Best Nova Scotia Tours & Holidays 2024/2025

This picturesque province will have you spellbound with its never-ending shorelines, magical lighthouses, and peaceful national parks.

Turn your dream of exploring Canada’s east coast into a reality with our Nova Scotia tours and holidays. Full of coastal towns with plenty of whale-watching spots to get lost in, infinite seafood to fill up on, and over one hundred historic lighthouses to marvel at, this maritime destination offers outdoor adventure and extraordinary scenery for a trip you’ll never forget. Whether you want to immerse yourself in this province’s natural beauty, explore colourful fishing villages or treat your tastebuds to the sugary alcohol this region is known for, a journey through Nova Scotia is guaranteed to be one of your favourites.

Our Nova Scotia tours & holidays

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Things to do in Nova Scotia

The colourful streetscape of Argyle Street in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Wander the streets of Halifax

You could search for days and still not find a town that has more maritime charm and cultural appeal than that of Nova Scotia’s capital, Halifax. But while the rest of this peaceable province is perfect for nature lovers, Halifax is for the history buffs with more museums, monuments, and historical sites than you’ll know what to do with. From the fortress-like grounds of the Halifax Citadel to the impressive library at Province House, you won’t be disappointed by a deep dive into this town’s rich heritage.

Aerial view of the scenic Cabot Trail in Cape Breton National Park, Nova Scotia

Drive the scenic Cabot Trail

Driving might not be the most adventurous activity you can do in Nova Scotia but if you’re driving along its famous Cabot Trail then it’s definitely one of the most breathtaking ones. Weaving through the Cape Breton National Park, this 298km highway treats its travellers to stunning valley views and dramatic coastal vistas you simply can’t get anywhere else. If the weather is nice, enjoy 4 hours’ worth of natural scenery whizzing past your window, stopping along the way at points that are particularly beautiful.

Dine on fresh, delicious seafood

Not eating seafood when holidaying in Nova Scotia is like travelling to Paris and not catching a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower – you just don’t do it. Especially when this province’s fishing industry has thrived for hundreds of years and continues to do so. Nova Scotia isn’t known as “Canada’s ocean playground” for nothing so trying the famous scallops in Digby, lobster anything in Halifax, and salty oysters on Cape Breton Island is a must.

The colourful houses and buildings on Lunenburg's waterfront on a clear, sunny day.

Explore the quaint Lunenburg

Lunenburg’s history is as rich and colourful as its building facades and you’ll only need a day or two spent wandering its waterfront to fall in love with this UNESCO World Heritage-listed town. Boasting original colonial buildings from the 18^th and 19^th centuries, seafood-filled restaurants, rum distilleries, and natural scenery that’ll take your breath away, Lunenburg is a corner of Canada you’ll never want to leave. And that’s a promise.

Aerial view of the Skyline Trail at Cape Breton next to the Cabot Trail drive on a sunny day in Nova Scotia

Walk the Skyline Trail of Cape Breton

One of the better ways to walk off all the fresh lobster and clam chowder you’ve been eating is to embark on an outdoor adventure along Cape Breton National Park’s Skyline Trail. Claiming the title of the park’s signature hike, this trail will lead you straight to spectacular, sweeping views of the sea and surrounding areas so you can spot breaching humpback whales and toy-like cars as they navigate the winding roads of the Cabot Trail.

The famous red-tipped lighthouse at Peggy's Cove as the sun sets in the background.

Discover the rocky shores of Peggy’s Cove

There’s a reason why the famous Peggy’s Cove is one of the most photographed places in all of Canada. From watching the powerful waves of the Atlantic crash against the rocky outcrops to spotting colourful fishing boats as they bob on the water’s surface, this scenic spot captivates hearts and mesmerizes minds with its tranquil atmosphere. It even has its own iconic, red-tipped lighthouse that deserves a permanent spot on your Instagram feed.

Nova Scotia tour reviews

Nova Scotia FAQs

Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to join a trip in Nova Scotia?

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid’s COVID-19 policy

How to get to Nova Scotia

There are plenty of ways to get to Nova Scotia including driving along the Trans-Canadian Highway and connecting with the Nova Scotia Highway 104, flying into Halifax Stanfield National Airport from various destinations within Canada, and catching public transport including ferry, bus, and train services.

How do I get around Nova Scotia?

Getting around Nova Scotia is super easy if you're travelling with a car or able to rent one from the airport once you've landed. However, without a car, getting to and from different places in Nova Scotia becomes more difficult with no clear public transportation system that will take you to the popular/tourist locations. There are bus and shuttle companies that operate day tours from places such as Halifax to Lunenburg, as well as public transport systems within the larger cities themselves that are reliable and efficient.

When is the best time to visit Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia has something to offer in every season but the most popular time to travel to this maritime province is in summer when events and festivals are frequent and the weather's warm enough to lay out on its beaches. The shoulder seasons of autumn and spring are also a great time to visit the region with fewer crowds, more availability, and lower accommodation prices than in the height of summer. Some of the best things to do during these seasons are hiking and surfing.

Learn more about the weather in Nova Scotia

What to pack for a trip to Nova Scotia

What to pack for a trip to Nova Scotia is largely like packing for any other destination but it does depend on what time of the year you're travelling in. Temperatures rarely get that high in summer so packing dresses, t-shirts, and shorts will do the trick. If you're travelling in winter make sure you rug up with waterproof jackets, coats, lots of layers, and thick socks. Regardless of the season you're travelling in, you should always pack sunscreen, a reusable drink bottle, a backpack or day bag, and a camera.

Is Nova Scotia accessible for travellers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.