*A big thanks to Tourism Nova Scotia for sponsoring my trip!
Looking for an unforgettable Nova Scotia road trip itinerary?
Then you’re in the right place, as I’m just back from an incredible trip through this scenic province!
Nicknamed “Canada’s Ocean Playground,” Nova Scotia is home to over 8,000 miles of coastline. You’re never more than 37 miles from water, whether it’s the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, the Bay of Fundy, the Gulf of Maine, or the Atlantic Ocean.
This means a road trip through Nova Scotia is not only scenic but full of fun activities—like hiking coastal trails, doing watersports like kayaking and surfing, eating delicious seafood, and sipping wine influenced by the maritime location.
And while there are plenty of signs along the way directing you to Nova Scotia’s many points of interest, having a plan—particularly the itinerary below—will make your trip even better.
On that note, let’s dive into the Nova Scotia road trip guide. It’s based on my own experience driving around Nova Scotia solo.
The route starts in the vibrant city of Halifax, travels along the Lighthouse Route to the UNESCO-listed town of Lunenburg, continues on to the beach destination of White Point, and ends in the farming and wine country of the Annapolis Valley.
Road trip essentials: For help with planning and budgeting, grab access to my free Travel Planning Resource Library (50+ resources included!). To save up to 70% on your car rental, compare prices using Discover Cars, and stay connected with a Saily eSIM (I recommend at least 5GB of data) and a power bank.
Nova Scotia Road Trip Map & Overview
Get ready for an incredible road trip! Here is a quick look at where to go in Nova Scotia during a one week road trip.
- 2 nights in Halifax
- 1 night in Lunenburg (via Peggy’s Cove and Mahone Bay)
- 2 nights in White Point (via Blue Rocks)
- 1 night in Grand Pré
Here is a map to better give you a lay of the land. It has most of the points of interest mentioned below pre-plotted:
Detailed 7-Day Nova Scotia Road Trip Itinerary
Now that we’ve quickly gone over where you should go during your 1-week Nova Scotia road trip, let’s break down exactly what you should do and what the experience is like.
Halifax
Length: 2 nights
Driving distance from Halifax Stanfield International Airport: 21 miles (30-40 minutes)
Hotel: The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax. For an opulent stay in the heart of the action, this hotel sits between the Halifax Waterfront and attractions near Citadel Hill. After a day of exploring, relax on their 7th-floor patio with lounge chairs and a hot tub, take in a city view from your room, or have a delicious meal in their onsite eatery, Chop.
Parking: The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax has valet parking. You won’t need your car as the city is walkable, so park it for your duration in Halifax.
Tours: Click here for a list of top-rated Halifax tours
Day #1) Museums, gardens & seafood chowder
Daytime: Explore Halifax history & culture
Begin in Halifax, a clean and safe seaside city. Downtown Halifax offers walkable sidewalk streets lined with restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, museums, and attractions.
As this is your arrival day, I recommend exploring some of the Halifax attractions that don’t require advance bookings.
A few recommendations include:
- Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, a star-shaped fortress overlooking the city where you can explore Halifax’s military history with reenactments, cannons, and panoramic views of the harbor
- Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, which hosts events and showcases the works of local and international artists
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 2, which tells the stories of immigrants who passed through its doors from 1928 to 1971 - Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, a very interesting museum that blew me away with its collection of wooden artifacts from the Titanic—like pieces from the aft and Grand Staircases and a deck chair
Along with exploring a museum, this would be the perfect day to stroll through the free-to-enjoy Halifax Public Gardens, one of the finest surviving examples of Victorian gardens in North America. My favorite was their colorful dahlia garden.
Evening: Chow down on chowder at 2 Doors Down
Enjoy dinner at 2 Doors Down Food & Wine, a casual yet stylish restaurant with a seasonal menu focused on locally sourced ingredients. I had a delicious seafood chowder, though next time I want to try the Cape Breton snow crab and spinach stuffed salmon!
Day #2) Explore the Halifax Waterfront
Morning: Ride the Harbour Hopper
Start your day at Cabin Coffee, a rustic family-owned cafe set up to look like a cabin with giant sofas and a fireplace. They offer delicious pastries and breakfast sandwiches as well as great coffee.
Get the Breakfast Bun Special, which includes a breakfast bun (egg and cheese on an English muffin) with bacon or ham as well as a coffee or tea of your choice.
