’ studios. There are a number of islands found just offshore, scenic surrounding countryside to explore, and a serene harbor where a large regatta is held each August.

With its gently curving shoreline, old-fashioned architecture and sailboats bobbing in the bay, Mahone Bay is the epitome of Nova Scotian charm. The town is named after a type of low-lying ship, called a mahonne , once favored by the pirates that frequented the bay’s shores. The shoreline is dominated by three adjacent churches, all of which date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These attractive churches are a popular subject for photographers and collectively host a line-up of musical performances every summer. The town’s Main Street is lined with antique shops, markets and restaurants.

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

Surrounded by rolling hills and patchwork farms, Antigonish is a captivating hub of Gaelic and Acadian culture. The town was settled by a group of Catholic Scots, who also established prestigious St. Francis Xavier University. In addition to the pretty university campus, the town draws visitors with the superb beaches and hiking trails found on its outskirts. Antigonish is particularly lively during the annual Highland Games, which have been held in the town every July since 1861. The festival features heavy-lifting events, dancing, bagpipe playing and other traditional events.

Digby is a welcoming little town dotted with wood-frame houses and down-to-earth restaurants. Settled in the late 18th century, the town now serves as the gateway to Nova Scotia for visitors arriving from nearby Saint John, New Brunswick, via ferry. While many visitors pass through quickly en route to the scenic Digby Neck or the French Shore, it’s worth sticking around to explore the town’s attractive waterfront. Digby’s harbor is home to the world’s largest inshore scallop fleet, and there are few better places in the country to enjoy this delicious seafood.

Shelburne’s eye-catching waterfront district has changed little since it was first established in the 1780s, with many pre-19th-century homes still standing today. The town was settled after the American Revolution, swelling with a large population of Loyalists that briefly made it larger than major cities like Quebec and Halifax at the time. Oddly, part of the town’s excellent preservation can be attributed to the 1995 film The Scarlet Letter , which was filmed here. The film crews buried a number of unsightly power lines and helped foster awareness about the town’s fascinating heritage.

About the author

Jessica Dawdy is a serial expat who has been slowly working her way around the world since 2011. She’s lived in 7 different countries, doing everything from painting houses to teaching English. Catch up with her travel stories and expat adventures at Ways of Wanderers.

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11 Prettiest Small Towns in Nova Scotia

If you’re looking for charming and quaint small towns in Nova Scotia, you’re in luck. There are plenty of beautiful towns scattered along the coastline and inland, each with its own unique character and history. 

These charming Nova Scotia towns are perfect for a weekend getaway or even a longer vacation. Each town has its own unique character and history, and is worth a visit.

No matter which town you choose to visit, you’re sure to fall in love with Nova Scotia’s natural beauty and welcoming people. From sampling delicious seafood to seeing the highest tides or visiting quaint lighthouses, here are some of the prettiest small towns in Nova Scotia that are definitely worth a visit.

Prettiest Small Towns in Nova Scotia

Some of our favourite Nova Scotia communities include Lunenburg, Baddeck, Annapolis Royal, Mahone Bay, Chester, and Wolfville. Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most picturesque towns in the province. Baddeck is the gateway to Cape Breton Island and home to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site. Annapolis Royal is a historic town with plenty of 18th century architecture, while Mahone Bay is known for its three churches and colourful waterfront. Chester is a quaint fishing village, and Wolfville is a beautiful university town located in the Annapolis Valley. 

Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the best-preserved 18th-century towns in North America. It’s a picturesque town, known for its colourful houses, historic buildings, and distinctive waterfront.

There are plenty of things to do in Lunenburg , from exploring the old town to learning about the town’s seafaring history or taking a whale-watching tour.  

What to Do in Lunenburg:

• Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic: Explore the rich maritime history of the town and learn about the seafaring history that shaped the town.
• Bluenose II: Lunenburg is home to the iconic Bluenose II, a replica of the original racing ship that is featured on the Canadian dime. If she’s in port, you can tour the ship or book a sailing tour.
• Old Town Lunenburg: Stroll through the streets, admire the colourful buildings and look for the unique “Lunenburg bump” on the town’s houses.
• Ironworks Distillery: Stop by this former marine blacksmith shop and sample some award-winning local spirits – the gin is excellent, but the pear brandy is also great to warm up on a chilly day.
• Take a Walking Tour: Lunenburg is one of the few places in the province that offers a walking tour, and it’s one that’s worth taking. Learn fascinating insights into this charming town, including what the “Lunenburg bump” is, and other fun tidbits about the town. We’ve done quite a few walking tours in other parts of the world, and this was one of the best!

