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The most charming towns in Nova Scotia sit in prime positions on the rugged coastline of this beautiful Canadian province. As well as stunning Atlantic views, this clutch of picturesque fishing villages, historic seaports and small coastal towns offer a rich maritime history, countless outdoor activities and some of the best seafood you could hope to devour (hello, lobster rolls!).
This was my first visit to Nova Scotia and only my second time in Canada, the first being Toronto almost 20 years ago. I was long overdue a visit and I’d heard a lot about its stunning landscapes, lighthouses, friendly locals and delicious seafood. Nova Scotia did not disappoint, especially its pretty coastal towns, fishing villages and of course its capital, Halifax.
Whether you’re craving cultural attractions, culinary encounters or coastal vistas, these welcoming towns in Nova Scotia have the makings of your next adventure and come with a huge measure of irresistible charm. And they’re pretty easy to visit on a road trip around this most beautiful of North America’s Maritime Provinces.
The easiest way to visit these charming Nova Scotia towns is by car. If you’re flying into Halifax Stanfield International Airport you can pick up a hire car, like we did, and head straight to Halifax. This way you’ll save money on airport transfers. You can park up in the hotel while you explore Halifax.
Where is Nova Scotia?
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Nova Scotia, a peninsula on Canada’s east coast, is almost entirely surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and with that comes over 13,000 kilometers of stunning coastline. Rugged cliffs, beautiful beaches, and countless bays and coves means the province offers a diverse geography as well as countless stunning viewpoints.
Inland, you’ll find rolling hills, dense forests, and picturesque lakes. Iconic landmarks like the Minas Basin in the Bay of Fundy, home to the world’s highest tides, showcase the provinces’ natural wonders.
For history buffs, Nova Scotia is steeped in cultural heritage, with strong Scottish, Irish, and Acadian (French) influences shaping its traditions, music, and cuisine. And then there’s its rich maritime heritage.
Nova Scotia Towns you shouldn’t miss
This post is based on our personal experience of driving the Lighthouse Route and Evangeline Trail around the south western region of Nova Scotia on a 7-day summer road trip.
We arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia’s capital and followed Nova Scotia’s coastline clockwise, town by town, lighthouse by lighthouse. We finished at Grand Pre which is just an hour’s drive away from Halifax airport. This makes an excellent circular route with easy driving and a perfect road trip destination. These are the best Nova Scotia towns that we visited on our trip.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Our journey began in Halifax, the capital, with its lively waterfront, charming architecture and rich history. It’s the perfect starting point for any trip around the province of Nova Scotia.
Halifax is Nova Scotia’s largest city with a dynamic blend of historic sites and modern attractions paired with a relaxed laid-back vibe. The colourful port town has loads to do from fascinating historical landmarks and museums to the busy waterfront with its cafes, bars and restaurants.
We stayed in Halifax for two nights but didn’t see everything we wanted to and could easily have stayed longer. I guess that means we’ll just have to make a return visit!
Head first to the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, a star-shaped fortress perched above the city. Explore its military history and take in the panoramic views of the Halifax skyline.
Hit Halifax Waterfront, where you’ll find some great restaurants, and local landmarks like historic Pier 21, The Immigration Museum and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which is home to exhibits about the Titanic, the Halifax Explosion and Nova Scotia’s seafaring heritage. This was our favourite museum and we spent around 3 hours exploring the exhibits.
Queen’s Marque is the new waterfront cultural district in Halifax where you’ll find a great choice of restaurants and bars.
Bluenose II might be docked in the waterfront. This elegant replica of Canada’s most famous ship symbolises Canada’s seafaring heritage and even features on Canadian licence plates and coins. Step aboard and take a look around the historic wooden ship.
Hop on a Harbour Hopper Tour, a one-of-a-kind amphibious truck, for a fun and informative tour of Halifax. Cruise through historic streets and take to the water to discover the city’s fascinating past and vibrant present.