Afterward, get an introduction to the city on the Harbour Hopper, an amphibious vehicle that takes you around Halifax on land and sea as it transitions from a bus to a boat! You’ll wind your way through the streets of Halifax while learning interesting history and seeing sites like:
- Citadel Hill (mentioned above),
St. Paul’s Anglican Church, the oldest building in Halifax from 1750
Halifax Central Library, which has a gorgeous modern design resembling a stack of glass books and is located on the bustling Spring Garden Road, an attraction in itself
On the second half of the tour, you’ll splash into the water to take in George’s Island Lighthouse and the Halifax skyline and waterfront.
Afternoon: Visit Halifax Waterfront attractions
Speaking of the Halifax Waterfront, spend the afternoon here taking in beautiful views along the 2.5 miles of boardwalk. It’s home to public art, historic ships, breweries, and museums, and restaurants.
This includes The Bicycle Thief, an Italian-inspired and seafood-forward eatery that is one of Halifax’s top-rated restaurants. While they have indoor seating, I recommend sitting on the patio with a spritz and enjoying a lobster roll or lobster linguine—both featuring local lobster!
Afterward, you might choose to explore the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 2 or the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic if you didn’t get to yesterday since they’re on the waterfront.
Another local highlight is the Queen’s Marque District, which is home to public artworks—like Tidal Beacon by Ned Kahn, which was fun to take creative photos in:
Near the waterfront, a 60-minute tour of Alexander Keith’s Brewery—one of the oldest working breweries in North America dating back to 1820—is a must.
Led by a knowledgeable guide in period dress, you’ll wind your way through the tunnels and rooms of the historic establishment, beer in hand, ending at the “Stag’s Head”—a cavernous pub that was once the brewery itself—for more tastings and live music.
Evening: Enjoy a sunset wine & cheese sail and dinner with a view
Probably my favorite Halifax Waterfront experience was doing a 2.5-hour Sunset Wine & Cheese Sail with J Farwell Sailing Company.
Along with stunning scenery, we got to try 4 Nova Scotia wines—including ones with the esteemed Tidal Bay designation that showcase the cool climate and coastal terroir of the area.
The boat docks right near the historic Cable Wharf, which is home to the namesake Cable Wharf Restaurant that is on both Nova Scotia’s Chowder Trail and Lobster Trail. Here you can pair water views with seafood dishes that celebrate the fresh catch of Nova Scotia. And yes, the chowder is delicious!
Lunenburg
Length: 1 night
Driving distance from Downtown Halifax (via Peggy’s Cove & Mahone Bay): It’s 28 miles (1 hour) to Peggy’s Cove, then 54 miles (75 minutes) to Mahone Bay, then it’s only 7 miles (15 minutes) to Lunenburg.
Hotel: Rum Runner Inn. This inn features clean and spacious rooms with comfortable beds and is perfectly located near the waterfront in Old Town Lunenburg. I had a Harbourview Studio with Terrace which included a large veranda overlooking town and Lunenburg waterfront. It was the perfect place to enjoy some coffee or a post-dinner drink!
Parking: The street in front of the hotel is very quiet with wide parking spots that don’t require a meter. Even as someone from NYC who doesn’t drive often, I found it easy to park.
Day #3) Explore Old Town Lunenburg via Peggy’s Cove & Mahone Bay
Morning: Drive the Lighthouse Route to Peggy’s Cove
While Lunenburg isn’t far from Halifax, I recommend getting up early so that you can make stops along the way. You’ll be driving The Lighthouse Route, which takes you along Nova Scotia’s rugged south shore, passing wave-sculpted cliffs, tranquil bays, and historic fishing villages.
Your first stop along this scenic route should be the iconic Peggy’s Cove, a charming fishing village with local shops, restaurants, galleries, and beautiful views.
Parking: You can find free parking lots in Peggy’s Cove, including right at the lighthouse.
The highlight for many is the Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, a lovely little red-topped lighthouse that is on many Nova Scotia postcards. It’s a great place for photos as it’s surrounded by granite rock outcroppings that reach to touch the harbor.