And whatever you do, be sure to try some of the local seafood! Lunenburg is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in Nova Scotia. The Grand Banker Seafood Bar and Grill is a popular pub-style restaurant overlooking the waterfront, and the Salt Shaker Deli also has an excellent menu.

Mahone Bay, one of the prettiest places in Nova Scotia, is located on the South Shore about an hour from Halifax.

Originally named after the type of low-lying ship used by pirates, called the Mahonne, the town has a long history of boat building.

These days, Mahone Bay is best known for its three churches, which are visible from almost anywhere in the town. There’s also plenty of colourful houses and boutique shops, and a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for a day of local exploring.

What to Do in Mahone Bay:

• Three Churches: The three churches, all lined up along the waterfront, are the most popular sight in Mahone Bay. While they’re beautiful to see up close, they’re even more striking when viewed from a distance. Head to Rebecca’s Restaurant on Edgewater Street for the best views. And an awesome lobster roll.
• Boutique Shopping: Wander through the town’s unique shops and galleries, featuring locally made crafts, art and unique souvenirs. There’s always something interesting to find that you won’t find anywhere else.
• Sample a Craft Brew: Try one of the uniquely named, but excellent local brews at Saltbox Brewing Company. If you’re not a fan of beer, they also have some great ciders to try. Our recommendation: Try the Nun on the Run Cream Ale or the Three Churches Cider.
• Annual Scarecrow Festival: If you visit Mahone Bay in the fall, don’t miss the unique and fun festival featuring creative scarecrow displays throughout the town.

Annapolis Royal

Annapolis Royal is Nova Scotia’s oldest town and was actually the first settlement in Canada. The town has been the site of many battles throughout the years and is now a National Historic Site.

Set on the Annapolis River, this picturesque town has plenty of 18th century buildings and beautiful gardens to explore. There’s also several art galleries, museums and historic sites, as well as the oldest street in Canada.

Things to Do:

• Fort Anne National Historic Site: Explore Canada’s oldest National Historic Site, with its fascinating history and beautiful grounds.
• Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens: Wander through 17 acres of beautifully designed gardens, including a stunning rose garden, a collection of native plants and a butterfly garden.
• Tidal Power Interpretative Centre: Learn about the world’s first tidal power station and the incredible force of the Bay of Fundy tides.
• Annapolis Royal Farmers’ Market: If you’re visiting on a weekend, be sure to stop by the local market and pick up some fresh produce, handmade crafts or delicious treats.
• Delaps Cove: Take an easy hike through a wooded trail leading to the ocean, where you’ll be rewarded with a waterfall and stunning views of the Bay of Fundy.

Baddeck is a pretty lakeside town on the shores of Bras d’Or Lake in Cape Breton. Known as the beginning and end of the renowned Cabot Trail , Baddeck is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

With a lighthouse, good restaurants, interesting shops and plenty of outdoor activities, there’s no shortage of things to do in Baddeck. 

• Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site: Discover the life and inventions of Alexander Graham Bell, who spent his summers on this lake. The museum features memorabilia from Bell’s experiments and inventions, and an observation deck to see Bell’s house, which is set on a hill across the lake.
• Sail on Bras d’Or Lake: Enjoy a sailing adventure on the beautiful Bras d’Or Lake, which is a saltwater lake and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
• Kidston Island Lighthouse: Admire the lighthouse from the Baddeck waterfront, or during the summer months, take a pontoon boat shuttle to the island and explore its scenic trails.
• Baddeck Lobster Suppers: Indulge in a delicious Nova Scotian meal at this family-run restaurant on the shores of the lake, with a variety of local seafood on the menu.
• Uisge Ban Falls Provincial Park: Hike through a forested trail to the beautiful Uisge Ban Falls, one of the top waterfalls in Cape Breton .

Chester is a picturesque seaside village on the beautiful South Shore of Nova Scotia, about an hour from Halifax. It’s known for its vibrant arts scene and sailing culture, and with its saltbox houses and clapboard siding, it could easily be mistaken for a town in New England.

