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Must-see attractions in Nova Scotia

  • Exterior of the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in the town of Baddeck at the start of the Cabot Trail, Bras dOr Lakes, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada. Bell was a famous inventer who among many other things invented the telephone.

    Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site

    Cape Breton Island

    Telecommunications pioneer and inventor Alexander Graham Bell fell in love with Bras d'Or during a family holiday – apparently the hilly scenery reminded…

  • 500px Photo ID: 67163147 - Halifax Town Clock on Citadel Hill

    Citadel Hill National Historic Site

    Halifax

    Perched atop the grassy hillock looming over town, this star-shaped fort played a key role in Halifax's founding. Construction began in 1749; the current…

  • Cape Chignecto Provincial Park

    Nova Scotia

    This isolated wilderness on the Bay of Fundy offers some of the best coastal hiking in Nova Scotia. The 55km coastal loop usually takes three days to…

  • Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

    Halifax

    There's an argument that this dockside museum is Canada's most important institution. Between 1928 and 1971, Pier 21 was the Canadian version of the USA's…

  • Joggins Fossil Cliffs

    Nova Scotia

    Located on the site of the Old Joggins No 7 Coal Mine, this impressive visitor center relates the story of the World Heritage–listed Joggins Fossil Cliffs…

  • Cape Breton Highlands National Park

    Cape Breton Island

    One of Atlantic Canada's most famous and spectacular national parks, Cape Breton Highlands occupies 20% of the Cape Breton Island landmass. It's…

  • Cape Forchu Lightstation

    Nova Scotia

    Instantly recognisable thanks to its strange 'apple core' shape (designed to deflect winds around the structure), the present-day lighthouse on the lonely…

  • Glenora Inn & Distillery

    Cape Breton Island

    The first distillery in North America (and the only one in Canada) to make single-malt whisky, this renowned producer claims to take its secrets straight…

  • Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic

    Nova Scotia

    You simply can't understand Lunenburg unless you've visited this maritime museum, which traces the history of fishing from the days of the Mi'kmaq through…

  • Halifax Central Library

    Halifax

    Built on a former parking lot, this stunning modern library, composed of glass boxes stacked artfully on top of each other, was opened in 2014 and has…

  • Memory Lane Heritage Village

    Nova Scotia

    A 20-minute drive from Tangier, this place is an outstanding example of how a community can work together to preserve its history. It recreates a 1940s…

  • Fundy Geological Museum

    Nova Scotia

    If you want to understand the geological history of the Bay of Fundy this excellent museum should be your first port of call. It has a wide range of…

  • Cape Breton Miners' Museum

    Cape Breton Island

    Coal mining played a central role in the development of this part of Nova Scotia, so you shouldn't pass up the chance to venture into a disused mine in…

  • Cape d'Or Lighthouse

    Nova Scotia

    This spectacular cape of sheer cliffs was misnamed Cape d'Or (Cape of Gold) by Samuel de Champlain in 1604 – the glittering veins he saw were actually…

  • Sherbrooke Village

    Nova Scotia

    This living-history village offers a chance to really step back in time: you can chat with people in period costume as you wander the streets of a typical…

  • Gilbert's Cove Lighthouse

    Nova Scotia

    Built in 1904, this gorgeous little lighthouse had only two light keepers throughout its years of service: William Melanson and his daughter Louise. It…

  • Sunset at Peggys Cove after a violent wind storm the previous day

    Peggy's Point Lighthouse

    Nova Scotia

    The highlight of the cove is this picture-perfect lighthouse, built in 1914. It's supposedly the most photographed lighthouse in Canada, and for many…

  • Art Gallery of Nova Scotia

    Halifax

    The province's premier art institution is a must-see. It has a strong collection of local art, particularly the work of folk artist Maud Lewis, including…

  • Halifax Public Gardens

    Halifax

    Established in 1867 to mark Confederation, but formally opened to the public in 1875, Halifax's delightful 6.5-hectare public gardens are a fine example…