Tip: Since this is a popular stop on most people’s Nova Scotia travel itinerary it gets crowded, so get there as early as possible. If you can wake up early enough to get there for sunrise, you’ll also be rewarded with beautiful colors. Also, while many people walk straight to the lighthouse, you can have the place somewhat to yourself if you walk away from it toward the large granite boulders, which still offer a beautiful view!
Late morning: Continue on the Lighthouse Route to Mahone Bay
Once you’ve finished exploring Peggy’s Cove, continue to Mahone Bay, a charming town founded in 1754. It’s known for its shipbuilding history, trio of scenic churches along the waterfront, and relaxing vibe with visitors and locals wandering the local cafes, boutiques, and art galleries.
Parking: There is free parking behind the Kinburn Pharmasave (522 Main St, Mahone Bay).
When I visited, the annual Mahone Bay Scarecrow Festival was going on, and it was a lot of fun to wander and see the creative scarecrow creations around the town. Locals go all-out for this event, so if you’re in Nova Scotia from late September through mid-October, check it out.
Other things I enjoyed while exploring this small town included:
- The Barn Coffee & Social House. It’s the type of place that offers a menu of housemade pastries, carefully curated teas, and locally-roasted coffee served in heavy handmade mugs in a rustic space that makes you want to linger for hours.
- JoAnne’s Market. This market and bake shop serves hot foods and baked goods and also sells high-quality imported products like olive oils, pastas, and balsamics. I had a delicious veggie quiche!
- Mahone Bay waterfront. Along Edgewater Street, in front of the 3 churches, you can walk a peaceful and scenic path along the harbor.
- For a point of reference on the map, from JoAnne’s Market make your way toward the Mahone Bay Visitors Information Centre.
Afternoon: Tour Old Town Lunenburg
Time your road trip around Nova Scotia so that you arrive in Lunenburg before 2pm, which is when Lunenburg Walking Tours offers an Essential Lunenburg Tour (pre-booking is recommended).
Parking: There is a parking lot at the Lunenburg Academy where the tour begins.
Old Town Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its well-preserved 18th-century colonial British settlement that showcases original architecture and reflects the town’s rich maritime history. The tour will give you a great introduction to the town and you’ll see some historic architecture along the way.
I loved the “Wedding Cake House,” which is also home to an adorable cat named Smokey!
Lunenburg is the type of place you can wander without a plan, roaming the waterfront or hopping into local eateries, cafes, galleries, and breweries while admiring homes that look like life-sized dollhouses.
A few recommendations for how to spend your time after the tour include:
- Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. Learn about Nova Scotia’s maritime heritage (the exhibit on shipbuilding is interesting) or eat at their waterfront restaurant, the Old Fish Factory.
- Tour the Bluenose II, a replica of the original Bluenose racing schooner that became a symbol of Nova Scotia and is featured on Canada’s 10-cent coin.
- Take a boat tour. Several companies offer sailing tours where you can learn history, take in beautiful scenery, and see wildlife like seals and porpoises—and even whales depending on the season!
- Meet local makers right in town at places like Shipwright Brewing Company and Ironworks Distillery.
My top pick for something to do in Lunenburg is to visit Lightship Brewery, which has delicious beers and a giant patio that sits across from the Lunenburg Waterfront for beautiful views.
Evening: Eat dinner in Old Town Lunenburg
There are many places to eat in Old Town, like:
- Grand Banker Bar & Grill. This eatery has pub vibes and is known for its local beers and giant burgers, though I thoroughly enjoyed my vegetable bowl.
- Beach Pea Kitchen & Bar. This ambient restaurant was recommended by my Essential Lunenburg tour guide and serves up yummy seafood dishes in a candlelit space.
- Old Fish Factory. This waterfront seafood restaurant serves up lobster rolls, crab croquettes, smash burgers, and more.
White Point
Length: 2 nights
Driving distance from Lunenburg (via Blue Rocks): It is 4.7 miles (15 minutes) from Lunenburg to Blue Rocks, and then 55 miles (70 minutes) from Blue Rocks to White Point.
Hotel: White Point Beach Resort. This sprawling beachfront resort features an array of accommodation options, though I highly recommend the Lakeside Glomes—luxe glamping domes with all of the amenities you could need, including a fireplace, skylight for stargazing, rain showers, and private hot tubs! I also enjoyed brewing up some local coffee in the included kitchenette and taking in views right from my glome or private porch. This felt a lot like being on a retreat in nature!