Things to Do in Chester:

• Chester Race Week: Every August, the town hosts the Chester Race Week, one of North America’s oldest and largest keelboat regattas.
• Chester Playhouse: Catch a live performance at this historic playhouse, which hosts a variety of shows, including theatre, music and dance.
• Explore the Culture: Browse local art galleries and boutique shops for unique finds, and make great souvenirs.
• Graves Island Provincial Park: This beautiful park has hiking trails, picnic areas, campsites and stunning ocean views, perfect for a relaxing day out. This is one of our favourite campgrounds in Nova Scotia, as it was the first place we stayed while visiting the province, although we only managed to stay one night before it closed for a hurricane.
• Lido Pool: Take a dip in the saltwater Lido Pool, built right into the edge of Chester’s Back Harbour. Open during the summer months, it’s a unique spot to swim overlooking the harbour, and is a great spot for a refreshing dip.

Digby is a small fishing town located on the bay of Fundy, about three hours from Halifax. The town is best known for its’ scallops, which are considered some of the best in the world.

Things to Do in Digby:

• Digby Waterfront: Stroll along the waterfront, where you can see the fishing boats lined up along the pier. Digby has the largest inshore scallop fleet, and the boats make for an interesting sight to see.
• Point Prim Lighthouse: For a different water view, Point Prim Lighthouse offers beautiful views of the Bay of Fundy and stunning sunsets.
• Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa: Stay at this iconic resort, one of the original CP Rail Hotels, or play a round of golf on the beautiful 18-hole course.
• Whale Watching Tours: Take a day trip to Brier Island for a whale-watching cruise in the Bay of Fundy where you’ll see whales and other marine life
• Try the Scallops: Of course, when you’re in Digby, you need to try the scallops. The Crow’s Nest and Captain’s Cabin are great choices in town, or my personal favourite is Ed’s Takeout by the highway.

Cheticamp is a traditional fishing village located on the west coast of Cape Breton Island, about four hours from Halifax. It’s a vibrant Acadian town, known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning coastal scenery and close proximity to the Cape Breton Highland National Park.

It’s also one of the best places to see puffins in Nova Scotia or to go whale watching.

While not as quaint as some of the other places on our list of prettiest small towns in Nova Scotia, the culture and community here makes up for it.

What to Do in Cheticamp:

• Les Trois Pignons: Visit this cultural centre and museum, which gives a special view into Acadian culture and the history of Chéticamp.
• Whale Watching Tours: Head out on a whale watching tour, as Cheticamp is one of the best places to go whale watching in Nova Scotia.
• Gypsum Mine Trail: Hike this easy trail leading to a beautiful turquoise lake, yes it’s really that shade of turquoise, that’s perfect for a refreshing swim.
• Aucoin Bakery: Stop by Aucoin Bakery for delicious home-made bread, old-fashioned donuts, muffins and cookies.
• Cape Breton Highlands National Park: The western entrance to Cape Breton Highlands National Park is just a few minutes from Cheticamp. Explore the park’s breathtaking landscapes, including scenic drives, hiking trails, and stunning lookout points along the Cabot Trail.

Wolfville is a lovely town in the Annapolis Valley, known for its historic charm and beautiful vineyards. Home to Acadia University, Wolfville has an atmosphere similar to New England, with Victorian architecture and plenty of quaint shops.

Wolfville may be a university town, but it’s also known for the nearby wineries, great restaurants and cozy Victorian houses that have been turned into bed and breakfasts.

• Wineries: Explore the local vineyards and wineries, such as Luckett Vineyards, Domaine de Grand Pré and Benjamin Bridge, where you can enjoy wine tastings and tours. Be sure to try Tidal Bay, an appellation that you will only find in Nova Scotia.
• Wolfville Farmers’ Market: Open every Saturday year-round and Wednesday evenings in summer, where you’ll find fresh produce, local baked goods, and of course, products from local wineries
• Explore Downtown: Take a stroll through downtown Wolfville, grab a coffee at one of the cozy cafes, shop at the boutique stores and admire the local art.
• Grand Pré: Visit this National Historic Site that pays tribute to the Acadians who were deported by the British in 1755 and learn about this significant chapter in Nova Scotia’s history.
• Blomidon Look Off: Just 20 mins from Wolfville is one of the best views in Annapolis Valley

Located on Cape Breton Island, Louisburg is a small town with a big history. The town was once the site of Fort Louisbourg, a French fortress that was the largest in North America at the time. The fort has since been rebuilt and is now a National Historic Site, with costumed guides and actors giving visitors a taste of what life was like in the 18th century. 

