The wildlife of Nova Scotia is diverse and fascinating. Whether you’re looking in the sea, on land, or in the air, there are several places that give you your best chance at seeing specific types of animals. Some of these experiences involve human-made wildlife parks or tours, while others are just you and your group going for a walk and seeing what you can see. The most important thing you need to do is be safe and respectful around any wildlife—whether predator or prey, wild animals deserve their space and the more you know about them, the safer and more rewarding your interactions with them will be.
Amherst Bird Sanctuary
Amherst Bird Sanctuary is one of the best places to play Bird Bingo in Nova Scotia. This park is open year-round and has a hiking trail that goes around Layton’s Lake and crosses through an old forest and then climbs up a hill for a picnic area. With these different landscapes, it’s no surprise that over 228 species of birds are spotted here at different times of the year. The best time to visit is during migration seasons, but you’re sure to see feathered friends (as well as muskrats and red squirrels)—just bring binoculars!
Address: Southampton Road off Highway 104 exit #3
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Atlantic View Trail
This trail is very close to the ocean, so you’re most likely to see seabirds. Atlantic View Trail is 10 km and is one of the rails-to-trails trails, so it’s mainly flat. You can turn off at the halfway point to walk on Lawrencetown Beach, or if you feel like walking further Blueberry Run Trail is at one end and Salt Marsh Trail (see below) is at the other. There are pictures of the wildlife you might see along the trail, including deer, beaver, and so many ducks.
Baille Ard Nature Trails
This Cape Breton trail system is designed to let you enjoy the outdoors in all its glory. The flora in this park is varied and beautiful, but we’re more interested in the fauna for this article. The biodiversity of these trails is impressive—you can see two kinds of snakes (neither of which are venomous), around 100 species of birds, plus rarer sights like salamanders and bats. See how many you can spot on your visit! Trail Map (PDF)
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Belleisle Marshes
Marshes are hotspots for all kinds of wildlife, and Belleisle Marshes is no exception. The greatest biodiversity appears to be with birds, because according to eBird there have been over 150 different species of birds spotted here. You’ll find everything from Barred Owls to Tree Swallow, so keep your binoculars handy and your eyes peeled. One thing to keep in mind is that this is a hunting area in season for waterfowl, so hunting season is not the best time to come looking to observe the birds.
Bird Island Boat Tour
This tour in the Bras d’Or Lake takes you straight to a pretty amazing island—Bird Island, of course! This tour has been running for the last 45 years, and includes over an hour just circling the island. The main birds on this island are Atlantic Puffins (which is awesome), but you’re also likely to spot bald eagles, waterfowl, and even a small population of grey seals. You can take this tour between May and September, so you’ve time to plan your ideal Bird Island day!
1672 Old Route 5, Big Bras d’Or, Cape Breton
902-674-2384 or 1-800-661-6680
Brier Island
Brier Island sits in the Bay of Fundy and provides a stunning outdoor getaway. You can stay in the Brier Island Lodge and spend your days happily exploring the island. There are trails all over the place including down to the cliffs, where you can spot dozens of waterfowl species, a colony of grey seals, and even (if you’re very lucky) some whales out in the Bay. Having a comfy place to stay is a great thing to do if you want to do a wildlife-focused vacation and still have time in the evening to sit down and go through your best pictures and videos.
Where: Located 1.5 hours from the Town of Digby by ferry
Phone: 1-800-662-8355
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Cap Auguet Eco-Trail
Since this is called the eco-trail, it’s no surprise that this is a special outdoor experience. The trail has a wide array of habitats, including lagoons, hardwood forests, dunes, and beaches. There’s a corresponding variety of wildlife along the trail in the water, on land and in the air. There are signs along the trail to teach you about all the flora and fauna, so if you’ve got kiddos this is a great opportunity for some boots on the ground nature learning.
Where: Petit de Grat, Ile Madame, Cape Breton
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
This national park is enormous, and so is its biodiversity. Depending on where you are in the park, you’ll see a wide range of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians and sea creatures. Some highlights include moose, bald eagles, minke whales, and even a bear or two. Listen to the rangers and keep your eyes open. You want to see them before they see you, so everyone can have a chill day. s
Where: 37637 Cabot Trail Road, Ingonish
Phone: 902-224-2306
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Cape Sable Island
The most southerly point of Nova Scotia, this is either the last stop before the ocean for fall migrations or the first sight of land when the birds come back. This makes Cape Sable Island a fantastic place to visit during migration seasons. Even in the summertime, you’re likely to see a bunch of waterfowl circling overhead and wading around in the Drowned Forest on Hawk Beach. Come for a swim and see if the seabirds will swim with you!