Parking: There is ample parking at the resort.
Day #4) Kayaking, beaches & boardwalks
Morning: Kayak to see seals from Blue Rocks
Grab breakfast at No 9 Coffee Bar or the Savvy Sailor Cafe and then head to Blue Rocks, a fishing village named for its rugged blue slate rock formations. The area’s colorful fishing shacks, calm waters, and many seals also make it a great place to kayak.
Parking: You’ll be able to easily park on the wide street near Pleasant Paddling’s office.
During my visit, I went on a scenic 4-hour Paddle to the Seals trip with Pleasant Paddling, passing islands, coves, and evergreen forests. The highlight was seeing wildlife like seabirds and seals, who would pop their curious heads out of the water. We even saw one sunbathing!
Tip: They have plenty of dry bags if you want to bring your phone or camera. You should also bring sun protection to reapply. I applied before going and still got burnt!
Lunch: Dine at Rose Bay General Store and Bistro
After paddling, drive toward White Point, with a stop at the family-run Rose Bay General Store and Bistro.
Parking: They have a parking lot in front.
Along with having an old-school general store selling locally sourced goods and Nova Scotia beverages, they have a restaurant with indoor-outdoor seating and a delicious menu.
My ice latte with oat milk was refreshing after the long paddle. Also, when I couldn’t decide which pizza I wanted, they offered to do half and half, including:
- The Jo: Garlic-parsley pea smash, roasted zucchini and onion, artichoke, red pepper flake, and fresh arugula, and
- The Allyssa: Marinara, arugula, mozzarella, freshly sliced tomato, and feta. Yum!
Afternoon: Visit Cresent Beach & Rissers Beach Boardwalk
Next up on your Nova Scotia road trip itinerary is visiting scenic attractions like Crescent Beach and Rissers Beach Provincial Park before continuing on to White Point.
From Rose Bay, you’ll typically be able to take Route 332 and then hop on the LaHave River Cable Ferry—which connects the two sides of the LaHave River—to quickly reach these places in about 30 minutes; however, when I visited the ferry was out of service for repairs. Check on this before heading out.
Instead, I drove along the coast and through the town of Bridgewater, which made the trip closer to an hour; still totally doable!
Crescent Beach offers a lovely 1.2-mile stretch of soft sand that connects mainland Nova Scotia to the LaHave Islands.
Nearby, Rissers Beach Provincial Park offers a beach, hiking trails, and a boardwalk that leisurely winds through inland marsh. I spent over an hour on this boardwalk just enjoying the peace and taking in the scenery.
Parking: Both Crescent Beach & Rissers Beach Provincial Park have designated lots that are free to park in.
Evening: Enjoy sunset, dinner & hot tub at White Point Beach Resort
If you arrive before sunset, head down to the beach to take in the beautiful colors before grabbing dinner and drinks at their onsite fireplace Founder’s Lounge with live music (no reservations needed) or adjacent Elliot’s Dining Room (reservations recommended).
Start with a refreshing “Lakeside Salad” featuring heritage blend greens, toasted walnuts, crumbled goat cheese, and dried cherries tossed in a strawberry peppercorn vinaigrette. From there, explore local seafood through dishes like seafood chowder, South Shore mussels, lobster dinner, or shrimp tacos.
Afterward, order a glass of wine to be sent to your room and relax in your private hot tub under the stars!
Day #5) Sunrise, surfing & hiking
Morning: Wake up for sunrise
Either today or tomorrow, I highly recommend waking up early to catch the sunrise from White Point Beach Resort’s onsite beach.
The colors are wildly vibrant and mixed with the crashing waves and jagged rock formations it makes for a surreal scene.
Morning: Learn to surf
Thanks to its consistent Atlantic swells, Nova Scotia is a great destination for surfing—including when I visited in early October! Honestly, with a wet suit on I wasn’t cold at all.
I did a lesson with Jeff Norman, who founded Rossignol Surf Shop in 1998. He offers lessons right at White Point Beach Resort, though because the waves were high the day I was there, we moved to the nearby Summerville Beach Provincial Park where the waves were calmer.
Parking: Summerville Beach Provincial Park has ample free-to-use parking in a lot.
After a lesson on the sand that showed me how to paddle and stand up with the proper form, we hit the waves—and I actually got to standing. Okay, so I fell off right after, but it was still a lot of fun!
