Top 7 Attractions in Nova Scotia, Canada
Did you know that Canada has more lakes than any other country in the world combined? Or that in Canada 90% of the area is uninhabited and 10% of all forests can be found there? Quite a lot of nature, but what actually makes it so special? Let us take you to the east coast of Canada, more precisely to the province of Nova Scotia. Here, in the midst of untouched nature, you can switch off from everyday life, enjoy the tranquility and consciously experience your relaxing holiday. Here are my personally 7 top highlights from my experience travelling in Nova Scotia.
Best places to visit in Nova Scotia
1. Halifax
Halifax is the capital of the province of Nova Scotia and has its own airport. The official language of the east coast of Canada is English, in some regions French is also spoken.
One of the top sights of Halifax is definitely the extraordinary Citadel Hill from 1856. At that time it served as a military base in both World Wars (WWI and WWII), but today you can visit the Army Museum, which showcases a vast collection of precious 19th-century military artifacts.
You should also take a city tour with Harbour Hopper Tours and explore the Halifax Waterfront (the waterfront). Halifax also offers beautiful parks, such as the Halifax Public Gardens, as well as numerous museums, such as the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 where visitors are offered a deep insight into the history of Canadian immigrants.
2. Peggy's Cove
Founded in 1808, Peggy's Cove is a cute little fishing village on St. Margarets Bay. Hundreds of thousands of tourists come to the few inhabitants every year to photograph the world-famous lighthouse, which was occupied until about 1950. Today you can get unique postcards and take great pictures there!
In addition, the famous 'Fishermen's Monument' from the deGarthe Gallery can be visited. The approximately 30 metres long granite stone was made in honour of the fishermen in Nova Scotia. Next to the lighthouse is a hiking trail along the coast and a restaurant in the immediate vicinity of the lighthouse, where you can enjoy excellent lobster.
3. Lunenburg
Lunenburg originated from the oldest German settlement in Canada and is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immediately eye-catching are the beautiful, small wooden houses, which can be found in various colours. Known for its incomparable shipyards and harbours, even the 'Surprise' was made here. She is the largest wooden ship in the world and even still in operation!
You shouldn't miss a walk on the waterfront with a view of the beautiful houses, the harbour and the sea! But there is also a lot to explore in the city centre. Lunenburg was already founded in 1753 and a lot has been preserved from that time. On almost every corner you can find small churches, often built in Victorian or neo-Gothic style and of course made of wood.
4. Cape Breton
The extraordinary Cape Breton Island is connected to the mainland of Nova Scotia by a causeway. But the island can also be reached by boat; the main port or harbour is in Sydney, Canada. The most fascinating trail on Cape Breton is the famous Cabot Trail. The approximately 300 km long road can be explored by car or motorcycle, as well as by bicycle or on foot. Along the coast, the hiking trails offer an incredible panoramic view of nature with its forests and the eternal sea on the horizon!
5. Bay of Fundy
The Bay of Fundy lies between the provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and is characterised as a bay by an enormous difference, with over 20 m, of low tide and high tide. One of the biggest highlights in all of Nova Scotia is whale watching. If you're lucky, you'll get a once-in-a-lifetime view of the various whale species that cavort in the Bay of Fundy.
For the absolute adrenaline rush, you can climb the coastal cliffs and explore the bay from the air with a zip line.
6. Kejimkujik National Park
Kejimkujik National Park is a real sensation! It covers a total area of over 400 sq km and is divided into a main park with many forests and rivers and a secondary park with beaches and bays directly on the coast.
Canoes and boats can be rented in the main park, with which you can explore the beautiful park from a completely different perspective. The indigenous people used the small canal paths inside the park to get their canoes from the Bay of Fundy to the Atlantic Ocean.
7. Carters Beach
Carters Beach is an absolute insider tip and must-see in Nova Scotia! It is also called 'Little Caribbean' because it consists of fine, white powder sand. Thanks to the wind-protected bay and the gently sloping beach, bathing fun is guaranteed even at lower temperatures. It is ideal for family outings and is easy to get to thanks to the parking facilities on Carters Beach Road.
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