Known as the GATEWAY to Atlantic Canada, Nova Scotia is just a 6-HOUR FLIGHT from the UK and yet a world away from it. Rock, water, land, and sky – whatever ADVENTURE looks like to you, you’ll find it here amid some of the most BEAUTIFUL scenery on the planet
About the size of Scotland, and home to just under a million people, Nova Scotia is an oceanside adventurer’s paradise.
From the Cabot Trail – one of the world’s top scenic drives – to the Bay of Fundy – recorded to have the highest tides in the world – this pintsize province delivers in spades when it comes to dramatic vistas and outdoor action.
OCEANSIDE ADVENTURE
Being almost entirely surrounded by sea, Nova Scotia is the ideal destination for virtually every kind of water pursuit imaginable. Sailing, whale watching, kayaking, surfing, and even lobster fishing, if you can do it in or on the water there’s opportunity to experience it here, alongside friendly experts who’ll help you enjoy it to the max.
For the truly adventurous, tidal bore rafting is a must-try activity. Twice a day, the tides in the Bay of Fundy rise and fall between 3.5m-16m, depending on the phase of the moon. When this massive influx of water pours into the Shubenacadie River, the two waters collide to create rapids, waves, and a whole lot of swells. The mark of a real rafter? Indulge in a spot of mud-sliding after the trip.
From the dramatic cliffs, arches and towering pinnacles of northern Cape Breton and Cape Chignecto to the sheltered waterways and isolated white sand beaches of Prospect and Tangier, this coast is best seen from the water. History buffs will enjoy paddling along historic waterfronts and fossil hunting along the UNESCO sea cliffs, while cultural enthusiasts will love chatting with local fishermen or traversing the waterways of the indigenous Mi’kmaq people. And of course, the breathtaking views from the clifftop trails make for an unforgettable day’s biking or hiking.
NATIONAL TREASURES
Nova Scotia is home to two national parks: Cape Breton Highlands National Park and Kejimkujik National Park & National Historic Site (including Kejimkujik Seaside). Cape Breton has over 25 hiking trails, the most popular of which is the circular Skyline Trail which boasts immense views out to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and wildlife such as deer or moose.
At Kejimkujik, you’ll find some spectacular backcountry trails ranging from short one-day hikes to 4-day excursions with the opportunity to stay at one of the many campsites throughout the park.
Nova Scotia is home to Acadian Skies and Mi’kmaq Lands, the first designated dark sky destination in North America, making Kejimkujik the perfect place to view the stars.
The park was designated as a Dark Sky Preserve by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada in 2010, which restricts the use of artificial light in most of the area. The result is a stargazer’s paradise, with clear nights offering unparalleled views of the moon, constellations, and planets. Visitors can also experience the night sky with a guide on a night hike or bike tour.
Nova Scotia is home to stunning natural beauty, diverse cultures, rich heritage, and warm, friendly people. While travel may be tricky at the moment, now is the perfect time to start planning your next adventure, and you’d better believe Nova Scotia is top of the bucket list.
For more up to date info, see www.novascotia.com/travel-info/covid-19-faq
