The Best Nova Scotia Road Trip Adventure – 14 Day Itinerary

A visit to Nova Scotia should be on everyone’s bucket list. Our guide to the best Nova Scotia road trip adventure will help you discover all of the highlights for an unforgettable journey.

Nova Scotia’s spectacular scenery featuring rugged coastlines with endless ocean vistas, along with its rich mix of authentic Celtic, Acadian, Mi’kmaq and Black cultural experiences, make it an extraordinary destination to explore.

Discover the world’s highest tides in Fundy Bay, Canada’s oldest lighthouse and wine region, and one of the most scenic drives in North America on the world-famous Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island. The sunsets are some of the best I have seen, and I’ve seen plenty.

The abundance and quality of fresh seafood is outstanding. Experiencing a lobster boil is a must and as is seeking out large Digby scallops.

The air is fresh and crisp, with lots of wide-open outdoor exploration opportunities. Music is everywhere in Nova Scotia. The venues are varied, from pubs, parks, and restaurants to outdoor concerts and what is known as a “kitchen party”or, as they call it in Cape Breton, a ceilidh (kay-lee).

Don’t miss our ultimate guide to Nova Scotia for everything you need.

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Best Nova Scotia Road Trip Itinerary

This 14-day itinerary will provide the best Nova Scotia road trip adventure to discover spectacular scenery, abundant seafood, and rich, authentic cultural experiences.

Nova Scotia Driving Tour

Here are our recommendations for an unforgettable road trip to Nova Scotia. Plan the trip carefully, ideally making reservations for accommodation, tours and popular restaurants well in advance to avoid disappointment as this popular destination books up quickly during peak periods.

What is the best month to visit Nova Scotia?

The best time to visit Nova Scotia is from the end of May through to the middle of October. Many facilities are seasonal and close during the winter months. The summer months are warmer, but it is also peak season. Reservations for accommodations should be made well in advance to ensure the best selection of properties. Travel in the fall is popular for seeing vivid fall foliage.

How many days are enough for Nova Scotia?

Spending longer in a place is always better, as it allows a greater opportunity to soak up the culture of the people. This 14-day itinerary will provide a glimpse into the incredible East Coast experience and lifestyle. Look at the maps and highlighted attractions and points of interest in the areas along the route to determine the exact number of nights to stay in each location. Reach out to us if you have any questions.

14-Day Nova Scotia Road Trip

Day 1 and 2 – Halifax – 2 nights

Attractions: In downtown Halifax, visit Citadel National Historic Site, Alexandra Keith’s Brewery, one of North America’s oldest operating breweries, the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, and walk along the historic waterfront.
Accommodations: Looking for a little luxury, try the Sutton Place Hotel or Halifax’s first five-star hotel MUIR Autograph Collection Hotel on the waterfront.

Walk along the waterfront in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr@

Historic streets in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Day 3 and 4 – Louisbourg – 2 nights – 5-hour drive (drive about 5 hours from Halifax)

Attractions: Explore the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, the largest historical reconstruction in North America and Lighthouse Point, where Canada’s first lighthouse was built in 1734.Accommodations: North Star Inn, owned and operated by Colin and Justin, the international TV celebrity designers, Louisbourg Harbour Inn, a charming bed and breakfast or search for other hotels in area.

Scenic views on Cape Breton Island on the road from Halifax to Louisbourg, Nova Scotia. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Lighthouse Point on Lighthouse Trail Louisbourg, Nova Scotia. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Day 5 – Sydney – 1 night – (30 min drive), or if short of time, skip to Baddeck with tours along the way

Attractions: See the world’s largest fiddle and take a historic walking tour.  Find out more about visiting Sydney.
Accommodations – Suggested stay at Cambridge Suites.

Learn about 18th century life with a visit to the Cossit House Museum in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The home is furnished with 18th-century pieces, and museum staff dressed in period costumes demonstrate traditional skills like candle-making, lace-making and butter-churning. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Day 5 – Baddeck – 1 Night – 2-hour drive with three highlighted tours.

Attractions: Take an Indigenous experience at Eskasoni Cultural Journeys on Goat Island, learn about Celtic culture at Baile nan Gàidheal/Highland Village and visit Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site.
Accommodations:  Stay at the Inverary Resort, and for dinner, the Freight Shed Waterside Bistro is a good option with views of Bras d’Or Lake.