Halifax is one of Nova Scotia’s best cities for foodies and craft beer lovers. Enjoy local food, fresh seafood, including lobster rolls and Digby scallops, or explore the booming craft beer scene at spots like Alexander Keith’s Brewery, one of Canada’s oldest. Argyle Street is full of great bars, pubs and restaurants.
There’s a lot more to see and do in Halifax so stay tuned for a more in-depth post.
Where to stay in Halifax, Nova Scotia?
We stayed at Sutton Place Hotel for two nights. It’s a great location near to Argyle Street with its restaurants and pubs and the waterfront is just a ten minute walk away. Car parking is available at the hotel and is reasonsably priced.
Check rates and availability for Sutton Place Hotel.
Peggy’s Cove
Just a short drive along Nova Scotia’s south shore is picturesque Peggy’s Cove. The small fishing village is famous for its iconic lighthouse which is surrounded by rugged granite rocks and crashing waves. Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse has become the symbol of Nova Scotia and is said to be the most photographed lighthouse in Canada. I can believe that because it’s a very popular destination with tourists.
On the day we visited it was shrouded in mist, which to be fair, should be expected in lighthouse territory. It made for atmospheric scenes but I’d have loved to have seen it in full technicolour glory and blue sky backdrop too.
Peggy’s Cove fishing village and harbour also make for great photo opportunities. There’s an art gallery and a café by the small harbour which is said to serve excellent seafood. Another café and gift shop are right next to the lighthouse although we found these to be a bit more commercial.
Travelbunny top tip: Get to Peggy’s Cove before 9am to get a parking spot and some decent photos without too many people. When the cruise ships come in the crowds come too. The car park was full by 9.30am on the day we visited.
Read about the other 16 lighthouses we explored on our Nova Scotia road trip.
Mahone Bay
Continuing along the south shore of Nova Scotia take a stop at Mahone Bay en route to Lunenburg. The small town is famous for the iconic trio of churches that line the bay.
Browse local boutiques, craft shops and art galleries or sample delicious treats at colourful cafés. The town is also known for its annual Scarecrow Festival, where hundreds of creative and whimsical scarecrows line the streets.
Outdoorsy types can kayak the waters of the bay or hike nearby trails with breathtaking coastal views. Mahone Bay comes with a warm community vibe and this colourful picturesque town is the ideal place for a wander and a coffee.
Lunenburg
Next up is Lunenburg, possibly the prettiest town in the whole of Nova Scotia, where historic charm and coastal beauty go hand in hand. Old Town Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage site and popular tourist destination with a large number of historic homes.
Many of the brightly coloured colonial buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries line the streets and harbour of Lunenburg. Take time to stroll along the waterfront, the wharves and explore all things nautical at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic where you’ll find out about the Lunenburg dory.
Don’t miss the striking black and white St John’s Anglican Church, it’s Canada’s second oldest protestant church.There are antique shops, fishing paraphernalia stalls and artists’ studios behind Lunenburg’s colourful facades and the people are so friendly.
Hear tales of seafaring and rum-running and chow down on the freshest lobster, scallops, chowder and seafood in fabulous waterfront restaurants. There are distilleries and breweries for rum and beer sampling too. Look out for the seafood themed street signage.
If you didn’t catch Bluenose II in Halifax it might be docked in Lunenburg harbour, its second home. The replica Bluenose schooner sails between the two ports twice weekly.
Places to stay in Lunenburg – check rates and availability.
Lockeport
This quaint seaside town is known for its natural beauty, friendly community, and rich maritime history. Located on the Nova Scotia’s South Shore, Lockeport offers a stunning unspoiled beach, coastal charm, and a slower pace of life which is perfect for nature lovers and hikers.
The town’s star attraction is Crescent Beach, one of the best beaches in Nova Scotia. The crescent moon shaped, sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing, walking, and swimming. There are great hiking trails and bird watching too. We wished we’d had longer to stay and enjoy the beach because it’s an absolute stunner.
