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• 19 Exciting Day Trips from Halifax, Nova Scotia

Table of Contents

Are you looking for the best day trips from Halifax?

Look no further, as I have some great recommendations for you.

As a former tour guide and frequent road tripper in the Halifax area, I have discovered some of the region’s best day trips. 

There are plenty of places to explore in the area. So whether you’re interested in historical sites, unique landscapes, or picturesque coastal towns, there are day trip options for everyone! 

Here are 18 of the best day trips from Halifax!

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Best Day Trips from Halifax

I lived in Halifax for 4 years while getting my undergraduate degree at Dalhousie University. To escape the stress of university life, I explored the province as much as possible by taking many of the day trips listed below.

1. Peggy’s Cove 

Peggy’s Cove should be at the top of your list if you’re looking for a quick and easy day trip or tour from Halifax.

Here, you’ll find a picturesque fishing village that has become one of Nova Scotia’s most recognizable landmarks.

Its iconic lighthouse and stunning rocky coastline are the main reasons why. The lighthouse was built in 1915. It is still in operation today and is a popular place to visit.

It’s not just the lighthouse that makes Peggy’s Cove worth a visit, as this quaint town has no shortage of charm, with brightly colored houses clustered around a small harbor.

You can take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront and watch the fishermen bring in their catch or explore the rocky coastline dotted with geological formations.

I assure you that Peggy’s Cove is the perfect place to spend your day because the entire village and its stunning surroundings make it one of the best day trips you can take from Halifax.

💡 This guided tour lets you experience the mesmerizing beauty of a charming coastal village and the historical Peggy’s Cove in Nova Scotia.

2. Lunenburg

Driving Time : 1 hour and 15 minutes

Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located along the scenic Lighthouse Route and is known as one of Nova Scotia’s most beautiful towns. Its brightly colored houses and historic waterfront make it one of the province’s most popular tourist destinations.

You can see the town’s rich history in the buildings that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The streets are lined with brightly painted houses and historical landmarks, making it the perfect destination for a day trip.

To make the most of your day, explore Lunenburg’s narrow streets and alleyways, visit galleries and boutiques, or take a tour of the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic to learn about Nova Scotia’s fishing history.

During all that walking, why not take the guided Lunenburg Seafood Walking Tour and try the lobster roll that Nova Scotia is famous for?

🦞 Fill your stomach with the famous lobster rolls of Lunenberg and walk along its stunning waterfront in this Small Seafood Walking Tour!

3. Bay of Fundy

Driving time : 1 hour and 30 minutes

Don’t miss out on the unforgettable experience of witnessing the highest tides in the world with the Bay of Fundy day trip from Halifax – trust me, you will not regret it.

Burntcoat Head Park is the perfect spot to catch tides rising and falling by over 40 feet (12 meters) twice daily. To make the most of your day trip, try to catch both the low and high tides , which average around six hours and 13 minutes.

Among tide-watching at the Bay of Fundy, there are plenty of other things to do , such as walking on the ocean floor, checking out the local galleries and museums, or visiting the stunning Walton Lighthouse.

Another way to see the Bay of Fundy is with a guided kayak tour which you could easily fit in during your day trip from Halifax, or you could try tidal bore rafting for an even more memorable experience.

🛶 Witness the world’s highest tides in action through this exhilirating Guided Kayak Tour of the Bay of Fundy!

4. Kejimkujik National Park

Driving time : 2 hours

This is one road trip from Halifax that you’ll want to do more than once, as there’s always something new to explore.

Kejimkujik is a vast area of pristine wilderness covering 381km (237 miles) of pristine wilderness and is divided into two areas.

The inland area is 18 km (11 miles) from Caledonia, while the seaside area is 100km (62 miles) away towards Port Joli. There are plenty of cultural and historical attractions to explore during your visit to either.

You’ll have plenty of outdoor activities to choose from, including camping, boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and hiking.

Or, if you prefer, head to the seaside area to take in the spectacular ocean views as you hike along the trail or relax on the white, sandy beach.

As part of your trip to Keji, you can rent a canoe and take a 2-hour Mersey River tour but don’t forget to photograph the Eastern Painted turtles you’ll see on the rocks as you float by.

⛵ Paddle through the tranquility and lush forests of the Mersey River with this 2-Hour Canoe Adventure Tour!

5. Annapolis Valley

Driving time : 1 hour 45 minutes

A day trip from Halifax to the Annapolis Valley’s charming Wolfville and Grand Pré is ideal for exploring attractions.

In Wolfville, located right by the Gaspereau River, you can wander around its quaint downtown area and stop at Main Street’s cafes, bistros, or pubs after browsing the boutique shops.

Then, head over to Grand Pré, a picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site with walking trails and the Monument Lefebvre built to commemorate the deportation of the Acadians in 1755.

If you don’t want to drive, then this half-day tour from Halifax is a great option, as it includes transportation, a guided tour of the areas, and a stop at some local vineyards where you can sample some of the region’s best-tasting wines.

🏞️ Learn more about Nova Scotia’s rich culture, history, and savory wines through this Annapolis Valley Half-Day Tour from Halifax!

6. Cape Split

Driving time: 1 hour 40 minutes

If you’re up for some hiking, Cape Split is the perfect day trip from Halifax. The trailhead is located in Scots Bay, and the hike is about a 14km (8.6 miles) loop that takes around four hours to complete.

The rewarding views are even better since the trail was updated. Now, you can trek up to views of the Minas Basin and look over Scot’s Bay on the trek back down.

Make sure you get a view of the Spires and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the Bay of Fundy and its dramatic tides. Cape Split is easily up there as one of the best hikes in Nova Scotia.

It’s a great spot for a picnic lunch, so get there early and make a day of it.

7. Mahone Bay

Driving time : 1 hour

Mahone Bay is a quaint seaside town, perfect for a relaxing day trip from Halifax, and is only a few minutes from Lunenburg.

You can stroll along the waterfront, rent a bicycle, admire the colorful boats in the harbor, or explore any of the town’s art galleries, boutique shops, and cafes.

The town is also famous for its iconic three churches overlooking the bay, which is popular with photographers.

As Mahone Bay is so close to Lunenburg and Peggy’s Cove, you take a combined tour to see all three in one day and learn about the history of each town.

🏖️ Get a chance to see the stunning harbor views of the Mahone Bay on this Combined Peggy’s Cove and Mahone Bay Tour!

8. Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park

Driving time : 40 minutes

This popular sand and cobble beach is known for its great surfing and beautiful scenery and is one of the best day trips from the city.

If you want to learn how to surf the waves, this is a great place to take a lesson. If you want to hit the waves on your own, you can rent a board and wetsuit at the Kannon Beach shop nearby.

The beach is also perfect for swimming and picnicking, with plenty of room along the shoreline to spread a towel or set up a beach chair. There are supervised swimming areas in July and August.

Be sure to stop on the boardwalk for a moment and take in the magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean.

9. Explore the Cabot Trail

Driving time : 30 minutes to 2 hours

Experience Nova Scotia’s rugged beauty at its finest while driving the 298km (185 miles) stretch of the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton Island.

As you circle around the tip of the island, you’ll be treated to some of the most stunning scenery that rivals anywhere else in Canada.

You’ll see breathtaking views of the ocean, mountains, Cape Breton National Park, and the small fishing villages along the way that you might otherwise miss if you’re the one driving, plus you’ll learn all about the area’s history.

10. Clam Harbour Beach Provincial Park

This is another beautiful beach, perfect for a day of swimming and relaxation.

As soon as you reach the beach from the boardwalk, you’ll be greeted with about two kilometers (1.2 miles) of sandy shores and amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Lifeguards supervise the beach on weekends from July 1 through August 30. There are plenty of activities to try, such as volleyball and beachcombing. Try to visit the famous Clam Harbour Sandcastle Competition held every August for a fun day trip.

There is a coastal hiking trail located on a peninsula at the end of the beach that you don’t want to miss. Timing your visit with the tides will give you a better experience, as low tide gives you more room on the beach and much easier terrain to walk on.

11. Fort Anne National Historic Site

Learn about Nova Scotia’s military history at this national historic site in Annapolis Royal.

Fort Anne is the oldest and most visited National Historic Site in Nova Scotia. The site has been garrisoned for over 300 years, making it an important part of Canada’s military history.

If you’re a history buff, then this is the day trip for you. You can learn more about the site’s history through interactive displays, museum exhibits, and guided tours.

Check out the Officers’ Quarters Museum to get an even greater understanding of the site’s military history. Don’t miss the perimeter walking trail for great views of the fortifications and the Annapolis River and Basin.

12. Joggins Fossil Cliffs

Driving time : 2.5 hours

Joggins Fossil Cliffs is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where it feels like you’re taking a step back in time – about 300 million years.

At the Joggins Fossil Centre (open from May through October), you can participate in interactive exhibits and guided tours that provide insight into how the area has changed over time.

The exposed layers of Jurassic-period rock show evidence of life in the “Coal Age.” These rocks are constantly changing thanks to Fundy tidal forces.

Afterward, grab a bite to eat at The Roundhouse Cafe, which has a range of healthy food options.

13. South Shore

Driving time : 45 minutes to 3.5 hours

The South Shore is home to some of Nova Scotia’s most beautiful beaches, including the popular Beach Provincial Park.

On your road trip, you can explore the charming fishing village of Old Town Lunenburg and its historic waterfront or take a scenic drive along the coast to visit other small towns like Peggy’s Cove, Ovens Natural Park, and Hirtle’s Beach.

Other day trip options include a visit to Yarmouth

14. Yarmouth

Driving time : 3 hrs approx

Yarmouth is a town that’s rich in history, and one of its most distinctive features is undoubtedly the Victorian-era buildings and architecture. 

The town has many historic sites that you can explore, such as the award-winning Yarmouth County Museum and the Firefighters’ Museum of Nova Scotia. 

If you’re visiting Yarmouth, you must visit the Cape Forchu Lighthouse, just a short 11km (7 miles) drive from Yarmouth. 

This will be the highlight of your trip as you climb Nova Scotia’s tallest lighthouse and take in the amazing panoramic views from the lantern room.   

15. Tatamagouche

Driving time: 1 hour 45 minutes

The charming small town of Tatamagouche is definitely worth the day trip visit. This little gem on the Northumberland Shore is known for its historic railway station and beautiful beaches.

You can explore the town’s galleries and shops or leisurely stroll along the waterfront. Make sure to check out the Train Station Inn, a unique hotel built in a restored train station.

If you’re a beer lover, don’t miss the chance to visit Tatamagouche Brewing Company, which offers tours and tastings of its craft beers. You might want to come back and stay overnight to take full advantage of this!

A visit to Sugar Moon Farm is one of the best day trips from Halifax you can take. It’s a great way to experience something truly Canadian as you learn about making pure maple syrup and take some home with you.

16.  McNab’s Island

You can get to McNab’s Island from Halifax easily since it’s situated at the entrance of Halifax’s harbor. All it takes is just a 20-minute ferry ride from the harbor to reach the island to enjoy its many historical sites and natural beauty.

Take the opportunity to explore its 1,000 acres on foot along hiking trails such as Garrison Road or spot rare wildlife as you observe nature.

As the island is only 5km (3.1 miles) long and 1.5km (0.9 miles) wide, it’s easy to explore in one day. There are 18km of hiking trails, including Garrison Road.

Historical sites, such as Fort Ives and Fort McNab, are a must-see, as are the stunning views of Halifax Harbour and the city from the island.

17. Prince Edward Island

Driving time : 3.5 hours

Prince Edward Island is a popular day trip destination from Halifax, thanks to its close proximity. You could take the bridge into PEI and take a ferry back to watch the sunset over the ocean.

You can spend your day trip exploring attractions like Cavendish Beach and Green Gables Heritage Place in Cavendish. Here, you can wander the paths around the home of Anne of Green Gables.

A guided tour such as the Island Drive and Anne of Green Gables would be a great way to explore the area and experience all it offers. You get access to the Green Gables Heritage House, then onto the Gulf of St. Lawrence in Prince Edward Island National Park. Next, you will make a few stops at North Rustico, New Glasgow, The Preserve Co., and Charlottetown.

Prince Edward Island also has lots of outdoor activities to try, like sea kayaking, whale watching , biking, and hiking.

👧 Explore the picturesque landscapes that brought Anne’s journey to life with the Island Drive and Anne of Green Gables Tour in Prince Edward Island!

18. Shelburne

Driving time : 2.25 hours

In Shelburne, you’ll be surrounded by stunning ocean views and centuries-old architecture.

Take a day trip and visit the Osprey Art Centre in Nova Scotia and the Buchanan Gallery. If you’re interested in delving deeper into the area’s past, visit the Black Loyalist Heritage Center and learn about the region’s rich history.

You can take a break from all the sightseeing and enjoy a truly exceptional freshly made seafood chowder at the Ships Galley Pub and Eatery.

At low tide, I recommend a walk out to the Sandy Point Lighthouse and capture some Instagram-worthy photos.

Driving time : 1.25 hours

Truro is located in the heart of Colchester County and is known as the “Hub of Nova Scotia” for its central location and easy access to all province areas.

Truro may be small, but it packs a punch regarding things to do and see.

The downtown area has plenty of shops and restaurants to explore, while Victoria Park and its boardwalks offer spectacular views of the gorge wall and a 175-step climb to the top of Jacob’s Ladder.

