The Best of Nova Scotia

Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Island

The Cabot Trail is a renowned scenic highway located on Cape Breton Island
Stretching approximately 298 kilometers (185 miles), it forms a loop around the northern tip of the island and offers views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Breton Highlands
The drive is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including rugged coastlines, lush forests, and local fishing villages
The trail weaves through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, providing numerous look-offs and opportunities for hiking and sightseeing
Visitors can explore local culture, including music, art, and cuisine, particularly in the Acadian and Scottish communities along the route

Best time to visit: May-Oct

The Halifax Public Gardens are a renowned example of Victorian-era gardens located in the heart of Halifax
Established in 1867, the gardens are recognized as one of the finest surviving examples of Victorian gardens in North America
The gardens are laid out in the Victorian Gardenesque style, characterized by their formal layout, intricate flower beds, and ornamental features

Best time to visit: May-Oct

Citadel Hill, also known as Fort George, located in Halifax, is significant for its military history and strategic location
The location was first a fortress named Fort George, and was built in 1749 by British troops to protect the newly founded town of Halifax
The existing fort, which is the fourth iteration, was completed in 1856
It is designed in a star-shaped layout and was constructed to defend the city from potential attacks, although it was never besieged
Citadel Hill offers an expansive view of Halifax Harbour, making it an ideal location for military defense
Today, Citadel Hill is a park open to the public, where visitors can immerse themselves in the 19th-century military atmosphere, with reenactments and guided tours available, particularly during the summer months

Best time to visit: May-Oct

The Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk is a public footpath located along the waterfront of Halifax Harbour in Halifax
It stretches approximately 4 kilometers (about 2.5 miles), making it one of the longest urban boardwalks in the world
The boardwalk is filled with shops, restaurants, art installations, and entertainment options, such as museums and parks where visitors can enjoy views of the harbor

Bluenose II is a renowned sailing vessel based in Lunenburg, that is an exact replica of the original Bluenose, which was launched in 1921 as a Grand Banks fishing and racing schooner
The original Bluenose became famous for its success in the International Fishermen's Races
It is operated by the Lunenburg Marine Museum Society and offers daily harbor cruises during the summer months, allowing visitors to learn about the region's maritime history
Bluenose II is accessible to the public for open deck tours when it is docked in Lunenburg and other ports

Peggys Point Lighthouse, also known as Peggy's Cove Lighthouse, is a prominent and iconic lighthouse located in Peggy's Cove
The lighthouse was built in 1915 and is one of the most photographed lighthouses in Canada
The lighthouse is still active and is operated by the Canadian Coast Guard, serving as a navigational aid for vessels in the area
The lighthouse's destination is known for its views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding rugged coastline