Mcnabs Island Lighthouse, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Ideas For Making The Most Of Your Nova Scotia Vacation

Cruise Into Canada's Ocean Playground

By Hayley Simpson | Published on March 19, 2024

Nova Scotia may be an underrated Canadian destination, but you shouldn't underestimate the experiences waiting for you when you visit on a cruise. Stroll through charming UNESCO World Heritage-listed towns, snack on fresh seafood, witness the world's highest tides, and soak up stunning coastal vistas.

Here's what else you can expect from a Nova Scotia vacation from New York City.

Cruise From Cape Liberty

There are four- and five-night cruises to Nova Scotia available from Cape Liberty, so in terms of weekend getaways, it's a perfect trip. The main advantage of cruising out of Cape Liberty is that you're just a stone's throw from the best of alluring New York City. Cape Liberty is located in Bayonne, New Jersey, which is across the Hudson River from New York City. From the cruise port, you can see Staten Island, Brooklyn, Governors Island, and the Statue of Liberty. It's also easily accessible via car, public transport and the Newark Airport.

If you have time before or after your trip to Nova Scotia, take advantage of your New York City playground. There are infinite things to do in New York City, but you can't miss the views from either the Empire State Building or the Rockefeller Center. You could also spend multiple days visiting the city's amazing museums and art galleries, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and the American Museum of Natural History. If you visit on a sunny day, do as the locals do and head directly to Central Park. Finally, is it even a visit to New York City without seeing a show on Broadway?

Canada, Lighthouse — Scenic View of a Canadian Coast

The iconic Peggy's Cove Lighthouse shines with history.

Trips To Nova Scotia = Lighthouses And Lobster

Once you've seen all the sparkling NYC sights, it's time to set sail on your Nova Scotia vacation. One of Canada's four maritime provinces, it consists of a mainland peninsula and Cape Breton Island. With over 8,000 miles of rugged windswept coastline, it's evident why it's nicknamed Canada's Ocean Playground. While in Nova Scotia, expect to witness the world's highest tides, picturesque lighthouses, endless golden shorelines and charming small coastal towns.

Peggy's Cove and its iconic lighthouse are highlights of Nova Scotia vacations and are fortunately located less than an hour's drive from the capital city, Halifax. Meanwhile, Halifax is known for its historic charm, natural landscapes, and waterfront location. Head directly to the 2.5-mile waterfront boardwalk downtown, which is home to a plethora of bars and restaurants as well as the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.

Another popular destination on Novia Scotia getaways is Lunenburg, which is home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. As North America's best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement, imagine a kaleidoscope of wooden waterfront buildings. At Nova Scotia's northeast tip, Cape Breton Island offers dramatic coastline views you'd expect to find across the pond in Ireland. This is appropriate, seeing as the island is known for its rich history and Celtic culture. Drive along the world-famous Cabot Trail, which hugs the coastline, play on world-class golf courses, and visit the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site.

Harbor Fishing Boats, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Lunenburg's historic waterfront has the best seafood around.

While visiting any of these destinations, it's important to take the time to try local delicacies. It wouldn't be an ocean playground without a thriving seafood industry, so prepare to overindulge in fish, Digby scallops, lobster, and oysters. Located in Hubbards, Shore Club is home to the original lobster supper. But on Cape Breton Island, you can't miss Baddeck Lobster Suppers. Their all-you-can-eat menu features local lobster, snow crab, Atlantic salmon, and steak, served with steamed local mussels and chowder. It's a seafood feast fit for Poseidon, as well as any fabulous family or couples weekend getaway to Nova Scotia.

Bar Harbor, Maine Lobster Dinner — A Maine lobster dinner platter

Make sure to try a donair, Halifax's official delight.

Nova Scotia also produces over 40 million pounds of wild blueberries annually, with Oxford being Canada's wild blueberry capital. However, you can purchase wild blueberries and blueberry-themed goods (think: juice, soap, baked goods and more) across the province. Another fruitful crop taking over the Annapolis Valley is apples, with over 20 varieties available. Fertile Annapolis Valley is also home to a few wineries. Benjamin Bridge Vineyards produces Nova Scotia's most widely acclaimed wine: the multi-award-winning Nova 7 sparkling.

Other delicacies to try include Rappie Pie at Red Cap Restaurant — a traditional Acadian dish made from grated potatoes and meat. Then, there are delicious sweet-and-salty oatcakes, which originate in Scotland but can be scooped up at bakeries and cafés across the province. Finally, while docked in Halifax, it's only right to indulge in an iconic donair, the city's official food. The messy pita wrap is overloaded with spiced beef cooked on a spit that's covered in a sweet garlic sauce and garnished with fresh tomatoes and onion.

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From eating your weight in lobster to embarking on world-famous road trips and seeing the world's highest tides, Nova Scotia cruises make unforgettable Nova Scotia vacations.