Afternoon: Hike Kejimkujik National Park Seaside
After lunch at the resort, drive 30 minutes to the Kejimkujik National Park Seaside, a protected wilderness area at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.
Parking: Kejimkujik National Park Seaside has a free-to-use parking lot.
There are 2 scenic and well-marked hiking trails to choose from:
- Harbour Rocks Trail (easy; 4 miles round-trip)
- Port Joli Head Trail with optional Seaside Adjunct (moderate; 5.4 miles round-trip)
I chose the Harbour Rocks Trail, which takes you through lush coastal forest—including colorful foliage in October when I was there. After about a mile, you reach sandy coastline showcasing rocky islands and outcroppings that make for stunning photos.
WARNING: you’ll want to be bear-aware for this hike! On my way back while hiking solo I encountered a black bear right on the trail. Luckily, a couple and their big dog were hiking a few minutes behind me so we waited a bit and hiked out together.
If you have time on your way back to the resort, consider stopping at Summerville Beach (if you haven’t already) or Carter’s Beach to continue taking in Nova Scotia’s natural beauty.
Evening: Enjoy food & nature at White Point Beach Resort
Back at the resort, get a massage at the onsite spa (advanced bookings recommended), savor a hot meal, listen to live music, enjoy a beach sunset, and relax in your private hot tub.
Because my Lakeside Glome was so unique, I tried to really take advantage of the relaxation and beautiful views it offered!
Grand Pré
Length: 1 night
Driving distance from White Point: It is 103 miles (2 hours) between White Point and Grand Pré.
Hotel: The Evangeline Inn. This property offers spacious and clean rooms with comfortable beds, cozy bathrobes, and a wine fridge (since you are in Nova Scotia wine country!). Onsite you can enjoy an outdoor hot tub and firepit as well as an indoor pool and sauna. When you’re hungry, Longfellow Restaurant serves delicious dishes made with local ingredients.
Parking: There is ample parking at the inn.
Day #6) Wine country, wild gardens & UNESCO heritage
Morning: Explore local heritage at the Grand-Pré National Historic Site
There is a lot to do and see in the Grand Pré area, so leave White Point early.
I recommend arriving by 9am when the Grand-Pré National Historic Site opens—or earlier if you want to grab a local breakfast, such as locally roasted coffee and bagels or pastries at the Just Us! Grand Pré Café & Roastery.
The Grand-Pré National Historic Site offers an important introduction to the area, as it honors the Acadian people and their deportation during the Great Expulsion in the 18th century. It costs $9 to explore the museum and go inside the Memorial Church, or you can wander the grounds and the beautiful gardens for free.
From the historic site, you can walk or drive to the Grand Pré View Park to enjoy a sweeping view of the UNESCO-listed Landscape of Grand Pré—which is recognized for its role in Acadian history and its 17th-century agricultural practices.
Parking: Both the Grand-Pré National Historic Site and Grand Pré View Park have designated free-to-use parking lots.
Late morning: Taste & wander your way through Tangled Garden
Have your own Secret Garden moment at Tangled Garden, a shop selling jams, cordials, and other tasty creations made with ingredients grown onsite in their garden—which you can also explore.
While it costs $10 to roam the gardens, it’s very worth it. The best word to describe this place would be “enchanting,” and I spent an hour wandering the winding pathways to take in the herb, fruit, and flower gardens as well as the art.
Bonus: They offer free tastings in the shop so you can try before you buy! I’m not exaggerating when I say the Rose Geranium Jelly was the best I’ve ever tasted.
Afternoon: Explore Annapolis Valley vineyards & farms
The Annapolis Valley—which includes Grand-Pré and the adjacent town of Wolfville—is a fertile region known for its rolling farmlands, orchards, and vineyards.
As you drive around Nova Scotia, you’ll see endless opportunities to pick fruit, shop farmstands, and sip award-winning wines, including Nova Scotia’s signature Tidal Bay wines.
Parking: All of the wineries and attractions I mention in this section have free parking lots.
Reminder: Never drive drunk. In Canada, it is a crime to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08. Luckily, many local vineyards serve non-alcoholic options from cordials to non-alcoholic wines. Additionally, companies like Magic Winery Bus, Grape Escapes, and Vintage Vino Tours offer guided wine tours so you don’t have to worry about driving.
