For those seeking a relaxed vacation, venture no further than Nova Scotia, where a road trip on rural roads offers up historic villages, fine wineries, picturesque lighthouses, and succulent seafood. Nova Scotia travel options include 11 scenic routes that tour visitors along distinct stretches of coast.
Grab a road map and hop on a motorcycle, a bicycle, or in a car to uncover the gems of Canada’s east coast.
Nova Scotia Travel near Halifax
Nearly a dozen routes divvy up Nova Scotia into manageable driving trips, each offering historical, cultural, and scenic charms. Perfect for motorcycle road trips or family getaways, these Nova Scotia regions include attractions ranging from lighthouses to galleries and beaches to festivals.
- Lighthouse Route: With the Peggy’s Cove lighthouse, the home of the famed Bluenose – Lunenburg, country music in Liverpool, and fresh seafood in Yarmouth, the Lighthouse Route offers countless ocean-side attractions. The quiet beaches make a top destination for Nova Scotia hiking. Active things to do on a family vacation include sailing, kayaking, and biking.
- Halifax Dartmouth: This region contains some of Nova Scotia’s richest culture and history. Citadel Hill, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and Pier 21 all blend the seafaring history with modern-day appeal.
- Marine Drive: One of the remotest stretches of Nova Scotia borders Halifax to the north. Surfable waves, pristine beaches, and quiet Nova Scotia lodges define the Marine Drive and make the region a true escape.
Cape Breton Driving Trips
For a small island, Cape Breton boasts big scenery. Road trips in Cape Breton reveal the raw beauty of Highlands National Park, a turbulent history at the Fortress of Louisbourg, and endless parks and beaches. The island also serves as a ferry departure point to Newfoundland.
- Ceilidh Trail: Named for a Gaelic party, this Nova Scotia driving route is actually fairly quiet. Although noted for hiking and warm waters, visitors may find the party at the Glenora distillery—a favorite destination for drinkers of single-malt whiskey.
- Marconi & Fleur-de-lis trails: Discover Fortress Louisbourg, a French colony where actors revive the year 1744. The fort includes barracks, bakeries, churches, and townspeople and serves as an excellent history immersion.
- Bras d’Or Lakes Scenic Drive: Renowned for superb oysters and easy boating, the Bras d’Or Lakes are popular with families.
- Cabot Trail: A great destination for Nova Scotia hiking, the Cabot Trail defines the rugged beauty of Cape Breton and features Nova Scotia’s highest point. The Cabot Trail also ranks as a favorite Nova Scotia motorcycle route.
Nova Scotia Road Trips near the Bay of Fundy
The Bay of Fundy boasts the world’s highest tides, ancient fossil discoveries, and plenty of reasons to pull the car over.
- Glooscap Trail: On the Minas Basin, the Glooscap Trail tours visitors along these tide-carved shores of the Bay of Fundy. Fossil hunters frequent Parrsboro while nature enthusiasts can link up with New Brunswick’s Fundy Drive for a longer scenic road-trip.
- Evangeline Trail: The tragic history of the Acadian people is told through the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow poem Evangeline, from which this trail takes its name. Fantastic growing conditions mean excellent wineries and lush orchards to discover as well as bird-watching and whale watching in the Bay of Fundy.
Northern Nova Scotia Driving Trips
As a gateway to Prince Edward Island, the Northumberland Shore of Nova Scotia is often overlooked. Sheltered beaches and parks make the region a beautiful location for a family vacation that pairs perfectly will a PEI road trip.
- Sunrise Trail: As a gateway to Prince Edward Island, small communities give the Sunrise Trail a friendly feel.
Planning a Nova Scotia Driving Trip
These 11 scenic trails are designed by Nova Scotia Tourism to help visitors discover the province. Highway signs provide directions en route and visitor guides such as Doers and Dreamers use the ocean-side drives as a trip planning tool.
For visitors, these well-planned and -publicized routes make for an activity-filled road trip.
Chloë Ernst - Chloë Ernst is a travel guidebook author who writes for Frommer's and Globe Pequot Press.