In addition to its’ historical significance, the tiny fishing village of Louisburg is also a beautiful Nova Scotia town, with plenty of 18th century architecture and views of the harbour. 

• Fortress of Louisburg: Step back in time and explore this extensive 18th-century French fortress. With costumed interpreters, re-enactments, and interactive exhibits, it’s a fascinating place to visit, especially for history buffs.
• Louisburg Lighthouse: Visit the site of the first lighthouse in Canada, where you’ll have stunning views of the rugged coastline or enjoy the hiking trail along the ocean.
• Louisburg Playhouse: Enjoy live theatre and local Cape Breton music at this cozy theatre.
• Kennington Cove Beach: Relax on this beautiful sandy beach, or walk along the historic beach and take in the ocean views.

Tatamagouche

Tatamagouche is a pretty seaside village along the Northumberland Shore, known for its quaint Main Street, beautiful nearby beaches and unique accommodations.

• Tatamagouche Train Station Inn: Stay at one of the most unique places in Nova Scotia. Spend the night in one of the renovated cabooses or boxcars , enjoy excellent seafood and local dishes in the dining car or simply visit the gift shop and cafe.
• Tatamagouche Brewing Company: Visit this family-owned mircrobrewery, formerly a butcher shop and now serving handcrafted beer in a cozy atmosphere.
• Rushton’s Beach Provincial Park: Enjoy some of the warmest waters in Nova Scotia, with a boardwalk and a sandy beach, and stunning sunsets in the evening.
• Sugar Moon Farm: Tour the sugar camp to learn about maple syrup, or dine at the on-site restaurant. Open year-round on Saturdays and Sundays, with additional hours during maple syrup season in the spring.

Known as the birthplace of New Scotland, Pictou is rich in Scottish heritage and maritime history. This historic town on the Northumberland Shore is small, but offers a unique blend of cultural attractions, outdoor activities and a pretty waterfront to stroll along.

• Hector Heritage Quay: Learn about the town’s Scottish roots and climb aboard a replica of the Ship Hector, which brought the first wave of Scottish immigrants to Nova Scotia in 1773.
• Northumberland Fisheries Museum: Discover the local fishing heritage with historical artifacts and exhibits, including a live lobster touch tank with a rare blue lobster.
• Waterfront Boardwalk: Stroll along the scenic boardwalk, browse the boutique shops, relax in a hammock and enjoy outdoor musical performances during the summer months.
• Grohmann Knives Factory: Tour the factory of these internationally known knives, which are made right here in Pictou, or shop in the factory outlet for a unique souvenir.
• Caribou-Munroes Island Provincial Park : Just a short drive from Pictou, this park offers a sandy beach with some of the warmest water in Nova Scotia, hiking trails along the shore, and picnic areas where you can watch the ferry arrive from PEI.
• Seafoam Lavender: Walk through the beautiful lavender fields, smell the flowers in bloom, pick up a few items at the gift shop, or even pick your own lavender during July.

Conclusion: Prettiest Small Towns in Nova Scotia

Exploring these pretty small towns in Nova Scotia is a great way to experience the province’s rich history, diverse culture and stunning landscapes. From the colourful streets of Lunenburg to the scenic vineyards of Wolfville and the historical charm of Annapolis Royal, each town has its own charm and attractions waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, historic sites or a relaxing escape, Nova Scotia’s picturesque towns are a great place to explore.

More Inspiration for Your Nova Scotia Bucket List

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17 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Nova Scotia

Written by Chloë Ernst and Lura Seavey Updated Sep 26, 2022

Pretty and peaceful, Nova Scotia is Canada's second smallest province, a peninsula on the eastern edge of the Canadian mainland. But its lengthy coastline is dotted with fishing harbors, sandy beaches, plump islands, and other beautiful places to visit. The scenery varies greatly, from the foggy Atlantic Ocean in the southeast to the tidal salt marshes of the Bay of Fundy in the west and Gaelic highlands of Cape Breton to the north.

In these maritime latitudes, Nova Scotia has a pleasantly breezy if rather damp climate. Summer is bright and sunny, but weather conditions can often cause fog, with snow in winter.

Halifax is the capital and largest city. In 1604, the French, including Samuel de Champlain, settled the Annapolis Valley, founding Port-Royal , the first lasting European settlement north of Florida. They called it Acadia, a name that is now used to refer to all French settlement in the Maritimes.

