Nova Scotia

Introduction

Lighthouse

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Nova Scotia, from the latin for New Scotland, certainly has Scottish and Celtic roots, but also mixes into that pot the French Acadian and native Mi’kmaq cultures as well. Nova Scotia is home to the world's highest tides in the Bay of Fundy, the awe inspiring scenery of the Cape Breton trail, the lively culture of Halifax and the charm and hospitality of Lunenburg on the Lighthouse Route. Travellers can explore fishing villages and Atlantic Ocean beaches during the days, and listen to Celtic, Acadian, Scottish and modern music at night.

Geography

The province's mainland is the Nova Scotia peninsula surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, including numerous bays and estuaries. Cape Breton Island, a large island to the northeast of the Nova Scotian mainland lies to the north-east of the mainland. Sable Island, a small island notorious for its shipwrecks, lies approximately 175 km from the province's southern coast.

Nova Scotia is Canada's second smallest province in area (after Prince Edward Island).

Cities

Halifax is a port city with a lively night scene and, as one of Canada's oldest cities, some beautiful architecture and historical sights, including the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. More information available from the Tourism Nova Scotia's Halifax Guide

Lunenburg is home to the most famous Canadian tall-ship, the Bluenose II. Designated as an United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) heritage site, this vibrant community still thrives on its farming, fishing and shipbuilding. More information available from the Tourism Nova Scotia's Lunenburg Guide

Sights and Activities

Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia

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• The Cape Breton trail - Canada’s great ocean highway – the Cabot Trail – on the island of Cape Breton. The trail winds a near 300 km (185 mi.) along the island’s rocky northern shore and then ascends the plateaus of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Get more information from the Tourism Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Trail Guide
• The Bay of Fundy - Discover the highest tides in the world in the Bay of Fundy – measuring highs of 16 metres (54 feet). At low tide, comb the beach for amethyst stones and crustaceans. Ride the tide on the Shubenacadie River – one of the only places in the world for tidal bore rafting. The Bay of Fundy is a favourite destination to many shorebirds and whales, eagles and osprey. Get more information from the Tourism Nova Scotia's Bay of Fundy Guide
• The Lighthouse Route journeys through Nova Scotia’s South Shore, a landscape of coastal beauty and historic charm that follows the shoreline roads past rugged, wave-carved headlands and tranquil, island-studded bays to reveal historic towns and weathered fishing villages where legends of the sea come alive and the rhythm of life moves in harmony with the tides. Tourism Nova Scotia's Lighthouse Route Guide

Events and Festivals

Weather

Atlantic and Fundy waters are relatively cold (8 °C - 12 °C), and they help to keep the air temperature over southwestern Nova Scotia on the cool side in spring and summer. In January, when their temperature is between 0 °C and 4 °C, these same waters moderate the harshness of winter. Farther offshore to the east, southeast, and south are comparatively warm 16 °C waters of the Gulf Stream. Its warmth, especially from August through October, is credited with prolonging fall - the season many Nova Scotians consider to be the best of the year.^[1]

Getting There

By Plane

The Halifax Robert L. Stanfield International Airport is the Atlantic Canadian hub for all domestic, regional and international services. Scheduled air service into Nova Scotia is available from all major Canadian cities, from all major United States cities through connecting hubs at Boston and New York, and from major European cities through the connecting hub at London.

By Bus

Greyhound from New York and Voyageur from Montreal connect with Acadian Lines which serves Atlantic Canada. At Amherst, intraprovincial bus lines link most major communities.

By Train

Via Rail Canada provides transcontinental train service; there are stations in Truro and Halifax. Call toll-free 1-888-842-7245.

By Car

Highways from all points in the United States and Canada join the Trans Canada Highway from New Brunswick into Nova Scotia.

By Boat

Car ferry trips connect Maine, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland to Nova Scotia.

Newfoundland - Nova Scotia
Port-aux-Basques, Newfoundland, to/from North Sydney, Nova Scotia, daily service year-round; additional service mid-June to September. Argentia, Newfoundland to North Sydney, Nova Scotia: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, mid-June to mid-October. Reservations recommended. Tickets must be picked up one hour before sailing. Marine Atlantic Reservations, 355 Purves St, North Sydney, NS, B2A 3V2. 1-800-341-7981.

Prince Edward Island - Nova Scotia
Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island, to Caribou, Nova Scotia, daily service May 1 to December 20, operated by Northumberland Ferries Ltd., 94 Water Street, P.O. Box 634, Charlottetown, PE, C1A 7L3. In Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, call toll-free 1-800-565-0201. From other areas, call (902) 566-3838.

Saint John, New Brunswick - Digby, Nova Scotia
Daily service year-round; three trips daily during peak months. Reservations recommended. Bay Ferries, 94 Water Street, P.O. Box 634, Charlottetown, PE, C1A 7L3. Phone 1-888-249-7245; (902) 566-3838; fax (902) 566-1550.

Portland & Bar Harbor, Maine - Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
Service June 1 to mid-October. From Portland, Maine on Friday, Saturday and Sunday; from Bar Harbor, Maine on Monday through Thursday. Reservations required. Passengers should be at the terminal one hour prior to sailing. For sailing times contact Bay Ferries Limited, 94 Water St., P.O. Box 634, Charlottetown, PE, C1A 7L3 or 121 Eden St., Bar Harbor, Maine, 04609, USA. Phone 1-888-249-7245, (902) 566-3838; fax (902) 566-1550.

Getting Around

By Plane

By Train

By Car

Nova Scotia is encircled by eleven scenic travelways. These scenic travelway routes follow the slower-paced trunk and collector roads that lead you around the province of Nova Scotia. Each travelway describes the culture, history and natural features along the route and is referenced with all the places to stay and things to do in the area.

More information on Nova Scotia's Scenic Travelways can be found from the Nova Scotia Tourism Website

By Bus

By Boat

Eat

Drink

Sleep