10 Days in Nova Scotia

What You Should Know Before Going On A Nova Scotia Tour

Where is Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia is a province in eastern Canada on the Atlantic Ocean. The province is east of the state of Maine, Southwest of New Brunswick, South of Prince Edward Island, and Southwest of Newfoundland.

Weather in Nova Scotia

The weather in Nova Scotia depends on the season, with warm summers and winter often dropping below freezing. The middle of winter often has temperatures between 0-32 degrees Fahrenheit. Locals know to expect snow for most of the winter, so they make the most of the chilly weather.

If colder weather and winter activities are your thing, this is a great time to visit. There are festivals, snowshoeing, ice skating and sleigh rides, making this a real life winter wonderland.

Summer brings warm weather, and a whole new experience to Nova Scotia. Temperatures range from 70-80 degrees, making it ideal weather to get outdoors and enjoy the natural beauty of the province. Spend the day relaxing at the beach, hike through the Cape Breton Highlands, or hang out at one of the many street festivals.

If you’re hoping for a balance between the two, consider visiting during the spring or fall. The earlier part of spring (mid-March to late April) is still a bit chilly with daily averages of 32-50 degrees fahrenheit. Later in the season is when the warm weather starts to kick in, with temperatures rising to 50-70 degrees.

You can expect the reverse for the fall, with warmer temperatures early in the season, cooling down as the fall season goes on.

Best time to visit Nova Scotia

The best time to visit depends on what activities and experiences you want to get out of your trip. There really is no “bad time” to visit Nova Scotia, and all seasons are worthy of a visit. There is plenty of activity year-round.

Summer is a popular season, because of the warm weather and the high amount of outdoor activities. For anyone hoping to spend a lot of time on the water (kayaking, swimming), it’s better to go during summer. Most whale watching tours in Nova Scotia don’t start until June, so if this is high on your list, consider holding off until summer.

If you’re hoping to experience the warm weather without the crowds of summer, try going in should season, when the crowds have thinned out. Late April-early May is a great time for this, before school is let out for the summer, or in late September-Early October when school has started again.

Even in the warmer months, it’s a good idea to bring a light jacket or another layer, especially if you’re near the water, as it can get a bit chilly. A notable reason for fall being a popular time to visit is the changing of the leaves. The autumn colors are pretty are pretty impressive, and is worth considering a fall visit.

Who Will Enjoy Traveling in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is a great destination for various visitors. The most common types of visitor for the region is one who likes to be outdoors. As said above, there is plenty of outdoor activities, from hiking, to cycling, to spending time on the water.

Many people head to Cape Breton Highlands to get kick their active drive into gear. There are beaches and paths to explore the great outdoors. Follow the cabot trail through the winding roads to the top of the cliffs for jaw-dropping views. This track is especially popular for motorcyclists. When the winter season hits, hiking trails turn into great snowshoeing opportunities. Hit the slopes for skiing or sledding.

Those who like to explore shops, museums, and spend time indoors are also in for a treat. The best place to visit for this type of travel is to Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia.

The city is filled with museums, galleries, and historic sites. Learn about immigration at the Canadian Museum of Immigration, or spend some time at the new Discovery Centre off the Halifax waterfront. Pop through the various distilleries and breweries around the city.

Common Nova Scotia Tour Routes

Common tour routes include a visit to the three Canadian Maritimes provinces, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island (PEI) and Nova Scotia. Options include driving through the provinces, or sometimes, taking a cruise through the maritimes.

Road trips usually stop in major cities such as Saint John, NB; Charlottetown, PEI; over to Nova Scotia towards Halifax. If you’re taking a cruise, the ports are a bit different, starting in Halifax, over towards Charlottetown, and sailing around New Brunswick through the Gulf of St. Lawrence towards Quebec.

Road trip routes through Nova Scotia alone are also a great way to see the region. A common route starts in Halifax, spending some time exploring the capital. The road trip heads west, stopping at Peggy’s cove and Lunenburg. Keep heading west towards Yarmouth, and explore the southwestern shores of the province, before heading north.

Make a stop in Digby, home to the famous digby scallops you can hand pick, before heading towards the coastal town of Annapolis Royal. Continue driving east towards Cape Breton Island to explore one of the most picturesque places in Canada! After a stop on the island, many visitors make their way back towards Halifax. If you’re short on time (less than a week), it’s better to break up this trip.

Either head west from Halifax and tackle Peggy’s cove, Yarmouth, and Digby, or break up the time between Halifax and Cape Breton Island. While the drive is beautiful, there is a fair amount of driving, and the whole trip shouldn’t be spent in the car driving between places!