The easternmost Atlantic Province is the historic and beautiful Nova Scotia. Route 103 offers a delightful drive along the Nova Scotia Atlantic coast, bringing visitors nearly three-quarters of the way around the province while providing plenty of opportunities to pull off at numerous sleepy, authentic fishing villages. In central Nova Scotia, on the Bay of Fundy along Highway 1, you’ll see the Annapolis Valley, one of eastern Canada’s most fertile areas.
This rich rural area offers its travelers bounties of fruits and other natural delectables. Carved by numerous large lakes, this serene landscape allows for many hunts for history buffs, including the Port Royal Habitation, where the region’s first settlers dug in to live the sometimes unforgiving weather.
Some of Canada’s most impressive settings are seen in Nova Scotia’s northern section, courtesy of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Lush evergreen-covered hills rise up from an ocean that is home to unrivaled salmon fishing. Enjoy the comfortable drive that skirts the park’s perimeter, as few excursions possess more exciting views than the one around Cape Breton. But manage to keep your eyes on the road, too. The Cabot Trail, which follows the park’s northernmost point, is a wildlife lover’s paradise. Migrating whales are usually observed along the coast, while inland residents such as moose (this is Canada, after all) and other sumptuous creatures can be seen in the park’s dense forest. After your visit to Cape Breton is done, enjoy the scenic route along the peninsula’s northern coastline as it mirrors the rim of Aspy Bay.
Things to do while you are in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia offers history, beaches, rugged wilderness parks, a blend of Celtic, Indigenous, and Acadian French cultures. Here are the top things to do while you stop in Nova Scotia.
- For amateur fossil collectors, there are numerous beaches along the shores of Cape Breton Island that have coal seams, and you can find rocks containing fossilized ferns and other flora in these regions. Go and collect fossils along the beaches.
- During the famous Tall Ships Festival, Halifax hosts up to 25 unique and historic (and massive) maritime sailing vessels worldwide.
- Whale-watching trips are popular in cities along the Atlantic coast, and you can stop at one of the many banks while driving to gaze at the majestic mammals underwater.
- Park your car and raft. Tidal Bore Rafting is an excellent way to encounter the highest tides in the world located near Truro.
- Eat along the way, Berries, Garlic Fingers, Deep-fried pepperoni, Lobster rolls, and Halifax donair await you.
Happy Driving. Now You Know