Outdoor Adventures On Nova Scotia Getaways

Cape Breton Island Fall, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Peep the next-level fall foliage on Cape Breton.

Now that you know the top destinations and food to try on Nova Scotia getaways, let's focus on the natural landscape the province is famous for. Whatever outdoor adventure you seek, it's guaranteed you can enjoy it while on a weekend trip to Nova Scotia.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers 26 hiking trails, including the iconic Skyline trail. But trek the trail less traveled and climb to the top of Broad Cove Mountain or take in panoramic coastline views from the Acadian Trail. You can also tee up at Highland Links, one of the world's top 100 golf courses.

Kejimkujik National Park is the only Parks Canada site that's both a national park and a national historic site. Learn about its 10,000 rich years of Mi'kmaq history as you paddle along historic waterways (there are over 45 lakes and ponds) and spy Mi'kmaq petroglyphs on guided tours. If you'd prefer a seaside excursion, enjoy Kejimkujik Seaside's isolated sandy beaches, scenic trails and rocky secluded coves. The park is also a dark-sky preserve, so stargazing is basically a requirement.

Kejimkujik lake in fall from Jeremy Bay Campground (Kejimkujik National Park, Nova Scotia, Canada)

One of Kejimkujik's many lakes makes for a peaceful escape.

Located in the Bay of Fundy, Burntcoat Head Park is where you'll find the world's highest tides — with 160 billion tonnes of water flowing into the basin every 13 hours, which is more than the combined flow of every single freshwater river in the world. It's worthwhile visiting at high and low tide. When the tides are out, you can walk for miles on the ocean floor and see what treasures the tide left behind.

Hiking and Nova Scotia vacations go hand in hand, so you can truly choose from hundreds of trails from Sydney to Shelburne. Climb 175 steps to the top of Jacob's Ladder in Victoria Park, which is home to cascading waterfalls, a winding river and a lush forest. Enjoy panoramic Bay of Fundy views from Cape Split Provincial Park's trails. Head along the Louisbourg Lighthouse Trail to see the fortress from an impressive angle. Then, see sweeping East River Bay vistas from Castle Rock Trail, and choose from multiple trailheads on the 57-mile Celtic Shores Coastal Trail. The fall foliage here, with trees turning vibrant shades of orange, gold, and red, is also positively breathtaking.

At Nova Scotia's northeast tip, Cape Breton Island offers dramatic coastline views you'd expect to find across the pond in Ireland. This is appropriate, seeing as the island is known for its rich history and Celtic culture.

Relax on the white sandy shores at Carter's Beach.

Making A Splash On Nova Scotia Vacations

Several seaside adventures are also awaiting you on weekend vacation in Nova Scotia. From June to October, join a whale watching tour to see some of the 12 whale species that visit the province's waters annually. There are tours available coast to coast, from Annapolis Valley to the Cabot Trail. You can also sail the high seas in Bluenose II from Lunenburg. It's a replica of the Bluenose, Canada's most famous fishing vessel that's now permanently idolized on the 10-cent coin.

Nova Scotia is also a globally recognized surfing destination. Check out the swells at Lawrencetown, Cherry Hill, Summerville, and Martinique Beach. The latter is home to the province's longest beach at 3 miles long. Other must-visit beaches include Carter's Beach, which looks like it was plucked directly from the Caribbean, with a sparkling white sandy shore and azure water. Alternatively, stroll along Inverness Beach's idyllic boardwalk and choose from three crescent-shaped beaches at Crystal Crescent.

Beautiful and colorful image of several rental kayaks resting on the Atlantic Ocean shoreline. Taken on a seal watching kayak excursion in Blue Rocks, Nova Scotia, Canada.

The tranquility of Blue Rocks offers a spot for self-reflection.

For an adrenaline-pumping rush, nothing compares with riding the waves of the world's highest tides in a Zodiac boat. Reaching up to 13 feet high, the Shubenacadie River transforms into a water roller coaster for an experience you won't find anywhere else. Head to the small towns of South Maitland and Green Oaks for unforgettable tidal bore adventures, and complete the experience with a spot of mud-sliding.

If you'd prefer to leave the thrill-seeking to others, there are other options for a more romantic couple's weekend getaway to Nova Scotia. Try some tranquil kayaking available across the province. Kayak at multiple Cape Breton freshwater and seawater locations, from Baddeck to North River. Embrace the calm waters of Blue Rocks near Lunenburg, or kayak around the Bay of Fundy's Three Sisters' sea stacks in Cape Chignecto Provincial Park. As far as weekend vacations go, trips to Nova Scotia are certain to be epic.

Written By
HAYLEY SIMPSON

A Bachelor of Journalism graduate hailing from Australia, Hayley is an experienced travel writer and the award-winning travel blogger behind Hayley on Holiday. Her travel writing has featured on Lonely Planet, Matador Network, and The Culture Trip. As for her travel experience, Hayley is a big advocate for solo travel and working holidays and has visited over 40 countries.

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