  • Taylor Head Provincial Park

    Nova Scotia

    A little-known scenic highlight of Nova Scotia, this spectacular park encompasses a peninsula jutting 6.5km into the Atlantic. On one side is a long, very…

  • Fairview Lawn Cemetery

    Halifax

    When the RMS Titanic sank, the bodies of those not lost at sea were brought to Halifax. Among other sites, there are 19 graves at Mt Olivet Catholic…

  • Fisherman's Life Museum

    Nova Scotia

    The tiny Fisherman's Life Museum, 35km west of Tangier, paints a convincing picture of the tough lives of the people – particularly the women – who lived…

  • Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park

    Nova Scotia

    Shubenacadie, or simply 'Shube,' 35km south of Truro off Hwy 2, is best known for this wildlife park. It's the place to commune with Nova Scotia's native…

  • Les Trois Pignons

    Cape Breton Island

    This excellent museum explains how rug hooking went from home-based activity to international business. Artifacts illustrate early life and artisanship in…

  • Celtic Music Interpretive Centre

    Cape Breton Island

    This well-run center is one of the region's best places to experience Celtic music. The main exhibit room explores the origins and styles of the local…

  • Jost Winery

    Nova Scotia

    Among Nova Scotia's best-known wineries, Jost offers informative guided tours including two tastings, and you can pick up vintages in the shop. It…

  • Membertou Heritage Park

    Cape Breton Island

    This First Nations reserve has an interesting visitor center where you can learn about Mi'kmaw culture, and workshops (from $25) where you can try your…

  • Cabots Landing Provincial Park

    Cape Breton Island

    Stop in this wonderful provincial park, 10km north of the Cabot Trail en route to Bay St Lawrence, to enjoy Aspy Bay and its spectacular beach.

  • Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park

    Halifax

    Eighteen kilometers south of Halifax, near the village of Sambro, this gorgeous provincial park boasts three distinct beaches in separate coves; the third…

  • Highland Village Museum

    Cape Breton Island

    Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Bras d'Or Lake, this living-history museum explores the region's Gaelic heritage. Costumed Scots demonstrate the day…

  • Gampo Abbey

    Cape Breton Island

    This abbey, 8km north of Pleasant Bay past the village of Red River, is a monastery for followers of Tibetan Buddhism. Ane Pema Chödrön is the founding…

  • St Paul's Church

    Halifax

    The oldest surviving building in Halifax is also the oldest Protestant place of worship in Canada. Established in 1749 with the founding of Halifax, St…

  • Crombie House

    Nova Scotia

    A 10-minute drive north of town, in the personal residence of the founder of the Sobeys supermarket chain, this private gallery has an excellent…

  • Art Gallery of Nova Scotia

    Nova Scotia

    The work of Maritime artists provides the backbone of the collection at this impressive outpost of the main Halifax gallery, spread over three floors. If…

  • Balmoral Grist Mill

    Nova Scotia

    In a gorgeous setting on the stream that once provided it with power, the Balmoral Grist Mill still grinds wheat in summer. From Tatamagouche, turn south…

  • Hank Snow Home Town Museum

    Nova Scotia

    Country-music star Clarence Eugene 'Hank' Snow was born on May 9, 1914, in the village of Brooklyn, not far from Liverpool. Housed in the old train…

  • Ingonish Beach

    Cape Breton Island

    Ingonish's long, wide strip of sand is sheltered in a bay surrounded by green hills. It's a popular spot for some shore time in summer, even though the…

  • Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

    Halifax

    Sea dogs will love this briny museum on the waterfront, which houses a huge collection of maritime memorabilia relating to Atlantic Canada's many nautical…

  • Big Tancook Island

    Nova Scotia

    Big Tancook Island (population 120) is a 50-minute ferry ride from Chester's government wharf. Settled by Germans and French Huguenots in the early 19th…