Cape Breton Island 
Travelling through Nova Scotia brings about a ton of exciting and unique opportunities. So many, in fact, it is hard to know where to start.
One of the best ways to start a road trip adventure in Nova Scotia is with the several charming, historic, and welcoming towns along the province’s highways and coastlines. The best towns to see in Nova Scotia is not an easy list to create, and these are not listed in any order.
These Nova Scotia towns and small cities provide their own ways to delve deep into local history, heritage, and culture, some of Canada’s best beaches, and dozens of hidden gems. Among those hidden gems are coastal viewpoints, inland trails or Provincial Parks, shopping areas and farmers’ markets, waterfronts and boardwalks, or guided tours from expert locals.
50 Bucket List Ideas for a Summer Trip to Nova Scotia
Lunenburg
Lunenburg is a historic fishing village southwest of Halifax with some of the deepest roots of any other place in Canada. It is the site of the first English Protestant attempt at settlement in Nova Scotia, dating back to the 1750s.
With all of this in mind, Lunenburg has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site! One of the best ways to start exploring Lunenburg is with a Walk along the Lunenburg boardwalk. This is where you’ll find the famous Bluenose ship (as featured on the Canadian ten-cent coin) or beautiful views of the town with the water.
While historic Lunenburg, a World Heritage Site, offers tons of history to explore, so does the nearby (~15km away) Fort Sainte Marie de Grace National Historic Site.
- Local, fresh, and fun shopping experiences are everywhere around Lunenburg. Stop by the Lunenburg Farmers’ Market (year-round on Thursdays), New Germany Farmers’ Market (May-October on Fridays), The West Dublin Market (May-October on Saturdays), or the Bridgewater Farmers’ Market (May-December) on Saturdays).
- The food and goodies collected from the farmers’ markets around Lunenburg might be the perfect addition to a beach day or picnic. The south shores of Nova Scotia in general offer many beautiful sandy beaches and parks. Those closest to Lunenburg include Westhaver’s Beach (Mahone Bay), Feltzen South, or Kingsburg Beach.
- The Lunenburg Region has many other wonderful communities to explore through shopping, dining, or finding accommodations. Take time to see places like Mahone Bay, Bridgewater, or Bell Island (accessible by car).
- The South Shore Exhibition is a tradition in Lunenburg which started over 150 years ago. The Exhibition continues to act as a massive agricultural show and sale, while providing a midway and plenty of family-friendly entertainment for the week.
- Leave the details or transportation up to local guides while sightseeing in Lunenburg! Local operators like Seaweed Tours, Lunenburg Retreat, Pleasant Paddling, or Cape Lahave Adventures can all help!
- Summer in Lunenburg County
Wolfville
Wolfville is one of the larger communities and towns within Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley. It is located toward the eastern side of the valley on the estuary of the Cornwallis River and Minas Basin. The gorgeous scenery around Wolfville is easy to appreciate and take in from town or the nearby Provincial Parks. The area offers a pleasant summer escape for nature lovers, wine-lovers, and anyone after a quiet summer vacation in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley.
- The Wolfville Waterfront Park is the heart of town activity, including the free summer concerts under the gazebo. The park also offers great views of the surrounding dykes which create the town’s unique seaside scenery. The park is also home to a handful of public art pieces and interpretive plaques.
- Wolfville’s local dining is concentrated around the Waterfront area and is the home of the year-round Wolfville Farmers’ Market.
- Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley is known for a variety of things, including its abundance of local wineries, cideries, and breweries. And with this are opportunities for guided tours with transportation. Contact the local exerts of Wildgrape Tours, Magic Winery Bus, or Where Its At, for guided winery tours around the beautiful valleys and vineyards.
- If you do plan to stay a while, whether for the wineries, the dining, the shopping, or the sightseeing, Wolfville is near several great camping resorts: Valley Sky Glamping, Grand-Pre National Historic Site, or Blomidon Provincial Park.
- The Grand-Pre National Historic Site is east of Wolfville and offers several activities. Visit for guided tours, hiking or cycling the 110km Harvest Moon Trail, glamping in oTENTiks, or for a picnic. Other nearby historical attractions include the Randall House Museum (June-September), the Blue Beach Fossil Museum (year-round) and the Kings County Museum in Kentville.
- Celebrate this summer in Wolfville with various town events like Canada Day at Waterfront Park, Mud Creek Days (July), or the Summer Concert Series (June-August), also at Waterfront Park.
