![]() Despite its diminutive size, Nova Scotia has some of the most stunning national parks to be found in Canada. The locals call Cape Breton “God’s country” while seasoned travelers compare its mountains to Hawaii, New Zealand or the Scottish Highlands. There’s something about the way the sun moves over the mountains in the Cape Breton Highlands, pushing shadows and ethereal light across the mountains, and sending slices of sunlight onto the road as you drive. Start – Baddeck End – Cheticamp Distance – approx 130 miles/210km (allow 2-3 days) The famous Skyline Trail is an easy hike on the Cape Breton Coast along the Cabot Trail © Alexander Howard / Lonely Planet Nova Scotia’s best road trip: the Cabot Trail Start – Halifax End – Pictou Distance – approx 225miles/362 km (allow 3 days) The Cliffs of Fundy and the Northumberland Shore These interesting coastal hikes, charming ferries, friendly whales, and the undulating roads themselves make a journey to Brier Island one of the best road trips in Nova Scotia. Along the way, explore the Balancing Rock Trail, Brier Island Coastal Trail, and Seal Cove. Alternatively, you can get there from neighboring Saint John, New Brunswick by a 2.5-hour ferry ride aboard the MV Fundy Rose.įrom Digby, a road trip to the whale-watching and birding mecca of Brier Island makes a wonderful one or two-day excursion that includes two very brief ferry journeys. Nova Scotia road-trippers can approach Digby from the east via the Annapolis Valley or from the southwest via the Acadian shore. The beautiful fishing town of Digby is best known for its extra-large, plump scallops. Start – Digby End –Westport Distance – approx 43miles/69 km (allow 1-2 days) Whale watching road trip: Digby to Brier Island For families, Memory Lane Heritage Village and Sherbrooke Village have exciting historical programs for all ages. The superb white sand and hiking trails of Taylor Head Provincial Park are a dream for nature-lovers, while the pristine, untouched beaches of the 100 Wild Islands are perfect for camping and kayaking. Turn the corner at Barrington, toward the Acadian shore, where highlights include the Tusket Islands, Cape Forchu Lighthouse, Le Village historique acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse, beautiful Mavillette beach, and Église Sainte-Marie – the tallest wooden church in North America.īut lately, there has been a resurgence of enthusiasm for this cool, atmospheric coast. One of the best ways to experience Acadian culture is through a Nova Scotia road trip that explores the tourist region of Yarmouth and Acadian Shores – home to old-growth forests, stunning beaches, and some of the darkest skies in North America.įrom Halifax, travel through the white sand beaches of Queens and Shelburne County, exploring the historic towns of Liverpool, Shelburne, and Birchtown, home of the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre. Start – Halifax End – Yarmouth Distance – approx 236miles/380 km (allow 4 days)Īlthough Nova Scotia is officially an English-speaking province, there are pockets of strong Acadian French culture where families still speak, play music, and cook the Cajun way. Take your time on a road trip to really enjoy the natural scenery, popular for canoeing hiking © Marc Guitard / Getty Images Queens, Shelburne, Yarmouth and the Acadian Shore ![]() Your reward: both a sunset and sunrise in Nova Scotia’s most iconic place. ![]() If you stay overnight here, you’ll have bragging rights, most tourists only visit Peggy’s Cove for an hour or two. Turn right at Tantallon and visit the lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove. This time, take the slow road: Highway 3 (not the 103). Head back to Halifax via the Aspotogan peninsula and the beaches of Bayswater, Hubbards, and Queensland. Hike Cape Split or explore Blomidon Provincial Park, then head to Hall’s Harbour to eat delicious lobster, while watching the world’s highest tides rise (or fall) on the Bay of Fundy.įor your next leg, head straight down through the province toward the south coast and head for the charming towns of Chester, Mahone Bay, and Lunenburg where you’ll find small inns, boutiques, bakeries, cafes, folk art – and a healthy dose of ghost and pirate lore. Starting in Halifax, zoom up highway 101 to Wolfville in the Annapolis Valley, once known as the “apple barrel of the British Empire,” home to several award-winning wineries, with fantastic tasting rooms, restaurants, and touring opportunities. Start – Halifax (round trip) Distance – approx 217miles/350 km (allow 3-4 days) Stay overnight and see the lighthouse at Peggy's Cove at sunrise and sunset © Peter Steeper / 500px A taste of the Annapolis Valley and the South Shore
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