This post was originally published on the Tourism Nova Scotia website.
You’re not going to travel all the way to Nova Scotia, on Canada’s east coast, just to do things you can do at home! Take advantage of your time in this beautiful maritime province by taking on its unique attractions, everything from eating local street food to sleeping in a lighthouse.
1. Take a selfie at the most photographed lighthouse in Canada
The rolling granite rock formations and many unique angles make Peggy’s Point Lighthouse interesting to photograph. Tip: head there early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds. And please stay off the black rocks!
Try the Peggy’s Cove Morning Light Tour with Picture Perfect Tours to get great photo tips and unique vantage points.
2. Raft on a tidal bore
Mother nature has built the perfect roller coaster. The high tides of the Bay of Fundy create a bore on the Shubenacadie River that can reach up to 10 feet in height making for one thrilling boat ride.
3. Try a true Donair
What’s a Donair? It’s Halifax’s official food. Nova Scotians are passionate about this spicy yet sweet street food that is similar to a doner kebab or gyro. What’s the difference? The secret is in the garlicky sweet sauce that can be a bit of an acquired taste. Those who like it, like it a lot! Where to find one? You’ll find them in most pizza shops or, if you’re in Halifax, follow a local to Pizza Corner after a night on the town. Want to incorporate the Donair into a foodie adventure? Take the Eat Halifax Tour.
4. Sleep in an original lightkeeper’s residence
At the Lighthouse at Cape d’Or, you can sleep where the lightkeeper slept! Book your stay during one of the Inn’s special Ultimate Lobster Feast dinners and enjoy three-course authentic lobster boil along the stunning cliffs of the Bay of Fundy.
5. Journey into the Night Sky in Kejimkujik
Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site in Nova Scotia is an official Dark Sky Preserve. Take your stargazing to the next level with the help of Parks Canada Interpreters who share astronomy and the night sky with Mi’kmaw cultural perspectives. Or enjoy a Stellar Beach Feast at White Point Beach Resort with dinner, wine, and dark sky interpretation against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.
6. Explore extraordinary Sable Island
This remote island known for its wild horses is a bucket-list visit for those who love nature. Join the Fins and Fiddles expedition, which sails around the North Atlantic stopping at this unforgettable place.
7. Tour Nova Scotia’s wine country
Did you know Nova Scotia was a big wine producer? Make the most of your visit by taking in a special event like Devour! The Vines – a fabulous evening of food and film in the vines or take The Tidal Bay Wine Tasting Adventure, a three-course gourmet dinner that takes you to three vineyards. And don’t leave the province without trying local appellation white wine, Tidal Bay.
8. Explore a Jurassic beach with a paleontologist
The cliffs along the Bay of Fundy have preserved millions of years of history. Take the Tidal Reveal adventure and Dig for Canada’s Oldest Dinosaurs with Fundy Geological Museum.
9. Dine on the Ocean Floor
Join The Flying Apron Cookery and partners at Burntcoat Head Park – the site of the highest recorded tides in the world - for an amazing meal in the most unique setting, sitting on the ocean floor.
10. Spot a moose on the Skyline Trail
It’s common to spot moose along the many trails in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Keep your eyes open for moose and learn about the ecosystem and culture of the area as you hike the Skyline Trail on a guided tour at sunset.
11. Be a Soldier for a Day at the Citadel
Suit up in your tartan kit, take training and enjoy a private tour of your new home at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.
12. Camp in a 18th Century Fortress
Explore the incredible Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site by day. Meet its inhabitants and learn about its history, but don’t let your adventure end here. Book one of their equipped tents and stay the night. You’ll have the fortress almost to yourself (unless you believe the ghost stories).