- Explore more arts, heritage, or culture, through more Wolfville attractions like the Al Whittle Theatre, or the Harriet Irving Botanical Garden.
Truro
Across the Minas Basin from Wolfville is the central Nova Scotia town of Truro. The town sits near the mouth of the Salmon River and among several beautiful parks and greenspaces. From these greenspaces and parks, Truro has a huge abundance of opportunities for hiking and biking in the warmer months.
- Dive into the local history, nature, or heritage and culture, a few different ways around Truro. Make a visit to the Fundy Discovery Site to witness the Bay of Fundy’s famous tidal bores (massively high tides), the Millbrook Heritage Centre, Colchester Historeum and Farm Equipment Museum to view artefacts and archives, or book a guided walk with Hubtown Tours.
- And while the Discovery Site gets you great views of the tidal bores, a few local tour guides get you riding the tides on rafts. Book with Shubie River Wranglers, Shubenacadie River Adventure Tours, the Tidal Bore Rafting Resort, Fundy Tidal Bore Adventures, or the Shubenacadie River Runners.
- Trails are all around Truro for hikers and cyclists. Truro’s Railyard Mountain Bike Park provides over 40km of trail, while the rest of the area, Victoria Park, is a picturesque hiking area. These trails lead to unique rockfaces, two waterfalls, and historic wells.
- For all the best of local food and shopping in Truro, head to The Truro Farmers’ Market ( year-round), or downtown Truro.
- Marigold Cultural Centre puts on regular live performances, including music, plays, and comedy.
- The Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition takes place each August in the nearby town of Bible Hill. The event includes a weekend filled with live entertainment, food vendors and shopping, a car show, a horse show, and much more.
Chester
Chester sits on Nova Scotia’s southern coastline to the west of Halifax and Peggy’s Cove. This peaceful seaside town is a perfect summer destination for anyone after trail activities, water and beach fun, or relaxation by the water. The town is surrounded by the Front Harbour and Mill Cove as it is on a peninsula, so the waterfront areas of Chester extend a long way to create numerous viewpoints over the water.
- Discover all the natural beauty around Chester with an array of different activities. Swim and relax at the local Graves Island or Freda Beaches, cycle the Aspotogan Loop for up to 52km, or find it all at Grave’s Island Provincial Park including hiking, cycling, camping, swimming, or boating.
- The SENSEA Nordic Spa is one of Chester’s premier vacation attractions, especially for anyone after a relaxing getaway. While the spa works on their glamping accommodations (not yet open), find many other great options around Chester from B&Bs, historic inns, and campgrounds. Plus, many others are a short drive from Chester across the bay and along the Western Shore region.
- Across the water and cove from Chester is the famous Oak Island. The Interpretive Centre is currently closed, but Salty Dog Sea Tours operate summer trips around Oak Island and the other nearby islands. The tours depart from West Shore, about 10km from Chester.
- Find various types of dining experiences across Chester and nearby areas. Enjoy waterfront dinner from The Rope Loft, breakfast or snacks from the Kiwi Café, or fresh pizzas from Il Ferramenta. Many other options are available around Highway 3.
- Between Chester and other towns like Hubbards, Mill Cove, or New Ross, are dozens of art galleries, art shops, and studios to wander and or for finding great souvenirs. For more local arts and culture, grab tickets to a show at the Chester Playhouse, or seats for the Chester Bandstand Summer Concerts (June-August).
- Chester and Hubbards each host its own Farmers’ Market. Visit Chester’s market on Fridays, and Hubbards’ on Saturdays; both markets are open from May to October.
Digby
This part of Nova Scotia provides endless reasons for a summer visit with the historic attractions at the top of the list. Second to those are the beautiful seaside spots along the Digby Neck and Islands, and all the communities in between each highway. With these communities, especially Digby, visitors will find unique local shopping, dining, and extensive trail systems.
- Digby is surrounded by history! Explore it all with the nearby Parks Canada Sites. These include the Melanson Settlement National Historic Site, Charles Fort National Historic Site, Bloody Creek National Historic Site, and the Port-Royal National Historic Site.
- Explore more in town with the Admiral’s Walk waterfront trail with the Fishermen’s Memorial Park on one end, and the Admiral Digby Museum on the other end of the trail. To get out of town and experience the surrounding meadows and forests, take to the Digby Railbed Trail on bike or foot. It stretches 40km and offers views of the Annapolis Basin.
- This part of Nova Scotia’s coast is well-known for its abundance of wildlife and natural beauty. The Digby Necks and Islands provide exceptional whale- and bird-watching opportunities.