A popular attraction in Truro is the Marigold Culture Centre, which puts on cultural programs and shows. It also houses the Colchester County Sports Hall of Fame and a popular art gallery.

Truro is home to several wineries and craft breweries, making it an ideal destination for food and drink lovers as well!

Day Trips from Halifax: FAQs

How many days are enough for halifax.

A minimum of 2-3 days is recommended to explore Halifax’s popular attractions, such as the Halifax Citadel. If you want to visit other parts of the province, such as Peggy’s Cove, Lunenburg, and the Bay of Fundy, add another 3 days minimum to your itinerary.

What is the best month to visit Halifax?

The best time to visit Halifax is during the summer months of June to August, when the weather is mild and sunny. In these months, the city comes alive with festivals, events, and outdoor activities. September and October are also good months for quieter travel and to see the fall colors.

What to do in Halifax in two days?

In two days, you can get a taste of what Halifax has to offer by exploring its popular attractions, such as the Halifax Citadel, Maritime Museum, and Public Gardens. Stroll along the waterfront boardwalk and enjoy a seafood dinner at the famous Salty’s Restaurant. On the second day, take a day trip to Peggy’s Cove or Lunenburg.

Can I get around Halifax without a car?

Yes, it’s possible to get around Halifax by walking or public transportation. The city is walkable, with many major attractions close to one another. Other transportation options to get around Halifax include bike rentals, Uber, and taxis if you prefer not to walk or take public transit.

Wrap-Up: Day Trips from Halifax, Nova Scotia

I hope this list of amazing day trips from Halifax inspires you to hit the road and explore the hidden gems of Canada’s East Coast.

Nova Scotia is home to some of the most stunning natural beauty in all of Canada, and these day trips offer a chance to see it in its full glory. In my opinion, the best trips are a day tour to Peggy’s Cove or an afternoon wine tasting in Annapolis Valley!

No matter your interests, you can find an excursion that’s perfect for you.

Read More About Nova Scotia:

• 22 Pros and Cons of Living in Halifax: Should You Move to Nova Scotia
• 51 Fun Things to do in Halifax: The Best Activities You Won’t Want to Miss!
• 7 Best Whale Watching Halifax Tours: Where to See Whales in Nova Scotia
• 3 Best Halifax Hotels with Waterslides
• 10 Best Peggy’s Cove Tours
• Where to Stay in Halifax: 17 Best Hotels

More Tours in Canada:

• 3 Best Niagara on the Lake Bike Wine Tours
• 5 Best Banff Helicopter Tours
• Top 5 Quebec Dog Sledding Tours
• 22 Best Niagara on the-Lake Wine Tours
• 15 Best Quebec White Water Rafting Tours

Canada Travel Planning Guide

🚑  Should I buy Canada travel insurance?

100% YES!  — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!

💧 Can you drink the water in Canada?

Yes  — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.

🚙💨  Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?

Yes  — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. ( Read more )

📲  Will my phone work in Canada?

Maybe  — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.

🏩  What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?

My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com . For hostels, I use Hostel World . If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).

Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!

✈️  What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?

For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend  Skyscanner .

🎫  Do I need a visa for Canada?

Likely Not  — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do ( check here! ). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.

Nina Clapperton is the founder of Nina Out and About. She has lived in 18 countries in the past 10 years, explored more than 30 countries, and has done most of it solo. A Canadian native, she also shares her favourite things to do in the True North. She helps over 100,000 people per month plan their expat adventures and Canadian trips.

Want to move abroad, but don’t know how to start?

Get an expert’s tips & tricks, pick which country to move to – and do it.

THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Halifax

Day trips from halifax.

• Halifax to Lunenburg
• Halifax to Wolfville
• Halifax to Peggy's Cove
• Halifax to Hall's Harbour
• Halifax to Martock
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Peggy’s Cove & Halifax Historic Tour

2. Peggy's Cove and Lunenburg Tour (small group)

3. Private Tour in Halifax by a Luxury Vehicle with Informative Guide

4. Wine and Lunch Escape

5. Nova Scotia Day Tour - Visit Peggy's Cove, Lunenburg, and the Annapolis Valley.

6. Halifax & Peggys Cove & Coastal

7. Half-Day Historical Tour of Halifax

8. Half-Day Small-Group Tour of Annapolis Valley

9. Lunenburg Small Group Express from Halifax + Lobster Roll Lunch

10. Bay of Fundy / Hall's Harbour

11. Valley Wine Tour

12. Lunenburg Tour

13. Wine Enthusiast Tour

14. Private Experience Peggy's Cove and Coastal Sites Half-day Tour

15. Peggy’s Cove/Mahone Bay & Lunenburg

What travellers are saying.

• Peggy’s Cove & Halifax Historic Tour
• Peggy's Cove and Lunenburg Tour (small group)
• Nova Scotia Day Tour - Visit Peggy's Cove, Lunenburg, and the Annapolis Valley.
• Half-Day Small-Group Tour of Nova Scotia's South Shore
• Half-Day Historical Tour of Halifax
• Halifax Titanic Historical Tours
• Anchor Tours
• See Sight Tours
• Arrive In Style Limousine
• TJ's Van & Car Pool Services Inc
• Picture Perfect Tours
• Settled Nomads
• Kayak Halifax

8 Must Do Nova Scotia Road Trips: Itineraries, Tips + Maps

The destination of your next road trip? Nova Scotia, Canada. At least, it should be!

This East Coast province may look small( ish ) on the map, but it actually has over 13,000km of coastline as well as mountain plateaus, lush valleys, 3000+ lakes and more.

As well as the outstanding scenery, you’ll find friendly locals, authentic small town charm and plenty of fresh, locally produced food.

Oh, and the world’s highest tides, 12 species of whales, 4 UNESCO Heritage Sites, 2 UNESCO Biospheres, 2 National Parks, 13 National Historic Sites and 1 Dark Sky Preserve! I could go on, but I think you get the idea.

In this post, I’m going to be sharing seven of the very best Nova Scotia road trips, with detailed route information featuring things to do and places to visit. JR and I have visited every place mentioned, most recently on a two month long road trip across the entirety of the province.

Nova Scotia is located on Megumaagee, land of the Mi’kmaq. This post published February 2021, updated November 2022.

Nova Scotia Road Trips

To give you a taste of what’s to come, here are some highlights of each Nova Scotia road trip (you can also skip to each itinerary directly)

• The Annapolis Valley (2 to 3 days) – Wolfville, Grand-Pré, Cape Split, Fort Edward, Look-Off, Annapolis Royal
• Digby Neck and Beyond (3 to 4 days) – Brier Island, Long Island, Digby, Annapolis Royal, Port Royal, Bear River, Kejimkujik National Park
• Yarmouth and Acadian Shore (2 to 3 days) – Acadian Village, Cape Forchu Lighthouse, Mavillette Beach, Smugglers Cove, Port Maitland Beach, Église Sainte-Marie, Belliveaus Cove
• South Shore (3 to 4 days) – Peggy’s Cove, Lunenberg, Mahone Bay, Oak Island, LaHave Islands, Risser’s Beach, Liverpool, Kejimkujik Seaside, Shelburne, Black Loyalist Heritage Centre
• Eastern Shore (2 to 3 days) – Lawrencetown Beach, 100 Wild Islands, Memory Lane, Taylor Head Provincial Park, Sherbrooke Village, Canso Islands
• Antigonish and the Cape George Scenic Drive (1 to 2 days) – Downtown Antigonish, Mahoneys Beach, Ballantyne’s Cove, Cape George Lighthouse, Arisaig Lighthouse, Arisaig Provincial Park, Keppoch Mountain
• Cabot Trail (3 to 4 days) – Chéticamp, Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Skyline Trail, Fishing Cove Trail, Pleasant Bay, Jack Pine Trail, Ingonish, Franey Trail, Baddeck
• Bay of Fundy (2 to 3 days) – Burntcoat Head Park, tidal bore rafting, Five Islands Provincial Park, Parrsboro, Cape D’or, Cape Chignecto Provincial Park, Joggins Fossil Cliffs

At the end of the post, you’ll find two more Nova Scotia road trips featuring complete circular routes of the province:

• Ultimate Nova Scotia Road Trip Itinerary (2.5 weeks)
• North/South Spotlight (8 days)

Please note that I have not included Halifax in any of these Nova Scotia road trips – it deserves a post of its own! If you’re visiting from outside Nova Scotia, I’d suggest spending at least two days exploring the city. My recommendations for things to do in Halifax are here!

This post was written in partnership with Tourism Nova Scotia. It includes some affiliate links. If you make a purchase via one of these links, I may receive a small percentage at no extra cost to you.

The Annapolis Valley – 2 to 3 days

The Annapolis Valley is a rich, agricultural region located on the west coast of Nova Scotia. Small towns and villages dot a patchwork landscape of farms, vineyards and fields, all backdropped by the extraordinary Bay of Fundy (home of the world’s highest tides).

The artsy yet regal town of Wolfville (C) , an hour’s drive from Halifax, is an ideal first stop. From here, you can easily explore some of Nova Scotia’s best wineries (try the Magic Winery Bus !), breweries, cideries and distilleries.

A short drive away is the foodie mecca of Port Williams (D) , where local produce is king (think honey, gin, freshly made pasta and more). Just up the road is the simply named Look-Off (E) , where you can take in panoramas of the fields and ocean beyond.

If you want to stretch your legs, consider the 16km round trip hike to Cape Split (F). This may sound long but the trail is almost flat all the way to the end, where the rugged tip of the Cape dramatically falls into the Bay of Fundy.

The Annapolis Valley is home to a number of National Historic Sites –  Fort Anne   (G) and Port Royal (H) in Annapolis Royal, Grand Pré (B) near Wolfville and Fort Edward (A) in Windsor. Annapolis Royal itself is also steeped in history, with over 120 heritage buildings and worth the detour from the Wolfville area on longer road trips.

Essential details

Total distance: 200km Where to stay: Micro Boutique Living in the heart of downtown Wolfville Where to eat: The Noodle Guy in Port Williams, Crush Pad Bistro at Lucketts Vineyards Detours and extensions: Take a trip to Burncoat Head Park to walk on the oven floor and see red ‘flowerpot rocks.’ Or for a bit of excitement, consider a tidal bore rafting adventure

Read More: A Weekend in Wolfville – Nova Scotia’s Coolest Small Town

Digby Neck and Beyond – 3 to 4 days

If you’re looking for a nature-focused off the beaten path adventure in Nova Scotia, this may be the one!

Digby Neck is a 30km long peninsula extending into the Bay of Fundy from the town of Digby (A) itself. Long Island (B) and tiny Brier Island (C) are found at the end, accessible by short vehicle ferries. Natural beauty is the main draw here, with the ocean never being far away.

Whale watching is a must do activity, with humpbacks commonly seen nearby (just one of twelve species visiting the Bay of Fundy!) If you prefer wildlife spotting on land, this area is a popular migration spot for birds.

As well as sharing a wonderfully laid back vibe, Long Island and Brier Island both have excellent hiking trails and coastlines featuring beautiful basalt columns (the best example being Balancing Rock ).

Back on the mainland, make a short detour up to Annapolis Royal (D) . In addition to a number of notable National Historic Sites , this distinguished town has over 120 heritage buildings (and a great brewery ). Be sure to also drop into Bear River (E) . This tidal village on stilts is as characterful as it is small.

Outdoor adventure awaits in Kejimkujik National Park (F) , where you can camp under Nova Scotia’s darkest skies, paddle an intricate lake system ( guided tours available) and hike to beautiful waterfalls. It’s also possible to connect with Mi’kmaw culture, with canoe building demonstrations.

Total distance: 250km Where to stay: Brier Island Lodge on beautiful Brier Island Where to eat: Kalen’s Takeout in Digby, Lighthouse Café on Brier Island Detours and extensions: Backtrack to the Bay of Fundy and then head to Wolfville (see above itinerary) or continue along Highway 8 from Kejimkujik to the South Shore

Read Next: Brier Island, Nova Scotia’s Hidden Gem

Acadian Shore – 2 to 3 days

In my mind, Nova Scotia’s southwestern coast is the most underrated area in the province. Imagine beautiful coastal scenery, an abundance of fresh seafood, pretty lighthouses and a vivacious blend of Acadian and English culture.

You first stop is the Historic Acadian Village of Nova Scotia (A) . This beautiful living museum by the sea offers the chance to immerse yourself into the life of local Acadians back in the early 1900’s.

A short drive from Yarmouth will bring you to the uniquely shaped Cape Forchu Lighthouse (B) . This red and white ‘apple core’ light sits on a headland, surrounded by hiking trails and epic views. Time your visit right and there’s the chance to see a sunset too!

As you travel north from Yarmouth, bilingual signs and the tricolour flag (with yellow star representing the Virgin Mary) welcome you into la Baie Sainte-Marie , home of Nova Scotia’s largest Acadian community. North America’s largest wooden church, Église Sainte-Marie (F), is here, plus other heritage sites.

There are fabulous beaches along this coast too, with Port Maitland beach (C) and Mavillette beach (D) being great examples. Belliveau Cove (G) is another ideal place to stop, featuring 5km of looping trails along salt marshes and shingle beach. Pretty Smuggler’s Cove (E) was used by rum runners during the prohibition era.

While exploring the Clare region, be sure to look out for informal seafood suppers, listen to the local dialect of Acadian French and have a taste of râpure (also known as rappie pie ), a classic Acadian comfort food dish made of meat and potatoes.