Demonstration on how to make Four Cent Bread at the Eskasoni Cultural Journey. Learning about traditions of the Mi’kmaq of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Views from Baile nan Gàidheal Highland Village Museum in Iona near Baddeck on Cape Breton Island. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Inverary Resort in Baddeck on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. Breakfast is down by the shores of Bras d’Or Lake. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Fields of Lupines near Baddeck on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Day 6 – Ingonish  – 1 Night

Attractions: Be on the lookout for visits to artisan shops like Cabotto Chocolates along the route from Baddeck to Ingonish. Experience Cape Smokey Gondola, Atlantic Canada’s first eight-person gondola. See impressive views of the coastline and Atlantic Ocean.
Accommodations: Stay at the Keltic Lodge, William’s Beach House or where we stayed, the Seascape Coastal Retreat. For dinner, stop at the famous diner Coastal Restaurant (see video above)

Penny Steele creator of Cabotto Chocolates and her business partner, sister Deb Karn handcraft delicious chocolates and other treats on Cape Breton Island. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Views from Cape Smokey on Cape Breton Island. Even on a rainy day, the views of the coastline are amazing. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Day 7 – Chéticamp – 1 Night or 2 Nights

Attractions: Breathtaking vistas around every twist and curve along the world-famous Cabot Trail through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. There are plenty of trails and stops at viewpoints to take advantage of. Watch for Beulach Ban Falls and Bog Trail. Be sure to factor in at least two hours of daylight to hike the spectacular Skyline Trail.

Accommodations: We stayed at Auberge Bay Wind Suites, above a friendly restaurant and bar. We had dinner at Chéticamp’s L’abri restaurant to finish the perfect day. This is a popular spot, and reservations are suggested.

Stunning sunsets on Cape Breton Island as viewed from Chéticamp’s L’abri restaurant. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

The spectacular Cabot Trail is one of the most scenic drives in North America. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Views along the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

True North Destinations is Nova Scotia’s only 5-star Eco-Resort with Luxury Dome Lodging. It is located in Pleasant Bay on the Cabot Trail. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Day 8 and 9 – Annapolis Valley – 2 or 3 nights if you have time.

From Chéticamp to Annapolis Royal, it takes 7 1/2 hours. The entire drive is about 626 km. Consider two overnights in two different places.

Attractions: Multiple wineries are along this route as well as unique geological landscape features not to be missed like the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark, Three Sisters Sea Stacks, the highest tides, and oldest dinosaur fossils at Joggins UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check out an interactive map of the area.

There are also opportunities to see lighthouses, kayak, hike trails, and hunt for gemstones.

Accommodations: Find accommodation in the area of your choice.

Kayaking at Three Sisters at Cape Chignecto: Photo: Tourism Nova Scotia / Photographer: Scott Munn©

The Luckett’s Vineyard, Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia with the view of the Bay of Fundy. Photo: Tourism Nova Scotia.

Port Royal National Historic Site, Bay of Fundy and Annapolis Valley. Photo: Tourism Nova Scotia / Photographer: Acorn Art & Photography

Day 10 – Discover Acadian Culture -1 Night

Attractions: Along the Acadian Shores and in the Yarmouth area, be immersed in Acadian culture. The largest Acadian community in Nova Scotia is found here in Clare.

Book a clam digging experience on the shores of Saint Mary’s Bay, an age-old tradition of the Acadian and Mi’kmaq people. Learn more about the history of this vibrant French-speaking community at the Acadian Interpretive Centre Museum.

See the impressive rugged coastline views of Cape Mary Lighthouse Park and Smugglers’ Cove Provincial Park. Smugglers’ Cove hides a small cave that is said to have been used by liquor smugglers in the 1920s.

Walk on the sandy beaches and watch for fiery sunsets light up the horizon.

Accommodations: L’Auberge au Havre du Capitaine, Meteghan River. Dinner suggestion La Cuisine Robicheau.