- While Nova Scotia is known in general for fresh and delicious seafood dining experiences, Digby is specifically regarded as the scallop destination in the province. A few notable local seafood restaurants include the Digby Pines Resort & Spa, Lobster Bash, the Fundy Restaurant, or The Sea Biscuit Cafe & Eatery.
- Make it a late summer trip for Digby’s Wharf Rat Rally (late August). The four-day event includes Atlantic Canada’s largest motorcycle rally, stunt shows, live entertainment, and a family zone.
- Take the time for the Digby Neck and Islands Scenic Drive. Along the way you’ll pass incredible views of the Bay and Valley, sandy beaches for swimming or picnics, and will hit the end at the Freeport Ferry to Brier Island.
- Outdoor Activities & Adventures During Summer in Digby County
Sydney
As one of Cape Breton Island’s larger communities, Sydney offers a basecamp for island exploration with its own local attractions and sites to see. It is in a conveniently central location of the north side of Cape Breton Island where dozens of recreational opportunities await.
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- Begin exploring Syndey via the Boardwalk Trail. Along the Boardwalk are several great waterfront hotels, several nearby local restaurants, and public art. Plus, the views over the water are especially great during a sun set as the boardwalk faces west.
- North Sydney is the home of the annual Cape Breton Exhibition. The August festival includes a rodeo, outdoor entertainment, and a midway. In Sydney, catch another August festival with the annual Rock the Fiddle.
- Catch more local culture from the Highland Arts Theatre, known for music, dance, and theatre performances. Sydney is also home to the Cape Breton Drive-in Movie Theatre who usually operate from June to October or November.
- Get moving and explore the beautiful trails around this part of Cape Breton Island. To the southwest, the Coxheath Hills trail system provides over 10km of hiking trail with great lookout points.
- Sydney is a short drive away from both The Marconi National Historic Site, and the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site.
Antigonish
Whether you’d rather spend a visit to this part of Nova Scotia in the great outdoors, with a bit of adventure, or in the town of Antigonish with its rich local history, the area has it all. Summers in Antigonish could be about the lazy beach days and ice cream on main street, or digging into the local history, food, or culture. The area is home to numerous campgrounds, cottages, and resorts as well, making it easy to see and do it all in Antigonish.
- Outdoor adventure is all around this part of Nova Scotia. Start with a visit to Arisaig Provincial Park or Pomquet Beach. Kick up the adrenaline-pumping fun with Keppoch Mountain, an outdoor adventure park.
- For even more summer thrills, visit the Riverside International Speedway. Along with auto races, the speedway hosts regular events like Country Rocks Riverside each June.
- Explore the local history and heritage through attractions like the Antigonish Heritage Museum and Cape George Heritage School Museum (May-October), a walk through Historic Antigonish, or by attending the annual Highland Games (July).
- Local shopping and arts are easy to come across and to come across together from the Antigonish Art Fair (June-August), or the Antigonish Farmers’ Market, open year-round. Additionally, the Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre provide seasonal local entertainment!
- Exploring Main Street Antigonish is fun and entertaining for a variety of reasons, from the many local shops, the interesting eateries, and the well-maintained historic buildings.
Yarmouth
Yarmouth, also a port town and point of US entry, is almost as far south as one can go in the Canadian Maritimes. When following the scenic drives south from the Annapolis Valley, Yarmouth is on the far south end. This part of Nova Scotia’s coast is where the Bay of Fundy opens up into the Gulf of Maine, and it is an exciting place to visit any summer.
The town of Yarmouth is busy from May to September with local events, and those who don’t event include the ones at nearby communities like Argyle.
While these smaller communities create all the wonderful things there are to do in Yarmouth, you can still expect a remote escape when travelling to this part of Nova Scotia.
- The Deep Sky Eye Observatory east of Yarmouth provide stargazing experiences, but also camping. They offer a galactic camping special with stargazing domes and kayak rentals included!
- Yarmouth’s Farmers’ Market is open year-round but provide extra hours and days throughout the summer. Stock up on farm fresh foods, handmade gifts, home décor, or food to go. Otherwise, the Main and Water Streets in Yarmouth are home to several locally owned shops and boutiques.
- After exploring this part of Yarmouth, you’ll be able to conveniently connect with the road leading to Cape Forchu, the lighthouse, and all the views the area has to offer. The Cape Forchu Lighthouse is open each summer for Climb the Light Tours. Explore even further out on the waters with Tusket Island Tours. These are expert deep sea boating guides who offer boat tours and deep sea fishing charters.