Explore Lockeport on a self-guided walking tour of the town and pay a visit to Little School Museum, which showcases the local heritage, including its fishing history and the story of Lockeport’s rise as a trading hub. There’s an historical streetscape along with the town’s thriving creative side, with local galleries and artisan shops showcasing unique art and crafts.
Back Harbour BoardWalk is a 4km trail with sweeping coastal views. Lockeport’s two lighthouses add to the picturesque scenery.
Shelburne
Plan to spend a few hours in the small fishing community of Shelburne which is situated on the world’s third finest natural harbour. This charming town is packed with history and you’ll find a clutch of 18th century heritage buildings in the Waterfront District and a dory or two moored in the harbour.
This pretty seaside town offers a perfect mix of history, beautiful scenery and coastal culture. Known for its rich Loyalist heritage, it’s home to one of the best-preserved historic waterfronts in Canada, with 18th-century wooden buildings that transport you back in time.
Visit the Shelburne County Museum to delve deeper into the town’s fascinating past.
Don’t miss the Dory Shop Museum. Learn about the history of the wooden dory boats, see how they are still made today and learn the difference between a Shelburne dory and a Lunenburg Dory. It’s not big but it is clever!
Upstairs in the dory shop we met Anne who moved to Shelburne to learn dory building as a hobby when she retired. She’s still there making dories six years later!
Pay a visit to the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre and the Ross-Thompson House and Store Museum.
For some beach time head a mile or two down the coast to Sandy Point Lighthouse. At low tide you can walk across the sandbank to the lighthouse.
Places to stay in Shelburne – check rates and availability.
Digby
Digby is known as the ‘scallop capital of the world’ and I wouldn’t disagree. Scallops were first harvested in Digby commercially over a century ago and the huge scallop fleet can be seen moored up along Fisherman’s Wharf from across the waterfront.
The cold, nutrient rich waters of the Bay of Fundy provide the best conditions to cultivate the tastiest, tender, sweet scallops I’ve ever eaten. I recommend lunch or dinner at The Crows Nest where we had the juiciest scallops and delicious chowder paired with beautiful sea views. If I head back to Digby that’s the first place I’m going!
Admiral’s Walk Park stretches along the Digby waterfront with great views and weekly Sunday maker’s market there’s a lighthouse too. For history buffs, the Admiral Digby Museum offers insights into the town’s Loyalist history and maritime heritage and look out for the tide and time four-faced clock in the main street.
One of the highlights of the area is whale watching. From Digby, you can take a boat tour on the Bay of Fundy, home to some of the most spectacular whale sightings in the world, including humpbacks, minke whales, and even the rare North Atlantic right whale.
Nearby, explore the dramatic coastline at Point Prim where you’ll find the vertically striped lighthouse perched in a picturesque spot overlooking the mouth of Digby Gut. This scenic location is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, with frequent sightings of seabirds, seals, and sometimes whales. The views are breathtaking, especially at sunset, making it an ideal evening destination. Just be prepared for the occasional blast of the foghorn if you visit on a misty day!
Where to stay in Digby
We booked into Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa. This iconic Nova Scotian resort overlooks the Annapolis Basin with sea views, outdoor pool and sweeping gardens. The town of Digby is about 10-minute’s drive away. If you’d prefer to stay right in town then Bayside Inn B&B on the waterfront ticks all the boxes.
Annapolis Royal
The Annapolis Valley was originally inhabited by some of the indigenous people of Nova Scotia – the Mi’kmaq community. In 1605 the first European settlers landed.
A good place to start your visit to Annapolis Royal is Fort Anne National Historic Site. This highly prized piece of land, on the banks of the Annapolis River, was fought over by the Scots, French and British for centuries and the 1797 Officers’ Quarters Museum showcases this history in an excellent exhibition.
The grounds of the star-shaped fort are ripe for exploration with river views, powder magazines and cannons to see. There was a brass band playing under a huge oak tree the day we visited and local people enjoying picnics.
The town’s main street has one of the highest concentrations of historic buildings in Canada and it’s full of colour and character. St George Street has been designated a National Historic District due to its historic architecture and is one of the oldest streets in North America.