Find the best places to visit in this fascinating province with our list of the top attractions in Nova Scotia.

Cabot Trail

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A 300-kilometer scenic drive rings the northwest coast of Cape Breton Island and Cape Breton Highlands National Park. It is a coastal route, where the highest mountains in Nova Scotia dramatically meet the Gulf of St. Lawrence . Cliffs, beaches, viewpoints, and a twisting road give countless photo opportunities, and this is a very popular motorcycle tour route.

Many small communities and tourist attractions line the route, including a variety of local artisans and unique shops. Hiking is one of the popular things to do. There are also many excellent hiking trails, and tourists can either hike on their own or hire a local guide to show them the best spots.

Cabot Trail unofficially begins and ends in Baddeck, home to the father of the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell. Autumn is a favorite time to drive the Cabot Trail owing to the region's vibrant fall colors.

Location: Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

About 43 kilometers southwest of Halifax, the fishing village of Peggy's Cove has a back-in-time feel. Peggy's Point Lighthouse, one of Canada's most photographed lighthouses, sits on the foggy Atlantic Coast marking a perilous point. Stark, wave-battered granite bluffs surround the lighthouse, and tourists should exercise extreme caution if exploring the rocky shoreline.

Fishing wharves and boathouses line the shore of this active fishing community, and colorful heritage homes and art galleries line the winding road. Among these is the deGarthe Gallery and Museum , home to a fine collection of the work of local artist William E. deGarthe, a Finnish immigrant who was inspired by Peggy's Cove and its fishermen at a young age.

Tourists with some time to spend exploring the area can take a self-guided sightseeing tour of the Coastal Heritage Trail , which has been described as a "museum without walls." Top destinations include the Peggy's Cove Preservation Area, Pioneer Cemetery, Bishop's Park, and many other historically significant sites like the SS Atlantic Heritage Park .

The park includes a museum with many artifacts and information about the tragic demise of the ship and its crew, as well as a nice boardwalk and a memorial.

This is an extremely popular day-trip destination from Halifax, so be prepared for crowds of tourists, especially near the lighthouse.

The Fortress of Louisburg National Historic Site is a living history museum, which recreates mid-18th century fort life with more than forty historic buildings, costumed guides, and working establishments. Rebuilt on the site of a 1713 French fort, enormous defensive walls surround the town, some of which were up to 35 feet thick when constructed.

The reconstructed site is now filled with a cast of costumed interpreters who go about daily life, from domestic to military. Visitors can watch servants cook and taste authentic hot chocolate and fresh baked bread, see the merchants hawk their wares, and feel the ground shake as soldiers fire the cannon and their muskets.

Tourists looking for a more immersive experience can choose to spend the night here in a reproduction tent or period home - a truly unique experience for couples looking for a memorable romantic getaway.

Address: 259 Park Service Road, Louisbourg, Nova Scotia

Official site: www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ns/louisbourg

The highest peaks in Nova Scotia are in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, which covers more than 950 square kilometers at the northern tip of Cape Breton Island . Both the coastline of beaches and cliffs and the inland forests and rivers tempt hikers, campers, and families to explore the park.

Wildlife watching is excellent in the national park, with moose, beaver, eagles, and deer often visible from the Cabot Trail scenic drive, which partially cuts through the park.

The park is also home to Skyline Trail , a scenic route laid out in an easy-to-walk wooden boardwalk path. Overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence, visitors can spot whales below while enjoying panoramic views of the rugged coastline.

The small Acadian town of Chéticamp lies just outside park boundaries. It is well worth a stop for its small shops and galleries and dining establishments. It is also home to Les Trois Pignons , a unique museum and visitor center that houses a good collection of antiquities and traditional hooked rugs.

Official site: www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ns/cbreton/

Overlooking downtown Halifax, this hilltop fortress is the remnant of a British garrison that was first established in the 18th-century. Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, which itself was built in 1856, never saw a battle.

Today, the warren-like tunnels, powder magazine, and barracks have been preserved, and living-history guides give tours. There are reenactments and fortress guards with interpreters dressed in British reds, complete with musket salutes and the sound of bagpipes.

The road leading up Citadel Hill is popular for its city and harbor views, and it passes the Old Town Clock , which Prince Edward commissioned in 1803.