Total distance: 140km Where to stay: Argyler Lodge in Lower Argyle Where to eat: Keeper’s Kitchen at Cape Forchu, La Cuisine Robicheau in Saulnierville Detours and extensions: Consider starting at Cape Stable Island instead. This laid back place (accessible via causeway) hosts Nova Scotia’s tallest lighthouse as well as a 1,500 ‘drowned’ forest. On the way to the Acadian Village, you could also stop at the Shag Harbour Incident Interpretive Centre to learn about the 1967 UFO crash

South Shore – 3 to 4 days

This 250km stretch of coastline south of Halifax is absolutely packed with gorgeous scenery and things to do, which is why it’s my top road trip choice if you’re short on time. Some sections are busy in summer, but there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy solitude as well.

Leave Halifax early to arrive at Peggy’s Cove (A) before most visitors arrive. Once you’ve taken in those iconic granite rock and lighthouse views, head past infamous Oak Island (B) to the picture perfect churches of Mahone Bay (C) . The colourful port town of Lunenburg (D) is just a short drive away.

With the most popular sights ticked off, it’s time to explorer the quieter side of the South Shore. Stretch your legs at Ovens Natural Park , where a trail leads above and into rugged ocean caves. To continue along the coast, take the cable ferry (one the last remaining in Nova Scotia) across to LaHave (E) .

If you like beaches, you’ll love this next section. In fact, you may even be overwhelmed by the number of beautiful white and golden sand stretches of sand! Some of my favourites are Risser’s Beach (F) , Summerville (H) and Kejimkujik Seaside (I) .

For a deeper insight into Nova Scotia’s history, I’d recommend stopping in the towns of Liverpool (G) and Shelburne . Just outside the latter is Birchtown , once home to the largest settlement of Black Loyalists (former slaves offered freedom by the British) in North America. If you go to just one museum on the South Shore, let it be the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre (J) .

Total distance: 275km Where to stay: Smugglers Cove Inn in Lunenburg Where to eat: LaHave Bakery in LaHave, Quarterdeck Grill in Summerville Detours and extensions: Make a real road trip of it and complete a circuit by travelling the Acadian Shore towards Digby. Along the way, take the trip to Cape Sable Island at the very tip of southern Nova Scotia. Be sure to visit ‘the Hawk, ‘ a white sand beach featuring 1,500 year old petrified tree stumps and views of Nova Scotia’s tallest lighthouse.

Read Next: 13 of the Best Beaches in Nova Scotia, Canada

Eastern Shore – 2 to 3 days

The Eastern Shore starts just north of Halifax but feels like a world away. There are no busy tourist traps here, just plenty of authentic fishing villages and beautiful sandy beaches. The road stays close to the coast, which means great views and also a lot of twisty turns!

If you’d like to have a go at surfing, head to Lawrencetown Beach (A). There are a number of surf schools here with rentals and lessons.

For beauty, my top pick is Martinique Beach (B) . Living up to its exotic sounding name, Martinique features a sweeping, 5km long stretch of white-sand. Further north, Taylor Head (D) is also worth a stop.

More idyllic beaches can be found within the 100 Wild Islands  archipelago, which borders part of the Eastern Shore (between Clam Harbour and Taylor Head). If you don’t have your own boat, you can still reach these pristine paradise islands by joining a kayak tour.

For something a little more cultural, check out the Memory Lane Heritage Village (C) and Sherbrooke Village (E) . These community focused projects depict life on the Eastern Shore during the late 19th century (Sherbrooke) and 1940’s (Memory Lane).

At the upper end of the Eastern Shore is the Canso Islands National Historic Site (F) , preserving the remains of the oldest fishing port on mainland North America. As well as an interesting visitor centre, it’s usually possible (in non-Covid years) to take a free boat trip out to Grassy Island to walk amongst the ruins of a fort.

Total distance: 340km Where to stay: Liscombe Lodge in Liscomb Where to eat: The Cookhouse at Memory Lane, Henley House Pub & Restaurant in Sheet Harbour Detours and extensions: Continue on to the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island (info below) or head towards Pictou and the Northumberland Shore

Read More: Kayaking the 100 Wild Islands, Eastern Shore

Antigonish and the Cape George Scenic Drive – 1 to 2 days

This short Nova Scotia road trip is worthwhile as a weekend getaway trip or a side adventure on the way to the Cabot Trail.

Starting (and ending) in Antigonish, this picturesque driving route follows the edge of a triangular shaped piece of land jutting into the Northumberland Strait.

Antigonish may be small, but much more vibrant than you may imagine due its status as a regional centre and university town. Spend one full day here (we have several suggested itineraries ) before starting the Cape George Scenic Drive .

If you haven’t already, stop at Antigonish Landing (B) for a 4km walk along the river. Continue to Mahoneys Beach (C) , the first of many lovely sand beaches on this stretch of the drive.

The next stop is Ballantyne’s Cove (D) – take a break to explore the beach and enjoy some seafood (more details below). The Bluefin Tuna Interpretive Centre is also worth a look.

After Ballantyne’s Cove, the road starts to curve as it ascends up to Cape George Lighthouse (E) . Perched at the top of 100m high cliffs, Cape George Lighthouse hosts commanding views of the Northumberland Straight and Cape Breton Island.

Consider starting a hike at nearby Cape George Point Day Park . 37km of looped paths can be accessed from here. Otherwise, continue onto Livingstone’s Cove Wharf Park (F) to see far reaching vistas of the road ahead.

Another lighthouse awaits in Arisaig (G) as well as a provincial park (H) . The main attraction of the latter is the rare exposed section of Silurian rock, featuring 400 million year old fossils.

The final stops on this scenic drive are Big Island Beach (I) and Keppoch Mountain (J) , a four season recreational area featuring 40km of non-motorized paths.

Only have one day to spare? Start the Cape George Scenic Drive in the morning and return to Antigonish in the late afternoon for drinks at one of the local breweries and dinner at the Townhouse .

Total distance: 136km Where to stay: Fossil Farms Oceanside Resort in Merigomish Where to eat: The Townhouse in Antigonish, Fish and Ships take-out in Ballatyne’s Cove Detours and extensions: If you’re still craving beach time, head to beautiful Pomquet Beach Provincial Park (15 mins east of Antigonish). Consider combining this trip with the Cabot Trail, see below for details

Cabot Trail – 3 to 4 days

The Cabot Trail is a 298km driving loop on Cape Breton Island, where Nova Scotia’s highest mountains meet the sea. This scenic drive is an adventure in itself. Expect to be pulling over often for the views! This is the ideal road trip if you love the outdoors.

There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking, whale watching, camping and kayaking along the way. The most popular hike is the Skyline Trail (C) . Ballpark two hours for the 6.5km return distance, which leads through meadows (watch for moose) to a headland with sweeping ocean views.

Other awesome day hikes include the Jack Pine Trail (F) and Franey Trail (H) , both near Ingonish. For an overnight hiking adventure, check out Fishing Cove (D) . The 12km return trail leads down to a pretty seaside campground, with ocean views from most tent pads.

Besides all of these outdoor activities, you can also experience local Acadian, Canadian and Scottish culture and cuisine in fishing villages like Baddeck (I) , Chéticamp (B) and Ingonish (G) . Pleasant Bay (E) is another of my favourite places to stop, as it features a gorgeous pebble beach.

One place that is certainly worth the detour (180km, about two hours) from the Cabot Trail is the Fortress of Louisbourg (J ).

This National Historic Site is a living museum portraying French colonial life in the 18th century featuring costumed actors and restored buildings (barracks, working bakery, blacksmith etc). If you have any interest in history, Louisbourg is a MUST!

Total distance: 365km Where to stay: True North Destinations in Pleasant Bay (or the Fortress of Louisbourg itself!) Where to eat: Aucoin Bakery in Petit Étang, Coastal Restaurant in Ingonish Detours and extensions: Consider attending a cèilidh in the Mabou area , southwest of the Cabot Trail. For a real off the beaten path adventure, head to Meat Cove, at the very tip of Cape Breton Island. The campground here has some of the best views anywhere in Nova Scotia

Bay of Fundy – 2 to 3 days

This Nova Scotia road trip showcases the Bay of Fundy’s world record breaking tides, from the power of the tidal bore created by them to the fossils revealed underneath the ocean floor.

Start your adventure at Burntcoat Head Park (A) . If you time it right (check tides here ), you’ll be able to walk on the ocean floor and marvel at the bright red ‘flowerpot rocks’ created by the receding ocean.

You can experience the power of the Bay of Fundy yourself on a tidal bore rafting adventure (B) in nearby South Maitland. When the tide comes in, the Shubenacadie River becomes a rollercoaster of standing waves and whirlpools. You’ll leave soaked, exhilarated and smiling ear to ear.

On the other side of the Bay of Fundy, stop at Five Islands Provincial Park (C) to admire the 90m red cliffs. Continue on to Parrsboro (D) , which is famous for fossils and minerals.

Admire the airy views and lighthouse from remote Cape D’or (E) before heading towards Cape Chignecto Provincial Park.

There are two hiking trailheads here, Red Rocks and Eatonville (F). The latter has a 2.6km loop that takes in the dramatic Three Sisters sea stacks .

The final stop on this route is Joggins Fossil Cliffs (G) , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check out the museum or walk the beach. Keep your eyes peeled, there’s the chance to stumble across 310 million year fossils (like this visitor did in 2020!)

Total distance: 300km Where to stay: Cresthaven by the Sea in Maitland Where to eat: Harbour View Restaurant in Parrboro, Lightkeeper’s Kitchen  at Cape D’or Detours and extensions: Looking for an adventure? The Cape Chignecto Trail is a 51km circular route offering spectacular panoramas of the Bay of Fundy. It takes three to our days to hike, with four cabins and seven campgrounds along the way. Click to read a full guide

Ultimate Nova Scotia Road Trip Itinerary – 2.5 weeks

Of course, you can combine all of these Nova Scotia road trip into one ‘ultimate’ route. It would look a little bit like this, when starting and ending in Halifax:

This ‘ultimate’ Nova Scotia road trip would be about 2.5 weeks in length (18 days), with the total distance around 2500km.

I would break that down as follows –

• South Shore : 3 days
• Yarmouth and Acadian Shore : 2 days
• Digby Neck/Annapolis Royal/Kejimkujik National Park : 3 days
• Annapolis Valley : 2 days
• Bay of Fundy : 2 days
• Antigonish and the Cape George Scenic Drive : 1 day
• Cabot Trail : 3 days
• Eastern Shore : 2 days

This would involve a pretty busy itinerary; expect to be ‘on the go’ every day. Please note that this itinerary does not account for any time in Halifax.

If you have more time available to you to explore this road trip route, all the better.

Nova Scotia is a place to slow down and take as many side roads as possible! I would personally add another day to the South Shore, Digby area, Cabot Trail and Eastern Shore.

As mentioned, we’ve spent more than four months road tripping Nova Scotia over the years and I’d happily go back tomorrow. There’s still so much more to see!

If you’re looking for even more recommendations to add to this road trip, consider:

• Pictou – the “birthplace of New Scotland” with Hector Heritage Quay
• Tatamagouche – charming small town with many local food producers
• Melmerby Beach – stunning 2km long beach
• Inverness – famous scenic golf course, great beach
• Stellarton – Museum of Industry  with Canada’s oldest steam locomotives

North/South Spotlight – 8 days

If you are short on time, consider this condensed version I call the ‘North/South Spotlight.’

This Nova Scotia road trip route also starts and ends in Halifax and breaks down like so:

• South Shore – 2 days
• Acadian Coast – 1 day
• The Annapolis Valley / Bay of Fundy – 2 days
• Cabot Trail – 3 days

This is fast but features most of Nova Scotia’s must visit places on a circular route. The total trip distance is just under 2000km.

Of course, I recommend you to stay longer in Nova Scotia (because it is incredible!) but if you simply can’t, this road trip features all of the highlights you’ve probably heard about – Lunenberg, Peggy’s Cove, Cabot Trail – as well as some beyond the beaten path gems such as la Baie Sainte-Marie and Burntcoat Head.

Road Trips in Nova Scotia: Top Tips

• Drive carefully. While there are some high speed highways, many of Nova Scotia’s rural roads are twisty and narrow
• Take the side roads. Slow down your trip by turning off the highway – you’re sure to find some hidden gems!
• Look out for wildlife. Large animals (such as moose) may be on the road at any time, but more likely at dusk and dawn
• For the most part, Nova Scotians are really, really friendly. Prepare to be stopped by people while exploring. We even had people invite us home for dinner!
• Plan ahead. Make accommodation and camping reservations in advance to avoid disappointment
• Don’t overcrowd your schedule. Rushing around is never fun and, besides, you’ll want to have a bit of flexibility to investigate recommendations from locals!
• Here for the lobster? No problem! No matter what time of year you choose to road trip in Nova Scotia, there’s always lobster to be found. In a pinch, head to Sobey’s (local supermarket chain) and they will cook you a lobster while you shop!

Nova Scotia history and culture

The history of Nova Scotia is probably more varied than you may expect and that’s exactly why I want to give you a very quick overview before you dive into the nitty gritty of road trip planning!

The first residents of Nova Scotia were the Mi’kmaq , who called their home Mi’kma’ki. Some of the place names used today are Mi’kmaw (such as Shubenacadie).

A contingent of French explorers landed in 1605 and established Port Royal, one of the first European settlements in North America.