Dixon’s Zodiac Seafari
Seafari is probably my favourite made up word, so Dixon’s Zodiac Seafari is already special. Climb aboard the Zodiac boat, where you’ll get an upclose and personal view of marine wildlife. In the two-hour trip, you’ll see creatures like seals, Pilot whales, and dolphins. If you’re there at the right time of year, you might get to spot a Blue Whale or even a Killer Whale! Being this close to the water is an incredibly moving experience, and it’s the perfect way to enjoy a seafari.
Where: 36 Lighthouse Road, Neil’s Harbour, Cape Breton
Phone: 1-855-259-4122
Donelda’s Puffin Boat Tours
Donelda is known as the Puffin Lady, and she’s ready to take you aboard the Highland Lass and teach you all about puffins! This bird tour takes place in St. Ann’s Bay and their Bird Islands, where there’s a colony of puffins similar to the Bird Islands in the Bras d’Or Lake. The tour guide includes narration that will point out all of the species you’ll see both on the way to the islands and as you circle the island sanctuaries. Bring your bird Bingo card if you’ve got one, and keep your eyes on the water too—you might see a whale on the way!
Where: See detailed directions here
Phone: 902-929-2563 or 1-877-278-3346
Duncan’s Cove
This beautiful coastal hike goes right through the Duncan’s Cove Nature Reserve. This trail can be challenging, especially towards the end, but most people believe that it’s worth it. If you look towards the sea, you’ll see seals, seabirds, and maybe even a whale; if you look around on land, you’ll see animals like deer running around in the barrens. Be respectful to the area and give the animals their space, and this will remain a great destination for years to come.
Hope for Wildlife
When animals need human intervention, they often end up at Hope for Wildlife. This facility rescues and rehabilitates animals from across Nova Scotia and representing over 250 species. You can visit the facility to see these animals in recovery and learn about how to protect their wild habitats. Hope for Wildlife takes in about 4,500 animals a year, so you’re sure to see some interesting ones, and if you want to learn about their past efforts, there are seven seasons of the Hope for Wildlife TV show available in their gift shop!
Where: 5909 Highway 207, Seaforth
Phone: 902-407-9453
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Kentville Bird Sanctuary
With all the challenges that face the birds of Nova Scotia, bird sanctuaries are essential, and the Kentville Bird Sanctuary is no exception. The sanctuary has several ecosystems, including marsh, forests, and fields. These provide resting places for several dozen species of migrating birds, so it’s especially cool to visit during the spring and the fall. Follow the Kentville Bird Sanctuary Trail and keep a set of binoculars and a Nova Scotia bird book handy—who knows what birds you might see and hear?
Long Lake Provincial Park
Long Lake Provincial Park has acres and acres of natural beauty to explore, and therefore lots of great opportunities to see wildlife. When you walk the trails keep an eye on the trees and see if you can spot the squirrels and birds that call the park home. You’ll also spot some rarer species if you pay attention, including the occasional deer. This park is open year-round, so you’ll have a chance to look for your favourite birds in your preferred season.
Where: Dunbrack and Cowie Hill Road, Spryfield
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Lunenburg Whale Watching
The Eastern Shore isn’t as well known for whale watching, but Lunenburg Whale Watching is working to change that. There are four tours a day, each one heading out to see several whale species, including fin, pilot, and humpback. You’ll see plenty of other sea life along the way, including dolphins, sun fish, and even leatherback turtles. If the weather is bad the day you’ve planned, don’t worry. They will still take you on a tour of historic Lunenburg Harbour, and then out to the Ovens Natural Park, so you’ll still get to see some ocean sights.
Phone: 902-527-7175
Mariner Cruises
If you want to see birds and whales, you can head to Brier Island and take the Mariner Cruises. These tours are put on by local naturalists and cover both the marine and avian species that come to the Bay of Fundy. You’ll see different species depending on the time of the summer, so why not go more than once? Also, their tours include commentaries on the geology of the region, which means you get to learn about cool rocks too!