Pay a visit to the Sinclair Inn Museum, the earliest surviving Arcadian building in the country.
For lunch head to Poke Bowl or grab some refreshments at Sissiboo Coffee Roaster and gallery or Annapolis Brewing Company.
Where to stay in Annapolis Royal – check rates and availability
Wolfville
This lovely little university town is set amid the stunning scenery of the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia’s agricultural centre. Surrounded by farmland and vineyards you can’t fail to eat and drink well in Wolfville. Set between the Bay of Fundy and green rolling farmland, it’s a hub for foodies, enophiles, and nature lovers alike.
As soon as we strolled down the High Street in Wolfville we knew we were going to love this tiny town. A Church Brewery and a pub in a library (Library Pub) or cider tasting at Annapolis Cider Company.
The town is located in Nova Scotia’s wine country with eight wineries located within 10 km of the town’s centre. Can you see a theme? Award-winning wineries like Luckett Vineyards and Domaine de Grand Pré offer tastings with stunning vineyard views. The Annapolis Valley is particularly known for its Tidal Bay white wine, a unique Nova Scotian creation which we enjoyed with a few meals.
But it’s not all about the drinks in Wolfville. The town boasts an impressive food scene as well. From farm-to-table restaurants like Le Caveau at Grand Pré Winery to Wolfville Farmers Market and cozy cafes serving up homemade treats.
There’s plenty to do to work up an appetite in the area. Hike along the coastline at Blomidon Provincial Park or explore the famous Bay of Fundy, known for the world’s highest tides. The Harvest Moon scenic hike runs through Wolfville from its scenic route through the Annapolis Valley.
Wolfville is steeped in history, from its ties to the Acadian settlers to its Victorian-era architecture. You can explore historical sites like Grand-Pré National Historic Site. This popular attraction is a UNESCO World Heritage Site commemorating Acadian culture and history.
Where to stay in Wolfville
The best place to stay in Wolfville is the historic Blomidon Inn. It’s located on the main street just a few minute’s walk from the town’s main attractions and has plenty of parking. The food is great too.
As you can see, Nova Scotia is home to some beautiful coastal towns and villages each with their own individual charm and unique features and landscapes. The people are really friendly and welcoming and the food and drink offerings are excellent.
Map of the best coastal towns in Nova Scotia
Check out my map of Nova Scotia towns to help plan your own road trip.
Ready to plan your trip to Nova Scotia?
- To get the best deals on flights, compare cheap prices with Skyscanner flight comparison site
- Book your airport transfers with Welcome Transfers
- Find the perfect place to stay on Booking.com
- Compare prices for your car hire
- Stay connected at affordable rates with data and roaming from Airalo
- Explore your destination through local experiences
- If you think you need a visa check with iVisa
- Plan your trip with maps and guide books
- I use a Wise account multi-currency debit card. Easy to top up, low fees and better exchange rates.
- If you’re travelling long-haul the Trtl travel pillow will help you get some decent in-flight sleep.
- And, finally, please don’t forget to protect you and your trip with travel insurance. I’m very happy with my Heymondo travel insurance.
This article was written in collaboration with Tourism Nova Scotia, however, all views, opinions and love of coastal towns and villages are entirely my own.
Suzanne Jones is a full-time travel blogger and writer at The Travelbunny which she started in 2011 during her time as a professional travel planner. Suzanne enjoys exploring new destinations, culinary encounters and the outdoors. When not travelling or writing about her adventures you’ll most likely find her, camera in hand, enjoying coastal walks in Sussex.
Suzanne also runs Hello Sussex a website which showcases the best of East & West Sussex. Read more about Suzanne.
GT
Thursday 16th of January 2025
Odd to have a photo of Cape Forchu’s glorious lighthouse but not list Yarmouth, the town where it is located, as one of the places to visit…
Suzanne Jones
Thursday 16th of January 2025
Because I didn't have time to explore Yarmouth except for Cape Forchu and I only write about places that I've personally visited. But I like the photo and wanted to include it.