Soon, groups of French settlers arrived farm the land. They called it ‘Acadie’ ( idyllic place) and themselves ‘ Acadian ‘ ( read more about Acadians here ).

The French and British fought over Nova Scotia over a century. The Acadians wanted to stay neutral but the British wouldn’t allow that and consequently deported the Acadians in an act called the ‘Great Upheaval’ or ‘Expulsion’ (1755).

The revolution in America in the 18th century brought thousands of British Loyalists to the shores of Nova Scotia, including a large continent of former black slaves called Black Loyalists. They were promised freedom in exchange for fighting for the British. 

Scottish and Irish immigrants arrived in huge numbers in the 19th century, attempting to escape famine, overcrowding and discrimination.

Other posts you may find helpful with your trip planning:

East Coast Canada Road Trip | 2 and 4 Week Itineraries

13 of the Best Beaches in Nova Scotia, Canada

5 of the Best Day Trips from Halifax, Nova Scotia

Canoeing in Kejimkujik National Park: A Must Do in Nova Scotia

11 of the Best Nova Scotia Campgrounds

A Weekend in Wolfville – Nova Scotia’s Coolest Small Town

6 Fast and Fun Hikes in Nova Scotia, Canada

In Search of Different: 4 Unique Nova Scotia Wineries

Ultimate Two Week Coastal Quebec Road Trip Itinerary

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One half of the Canadian/British couple behind Off Track Travel, Gemma is happiest when hiking on the trail or planning the next big travel adventure. JR and Gemma are currently based in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

Tuesday 12th of March 2024

Wondering what your “must sees” are in 2-3 days time visiting Nova Scotia. We have about a week to plan, but want to visit Acadia National Park as well. It will be early October.So trying to plan and split accordingly! Any advice is great appreciated. Thanks!

Sunday 17th of March 2024

Hi Rebecca,

With just a couple of days in Nova Scotia, I would visit Halifax, Peggy's Cove and Lunenburg. You'll get a taste of the fishing history/culture as well as beautiful coastal views. If you're not a city person, I'd still go to Peggy's Cove (preferably early or late in the day, as it is a busy place) and Lunenberg and then keep heading south. Gorgeous beaches and lots of seafood.

Thursday 17th of August 2023

I just found your article and absolutely loved the information and your writing! My wife and I are headed to NS the 3rd week of September for 10 days and will be taking your advice on many of these locations! Quick question about whale watching. Are the tour companies still offering tours at this time of year? Any suggestions of where to take one out of?

Many thanks! Rich & Theresa Wood Virginia

Friday 18th of August 2023

Thanks so much for your kind comments! Yes, there are still tours running at that time of year so you may be able to fit it in! Did you see our whale watching in Nova Scotia post? Tours continue running on Brier Island until early October and on Cape Breton Island until mid October.

Marybeth Cantrell

Saturday 13th of May 2023

Hi Gemma- I am not seeing a lot of information in your blog on Cape Breton…am I missing something? I just finished my itinerary for Antigonish and the Cape George scenic drive and just started glancing at your information about Cape Breton. Can you direct me if I am missing it? Thank you, Marybeth

Sunday 21st of May 2023

Hi Marybeth,

Good spot! No, we don't much specific information on Cape Breton. Not for any particular reason, w3've just written about other places more :) Thanks for checking!

Tuesday 18th of April 2023

Hello- We will be driving from Houston to Nova Scotia arriving in Amherst. We would like to follow your Ultimate Nova Scotia itinerary but not sure where to start following your itinerary coming from that direction. Any help you could provide would be very helpful. Love your itinerary and the detail!

Wednesday 19th of April 2023

@Gemma, While researching Nova Scotia I read that we should drive counter clockwise so the ocean is always closer to us on the highway for better views. Any thoughts on that? And why do you suggest Cape Breton first? Of course it’s the place I’m most looking forward to seeing cause we are BIG on national parks. We have been to 62 of the 63 US National Parks so we only have one left. We have also been to several of Canada’s National Parks as well so we are looking forward to visiting Cape Breton. I love reading blogs when I get ready to travel and yours on Nova Scotia was by far the most informational and organized.

Thanks for the kind comments! That is a good question. Personally, I would head up to Cape Breton Island first. I would then go down to the Eastern Shore and/or Halifax and then to the South Shore. I hope that makes sense!

Tuesday 21st of February 2023

We're coming to Nova Scotia for 8 days in July with 2 small kids. We've also set aside a separate 5 days for Cape Breton, and 16 days for Newfoundland. I'm a bit overwhelmed with what we could see and do in NS and would like it to be a contrast to Newfoundland. Any suggestions on which of your short itineraries would be good to combine? And if we did the South Shore would it be worth basing ourselves in Lunenberg rather than Halifax? Thank you - your itineraries are really helpful!

Monday 6th of March 2023

Completely understand why you must be overwhelmed! Apologies for the late reply - we have been on holiday in a remote area with limited internet. My partner and I have discussed your question at length. JR was previously a Maritimes tour guide and has also visited Newfoundland, so he has a good base of experience to compare the two.

Together, we came to the conclusion that completing a full circuit of southern Nova Scotia would provide a good contrast. That would include a loop to/from Halifax, taking in the South Shore, Yarmouth area, a side trip to Kejimkujik National Park and the Annapolis Valley.

The Acadian culture around Yarmouth and Wolfville is distinctly different to Newfoundland. Kejimkujik National Park, with its lakes and Indigenous culture, also offers something a little different. Yes, some of the coastal landscapes will be similar but on the Bay of Fundy side (Yarmouth and further north), the tides are the largest in the world so that is certainly unique!

If you'd prefer not to tour around, Lunenberg does offer a decent alternative to Halifax. It is, however, a lot smaller and dining/accommodation choice will be more limited. A few nights in Yarmouth may work well for you - there's a good selection of hotels and services here.

I would highly recommend driving some of the smaller coastal road sections along the South Shore, such as the 331, as they offer wonderful views and insights into local fishing village culture.

The Best Day Tours from Halifax, Nova Scotia

Last Updated on May 6, 2022

Tourism in Nova Scotia in the Spring and Summer of 2022 is predicted to be huge. However due to the pandemic visitors to Nova Scotia might be limited with where they can visit. There is currently a worldwide rental car shortage. During the pandemic many rental car companies sold off their fleet as the cars weren’t being used. The pandemic however has created a shortage in car parts and computer chips. Now not only is it almost impossible to buy a new car as a consumer right now but car rental companies are having an impossible time refilling their fleets as well.

Before you plan your trip to Nova Scotia this year (2022) be sure the first thing you book is a rental car.

People visiting Nova Scotia this year by car will have no problems exploring our beautiful province. Whether they drive from New Brunswick and further or take the CAT ferry from Bar Habor, Maine or the ferries from PEI or Newfoundland . Aside from gas prices soaring Nova Scotia is open for you to explore. But if you fly into Halifax or take a cruise ship to visit Nova Scotia you are going to be limited with what you can see and explore.

Nova Scotia however is home to some great tour companies that operate day tours from Halifax. I have compiled a list of the best so you can hopefully still get to explore Nova Scotia even if you can’t find a rental car. Here are the best day tours from Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Table of Contents

Ambassatours Gray Line Day Tours from Halifax

Ambassatours Gray Line is the biggest tour company in Nova Scotia. They operate various harbour tours in Halifax, double decker bus tours and tour bus day tours. Whether you just want a tour around Halifax, you want to take a sail on the harbour or you want to visit Peggy’s Cove, then Ambassatours Gray Line has a trip for you.

If you want to get out of Halifax and you can’t book a rental car or you are visiting by cruise then be sure to check out the Ambassatours Peggys Cove Tour by Bus . This 3.5hr tour starts in downtown Halifax showing you some of the highlights of the city before taking you on a scenic coastal drive to this charming fishing village. While visiting Peggys Cove take pictures with the iconic lighthouse, visit some art galleries and a souvenir shop and take in the ocean breeze.

Explore the South Shore on the Ambassatours Lunenburg & Mahone Bay Bus tours. This 6 hour tour takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg where you can see the home of the Bluenose II, get a local guided tour or visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. If you have time be sure to also stop in to one of the great restaurants for some local fish and chips or a lobster roll. You will also get a chance to explore the colourful streets of Mahone Bay a great place to grab a quick bite to eat at a cafe like the Barn Coffee & Social House or do a little shopping. The colourful charming streets of each town and their laid back lifestyle will definitely entice you to want to visit again.

Grape Escapes Nova Scotia Wine Tours

Are you hoping to visit Nova Scotia’s gorgeous wine region in the Annapolis Valley? Then the Grape Escapes Nova Scotia Wine Tours offer the tour you are looking for. Departing from downtown Halifax to Wolfville, Nova Scotia daily they offer a couple different Nova Scotian Wine Tour options.

The Grape Escapes Wine & Lunch Escape tour departs Halifax and is a 6hr tour where you visit three vineyards, learn all about our unique terroir, Tidal Bay wines and enjoy a delicious lunch experience. If you want a bit more of a fancy meal book their Wine & Gourmet Lunch Escape tours on Thursdays where you visit 3 vineyards but also enjoy a two course lunch wine/beer paired lunch at award winning restaurant Le Caveau.

USE CODE: NSExplorer for 10% their tours Monday to Friday.

If you are already in Wolfville then I also recommend the Magic Winery Bus for a great wine tour of the area. There are also many private guides in the area and many B&B’s offer their own wine tours as well.

Atlantic Tours & Travel Company

If you are looking to explore more of Nova Scotia then just a day tour from Halifax but can’t get a rental car then check out Atlantic Tours & Travel. With Atlantic Tours & Travel not only can you take a guided tour of Nova Scotia but they also offer tours throughout the maritime provinces. If you just want to explore parts of Nova Scotia however they have three Nova Scotia specific tours. Best of Cape Breton Island , Nova Scotia City Lights & Country Sights , and Cape Breton Highlands Hiking . There is even a Celtic Colours of Cape Breton tour offered on one day in October only during peek leaf peeping season in Cape Breton.

These tours are more in depth than a day trip and have you touring the province for 3 – 6 days.

Intrepid Travel Tours of Nova Scotia

If you want to tour Nova Scotia with one of the top names in travel around the world then I definitely recommend checking out the tours that Intrepid Travel offers. They offer two great multi-day bus tours of the province also including stops in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. They also offer an epic expedition cruise trip that takes you to some destinations that aren’t regularly visited like Nova Scotia’s Sable Island, or St. Pierre and Miquelon off of the south coast of Newfoundland. (That tour however starts and stops in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.)

Nova Scotian Provincial Shuttles

If you are looking for a way to commute between parts of Nova Scotia one of the preferred bus companies is the Maritime Bus Company . They can take you from Halifax to many different parts of the province via coach bus. Maritime Bus Company has about 34 destinations that they can take you to all around Nova Scotia. The bus can take you south to Lunenburg and Bridgewater or to New Minas and Wolfville in the Annapolis Valley. Or you can head north to Cape Breton and various stops along the way. Prices vary by destination and age.

If you are looking for a shuttle to other destinations in Nova Scotia, do a google search for the town and shuttle. There are often small business van companies that offer commuting options as well. For example Mariner Shuttle does daily trips between Halifax and Yarmouth.

Car Share Companies in Nova Scotia

I have never used them personally but during this rental car shortage a lot of people have been recommending Turo . It is basically an airbnb service for cars. Anyone can rent out their car to anyone else. If you are stuck finding a rental car in Nova Scotia check out their site and you might just find what you need.

Hopefully the rental car shortage in Nova Scotia and around the world will be resolved in the next few months. Either way I hope you can enjoy exploring our beautiful province and these day tours from Halifax, Nova Scotia soon!

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Cailin is a born and raised Nova Scotian with a passion for exploring the world and her home province.

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10 Best Day Trips from Halifax

Looking for the best day trips from Halifax? Here are 10 great suggestions to see more of the province.

While Halifax is a great place to explore, there’s so much more to experience in Nova Scotia as well. From beaches and lighthouses to charming small towns and fishing villages, there’s plenty to see and do around Halifax.

Here are 10 of our favourite day trips from Halifax, Nova Scotia that will let you experience more of the province. They are all within an hour of the city and are well worth the drive!

Choose as many of these day trips as you have time for, or save this list for the next time you visit Nova Scotia! 

1. Peggy’s Cove

Distance: 45 km Driving Time: 45 minutes

This small fishing village is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nova Scotia.

Located just 45 minutes from Halifax, Peggy’s Cove is a working fishing village with beautiful granite cliffs, stunning ocean views and of course, the iconic lighthouse.

It’s said to be the most photographed lighthouse in Canada and it’s easy to see why. 

There’s a new accessible viewing deck, making it possible for everyone to enjoy the Peggy’s Cove experience, including families with strollers. 

Stop by the Sou’wester for lunch or a snack, then wander through the village of Peggy’s Cove to get a taste of east coast life. Nearby is the Swissair Memorial , which is worth a visit.

Here’s a full post with more information on visiting Peggy’s Cove , including things to do in and around the area.  

A Peggy’s Cove day trip from Halifax is an easy, and scenic one-hour drive. Unfortunately, there is no public transportation available, but you can book a half-day tour like this one , which provides transportation from your hotel in Halifax to Peggy’s Cove.

2. Lunenburg

Distance: 100 km Driving Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Just an hour’s drive from Halifax is the town of Lunenburg , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunenburg is known for its well-preserved architecture and vibrant colours, as well as the delicious seafood. 