Experience clam digging on the shores of la Baie Sainte Marie in Clare, along the Acadian Shores to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Smugglers Cove Provincial Park, Meteghan on the Acadian Shores of Nova Scotia on the road to Yarmouth. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Fiery sunsets near Meteghan River, Nova Scotia. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

L’Auberge au Havre du Capitaine Hotel in Meteghan River on the Acadian Shores of Nova Scotia. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Day 11 – Yarmouth – 1 night

Attractions: Take a self-guided historic walking tour of Yarmouth. Climb the spiral staircase up to the top of Cape Forchu Lighthouse. This lighthouse is the second most photographed, after Peggy’s Cove.  Catch the 3.5-hour Bay Ferries – The Cat from Yarmouth to Bar Harbor, Maine.

Accommodations: Rodd Grand Yarmouth provided comfortable rooms within walking distance to shops, restaurants, waterfront, and historic district. We ate at Rudder’s Seafood Restaurant and Brew Pub.

Take a self-guided walking tour of historic Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Cape Forchu Lighthouse. Photo: Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism Association

Day 12 – West Pubnico – 1 Night

Attractions: Learn more about Acadian heritage, culture and traditions at the Historic Acadian Village.  Walk through the grounds to hear about boat building, farming, fishing and daily life as it was in the early 1900s. Home-cooked Acadian cuisine is available on-site. Visit Saint Mary’s Church, the largest wooden church in North America. Hear stories from local fishers about their way of life at Dennis Point Harbour with the Living Wharves program.

Accommodations: Stay at the Argyler Inn on Lobster Bay, where you can experience a lobster boil on the beach.

Learn about Acadian history and the way of life as it was at Le Village historique acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse near Pubnico Harbour, Nova Scotia. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Dennis Point Harbour along the Acadian Shores, Nova Scotia. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Argyler Inn on the sea, where you can experience a lobster boil on the beach. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Fresh Nova Scotia lobster boil at the Argyler Inn. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Traditional lobster boil dinner at the Argyler Inn in Nova Scotia. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Day 13 -Lunenburg – 1 Night or proceed to Halifax – Drive 342 km or about 4 hours without stops

Attractions: Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage site, Old Town Lunenburg, a British colonial settlement dating from 1753. Be sure to see one of the most photographed spots in Canada, Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse and its quaint fishing village. Take a tour of the Bluenose II, a replica of the famous racing sailboat. See a virtual tour.

Accommodations: Search for Lunenburg accommodations.

View of Lunenburg from the harbour. Photo: Tourism Nova Scotia / Photographer: Acorn Art & Photography

Day 14 – Back to Halifax to return home

Where to stay in Nova Scotia

Select from quaint inns, cabins on the sea, first-class resorts, and signature hotels as listed above on the daily itinerary suggestions, or search for all Nova Scotia accommodation choices here.

What is Nova Scotia known for?

Fun Facts

• Nova Scotia has more than 150 historic lighthouses.
• The oldest surviving lighthouse in Canada, built in 1758, is on Sambro Island at the entrance of Halifax Harbour.
• Canada’s oldest wine region planted its first grapes in Bear River in 1611.
• Fresh lobster is available all year, and 55 tonnes are harvested annually.
• The largest lobster caught was 20.13 kg (44 lb, 6 oz) and at least 100 years old.
• The biggest tuna weighed 678.58 kg (1,496 lb) was caught in Aulds Cove in 1979.
• The Bay of Fundy has the world’s highest tides, and two times a day, 160 billion tonnes of ocean water drift in and out.
• Sydney has the world’s largest fiddle. It stands 18.3 m (60 ft) high.
• Alexandra Keith’s Brewery is one of North America’s oldest operating breweries.
• There are 12 species of whales known to habitat the coastal waters.
• Argyle Township Court House and its jail (known as the Tusket Gaol) is the oldest in Canada.
• In Clare, Église Sainte-Marie is the largest wooden church in North America.
• Fortress of Louisbourg is the largest historical reconstruction in North America.
• Digby, Nova Scotia, is the scallop capital of the world.
• Two Canadian towns, Shediac, New Brunswick, and Barrington, Nova Scotia, claim to be the lobster capital of the world. The dispute continues.

The world’s largest fiddle can be found at the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion in the harbour of Sydney, Nova Scotia. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

The largest wooden church in North America is found in Clare along the Acadian Shores on the way to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Photo Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

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