If you like wine, start your exploration with lunch at Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards for a perfectly wine-paired salad or pizza overlooking the vines backed by the Bay of Fundy—home to the world’s highest tides!
I had a Tidal Bay “L’Acadie” wine with a clam pizza topped with local PEI clams that was delicious. If you’re not drinking alcohol, they have a yummy selection of Tangled Garden cordials.
Afterward, head to Benjamin Bridge, a stunning vineyard known for its high-quality sparkling wines made in the traditional method, similar to Champagne, and they offer non-alcoholic wine if you’re not drinking.
Another highlight is their onsite trails—like Trail #1, which took me down into another area of the vineyard with Adirondack chairs placed in front of a rushing river.
Walkable to The Evangeline Inn is Domaine de Grand Pré, a lovely winery that is a great option if you want to leave your car behind. Here you’ll be drinking in history, as it was founded in 1979 and is Atlantic Canada’s oldest farm winery.
They also have a trail through the vineyard that leads to the above-mentioned Grand Pré View Park so you can see the terrior you’re sipping.
While the vineyards are beautiful even if you’re not drinking alcohol, if you’d prefer non-wine activities, a few suggestions include:
- Stirling Fruit Farms. Along with shopping their local product, they offer wagon rides, apple and pumpkin picking, and a corn maze.
- Cape Split Trail. This 8.2-mile loop hike takes you through old-growth forest and coastal conifers while showcasing amazing views of Minas Basin and Scots Bay. There are also several trails in Blomidon Provincial Park.
- Blomidon Look-Off (aka Canning Lookoff). From your high perch atop North Mountain, you’ll take in sweeping views over the area’s colorful farmland as well as the Bay of Fundy and Minas Basin. Afterward, get an ice cream cone across the street at Lookout Ice Cream!
Dinner: Longfellow Restaurant
After a day of exploring local landscapes, dig into dishes that showcase Nova Scotia and Annapolis Valley ingredients at Longfellow Restaurant.
I had a delicious meal that began with a shaved zucchini salad topped with lemon, Parmigiano Reggiano, and extra virgin olive oil. This was followed by a hearty bowl of seafood chowder and one of the best homemade biscuits I’ve ever tasted.
The entire meal was paired with a glass of local Domaine de Grand Pré Tidal Bay wine.
Evening: Unwind with onsite wellness amenities
Afterward, relax in The Evangeline Inn’s onsite hot tub, the perfect ending to an amazing road trip in Nova Scotia!
Day #7) Departure day
Driving distance from Grand Pré: It is 56 miles (1 hour) from Grand Pré to Halifax Stanfield International Airport.
Spend today visiting any attractions you didn’t have time to yesterday before heading to Halifax Stanfield International Airport to head home.
Tip: Remember to leave some extra time for the car dropoff. There is a gas station conveniently located right before the airport (along the exact same route) so you can fill the tank.
Planning A Longer Nova Scotia Road Trip
Have more time to allot to your itinerary? Here are some longer Nova Scotia road trip ideas:
Extend your time in the Annapolis Valley. While I saw a lot in my one full day there, it would have been nice to have at least 3 days to really explore the area. I would have loved to do the Cape Split Trail!
Add Cape Breton to your Nova Scotia itinerary. This was a location that both locals and friends who had visited consistently recommended. Not only is it one of the best places in Nova Scotia for whale watching, but Cape Breton Highlands National Park is home to 26 hiking trails of varying levels as well as beaches, bike trails, viewpoints, and more. Plus, the Cabot Trail is one of Nova Scotia’s most famous drives.
- Add Yarmouth to the route. Another Nova Scotia destination that many people recommended is Yarmouth, known for its rich maritime history, lovely waterfront, and attractions like the Yarmouth County Museum and the Cape Forchu Lighthouse.
Tips For Planning A Nova Scotia Road Trip
Now that we’ve gone over where to go when road tripping Nova Scotia, let’s go over some important tips:
Compare your rental car options. Discover Cars allows you to to quickly compare your rental options and save up to 70%, no multi-tab browsing required!
Get an eSIM. While I always recommend having an eSIM for travel safety, it’s especially important when doing a road trip so you can access Google Maps. For my time in Nova Scotia, I used Saily and went through about 5GB of data in one week.