But Lunenburg is best known for being the birthplace of the famous Bluenose racing schooner that’s featured on the Canadian dime.

Stroll through the streets and take in the charming sights, then stop for lunch at one of the many great restaurants.  Be sure to try some of the local seafood! 

After lunch, visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic to learn more about Lunenburg’s fishing heritage, see the Bluenose II if she’s in port and then stop by Ironworks Distillery for a tour and tasting. 

There are plenty of great photo ops in this picturesque town, so don’t forget your camera!

Day trips from Halifax to Lunenburg, like this one are a convenient way to visit this UNESCO town, as there is no public transportation from Halifax.

3. Mahone Bay 

Distance: 87km Driving Time: 1 hour

Nearby Mahone Bay is also worth a visit, and it’s located just minutes from Lunenburg. One of the prettiest small towns in Nova Scotia , Mahone Bay is known for its three picturesque churches which overlook the bay.

Mahone Bay is also home to Saltbox Brewing Company , where you can stop by for a tour and try some of their locally brewed craft beer. There are also plenty of great cafes and shops to explore in town. 

Lunenburg, Mahone Bay and Peggy’s Cove are the most popular attractions along the South Shore, and can easily be combined to make one of the best day trips from Halifax.  This popular full-day tour is a great way to see the best of the South Shore from Halifax.

4. Wolfville and the Annapolis Valley 

Distance: 90km (Wolfville) to 110km (Blomidon Look-Off) Driving Time: 1 hour

The Annapolis Valley is home to some of the best wineries, breweries and cideries in the province, as well as fantastic farmer’s markets and plenty of great places to eat.

The Valley, as it’s commonly known, is one of the more popular day trips near Halifax, as it’s just over an hour’s drive away. 

Tour one of the many wineries in the area and be sure to try Tidal Bay wine , a crisp, white wine that is Nova Scotia’s first wine appellation. Or try some locally sourced cider at the Annapolis Cider Company in Wolfville or some small batch spirits at Barreling Tide Distillery .

The Annapolis Valley is also home to the impressive Grand Pre National Historic Site and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about Acadian history and wander through the beautiful grounds, or bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it in the gorgeous gardens. 

Then for a fantastic view of the Valley, head up to Blomidon Look-off before heading back to explore Wolfville.

Wolfville is the largest town in the Annapolis Valley and is a great place to explore. Wander the quaint downtown area, shop in the boutique stores or grab a bite to eat in one of the great restaurants. 

For those looking for a guided tour, this Annapolis Valley Half-Day Tour includes stops at Grand Pre National Historic Site, Blomidon Look-Off, Halls Harbour, three vineyards as well as time in Wolfville.

5. Burntcoat Park 

Distance: 90 km Driving Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

The Bay of Fundy is known for having the highest tides in the world, and while the Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick are one of the most famous spots to see these tides, you can also experience them in Nova Scotia as well.

A visit to Burntcoat Head Park is a great Bay of Fundy day trip from Halifax.  

At low tide, the ocean recedes and you can walk on the ocean floor for miles.

My guys love exploring the many tide pools, but the exposed rock formations are pretty impressive too.

Look for shells, fossils and other treasures as you walk along the ocean floor – just be sure to check tide times as they vary daily.

6. Dartmouth 

Distance: 5km Driving Time: 10 minutes or 15 minutes on the ferry

The city of Dartmouth is one of the easiest places to visit near Halifax. (And while we may be a bit biased, we think it’s one of the best!)

Located just across the harbour from Halifax, it’s a great place to explore and there are plenty of things to do in Dartmouth . 

If you take the ferry over, you’ll arrive at Alderney Landing , where you can check out the weekly farmer’s market on Saturdays or the craft market on Sundays. 

Then take a stroll on the Ferry Terminal path and enjoy the stunning views of Halifax Harbour , or walk up to Sullivan’s Pond where you can see the historic Shubenacadie Canal . 

Wander back along Portland Street , browse the unique shops and keep your eyes open for art murals that are found all throughout the downtown area. 

There are also plenty of great places to eat and drink in Dartmouth , so be sure to stop in for lunch or dinner, or even just a snack and beverage. 

No matter what you do, you’re sure to have a great day exploring Dartmouth!

7. The Beaches of the Eastern Shore

Distance: 20km to 100km Driving Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes

The Eastern Shore is known for its gorgeous sandy beaches, and is another of the most popular Halifax day trips.  And while the beaches are beautiful, they also have some of the best waves on the east coast. 

Lawrencetown Beach is a well-known surfing spot – even in the winter! – and there are several surf schools in the area. Rent a board, take a lesson, or just try the waves! 

While Lawrencetown Beach may be the most well-known, there are plenty of other great beaches within an hour’s drive from Halifax. 

Martinique Beach is the longest beach in Nova Scotia, with 5 kilometres of white sand and is another popular surfing destination.  

Clam Harbour Beach and Taylor Head Provincial Park are also fabulous beaches, and although they are just over an hour from Halifax, it’s worth the drive to either of them!

Rainbow Haven Beach Provincial Park is a local favourite, with a huge stretch of sand and calmer water than the other beaches mentioned above. 

Any of the beaches on the Eastern Shore can be combined with a visit to Dartmouth for a full-day trip. Both Lawrencetown and Rainbow Haven beaches are under a half-hour drive from Downtown Dartmouth, making for an easy half-day trip. Note: There is a $1.25 cash toll to cross either of the bridges over the Halifax harbour.

8. MacNabs Island 

Located in the Halifax Harbour, MacNabs Island is a great place for a day trip. The island played a major role in defending Halifax Harbour and is now a provincial park.

There are no cars on the island, but plenty of trails to hike, ruins to explore and beaches to relax on. It’s a great spot to spend a day in the summer!

MacNabs Island can be reached by private boat or charter operators from the Halifax Waterfront or Eastern Passage. The trip takes about 20-30 minutes from Halifax or 10-15 minutes from Eastern Passage. 

9. Truro 

Distance: 95 km Driving Time: 1 hour

Truro is a great place to visit if you’re looking to get out of the city and explore some of Nova Scotia’s nature. 

Hike one of the many trails in Victoria Park , a large park in downtown Truro, where you can see two of the best waterfalls near Halifax , or climb the 175 steps to the top of Jacob’s Ladder.

Then visit the Glooscap Heritage Centre , where you can learn about Mi’kmaq culture and stand beside the impressive statue of Glooscap himself. 

Truro is also a great spot to watch the tidal bore – a phenomenon that happens twice a day when the incoming tide pushes against the outflow of the Salmon River, causing a wave to form that can be quite spectacular to watch. Check the tidal bore times before you go though, as the tides change daily. 

For the adventurous, try tidal bore rafting – it’s the only place in North America you can do it!

10. Stewiacke and Shubenacadie Wildlife Park 

Distance: 65km Driving Time: 45 minutes

This is one of the best day trips from Halifax for kids!

While Stewiacke is known for being the halfway point between the North Pole and the equator, it’s best-known for being the home of Mastodon Ridge . 

Here on a hill that overlooks both the Shubenacadie and Stewiacke rivers, you can see Marvin the Mastodon.

A giant mastodon replica standing 14 feet tall and 22 feet long, Marvin is one of the biggest statues in Nova Scotia!

There’s also a visitor centre with information about the mastodon and the Stewiacke area, a children’s play area, restaurants and a mini putt course. 

After stopping here to see the Mastodon up close, head just outside of town to the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park . Here you’ll find plenty of wildlife, including bears, moose, bighorn sheep, foxes, wolves, beavers and otters. There are also owls, bald eagles, wild turkeys and of course, Canada geese. 

There are also several hiking trails in the park that wind through forest and meadow areas and a petting zoo for younger children. 

The Shubenacadie Wildlife Park is a 45 minute drive from Halifax and is open mid-May to mid-October. 

Transportation and Tours from Halifax

While Halifax itself has a great public transportation system, which includes public transit to and within Dartmouth, getting to some of these other day trip destinations will require a car. 

For those without a car, here are some of the best Halifax Nova Scotia tours:

•   Half-Day Tour to Peggy’s Cove
• Lunenburg Day Trip
• Lunenburg, Mahone Bay and Peggy’s Cove
• Annapolis Valley Half-Day Tour
• Grape Escapes Sip & Taste Tours  

Final Thoughts: Day Trips from Halifax 

Halifax is a fantastic city to visit, but there is so much more to explore beyond the city limits.

Whether you’re looking to explore Nova Scotia’s nature or its history, there are plenty of great day trips from Halifax to choose from. 

And while summer is the most popular time to visit Halifax, many of these day trips can be done year-round.

Shubenacadie Wildlife Park and MacNabs Island are closed in the winter months, but all of the other day trips from Halifax that we’ve listed can be done throughout the year – even the beaches!!

Happy exploring!

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO NOVA SCOTIA

HALIFAX: There are plenty of things to do in Halifax with kids , and while the weather is best in the summer, there are lots of fun things to do in Halifax in the winter too.

NEAR HALIFAX: Across the harbour, there are also plenty of things to do in Dartmouth and some great places to eat and drink in Dartmouth . And visiting Peggy’s Cove is an easy drive from Halifax.

CABOT TRAIL: This Cabot Trail itinerary for 2 days is a great way to see this beautiful area of Nova Scotia and hiking the Skyline Trail in Cape Breton is one of the top hikes in Nova Scotia.

NOVA SCOTIA: And to explore more of the province, here are 5 places you must see in Nova Scotia . If you’re visiting in the fall, here are some fun things to do in Nova Scotia in the fall and the best places to see the fall colours in Nova Scotia .

DRIVING TO HALIFAX: If you’re planning a road trip from Ontario or Quebec, here’s some info on the drive from Toronto to Halifax , including things to do along the way and suggested places to stop.

Need help planning your vacation to Nova Scotia? We offer custom itineraries, built specifically for you and your preferences. Find out more about itinerary planning here.

Erin Martin is the founder and sole writer for Wanderlust with Kids. Together with her twin boys, they have travelled to over 20 countries and five provinces within Canada. Erin is responsible for planning and facilitating all of her family's travel itineraries and adventures, whether locally or internationally. An explorer at heart, Erin aims to make any travel adventure kid-friendly and shares all her favourite family-friendly things to do, both in Canada and abroad.

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12 Day Trips From Halifax (Easy Excursion Ideas)

Written by Becca

Updated on February 6th, 2024

Which day trips are the easiest to take during a trip to Halifax, Nova Scotia? See this list of some worthwhile excursion ideas for short road trips from the city.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Posted in Canada

Table of contents

• Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse
• High Head Hiking Trail
• Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park & Pennant Point Hiking Trail
• Conrad’s Beach
• Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park
• Taylor Head Provincial Park
• Martinique Beach
• Rainbow Haven Beach
• York Redoubt National Historic Site & Herring Cove Provincial Park Reserve

As I planned out our Halifax trip itinerary , I couldn’t help but look at photos of all the options for trips out of the city we could take with a rental car.

I wanted to see nature, and history and beautiful traditional architecture, and I only wanted to be out for a day because our time was a dab limited. We were recommended places like Cape Breton Island, and it looks absolutely stunning, but it’s too far to go in just one day.

So, I started compiling ideas of where we could go on day trips out of Halifax. The drive had to be easy, as we were first-time visitors in Nova Scotia, and I didn’t want to be so far away that it would be treacherous to get back.

We settled on a day trip to two of the most popular destinations that are reachable from Halifax in a day: Peggy’s Cove, and Lunenburg; however, there are lots of options for day trip excursions within one to two hours of Halifax.

See this list for your upcoming trip to Nova Scotia, and you may be surprised how many places there are to see just within short reach of Halifax! Looking for how to spend your trip to Nova Scotia? Start with our travel guide for Halifax , written with a few days of sightseeing in mind.

What kind of day trips are there from Halifax?

Nova Scotia is a region with a lot of variety, which we really liked. From Halifax, we chose to see both a lighthouse and a fishing village (I get into all the details below!). If we had been blessed with more time, I certainly would have liked to also visit a beach, some hiking trails and some more historic sites.

In the list below, you’ll find that these day trips are something for everyone, and quite a few of them can be visited in a single day.

For each entry in the list, I will note the driving distance from Halifax. For some context, we stayed in downtown Halifax at the very centrally-located Muir Hotel , where we parked our rental car for the duration of our trip.

If you have chosen not to rent a car, I will mention a few guided tours that include transport, for a few of the destinations below, if such a tour is available!

Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse

Visiting Peggy’s Cove is almost synonymous with a trip to Halifax, save for an entire trip to Nova Scotia. The iconic lighthouse is on postcards, magnets, keychains and posters, and it’s the nearly the inanimate mascot of the province.

I knew I wanted to get us out on a day trip to Peggy’s Cove, and I started looking up driving distances and routes.

Driving to Peggy’s Cove

Peggy’s Cove was, down to the minute, 46 minutes of driving from where we stayed at The Muir Hotel in Halifax, to the parking lot for the lighthouse. This is a pretty acceptable distance for anyone without much tolerance for spending time driving during a preciously short vacation!

The drive to Peggy’s Cove is very pretty, as it’s a journey down some fairly narrow country roads that wind down the peninsula that it shares with Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park (mentioned below). While the roads themselves are rural and quiet, once we got to Peggy’s Cove, it was clear we were in a tourist zone!