- Less intense water experiences are all around Yarmouth and the Acadian Shore. Enjoy the waters and beaches this summer of areas like Lake Milo or John’s Cove Beach, both right in Yarmouth. Additionally, Port Maitland Provincial Park is a short drive north of Yarmouth on the coast.
- Celebrate the heritage and culture of Yarmouth and NS’s Acadian shores with the annual Congrès mondial acadien every August. The event is over a week-long and celebrates slices of Acadian culture like music, dance, food, drink, and more art.
- The events continue all summer with the Yarmouth Craft Beer Festival (June), the Rotary Ribfest (July), the Yarmouth Car Show (July), the Western Nova Scotia Exhibition (July-August), the Wedgeport Tuna Tournament and Festival (August), YAS! Drinks Fest (September), and the Shag Harbour UFO Expo (September).
Baddeck
Some will consider Baddeck as a gateway to the natural or more remote parts of Cape Breton Island. This is due in part to it being the southern end of the Cabot Trail.
The Trail is a world-famous drive which takes you along the coast of Cape Breton Island to experience the immense natural beauty of the area.
Baddeck has many reasons to keep your vacation in town for a few days. This includes a great variety of local tour opportunities that have you seeing the Island in a number of different ways (land-based and water-based tours!).
- Join expert guides in Baddeck for memorable tours of varying types! The Cabot Discovery Tours are land-based tours with packages for the Cabot Trail; Amoeba Tours offer cruises around the Bras d’Or Lakes; TNT Outdoor Adventures provide off-roading and ATV summer tours of Cape Breton Island; and, Sailing Cape Breton Island provide sailboat tours of Bras d’Or Lakes. All of these tours depart from Baddeck.
- The Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site is a must-visit historical attraction in Baddeck. The Site offers tours, interpretive information, interactive experiences, and picnic space.
- The Baddeck area is a perfect basecamp for exploring any part of Cape Breton Island or the Cabot Trail. And the area is home to several different campgrounds with RV and tent sites, or cabins, glamping, and cottages. A few notable spots include the Baddeck Cabot Trail Campground, Adventure East Campground & Cottages, or Bras d’Or Lakes Campground.
- Take time to celebrate with everyone in Baddeck or the surrounding communities this summer with events like Whycocomagh Summer Festival (July), Along the Shores of Washabuck (10-days in August), or Waterfront events all summer in the Grand Narrows (south of Baddeck by about 50km).
- Summer in Baddeck & Victoria County
Pictou Island
From May to November, visitors to Nova Scotia have access to the ferry that runs from Pictou on the mainland, to Pictou Island on the North Umberland Strait. The island is a sought after destination in the summers thanks to its natural beauty, peaceful vibes, historical attractions, and wonderful beaches.
- There are a select number of places to stay on Pictou Island: choose between Inned of the Rainbow, the cottages of Pictou Island Escape, The Loft in the Vineyard, or the Pictou Island Yurts and Wooden Tent camping experiences.
- Touring the island by bike is one of the best ways to see all of Pictou Island. It takes about 20-minutes to get from one side of Pictou Island to the other by bike.
- Along your tour of Pictou Island, you’ll come across the East, North, and West end beaches, along with others like Roger’s Point or John Dan’s Cove.
- Small community events pop up all summer long on Pictou Island. These include picnics and barbecues, or outdoor concerts, for example.
Explore Nova Scotia Counties
There is much more to Nova Scotia than Halifax and Cape Breton Island. There is something unique to discover in each part of the province. Check out these articles and check off one county at a time from your Nova Scotia travel list.
- Summer in Yarmouth
- Summer in Digby County
- Summer Adventures King’s County
- Summer in Annapolis County
- Summer in Pictou County
- Summer in Antigonish County
- Summer in Amherst and Cumberland County
- Summer in Truro and Colchester County
- Summer in Baddeck & Victoria County
- Summer Adventures in Inverness County
- Summer in Sydney and Cape Breton County
- Summer in Richmond County
- Summer in Guysborough County
- Summer in HRM
- Summer in Lunenburg County
- Summer in Hants County
- Summer in Queens County
- Summer in Shelburne County
you need to post a map to give an idea where these various towns are located with links to campgrounds restaurants events and tourist attractions
Cheticamp and the Cabot Trail was absolutely missed in this “To Do” list. A few of the places mentioned are definitely tourist traps. Everyone reading this article do your due diligence on some of these areas.
U missed Annapolis royal the cradle of civilization utmost importance in this province