Keep an eye on Google Maps. Google Maps sometimes had trouble directing me. It would have me go 10 minutes before realizing it made a mistake, so I’d need to go back to where I started. It wasn’t a huge deal, but be a bit more vigilant with the directions.
Pre-plan your route to save time. Nova Scotia is full of signs directing you to local attractions, so you can certainly plan as you go. That being said, to maximize time it’s recommended to plan your route beforehand—or simply use the Nova Scotia itinerary laid out above!
Stay aware of wildlife crossings. I saw deer numerous times while driving around Nova Scotia, and once they even ran in front of the car. Luckily, I had already noticed them and slowed down, but this is something to stay aware of.
Pack layers. While visiting Nova Scotia in early October, the weather fluctuated between summer heat and early winter chill. It’s also wise to pack a rain jacket. I like to keep an umbrella in the car too.
Bring a portable charger. My go-to is the Enerwow Portable 40000mAh Powerbank, which I used daily on this trip. You’ll be taking so many photos your phone battery will run out faster than usual, and you don’t want to be without a phone and Google Maps during your road trip.
Canada Travel Insurance
When visiting Canada, or anywhere else in the world, it’s important to get travel insurance to protect yourself and your trip.
For this, I have two recommendations:
SafetyWing. If you’re looking for something straightforward and budget-friendly, you can’t beat SafetyWing. They offer one global policy that you can cancel at any time or continue paying for long-term coverage (making it the perfect option for digital nomads!).
Their plan includes medical coverage, trip interruptions, personal liability, unplanned overnight stays, lost luggage, and more.
World Nomads. For something more comprehensive, World Nomads is a great option. While you’ll pay a bit more, you’ll typically get higher coverage maximums as well as additional inclusions—like trip cancellation.
FAQ About Road Tripping Through Nova Scotia
Now let’s go over some frequently asked questions about planning a road trip to Nova Scotia:
Q) Is Nova Scotia safe?
As a solo female traveler in Nova Scotia, I felt incredibly safe exploring on my own. That being said, always keep general solo travel safety tips in mind no matter where you travel.
Q) How many days do you need for Nova Scotia?
While you can enjoy the main attractions in 5 days, there is a lot to see, so I’d recommend at least 7 days, though 10 to 14 would be even better if you have the time.
Q) How long does it take to drive the length of Nova Scotia?
Driving from one end of Nova Scotia to the other without stopping takes about 7-8 hours.
Q) What is the most scenic route in Nova Scotia?
Some of Nova Scotia’s most scenic routes include The Lighthouse Route and The Cabot Trail, especially through Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
Q) When is the best time to visit Nova Scotia?
The best time to visit is from late spring to early fall (May to October) for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. From mid-October through winter many attractions and restaurants close for the colder weather.
Q) What is the cheapest month to visit Nova Scotia?
November is typically the cheapest month to visit due to fewer tourists and colder weather, but it’s not recommended to visit during this time as many places will be closed. Instead, opt for late September or the first week of October.
Q) Is it easy to drive in Nova Scotia?
Yes, driving in Nova Scotia is generally easy with well-maintained roads and clear signage. Just be aware that coastal weather can affect road conditions.
Q) Is Nova Scotia expensive or cheap?
While not cheap, Nova Scotia can be affordable compared to other Canadian destinations, especially if you visit outside of the peak summer tourist season.
Free Travel & Road Trip Planning Resources
To get additional help with planning your Nova Scotia driving itinerary, I invite you to grab access to my free Ultimate Travel Planning Kit—which includes 40+ travel resources from printables to quizzes to itineraries.
Some highlights of the kit include:
- Free “Where Should You Travel Next?” personality quiz
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- Printable travel journal with writing prompts
- Packing lists for different types of trips
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Click here to grab your copy of the free Ultimate Travel Planning Kit.
Final Thoughts On Doing A Road Trip Through Nova Scotia
There you have it; an unforgettable 7-day road trip itinerary for Nova Scotia filled with coastal charm, rich history, outdoor adventure, and delicious food.
Whether you’re savoring seafood in quaint fishing villages, exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or seeing stunning ocean views, there’s something for every traveler to love.
With the itinerary provided, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your journey through Canada’s Ocean Playground, uncovering hidden gems and beloved locations while making lasting memories along the way.