I really love cool rocks.
Where: Westport, Brier Island
Phone: 902-839-2346 or 1-800-239-2189
McNabs Island
This island sits in the Halifax Harbour, so you’re only a water taxi away from enjoying the natural wonders of McNabs. There are several remnants of human habitation, but the animal and bird species are thriving in between them. You can find up to 206 different species of birds on the island, and you’ll also find rabbits, squirrels, a few deer, and even coyotes (so proceed with caution). The plants and forests of this island provide stunning backdrops, so make sure you’ve got a big memory card—you’ll be taking plenty of pictures!
Where: Halifax Harbour
Phone: 902-434-2254
Oaklawn Farm Zoo
This zoo is one of the few places that showcases animals from outside of Nova Scotia, which makes it a must-see! This zoo is designed for families, so the exhibits are fairly close together and there won’t be too much walking involved. They’ve got big cats, a petting zoo (no tigers at the petting zoo, don’t worry), and mammals and birds from several continents. And of course, their gift shop has some very cool souvenirs of this special place!
Where: 997 Ward Road, Aylesford
Phone: 902-847-9790
Point Pleasant Park
Point Pleasant Park is a beautiful urban park full of crisscrossing trails, ruins of old buildings, and a gazebo. The park is full of different kinds of trees, perfect for birds to sit in. You’ll also see lots of squirrels and other small mammals, so you’ll have to keep looking up and down. Also, if you’re walking on the trails along the coast, keep an eye on the water—if you’re lucky, you might just see a porpoise or a seal!
Where: 5718 Point Pleasant Drive
Phone: 902-490-4700
Public Gardens
The Public Gardens is well known for being a beautiful…well, garden. The flowers and plants are beautiful, but it’s also a great place to see birds. Specifically, you’ll see dozens of ducks. These ducks start arriving in the spring, and stay until the migrations have begun in the fall, so you get a chance to see them all summer, and maybe see some baby ducks! You can wander among the flowers and spot the ducks and other birds that visit the park—maybe they like the flowers too!
Where: 5665 Spring Garden Road
Salt Marsh Trail
Several of the trails on this list are known for birdwatching, but the Salt Marsh Trail is internationally recognized as a birdwatching destination. The trail is roughly 9km long and heads out through the forest and into the salt marsh. There are hundreds of bird species along the trail, which can be spotted in the trees and in the marshes and even flying overhead out to the ocean. It’s a great place to get exercise, spot some birds, and check off your Bird Bingo card!
Where: 806 Bissett Road, Cole Harbour
Phone: 902-435-3952
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Shubenacadie Wildlife Park
Shubenacadie is easily one of my favourite places to go, because you get to see just about every species of animal found in Nova Scotia. While Oaklawn is more concentrated, Shubenacadie is spread out, giving visitors a great walk under the trees. They have informative displays about the hooved mammals, canids, and cats. They even have a couple of bears! If you come in the spring, you’ll get to see the year’s newest babies!
Where: 149 Creighton Road, Shubenacadie
Phone: 902-758-2040
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Tobeatic Wilderness
If you go out in the woods today…you’ll get to see a UNESCO Biosphere! The Tobeatic Wilderness stretches across 5 counties and contains an astonishing amount of biodiversity. This area is protected in order to preserve the habitats of mainland moose, black bears, martens, birds of all kinds, and so much more. You can visit the Tobeatic Wilderness in a non-invasive way to spot wildlife in their natural habitat, and if you want to stay for a visit, you should check out Trout Point Lodge.
Where: 189 Trout Point Road, East Kemptville
Phone: 902-761-2142
Two Rivers Wildlife Park
Watching wildlife and camping can go together, but this might be a nerve-wracking experience for beginners. Not to worry—at Two Rivers Wildlife Park, you can camp nearby and hear and see the animals while still having a barrier between them and your tent. Like Shubenacadie, they have several species of local animals, as well as a few visitors from abroad like peacocks and chinchillas. There are hiking trails, wagon rides, a fishing pond, and regular outdoor events, so you’re sure to get a great sleep when you crawl into your tent at night.
Where: 4581 Grand Mira North Road, Huntington, Cape Breton
Phone: 902-727-2483