Visiting Peggy’s Cove

The tourists themselves don’t take away from the experience, though — at least for us. We visited the Peggy’s Cove Village on a beautiful summer day, and had a clear view of the lighthouse itself, as well as the pretty rocks that surround it, and the clean walking paths that are lined with railings and Adirondack chairs.

Visiting the lighthouse was free, to my surprise! You can walk right up to it on the pathways.

I really liked our stop in Peggy’s Cove, and my suggestions for what to bring are:

• Travel camera
• Windbreaker or light packable down jacket , depending on the time of year
• Refillable water bottle like this one (unless you want to be buying water at all the shops)
• Sunhat or baseball cap (Dan likes this one ). And hold onto it, because of the wind!

As a bonus, parking was free, right near the lighthouse in the lot called Peggy’s Cove Car Park .

Peggy’s Cove Village

Peggy’s Cove comprises the Peggy’s Cove historic lighthouse, as well as a small village (which has its own full-time residents who live there all year … about 30 of them!).

In the village, you’ll find Tom’s Lobster Shack, Central Smith Ice Cream, several gift shops, a Peggy’s Cove Information center, the Peggy’s Dogs hot dog stand and the William deGarthe Art Gallery. There is also the Peggy’s Cove Bed & Breakfast , for accommodation, if you choose to make it an overnight, rather than a “day” trip.

Guided tour option for Peggy’s Cove

A trip to Halifax doesn’t necessarily require a car rental, and if you’re doing your trip without a car, check out an option for a guided day trip tour out to Peggy’s Cove.

When I saw photos of Lunenburg , I felt like I had to find a way to make this historic fishing village & UNESCO Heritage Site part of our Halifax itinerary ! Luckily, by mapping out some options, I found that Lunenburg and Peggy’s Cove could be done in the same day trip.

Lunenburg is an 18th century British-style fishing town that got its place on the map for rum-running, once upon a time. The buildings are all painted different colors, which makes it fun to walk around as a visitor, and according to tale, this came from leftover paint from sailing ships.

Today, Lunenburg is a great place for day tripping from Halifax, because the drive is simple, and the area is very pretty. I was surprised that Lunenburg is so incredibly popular for cruise travelers and tours, but I should’ve known! It’s a great spot to be taking photos, eating fresh seafood and dining outdoors on all the patios, decks and sidewalks at the restaurants.

From our experience, I recommend combining Lunenburg and Peggy’s Cove into a full day trip out of Halifax. It’ll be an hour and 15 minutes to Lunenburg from Halifax, an hour and 15 minutes from Lunenburg to Peggy’s Cove, and 45 minutes from Peggy’s Cove to Halifax downtown.

What to do in Lunenburg

There are several things to do in Lunenburg, from structured things to do like touring the Ironworks Distillery and doing a tour through the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic or the Knaut-Rhuland historic house.

As we had a baby with us (and we were starving when we arrived), we got parking in the lot by the Fisheries museum and started looking for our lunch spot!

Where to eat in Lunenburg

Several restaurants in Lunenburg come highly recommended. We ate at the Salt Shaker Deli , which was great, especially for vegetarian and gluten-free diets.

Had we not gotten a table there (it gets really busy!), I also looked at menus for The Savvy Sailor Cafe, The South Shore Fish Shack, Rascals Run Burrito Bar, Grand Banker Bar & Grill and The Old Fish Factory Restaurant, among others.

Even outside Halifax, I found many eateries to be pretty easy for my special diet, making Nova Scotia still one of the best gluten-free destinations in my travels to date. For Dan, a vegetarian, Nova Scotia and the Halifax region were also a great destination for a vegetarian diet .

What to see in Lunenburg

I recommend walking around the straightforward town grid of streets, seeing old Victorian-style homes, perhaps an old car or two, horse and buggy riders and of course, the small harbor.

This main waterfront boardwalk and the boardwalk along the Zwicker Building have Adirondack chairs set up for visitors to sit in and admire the green grassy land on the other side of the water.

If you’re up for driving five minutes past town, there are two spots on Tannery Road and Cove Road, past Lightship Brewery, where you can take a clear photo of town. Both are marked on Google Maps as “ Lunenburg Photo Spots .”

Looking for a guided tour option for Lunenburg?

If you’re visiting Halifax without a car, don’t worry. There are many operators that run frequent day trips to Lunenburg.

Across the river from Halifax city proper is Dartmouth , which is what some may call the Brooklyn of Halifax. While just a quick ferry ride away, Dartmouth has tons to offer visitors, from trendy dining (see: The Canteen on Portland ) to cool cafes like Cafe Good Luck just a few streets from the ferry.

Dartmouth Commons is a pretty park with a new disc golf course and an off-leash dog section. There’s also a 0.9-mile loop trail. Right next door is Dartmouth Common Skateboard Park.

If you choose to stay on the water, check out Ferry Terminal Park, which is good for kids with all its climbing options at the playground! This is also a nice spot for catching a sunset.

If you’d like a day trip or excursion from Halifax that has the potential to be 1 hour flat of driving, check out the village of Mahone Bay.

This destination to the west of Halifax is a charming town, known as one of the most picturesque in all of Canada (can you believe it?). It’s worth a visit for its attractions alone, and I wish we had had more time to stop there on the way to Lunenburg, as it’s only 15 minutes away. This being said, if you’re able to leave Halifax early for a day out to the western attractions like Peggy’s Cove, stop in Mahone Bay at least for an hour.

Mahone Bay is not big, but it is full of quaint streets, artisanal shops and the famous photo op of the “Three Churches,” which is three distinct small churches lined up at the water’s edge. Here’s more about the Three Churches, at the Three Churches Foundation website .

Mahone Bay has its own offerings of accommodations, including several cute B&Bs, an inn and a lodge.

Considering an overnight stay?

If you fell in love with Mahone Bay, you can turn your day trip into a brief overnight stay with these options for accommodation.

• The Kitch’inn - Boutique Inn and Wine Bar
• Bayview Pines Country Inn B&B
• Fisherman’s Daughter B&B

High Head Hiking Trail

High Head Hiking Trail came recommended directly to me by a Halifax local, and I was grateful for that! This picturesque trail offers scenic views along the water, which is a pretty attractive aspect for visitors to Nova Scotia who want that dreamy panorama!

If you choose to hike the whole trail, expect to walk a little less than 5 miles in total. And don’t worry, this trail is far from remote, so you’ll see other people fishing, hiking and running, most likely.

This hike is part of the Dr. Bill Freedman Nature Reserve , which sits on a peninsula within a peninsula (quite typical for Nova Scotia’s coastline), not more than 40 minutes from Halifax city proper.

Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park & Pennant Point Hiking Trail

This dreamy park and hiking trail is a quintessential Nova Scotian natural area featuring blue water, sandy beaches, rocky shores, boardwalk pathways and wildflowers. What more could you ask for in a place that’s accessible with a day trip from Halifax?

The Crystal Crescent Beach area has three beaches, to be exact, as well as the Pennant Point Hiking Trail, which is known for birdwatching. The park itself is only 29km (18mi) from Halifax proper. It’ll take you about 45-50 minutes to get there because of some slow country roads.

You can see why Crystal Crescent is great for a full-day or even half-day trip from Halifax: it’s like a stone’s throw from the metropolis, but you’ll feel like you’re worlds away from the streets of downtown Halifax.

The Pennant Point Hiking Trail is a 6-mile loop trail, and it’s recommended to bring enough water to get you through the hike (there’s nowhere to buy anything during it). You also may encounter some muddy or marshy waters, so wear good hiking boots or be ready to get your toes a little wet.

Conrad’s Beach

If you want to kick back in a chair on Nova Scotia’s coast, opt for a day trip out to Conrad’s Beach, a favorite of Halifax locals.

What to bring: a towel, sunscreen, flip-flops and a camera, for catching a beautiful sunset. A few other things to know: there is not much parking and there are not so many opportunities for a washroom.

For an easy trail, check out the Conrad’s Beach Trail , a short 1-mile path that stays quiet and is a good place for birding. For getting there, budget 1 hour and 25 min of driving, from downtown Halifax.

Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park

This beach is only 30-35 minutes of driving from Halifax, depending where in the city you’re staying. This is the beach you’ll want to go to for surfing in Nova Scotia!

For anyone interested in swimming though, beware: tides can be strong and currents have the potential to be intense.

There is a walking trail nearby, and there are facilities like washrooms, changing rooms and showers, too.

Taylor Head Provincial Park

This provincial park natural area is a dab more of a ways out from Halifax, at about 1 hour and 25 min.

Why is it worth it though? Visitors to Taylor Head may be shocked at the sparking blue and turquoise water against white sand beaches. Is this really Nova Scotia?

As one of Nova Scotia’s best hiking destinations (and so close to Halifax, at the end of the day!), the park is rather rugged, and special, with its evergreens and plant life right next to the windswept sands.

There are more than 8 miles of hiking trails, and the beach is dog-friendly! Visitors can enjoy all the natural wildlife, scenic views and open expanses of vistas. As with any hiking, please remember to pick up after yourself and leave no trace (LNT).

Martinique Beach

Would you have ever guessed that Martinique Beach is the “longest sandy beach” in all of Nova Scotia? And it’s under an hour’s drive from downtown Halifax!

Martinique Beach is crescent-shaped and features white sands against the Atlantic Ocean. During high season of July and August, there is supervised swimming, as well as changing rooms. The environment has sand dunes, picnic areas and tall grasses.

As a fun fact, this beach is a protected area for the piping plover, which is a really cute little coastal North American bird!

As a reminder, the park closes at dusk.

Rainbow Haven Beach

I’m an absolute fan of sunsets, and Rainbow Haven Beach is where you’ll find a good one if you can stay til the end of the day.

This beach and trail are located under 30 minutes from Halifax, so if you are short on time but want to leave the city during your trip, this is a day trip for you. Rainbow Haven Beach is technically part of the “Halifax Metro region,” if that describes how close it is to Halifax proper.

Rainbow Haven Beach is a good excursion to consider if you’re taking a family trip in Halifax and you’re looking for an easy place to take the kids for an afternoon.

A long boardwalk leads out to the beach from the parking area, and there’s a “change house” where showers are available.

York Redoubt National Historic Site & Herring Cove Provincial Park Reserve

A different type of day trip from Halifax, the York Redoubt National Historic Site is located only 20 minutes from downtown Halifax and is a Canadian national historic site. It’s part of the “Halifax Defence Complex” and sits on top of a bluff, to help protect the port. It was built in 1793 and has three centuries of history.

There’s a lot to do here, so check out the experiences list at the Canada Parks website .

Right nearby, and to be done in the same afternoon, is Herring Cove Provincial Park Reserve, a very pretty natural paradise of wildlife, beach and plant life.

For hiking the Herring Cove Bluffs, check out this trail map on AllTrails . The best times to visit the trail are May through October, and you can catch some opportunities for birding. The trail itself is out-and-back and takes about a half hour. Note: despite the land around it being flat, the path itself is rocky and requires good shoes.

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10 Day Nova Scotia Road Trip Itinerary (with Maps)

By: Author Susan Moore

Posted on Last updated: March 24, 2024

Nova Scotia is the ideal province in Canada for road trips and scenic drives because you’re never far from the ocean. You get to enjoy gorgeous coastal scenery all around this beautiful province.

There’s a reason Nova Scotia is known as Canada’s Ocean Playground! Fishing, beachcombing, and whale watching are popular attractions you’ll want to make time for during your maritime road trip. Or just eat a ton of seafood like I did!

Enjoy the long summer days exploring the beauty of Canada’s east coast with this Nova Scotia road trip guide.

You can adjust the trip itinerary to suit your needs and add extra days as you desire.

10 Day Itinerary Nova Scotia Road Trip

This ten day road trip itinerary around Nova Scotia is planned with the idea of exploring a region, spending the night, then moving on to the next location.

You can always add more days if you want to take it slower and immerse yourself in the culture. Alternatively, you can do a section of the road trip and stay in one place for the duration of your trip.

I traveled around Nova Scotia solo but you’ll find this guide is perfect for planning your family summer vacation too!

Most people fly into Halifax so that’s where we’ll start with this ten day itinerary for Nova Scotia.

This post contains compensated links and I may receive a commission for purchases made through links. See my disclosure about affiliate links

In This Article:

Day 1 – Halifax

Halifax – Capital of Nova Scotia

Pick up your rental car at the airport and drive to downtown Halifax (30 minutes) to explore the waterfront region. If you arrive late at night spend the night and you’re ready to explore the next day.

I stayed at the Hollis Halifax Doubletree , overlooking the harbor, a great location.

Check the latest hotel deals and prices in Halifax Nova Scotia now

Waterfront along Halifax boardwalk – Tall Ship Silva

Popular Halifax Attractions

• Waterfront – Beautiful place to walk and if the Blue Nose II is in harbor book a trip – check the schedule here
• Halifax Citadel National Historic Site – Citadel Hill with its star shaped architecture once guarded Halifax
• Maritime Museum of the Atlantic – Explore Halifax maritime history at this waterfront museum
• Fairview Cemetery – Final resting place of over 100 victims of the Titanic
• Halifax Public Gardens – Beautiful Victorian era gardens opened in 1867, the year of Canadian Confederation

Overnight Halifax: Hollis Halifax or the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront are both good choices. View more Halifax hotels here .

Day 2 – Halifax to South Shore

Peggy’s cove – lunenburg – blue rocks – ovens natural park – hirtle’s beach.

