10 Outdoor Adventures in Nova Scotia
With the unique landscape of Nova Scotia, this province offers a plethora of outdoor activities.
Nothing can beat the feeling of fresh air, the accomplishment when you’ve finished a hike, the freedom of being on the water or the happiness when spontaneously finding a waterfall.
From land to water, we’ve curated a list of outdoor adventures for when you next visit this incredible province.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
1. Culinary Adventures
You can’t come to Nova Scotia and not experience their seafood. Described as “Canada’s Ocean Playground”, Nova Scotia has a glorious reputation for its seafood, and especially its lobster.
Read our article: “TAKING ON NOVA SCOTIA, ONE LOBSTER AT A TIME”
They say if you haven’t eaten lobster in Nova Scotia, then you haven’t really eaten lobster. There’s an abundance of food and drink tours on offer or you can try one of these experiences below.
Paddle by kayak to the charming fishing village of Lower Prospect to learn about lobster fishing then indulge in a chef-prepared lobster dinner with local ingredients with the Sea-to-Table Lobster experience.
Dine on the ocean floor and experience the ultimate culinary adventure located by the worlds highest tides at the Bay of Fundy.
Indulge in a Starlight Culinary Escape at the world’s first starlight hotel, Trout Point Lodge. With expert-led star gazing, gourmet dining, and accommodation.
2. Water Lover Like me?
Taking a canoe early morning to watch the sunrise from Liscomb Lodge was one of our highlights from our trip to Nova Scotia. No noise, no people, just the two of you on the water. What a peaceful experience. Below are some water activities which are perfect for summertime.
While on Cape Breton Island go on a Lighthouse Bites: Full Moon Adventure. Kayak after the sun sets and explore the coastline on the Bras d’Or Lake. Then enjoy local flavours and seafood prepared by celebrated chef Bryan Picard, from one of Canada’s best restaurants.
Explore the waters of Keji National Park. Paddle by canoe to a secluded island where you’ll cook a wilderness dish over the campfire and drink a locally brewed beer while watching the stars.
Head to the Shubenacadie Tidal Bore Rafting Resort and raft on the tidal bore waves, before a wine and seafood tasting with live music around a bonfire.
On a budget? St. Mary’s Boat club in Halifax provides free rentals on the weekends for you to paddle along the Northwest Arm.
Read our article “10 FREE THINGS TO DO IN HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA- OFF THE BEATEN TRACK” for more free ideas of what to do in Halifax.
3. Up in the air
Fancy a more extravagant experience? Take a helicopter ride to see Nova Scotia from above.
Experience the diverse Bay of Fundy coastline by air. From Halifax airport take a journey to some of the most picturesque areas including Annapolis Valley and the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Geopark.
If you’re in the capital of Halifax then take a Heli-Picnic Island Escape. Visit your own private island by helicopter, soar over the city and admire the coastline from above and then have a private picnic. Including local wine selected just for you.
4. Your own Island Adventure
Speaking of your own island adventures, below are a couple of tours to experience with your own private island, along with sea and stargazing.
Experience canoeing, snorkelling, cycling, dining and then sleeping under the stars on your own cosy Private Island Yurt. A magical adventure to have near the famous Blue Rocks.
The LaHave Islands Glamping Adventure is a foodies dream. Island hop by kayak, indulge in fresh seafood and local produce on the beach, paddleboard on the water and then glamp under the stars.
5. Boat Trips
Nova Scotia has 13,300 km (8,264 mi) of beautiful coastline waiting to be explored. This means there’s an abundance of tours and trips for you to take.
Hop on the Harbour Hopper tour. Giving you the unique opportunity to explore the city of Halifax by land and sea all from one amphibious vehicle. Learn about the history of the city and see the landmarks until your driver becomes your captain and then see Halifax’s famous waterfront from the Bedford Basin.
Sail on the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on Canada's largest inland sea, Bras d'Or Lake. Join the captain, Gordon Kerr, a local biologist and engineer and learn about the Mi'kmaq culture.
