I’ve already shocked the world (at least my own) with my admission of loving Nova Scotia ever so slightly more than Prince Edward Island - though I do love them both. It’s like picking your favorite cat… I love them both but sometimes I have a favorite.

After spending three nights driving the Cabot Trail and five days overall in Nova Scotia, I desperately want to go back and spend a summer perusing more of this gorgeous province, breathing in the warm but cool summer air, going on all the hikes, buying all the art, and so much more. 

Until that day comes, I’ll live vicariously through your adventures and my dreams. Here are some of my must-dos around Nova Scotia, for anyone looking to visit.

1. Drive the Scenic Cabot Trail

   It’s considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world for a reason. Plus, there is so much to do! Stop at scenic overlooks, explore the outdoors with beautiful hiking paths and bird-watching tours, appreciate the array of local artists in various shops along your drive, and find all the perfect cafes for a hot drink and a quick bite. I mean… am I dreaming??

   Find some of my favorite stops here as well as recommendations and tips for how to spend a few days exploring the trail!

2. Take a Hike

   I’ll say it again, Nova Scotia gives you so many opportunities to get outside. Whether you’re on Cape Breton, exploring the Highlands National Park, or near the Bay of Fundy, there are so many trails for you to get outside, breathe some fresh air, and see more of the province than you can just in your car.

3. Visit the Colorful & Historic Old Town Lunenburg

   I don’t know what happened to us as a society where we turned to bland homes and building colors but let’s SNAP OUT OF IT. Who doesn’t love a colorful town? No one, unless you’re a Grinch. 

   Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Lunenburg is “the best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement in North America.” Take a walking tour, peruse the shops, grab a yummy lunch, and just have a great time. Also, a local tip from our Airbnb host was to take a quick drive out to the community of Blue Rocks, for less touristy views of the ocean and a peep into more local summertime vibes.

4. Go Bird Watching on a Boat

   I may be settling into my bird-watching era but if I’m gonna do it, it needs to be on a boat. As we traveled up to Canada through Maine, there were a few opportunities for birdwatching, but I’m glad we waited until Nova Scotia for this fun afternoon excursion. 

   Our captain Donelda even had a bald eagle friend (you read that right), that she would swing fish out to feed as it flew over our boat on the way back to the dock. Quite the experience. 

5. Witness the Bay of Fundy

   Did you know the Bay of Fundy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a UNESCO Global Geopark? To be very honest, we should have planned this part of our trip better. There are certain seasons and times of day where the “magic” of the bay is best witnessed, as well as areas to view it from. We booked a stay in Middleton, figuring we could just venture down to the Bay and have a jolly good time. False. Don’t get me wrong, I love water so it was still fun but without all the ebbing and flowing, it was… a bay? 

   While we were standing looking out at the water, we came across some locals who were giving us advice on how to best see the Bay during the tides, but as our time in this section of the province was so tight, we missed it. All that to say, don’t be like us (or I should say my Mom since she was in charge of this portion - yes, I will absolutely throw her under the bus)… sort yourself ahead of your trip so you get to see all the action.

We packed a lot of activity into our few days in this stunning section of Canada. How can you go wrong with an area that allows you beautiful, ranging landscapes, loads of local artists, outdoor activities, and colorful towns to explore? You can’t.

Enjoy and have the best time! Be sure to tag @accentgolden in your posts if you do and love any of these activities!