Address: 5425 Sackville Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Official site: www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ns/halifax

The exhibits and displays at this museum bring the maritime history of the province and the North Atlantic to life, showing visitors the role the sea has played in all facets of local life. Using photographs and personal tales of survivors, excellent multi-media exhibits chronicle the 1917 collision of two ships in the harbor, which caused the Halifax explosion.

Museum collections include more than two hundred model ships, from old sailing craft to ocean liners, freighters, and naval ships. Another part of the museum is in an old ship chandlery, where items were bought to outfit ships for sea.

There is also an extensive exhibit on the recovery efforts after the Titanic sank, Halifax being instrumental in rescue operations. On display are items found on the sea during rescue and later recovered, telling the tale of the ship and the people on board.

Also part of the museum are several craft moored in Halifax Harbour, including Queen Victoria's Royal Barge, a gift to the museum by Queen Elizabeth II. Another historically significant ship is the HMCS Sackville , a corvette class known for bouncing around like a cork in heavy seas, which saw duty during the Battle of the Atlantic in the convoys that kept Britain alive.

CSS Acadia is also open for touring as part of museum admission; it's now retired after long years of service in the Arctic and North Atlantic, charting the ocean floor.

Address: 1675 Lower Water Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Official site: https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca

Kejimkujik National Park occupies nearly 400 square kilometers of inland Nova Scotia, with a small seaside adjunct that has a stunning white-sand beach.

One of the biggest draws to this peaceful space is the rich history of the Mi'kmaw people who occupied the land for millennia. Visitors can still see evidence of Mi'kmaw life in the numerous petroglyphs, and learn more about native culture by watching Mi'kmaw craftsman Todd Labrador build birchbark canoes using traditional methods.

The majority of the park is only accessible by hiking or by canoe, making it an excellent place to truly get away. Campsites are located throughout the park for those who want to be completely immersed in nature, or visitors can enjoy the area during the day by hiking or paddling traditional Mi'kmaw routes.

Address: 1188 Saint Catherines River Road, Port Joli, Nova Scotia

Official site: www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ns/kejimkujik

A boardwalk lines the Halifax Harbour, leading from the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and restaurants. Tugs, sailboats, and navy vessels come and go, and the views look out to Dartmouth across the harbor and Georges Island mid-channel.

This is where you will find the ferry to Dartmouth, as well as plentiful choices if you want to take a sightseeing cruise in the harbor or go whale-watching. Near the ferry terminal, you can find a group of restored heritage buildings and a pedestrian area, which is lively both day and night, full of restaurants that often feature live maritime bands and always offer the freshest of seafood.

Tourists will find more shopping and plenty of goodies to snack on at the Halifax Seaport Farmer's Market , founded in 1750, making it the oldest farmers market in the Americas. The market is open daily and features locally grown, caught, and hand-made items including prepared food.

Brightly colored heritage buildings dot the hilly Lunenburg townscape, nearly three-quarters of which are the original structures from the 18 th and 19 th centuries. Many of these have been turned into inns and bed-and-breakfasts, and the community is a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Lunenburg's legacy was established when it became an early shipbuilding center. The town's most famous craft is the Bluenose schooner. Built here in 1921, the boat won many international races before sinking off the coast of Haiti. A replica, Bluenose II, is often in port, while other fishing vessels and a schooner can be seen at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic.

Along the waterfront, the port is still alive with vessels docking at the wharves and fishermen unloading the catch of the day.

• Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Lunenburg & Mahone Bay, NS

At one time, Pier 21 was the Canadian equivalent to Ellis Island, welcoming twenty percent of the nation's immigrants from 1928 through 1971. Through permanent and changing exhibits, visitors can find out what it was like to travel across the ocean and arrive in a new country.

Many of the exhibits are hands-on, including the chance to actually dress in period costumes, go inside a replica ship, and explore the contents of trunks and crates to learn more about the lives of the immigrants who packed up their most valued possessions.

The museum also has extensive genealogical resources at the Scotiabank Family History Centre , where anyone can go to trace their own family's immigration history free of charge.

Address: 1055 Marginal Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Official site: https://pier21.ca/

The Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens is one of the finest show gardens in North America, with 10 acres of beautifully planned and expertly executed historical and horticultural beds. The Rose Garden has two thousand bushes set among paths with green lawns, and the Governor's Garden is planted in the style and with the plants of the 1740s.

In a separate section are demonstration plots for current techniques and plants, and there is a winter garden where the plants are chosen for a bark, stem shape, or form that makes them attractive in the winter.

