Nova Scotia travel tips

On the shores of the blustery North Atlantic, Nova Scotia is one of Canada’s trio of Maritime Provinces. But you don’t (necessarily) need a boat to get around.

There’s perhaps nothing more relaxing than checking your worries at the door and spending some time getting pampered at the spa—and Halifax has a handful of really good options not far from the city’s biggest attractions and hotels.

When is the eclipse going to happen? North America is about to see a big solar eclipse, but where you are will determine the time, the duration, and precisely what you'll see.

There is something about tucking into a well-crafted latte in a cozy cafe that is unmatched in the dopamine department—and Downtown Dartmouth has a handful of excellent spots well-worth taking the ferry over to check out. The following cafes are all walking distance from the ferry terminal and each offer something special—whether its a baked-to-perfection croissant, books and vinyl, or the perfect corner booth for a casual first date.

The gateway to Atlantic Canada, Nova Scotia is set to host The Congrès Mondial Acadien 2024. Taking place in the South West of the province, from 10 – 18 August 2024, the international event will celebrate over 400 years of Acadian culture over nine days of festivities featuring outdoor concerts, culinary experiences, family reunions, music, and heritage. Discover opportunities to celebrate Acadian joie de vivre. Enjoy a bonfire overlooking the beach or a lively kitchen party where everyone is not just welcome but encouraged to join in the celebration.  Immerse yourself in the heritage of the area by exploring local museums, join a walking tour, or savour the authentic flavors of the region featuring lobster and traditional Acadian dishes.  Come discover the warm and welcoming people of this rural corner of Nova Scotia, as well as the tastes and traditions of the region.

Nova Scotia is one of Canada's greenest provinces—from championing eating and shopping locally to being the first province in Canada to implement a province-wide compost program—so it should come as no surprise that there’s excellent second-hand shopping to be had in and around the capital city.

Halifax is known for its seafood more so than its plant-based cuisine—but that doesn’t mean finding vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants will be difficult. Nova Scotia is ahead of the curve when it comes to championing local- and seasonal cuisine in Canada and as such the quality of plant-based dining tends to be pretty high.

Nothing says summer quite like a cold adult beverage on a breezy rooftop—and the capital of Nova Scotia does rooftop drinking and dining extremely well. It helps that Downtown Halifax is nestled along the Halifax Harbour; the city gets a decent sea breeze come summertime that is best experienced on an open-air patio that overlooks the city and sea.

It might be surprising but Nova Scotia is one of the only destinations in Canada with its own wine appellation. Tidal Bay—a briny and refreshing white wine blend—has become one of the distinct flavors of the East Coast of Canada, not unlike lobster rolls or donairs, and although it’s easy to find a bottle of the stuff in most liquor stores in the province, tasting Tidal Bay straight from the source is way more fun.

If you’re visiting Nova Scotia for the first time—or the first time in some years—you might be surprised to learn that the Atlantic Canadian province has a burgeoning wine scene that is only growing in quality and quantity.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, is set to depart the island to participate in Eco-Canada’s Sustainable Blue Economy Summit 2024 in Halifax, Canada, on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. Minister Bartlett will be a featured speaker and thought leader at the summit, highlighting the critical importance of the blue economy to building tourism resilience and sustainability.

Although Downtown Halifax tends to be the popular first choice for most folks visiting Nova Scotia for the first—or second—time, there’s just something about the unobstructed city views and the pleasant ocean breeze that make Downtown Dartmouth just as appealing once you arrive.

Irish Canadians make up an astonishing 20 percent of the population in Nova Scotia—the highest per capita in Canada aside from neighbouring Newfoundland—so it should come as no surprise that the province is brimming with great watering holes for grabbing a pint or listening to live traditional Irish (and maritime) music.

Halifax is considered to be one of the smaller cities in Canada with just under half a million residents in the Greater Halifax region—but don’t let that fool you. The capital of Nova Scotia is a wealth of culture, history, and contemporary art waiting to be explored. The following museums and galleries are some of the standout options in the downtown core with great permanent collections and visiting exhibits as well.

Dartmouth often gets overlooked for its bigger, shinier contemporary across the harbour. But the city—and especially the downtown core—is coming into its own with enough award-winning restaurants and bars to rival Halifax. As you plan your next trip to Nova Scotia, be sure to pencil in a few days to explore what Dartmouth has to offer. Here are some of the best addresses for making the most of a few days in the city come springtime:

March Break is one of the busiest travel times of the year and families across North America are getting ready to explore the world. Often referred to as Spring Break, with kids out of school it’s the perfect time to plan a fun family getaway and make lasting memories. Time off for students in North America varies by schools and regions but typically happens in March. Canada is the world’s second largest country as well as one of the most beautiful. From exploring nature, finding hidden gems, taking an unforgettable road trip, to touring vibrant cities, there are thrilling activities and unique experiences from coast to coast in the Great White North. Here are three ideas for an unforgettable March Break with kids in Canada.

The gateway to Atlantic Canada and only a 6-hour flight from the UK, Nova Scotia is filled to the brim with stunning natural beauty and diverse cultures. The province is home to a myriad of small, independent accommodations from cozy, off-grid cabins and luxurious waterfront glomes to an exclusive vineyard farmhouse and wilderness yurts. Check out our top picks to experience Nova Scotia’s nature and local flavours this year: Nalu Retreat: Perched on a granite cliff, overlooking Porter’s Lake only 30 minutes from the capital, Halifax this retreat offers solitude with all the conveniences of the city. Soak in the views from your private outdoor hot tub, immerse yourself in nature on the nearby trails at Crowbar Lake Wilderness Area, relax by the fireplace or in the stargazing Zen loft, and indulge in delicious local farm-to-table meals. Relax and rejuvenate, surrounded by nature with all the luxuries of a boutique hotel!  Click here for more information.

“Do you need someone to carry your bags?”

United Airlines is betting that your summer plans might include a visit to Alaska or Canada.

"Hi everyone. My name is Laura. I'm a doctor from Nova Scotia, Canada, and a fun fact about me is that even though I'm here alone,  I just got married last month."

It was 2:38 p.m. on August 21, 2017, when day turned to night. That was the precise moment in Greenville, South Carolina, when the moon, passing between the sun and Earth, fully blocked our view of the sun.