Take a trip on the famous Bluenose II at the colourful harbour of the UNESCO town of Lunenburg where they’ll take you on a tour of one of the local harbours.
Read our article “LUNENBURG, NOVA SCOTIA- THE TOP 10 THINGS TO DO” for more ideas of what to do in Nova Scotia.
5. Whale Watching
Enjoy a breathtaking experience and witness whales off the coast of Nova Scotia. Summer and autumn are the best seasons to see whales in the year.
Take a tour from Lunenburg where you have the chance to see Fin, Pilot, Minke and Humpback whales. Along with the whales on the tour, you can see the beautiful rugged coastline, the colourful landscape and other marine life.
Pleasant Bay, Cape Breton, is a great place for whales. This is a halfway point on the Cabot Trail too. The bay is known for being the whale watching capital of Cape Breton and pods of Atlantic Pilot whales spend their summer hunting for squid here. There’s also a big population of seals in the area.
You can also go whale watching in the neighbouring province of New Brunswick. Read our article 8 THINGS TO DO ON THE BAY OF FUNDY, NEW BRUNSWICK for more info.
6. Other Wildlife Experiences
One of the most exciting experiences and favourite memories from our time in Nova Scotia was seeing the wildlife. Below are some trips and trails which give you the opportunity to spot some.
Ride along the beach at the Bay of Fundy and go on a guided tour by horseback and take in the beauty within the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark.
Set sail on a schooner to watch eagles soar up above with Amoeba Sailing Tours in Baddeck. Listen in on the captain’s knowledge of the Bell family and the history of the village while feeding the eagles.
The famous Skyline trail, on the Capot Trail, is known for its dramatic headland overlooking the rugged Gulf Coast. From the trail, you have the opportunity to see moose, eagles, whales and even bears.
8. Waterfall Hunting
With the unique landscape, it’s no wonder Nova Scotia has plenty of waterfalls on offer. We love a waterfall. They’re the best reward when on a hike through the forests and so peaceful to to just sit and admire.
There are many waterfalls to be found along hikes on the Cabot Trail and all around Cape Breton. 4 of these are the Indian Brook Falls, North River Falls, Black Brook Falls and Uisge Ban Falls.
If in Truro, visit the 3,000 acres of woodland at Victoria Park, visit the local deer and see the two sets of cascading waterfalls.
9. Lover of Lighthouses
When in Nova Scotia you’ll probably bump into at least one of the 160 lighthouses in the province. Below are a couple that create part of the iconic coastal landscape.
Go on a coastal hiking experience with the Louisbourg lighthouse trail. This trail hugs the coastline and takes you on a journey to discover the history of the country. Taking you through stunning coastal areas like Gun Landing Cove and Brook Landing Cove.
Peggy’s Point Lighthouse, located in Peggy’s Cove, is one of the most photographed lighthouses in Canada. Indulge in a lobster feast by this iconic Canadian image and connect with the local fisherman.
10. Hiking
You can’t visit Nova Scotia and not go hiking. We loved all of our hikes, especially when you bumped into wildlife or an unexpected waterfall.
Kejimkujik National Park offers 15 day-walking trails, water activities and the opportunity to learn about the native Mi’kmaq who travelled on the same routes many years ago. Explore the evergreen forests of the Park, the waterfalls and the wildlife. More info on the hikes in our Keji guide here.
Experience hiking, camping, and stand-up paddling in the Tobeatic Wilderness on a 3-day adventure with the East Coast Paddle Co.
While on the Cabot Trail hike one of the 26 trails, these vary from easy strolls to challenging climbs. Take part in the 10-trails-in-one-day Hiking Challenge or go with the Cabot Trail Adventures and hike off the beaten path where you’ll take a guided hike in the isolated wilderness areas north of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
Our trip to Nova Scotia was in partnership with Destination Canada, with who we went on assignment to explore Nova Scotia for 7 days, capturing the most beautiful sites, exploring the outdoors and seeing incredible wildlife.
If you have any questions regarding travel to Nova Scotia or need advice for your up and coming trip then click here.