Total driving time 3.5 hours

From Halifax you’ll drive 45 minutes to Peggy’s Cove to visit one of Canada’s most iconic landmarks .

The Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse is one of the most photographed spots in Canada.

The iconic Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse in Nova Scotia is a popular tourist attraction in Nova Scotia

From Peggy’s Cove drive 100 km (60 miles) to the historic town of Lunenburg Nova Scotia. The downtown area near the harbor is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Lunenburg is an attractive town with Victorian era houses painted in bright colors. The view from across the water on Tannery Road is wonderful.

Lunenburg is a popular Nova Scotia road trip destination with its brightly painted historic buildings

Eat lunch at one of the seafood restaurants, I tried Grand Banker Bar and Grill and it is excellent. Walk off your lunch along the harbor.

There are two museums you should visit in Lunenburg:

• Knaut-Rhuland House at 125 Pelham Street will give you a glimpse into the early days in Lunenburg.
• Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic at 68 Bluenose Drive

If the Bluenose II tall ship is docked at Lunenburg, you can hop aboard and get a look at the ship for FREE! There are also paid boat tours available – check the listings for more info

Blue Nose II in Nova Scotia open for tourists to walk aboard

Next drive 10 minutes from Lunenburg to Blue Rocks and walk the shoreline or take a sea kayaking trip. There are bunches of islands nearby, so the water is usually calm.

Pleasant Paddling will rent you a kayak or you can sign up for one of their guided tours. Traveling by myself I opted for the guided tour and I enjoyed it a lot.

Beautiful Blue Rocks Nova Scotia – small fishing village near Lunenburg

Now take a drive from Blue Rocks to the Ovens Natural Park and enjoy a hike along the cliffs, plus you can try panning for gold on the beach. Read my full post about Ovens park here

From Ovens park drive to beautiful Hirtle’s Beach – only 12 km away – and enjoy a walk on the beach, watch for seals surfing in the water.

If you are into hiking, I highly recommend the Gaff Point hike – the trailhead is at Hirtle’s Beach! This was my favorite hike in Nova Scotia but it’s not for everyone.

Check out my Gaff Point hike video to see the variety of terrain on this hike.

Gaff Point trail view of Hirtle’s Beach from the hill

Take a scenic drive to Bridgewater and spend the night. Dine at the River Pub at 750 King Street.

In the morning grab some cookies at Weagles’ Bakery at 15 Victoria Road (they open at 6 am). Cookies are the perfect road trip snack. For a full breakfast I suggest Fancy Pants Café at 807 King Street.

Overnight in Bridgewater at Best Western or the Lighthouse Motel overlooking the LaHave River.

Check availability and the latest deals on hotels in Bridgewater .

Day 3 –  South Shore to Yarmouth

South shore –crescent beach – kejimkujik seaside – cape sable island – yarmouth.

Total of 3.25 hours driving time

From Bridgewater drive to Crescent Beach – 20 minutes or so. Crescent Beach is the place for windsurfing, kitesurfing, or regular board surfing. Enjoy walking the beach.

I found several sand dollars on this beach. As you may have guessed from all the surfing, it gets very windy at Crescent Beach!

From Crescent Beach to Kejimkujik National Park Seaside – 75 km (45 miles) takes about 45 minutes.

Hike out to the seashore and watch the waves crashing into shore.

Kejimkujik National Park Seaside Nova Scotia Canada features coastal hikes

Kejimkujik to Cape Sable Island is a scenic 1 hour 10 minutes drive. I enjoyed exploring Cape Sable Island and visiting a couple of the beaches.

The Hawk Beach at low tide exposes the petrified stumps from a former forest.

Walking this sandy beach, you can see the Cape Sable Lighthouse, the tallest in Nova Scotia at 31 m (101 ft).

Cape Sable Lighthouse is the tallest in Nova Scotia at 31 m (101 ft)

Fill your belly at the JB’s Steak and Seafood Restaurant – it’s located on the left side just before you cross the causeway over to Cape Sable Island.

They have great food and wonderful staff.

Bacon Wrapped Scallops at JB’s Steak and Seafood Restaurant in Barrington NS South Shore region

Cape Sable Island to Yarmouth – 75 km – around an hour. Yarmouth is another Nova Scotia coastal town and its located on the southwest tip of the Nova Scotia peninsula.

In Yarmouth visit the Cape Forchu Lighthouse and Museum – a wonderful place to watch the sunset.

Have dinner overlooking the harbor at Rudder’s Seafood at 96 Water Street.

In the morning The Shanty Café opens at 6 am to help you break the fast – Shanty Café is located at 6B Central Street in downtown Yarmouth near the waterfront.

Overnight Yarmouth – find the latest hotel rates and availability here .

Day 4 – Yarmouth to Annapolis Valley

Digby – annapolis royal – wolfville.

Total driving time 2 hrs 50 minutes

The drive from Yarmouth to Digby – 100 km (60 miles) should take you just over an hour.

Do you love lobster and scallops? If so, Digby is your happy place! Home to the famous Digby scallops and delicious Atlantic lobster too.

July 2 – 4, 2021 you can enjoy the Lobster Bash in Digby. If you are around in early August, you’ll want to attend the Digby Scallop Days Festival – August 5 – 8, 2021.

Digby to the historic town of Annapolis Royal – 30 minute drive. Annapolis Royal is a charming coastal town with a lot of history – the early European settlers arrived in the area in 1605. The Mi’kmaq First Nations peoples have lived in the area for over 10,000 years.

Popular Annapolis Royal Attractions

• Visit the only Tidal Power Plant in North America
• Fort Anne National Historic Site
• Port Royal National Historic Site
• Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens
• Abundant historic buildings – 135 registered heritage buildings in a town with a population of around 500 people

Downtown Wolfville Nova Scotia mural of boat and pocket watch

Annapolis Royal to Wolfville – 1 hour 15 minutes driving time.

Wolfville was once home to some of the Acadians, later expelled by the British – many of them later settled in the land around Lafayette Louisiana .

2020.01.09 Editor’s Note/Correction. Thank you to Richard Riddell Comeau for the following:

Acadie was all of the Maritimes and much of the Gaspé Peninsula. Grand Pré, near what is today Wolfville, was one of our homes. The “Cajuns” of Louisiana are part of an Acadian diaspora which reaches across the globe. There were Acadians that either avoided expulsion or returned after expulsion to the Maritimes to live. Acadian people and culture are alive and well in Nova Scotia and throughout the Maritimes. Vive l’Acadie!!   ~ Richard Riddell Comeau

Nowadays around the Annapolis Valley there are several wineries within easy access from Wolfville.

Explore the wine region and enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants in downtown Wolfville. Try The Naked Crepe – good eats!

Overnight Wolfville – Wolfville hotel options and latest deals

You can visit the Grand Pre Historic and UNESCO site just a few km from Wolfville.

Day 5 – Bay of Fundy to Northumberland Shore

Walton lighthouse – bay of fundy – truro – tatamagouche – pictou.

Total driving time: 3.5 hours

Wolfville to the Bay of Fundy – Burntcoat Head Park – 1 hour and 10 minutes – 90 km (56 miles)

Watch the biggest tides in the world! It’s amazing to walk on the ocean floor and where only 6 hours earlier the water reached up to the rocky coastline.

Bay of Fundy is a must visit in Nova Scotia.

Exploring the ocean floor near the flowerpot at Burntcoat Head Park on Bay of Fundy Nova Scotia

In between tides at Bay of Fundy drive to Walton Lighthouse and enjoy lunch at the Walton Pub – 20 minute drive.

Burntcoat Head Park to Truro – 50 minutes – 60 km (36 miles)

Truro to Tatamagouche – 45 minute drive (50ish km/30ish miles) Take a walk on the beach at Rushton’s Beach Provincial Park in Tatamagouche.

Truro to Pictou – birthplace of New Scotland – 45 minutes – 65 km. The first Scottish immigrants landed in 1773.

At Hector Heritage Quay in Pictou step aboard a replica of the Hector – the tall ship that arrived in Pictou with the first immigrants from Scotland – more info on Ship Hector .

Interested in tracing your family tree and Scottish heritage – visit the McCulloch House Museum and Genealogy Centre.

Overnight in Pictou – Find the latest deals and hotel reviews here .

Day 6 – Northumberland Shore to Cape Breton

Antigonish – port hood – mabou – cheticamp.

Total driving time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Pictou to Antigonish  will take about 45 minutes on the road.

In Antigonish if you are in the mood for a hike to stretch your legs check out Fairmont Ridge Hiking Trail for a 10 km (6 miles) out and back trail.

Next drive from Antigonish to Port Hood on Cape Breton Island. Grab some lunch at the Clove Hitch Bar and Bistro at 8790 NS Trunk Road 19.

Road sign for The Cabot Trail in Cape Breton Nova Scotia

The drive from Port Hood to Mabou is only 10 minutes. Mabou is a good choice if you want to add on an extra night to the trip because it’s a hotbed for music.

The village of Mabou has a population of around 1,200, with a few options for accommodation so check the Mabou website for listings – and check out the music events in Mabou.

Mabou to Cheticamp takes about an hour to drive. Cheticamp is just outside of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. You’ll need to buy a pass to visit the park but it’s totally worth it!

In Cheticamp you’re only a 20-minute drive from Skyline Trail – hike it at sunset for beautiful coastal views.

Stay in Cheticamp overnight – check for Cheticamp hotels here .

Day 7 and Day 8 – Cape Breton Island

Pleasant bay – cabot’s landing – meat cove – white point – ingonish.

Total driving time: 3 hours

I know some people drive the Cabot Trail in one day, but you won’t have much time at all for the beaches, coastal hiking trails, or filling your face with seafood and local beer. Spend some time enjoying Cape Breton!

From Cheticamp drive to Pleasant Bay (40 minutes) and do some whale watching.

Grab a cup of coffee at the Pumpkin Patch. ..and some fudge. They also sell organic body care products…but coffee and fudge are important road trip products.

There’s also a cool looking art shop in Pleasant Bay – it wasn’t open when I visited town though. But take a look at Timmons Folk Art Studio at 22 Harbour Road if you visit Pleasant Bay – handmade souvenirs are the best!

Timmons Folk Art Studio Pleasant Bay Cape Breton NS

From Pleasant Bay you can stop at Cabots Landing Provincial Park and visit the beach where Cabot is thought to have landed.

Cabots Landing Provincial Park in Cape Breton Nova Scotia

After visiting Cabots Landing you may as well continue on to Meat Cove – the northernmost community in Cape Breton.

There’s some good hiking around Meat Cove and great food awaiting you at The Chowder Hut .

View of Meat Cove Beach from the deck of the Chowder Hut Restaurant

After you satisfy your hunger get back on the road and visit the town of Cape North then continue to White Point for a scenic drive along the Nova Scotia coastline.

From there you’ll pass Neil’s Harbour and continue on to Ingonish where you’ll spend a couple of nights so you can explore the area.

Ingonish Beach at dusk Cape Breton Nova Scotia

Enjoy the beaches, hiking, and scenic coastal drives around Ingonish. I hiked a few trails in Cape Breton and visited Ingonish Beach in the evenings.

There’s a golf course at the Celtic Lodge in Ingonish and the lodge features live music events at the Arduaine Restaurant and the Highland Sitting Room.

Three great hikes around Ingonish are Jack Pine Trail, Middle Head Trail, and Broad Cove Mountain – get info on these and more hikes in Cape Breton here .

Find hotel deals in Ingonish and check availability here – they book up fast! If you want to stay closer to the beach check these listings . I stayed in a cute little cabin in Ingonish .

Day 9 – Cape Breton Ingonish to Baddeck

Total driving time: 90 minutes

Baddeck is home to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site so you’ll want to spend some time at the museum. The town of Baddeck is beautiful, enjoy exploring and tasting your way through town.

Hike the Uisge Ban Falls at 715 North Branch Rd Baddeck Forks.

Enjoy one last seafood dinner at the family owned Baddeck Lobster Suppers located at 17 Ross Street near the Baddeck Harbour.

Find the perfect hotel in Baddeck now!

Day 10 – Cape Breton to Halifax

Baddeck to halifax.

4.5 hours total driving time

On the road again for another scenic coastal drive from Baddeck to Halifax . It’s time to gather your wonderful memories of road tripping in Nova Scotia and fly home.

Split up the drive with stop in picturesque Guysborough and get some road trip snacks at Days Gone By Bakery at 143 Main Street – about 1 hour 40 minutes from Baddeck.

Readers have pointed out that this road trip is missing the eastern shore region. That is a great excuse for another trip to Nova Scotia for me!

For now you can check the Nova Scotia tourism info for a 3-day itinerary along the eastern shore here .

Alternate Route Baddeck to Halifax via Eastern Shore

5.5 hours total driving time

This route will take you to Guysborough and Sherbrooke and along the eastern shore. As folks have mentioned there is plenty to see in this region of Nova Scotia.

There are several beautiful beaches on the eastern shore .

Taylor Head Beach at Taylor Head Provincial Park is gorgeous! There are also hiking trails along the coast, Spry Bay Loop is an awesome hike.

Clam Harbour Beach at Clam Harbour Provincial Park is another excellent stop along the eastern shore.

Martinique Beach is the longest beach in Nova Scotia and popular with surfers. During summer months you can take a surf lesson and rent all the gear right at the beach parking lot.