On the back side of the garden, the path looks out over the banks of the river. The gardens are a popular place for weddings, so you may have to sidestep around a happy couple and beaming parents.

Another top historic attraction in Annapolis Royal is the Fort Anne National Historic Site, originally built by the French in 1643 and taken over by the British in the 1750s. While the only remaining buildings are an 18 th -century gunpowder magazine and officers barracks, the impressive walls and ramparts are substantially intact.

Address: 441 St. George Street, Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia

Official site: www.historicgardens.com

The Halifax Public Gardens are the oldest Victorian gardens in North America, created in 1867 and now an official National Historic Site. Tourists can enjoy an hour-long guided tour of the gardens, which reveals its historic and horticultural significance. The gardens are free to visit and often host both public and private events.

In the spring, the gardens are bright with beds of tulips, daffodils, and irises, and the magnolia and cherry trees are in full bloom. June brings azaleas and rhododendrons, and later in the summer, dahlias, peonies, and roses line the artfully laid-out paths.

Even into November, you will find a variety of color, although the Friends of the Public Gardens Information Desk and park café close at the end of October.

Address: 5665 Spring Garden Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Official site: www.halifaxpublicgardens.ca

Located 40 kilometers from Halifax, Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park makes an excellent day trip. The park is spread over 40 hectares and is home to a wide variety of native and exotic animal species, including moose, foxes, beavers, wolves, black bears, and cougars. Visitors can interact with many of the park residents by feeding the animals grains provided in dispensers throughout the park.

Horse fanciers take note: the park is the only wildlife park in the world with Sable Island horses .

The park is also home to a variety of birds, including over a dozen species of pheasant and fowl, raptors including the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and great horned owl, and even emu.

Address: 149 Creighton Road, Lake Egmont, Nova Scotia

Official site: https://wildlifepark.novascotia.ca/

Acadians settled in Grand Pre in the early 18th century, reclaiming Bay of Fundy salt marshes for agricultural land through a series of dykes. But as Nova Scotia changed hands between the French and British, it brought unrest to the region. When the French-speaking Acadians refused to swear allegiance to England in 1755, the British deported about 10,000 people and destroyed their farms.

Grand Pre National Historic Site is a memorial to this injustice. Pretty gardens, a small chapel, and a statue of Henry Longfellow's fictional heroine Evangéline are part of the picturesque grounds at the historic site.

Official site: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ns/grandpre

Port-Royal National Historic Site in the Annapolis Valley is where, in 1605, Sieur des Monts founded one of the first permanent settlements in North America and established a fur-trading center.

Though the British later destroyed the fort, it has now been rebuilt using authentic 17th-century building techniques. The complex includes a Governor's Residence, a fur trading post, and priest's quarters, as well as a reproduction of the original quadrangle named the Habitation.

Living-history interpreters give insight into the settlers' struggle to survive, including how the native Mi'kmaq helped the Europeans through their first hard winters. Visitors can interact with the interpreters and ask questions, and there is also a special hands-on learning program for kids ages 6-11.

Address: 53 Historic Lane, Port Royal, Nova Scotia

Official site: www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ns/portroyal

Though it's lesser publicized than New Brunswick, the Nova Scotia side of the Bay of Fundy shares claim to the highest tides in the world. Hall's Harbour is not the pinnacle of that tidal range (head instead to the Minas Basin ), but it is one of the prettiest, with a wide sandy beach and wharves where docked fishing boats act as tidal markers. At low tide, the vessel sits on the harbor bottom.

A seafood restaurant is the main destination in the tiny village. From Hall's Harbour, other Annapolis Valley attractions are nearby, including The Lookoff viewpoint near Canning, Cape Split hiking trails , and Blomidon Provincial Park .

Ross Farm Museum does an excellent job of representing a working farm from more than 150 years ago. Numerous displays and buildings take visitors through a time warp to a bygone era. The 60-acre farm is, in fact, a real working operation, with a dairy barn, oxen pulls, and wagon rides.

Visitors can see a variety of animals including Canadian horses, oxen, various types of poultry, Southdown and Cotswold sheep, along with Berkshire Pigs. There is a nature trail that allows visitors to stroll throughout the property, along with a blacksmith's shop, cooper's shop, barn, schoolhouse, and the original Ross cottage.

Address: 4568 Highway 12, New Ross, Nova Scotia

Official site: http://rossfarm.novascotia.ca/

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