Top Attractions
5 Must-See Places Must-See Places
Peggy's Cove Lighthouse
The most photographed lighthouse in Canada sits on massive rounded granite boulders at the edge of the Atlantic, framing one of the country's most iconic images. The working village behind it is a genuine fishing community of 30 year-round residents. Come before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. to experience it at its quietest.
Cape Breton Highlands & Cabot Trail
A 298-kilometre loop road through the Cape Breton Highlands is one of the most spectacular coastal drives in North America. The road climbs above 450 metres, follows sea cliffs above the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and bisects Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The Skyline Trail hike, the Acadian community of Cheticamp, and the whale-watching at Pleasant Bay are highlights.
Lunenburg
A UNESCO World Heritage Site — one of only two planned British colonial settlements in North America to retain their original layout. The town sits on a steep hillside above the harbour, its painted Victorian commercial buildings reflected in the water below. The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic and the Bluenose II replica are the key heritage attractions.
Cape Split Hike
The best day hike in Nova Scotia follows a forested ridge to dramatic cliffs above the Bay of Fundy, where strong tidal currents swirl around the headland. The 13-kilometre return trail takes 4–5 hours and is accessible to most hikers. At peak tide the current around the cape produces standing waves visible from the cliff top.
Halifax Citadel
The star-shaped fortification above the Halifax waterfront is a National Historic Site interpreting 250 years of military history, with costumed soldiers, the noon gun ceremony, and panoramic views across the harbour to Dartmouth. The central library next door is one of Canada's finest new public buildings — an architectural landmark in its own right.
Nova Scotia Travel Guides
Peggy's Cove: More Than a Postcard
The iconic lighthouse is real and worth the trip — but the rest of the South Shore is where the real adventure is.
The Cabot Trail: A Complete Driving Guide
How to drive the loop, where to stop, and the hikes that make it more than a scenic drive.
Nova Scotia's Best Coastal Hikes
Cape Split, Cape Chignecto, and the best trails along the province's varied coastlines.
Share Your Nova Scotia Experience