Lawrencetown Beach at Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park is another popular surf spot. And you can hike the Atlantic View Trail here as well.

Enjoy your east coast road trip exploring beautiful Nova Scotia!

If you have any tips or suggestions for places to stop on the way please let me know in the comments section below.

Thank you for reading and happy travels!

Read these related posts to plan your Nova Scotia trip!

• 15 Cool Places to See in Nova Scotia This Summer
• 9 Cape Breton Hikes on the Famous Cabot Trail Nova Scotia
• Amazing Blue Rocks Nova Scotia Sea Kayaking Experience of a Lifetime
• Cape Breton Accommodations Cabot Trail Cottages Hotels Nova Scotia
• Hirtle’s Beach Gaff Point Trail Nova Scotia Best Coastal Hike
• Ovens Natural Park Sea Cave Trail and Campgrounds Nova Scotia
• Walton Lighthouse Nova Scotia – Last Original in Hants County

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Friday 3rd of February 2023

We are planning a trip summer 2023 -wonderful ideas - do you happen to have one full map with the route

Solo Trips and Tips

Friday 11th of August 2023

Sue, Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed reading the blog. Both PEI and NS are absolutely gorgeous in summer and I predict you will have a spectacular road trip! Please, eat some seafood for me :) Cheers, Susan

@SoloTripsAndTips,

Hi Susan we're coming to NS and PEI in 2 weeks time from the UK. Your blog has been fantastic to read and has given us loads of tips for our roadtrip. We are there for 2 weeks, and like you, don't expect to cover everything on offer in that time. Thank you again very helpful blog

SoloTripsAndTips

Saturday 4th of February 2023

Hi Kathi, I do not have a full map of the entire route. GoogleMaps only allows so many stops so it's difficult to map out a long route. I hope you have an amazing Nova Scotia road trip this summer! Cheers, Susan

William MacKay

Wednesday 6th of July 2022

I am a native Nova Scotian and there is so much more than you were able to cover that would be of interest to others. The section of the province from Truro along the Bay of Fundy to Parrsboro, and Amherst around to Tatamagouche. Includes the Fossil Cliffs at Joggins where dinosaurs are found, area around Parrsboro where gemstones and geodes are found and interesting rockhounding and the very highest tides in the world at the head of the Bay. Springhill with a miners museum, and museum to Canadian singer Anne Murray. Nearby is the Blueberry capital of Oxford where Nova Scotia's famous wild blueberries are processed and shipped around the world. Amherst the Town on the border before crossing into New Brunswick, Amherst is an historic Garrison town. From Amherst along the Northumberland Strait to Tatamagouche. World famous Fox Harbour Golf resort is in the area. On Cape Breton Island your tour did not include a visit to Fortress Louisburg a short drive from Sydney or a drive through the coal mining towns out to Glace Bay. Also to follow the picturesque Highway 4 from Sydney along the Bras d'Or Lake to St. Peters, a side trip to Isle Madame, and around to Port Hawkesbury. St. Peters was originally settled by the Portugese and then by the French and is one of the oldest continually settled communities in North America. There is an interesting Canal there and two small museums as well. History attributes settlement to 1626.

Susan Moore

William, Thank you for your comment. All of these are excellent suggestions to add to a Nova Scotia itinerary. And you're certainly correct that there is so much more than I was able to cover with a 10-day road trip itinerary, but it's a good starting point for people planning their travels to this amazing province!

I'm actually back in Nova Scotia now, visiting more places including Truro, Joggins, Parrsboro, Cheticamp, Baddeck, and a bunch more. I plan to add some more road trip itineraries to cover specific regions of Nova Scotia and also a longer itinerary for people who can spend 3 weeks or more exploring Nova Scotia.

Thanks again for your suggestions on places to visit. Cheers, Susan

Howard farmer

Wednesday 6th of April 2022

Hi im going to nova in may 2022.. my tour is very similar to yours but i take in briers island just west of digby and dundee east of port Hawkesby.. main area is im staying at knotty pines just above ingonish harbour.. then on to sydney via baddeck... from there i hug the coast to port dufferin and the wonderfully named Marmalade Studios.. overlooking the atlantic before heading to halifax... like you i booked all my stops before hand and used trailfinders to put it together.... i can't wait to see ol blue at lunenburg, whale watching and the rum factories wineries and of course lobster. Fantastic article by you that ive downloaded to refer to whilst im touring in my hire car... many thanks.. howard farmer england..

Howard, thanks for reading my blog from all the way across the pond! You've put together a great itinerary for your road trip around Nova Scotia, it's going to be an incredible adventure. I hope you have a most wonderful time in Nova Scotia. I'm glad you found this article a useful reference for your trip planning, enjoy your travels! Cheers, Susan

Denis Frenette

Saturday 15th of February 2020

Sounds like a nice trip.

Denis, Thanks for reading the blog. There's so much to see in Nova Scotia, looking forward to visiting again in the fall. Cheers, Susan

Lisa MacPherson

So I have read all the comments, you certain didn't have time to hit all the places you could have in our lovely province! There is one I would love for you to see, it is a coastal community between Barrington and Yarmouth on the South Shore, it is called Pubnico (it encompasses several communities), a jewel you will never forget and while you are there don't forget to visit the Red Cap Restaurant and motel have a piece of pie ;) you will meet some lovely people especially if you go around 7pm when the locals gather for coffee and a chat! The Acadien museum is also a good place to stop and visit to get a feel for the history of the area. Enjoy your month in NS lol you will need at least that much time next visit!!!

Lisa, Thanks for commenting. You had me at pie :) I will add your suggestions to the big list for next trip. I'm putting together my itinerary for a fall road trip and you're right a month or more is needed! I think I may split it up with a week or so in Nova Scotia before I go to Newfoundland and then 3 weeks when I get back. Looking forward to my next trip! Cheers, Susan

How to see the best of Nova Scotia: a 3 day road trip itinerary. Tips from a local!

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There is SO much to do in Nova Scotia, that 3 days just scratches the surfaces. This 3 day Nova Scotia road trip itinerary provides a good overview of everything that Nova Scotia has to offer (from a local’s perspective).

This 3 day road trip itinerary around Nova Scotia focuses on the main highlights of Nova Scotia, and what makes it so unique. You will see the highest tides in the world, red sand beaches, and colourful and historic seaside villages.

A lot of visitors come to Nova Scotia and head straight to Cape Breton to drive the Cabot Trail. I don’t blame them, it is one of my favourite things to do in Nova Scotia ( especially in the fall! ). But if you do this, then you will be missing out on everything else that Nova Scotia has to offer.

If you have a week in Nova Scotia, I would recommend adding 3 days in Cape Breton to your itinerary.

3 Day Road Trip Itinerary for Nova Scotia: a summary

• Day 1: Halifax & Peggy’s Cove: Nova Scotia’s capital and the iconic Lighthouse.
• Day 2 Explore the colourful and historic towns of Lunenburg and Mahone Bay
• Day 3 : Visit the Bay of Fundy for the highest tides in the world.

Tips for this 3 day road trip around Nova Scotia

• You can spend each night in Halifax and visit the Bay of Fundy and Lunenburg as day trips, or you can spend the night in each town you visit as you travel around Nova Scotia.
• The best time to do this 3 day road trip around Nova Scotia is in the summer and fall months (July to October). The road conditions will be the best, more shops will be open, and you will have more daylight for exploring.
• Have extra time and want to visit Cape Breton as well? Drive to Cape Breton and follow this 3 day Cape Breton itinerary .

Rent a car (or bring your own) while traveling around Nova Scotia. If you are beginning your road trip in Halifax, there are 4 car rental companies located at the Halifax Airport:

• Budget Car Rental
• Alamo Car Rental
• Dollar Car Rental
• Avis Car Rental

Day 1: Halifax & Peggy’s Cove

Halifax is a beautiful and historic city with a small-town vibe and lots to do. In the morning, have some breakfast and stroll along the boardwalk. Visit Citadel Hill If you have the time. At around 3pm, start driving to Peggy’s Cove.

Drive about 45 minutes from Halifax to Peggy’s Cove to see the famous lighthouse. There’s a cute and very postcard-perfect fishing village that you drive through to get to Peggy’s Cove.

In 2021, construction has been completed for a more accessible viewpoint of the Lighthouse.

Overnight : Continue down the coast for a little over an hour to your overnight accommodation in Lunenburg.

Day 2: Lunenburg and Mahone Bay.

Lunenburg is an UNESCO world heritage site, and the most colourful seaside village you will ever lay eyes on. Fun fact, it is home to Bluenose II which is on the Canadian Currency’s 10 cent coin.

There is lots to do in Lunenburg, and it is very walkable. Get acquainted with the town and learn it’s history by going on a walking tour , visit the Fisheries Museum along the harbour, go for a sail on the Bluenose II if it’s at the harbour, get an ice cream at Sweet Treasures, and walk up the hill to the Lunenburg Academy.

For the best view of Lunenburg, head towards the Golf Course and have a drink (coffee or a craft beer!) and meal at the Lightship Brewery.

In the afternoon, drive about 10-15 minutes towards Mahone Bay. This small town is home to the Three Churches which line the small bay. Park across from the churches and walk along the main street towards the Government Wharf. Stop at the Teaser for souvenir shopping, Joann’s market, top at have afternoon tea at the Biscuit Eater Cafe, cozy up with a coffee at The Barn Coffee and Social House, and explore all of the little shops along Main Street.

Overnight: Drive one hour to Wolfville to spend the night.

Suggested Reading: Read a detailed itinerary about what to do on a day trip in Mahone Bay and Lunenburg.

Day 3: Bay of Fundy

On the last day of your 3 day Nova Scotia road trip itinerary, you will be heading out to the Bay of Fundy to see the highest tides in the world. Seeing these dramatic tides is an activity truly unique to Nova Scotia and there are a few options for how to best experience them.

Plan your day around the tide times. Check the tide times here .

Option 1 : Drive to Wolfville and walk along Kingsport Beach at low tide, visit the Botanical Gardens at Acadia University, explore Grand Pre National Historic Site, or go on a wine tour.

Option 2 : Go Tidal Bore Rafting. I would recommend making Tidal Bore Rafting the main activity of the day, and planning any other activities from Option 1 around that if you have spare time.

There is nothing like Tidal Bore Rafting! Ride through the waves on a Zodiac boat as the tides come in, and go mud sliding down the clay-like riverbanks. Wear sneakers and clothes you don’t mind getting stained from the red, clay-like mud. And bring a change of clothes too.

The time that you go Tidal Bore Rafting depends on the tide times. There is a choice to go on a 2.5 or 4 hour tour. The rafting resort which offers the tidal bore rafting experience is 1 hour and 20 minutes away from Wolfville (or 50 minutes away from Halifax).

Are you planning a trip to Nova Scotia? Or have you already visited Nova Scotia? Let me know what you would like to see, or have seen, in the comments below!

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5 thoughts on “How to see the best of Nova Scotia: a 3 day road trip itinerary. Tips from a local!”

Nova Scotia is definitely on my bucket list. I have never heard of Tidal Bore Rafting and now I’m dying to try it!

I’ve only been to Nova Scotia via cruise, which meant just part of a day exploring before we had to hop back on. Sounds like there’s a lot more to do here, and I’ll need to come back for another visit! Thanks for sharing this list. Xx Sara

Nova Scotia looks gorgeous! I’d love to visit Lunenberg and see how colorful it is in person. This seems like a great itinerary for when you just have a few days!

Great itinerary! I haven’t visited Nova Scotia, but the Tidal Bore Rafting sounds right up my alley of things I’d like to do.

Never been and looks gorgeous! Guess it’s on the list!

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The best days out across the border

Antwerp is the destination across the border for culture, architecture, fashion and shopping. When you exit the station, you can immediately enjoy those pleasant little streets full of beautiful shops and museums or perhaps the zoo is at the top of your list. More about Zoo Antwerp

Find train tickets Antwerp

The historical centre is not only very beautiful, but also compact. This makes Mechelen the ideal city for a one-day city trip. It is also great for children, by the way. After shopping you can visit Technopolis! More about Technopolis

Find train tickets Mechelen

In this university city you can walk from the Gothic town hall to M-Museum for a special combination of old and new art. A tour of the Artois brewery is a must-see in the beer capital of Belgium! Train to Leuven

Find train tickets Leuven

This city is just an open-air museum. Go back in time at Castle Gravensteen, or watch the skyline from the ancient Belfort. Even shopaholics and food fanatics will not be disappointed. Train to Ghent

Find train tickets Gent

Bad Bentheim

The almost 1,000 year-old castle on top of the mountain welcomes you from afar. The best way to explore this little town with cobbled streets and half-timbered houses is undoubtedly on foot. On our suggested walk, you will wander past all the sights! Train to Bad Bentheim

Find train tickets Bad Bentheim

Shopping fanatics immediately think of the gigantic shopping centre CentrO. Also visit Sea Life, the Bunker Museum or Castle Oberhausen. Or opt for ultimate family fun at LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre. More about the train to Oberhausen

Find train tickets Oberhausen

This city is a great destination if you want to shop to your heart’s content. Saunter over the famous Königsallee (or simply called Kö) or the Schadowstrasse. You should also visit the Altstadt: with all its museums and nightlife it is the beating heart of Dusseldorf. Train to Dusseldorf

Find train tickets Düsseldorf

A day out in Paris

Paris is the ideal destination for a day trip. Tips for visiting the 10th and 19th arrondissements.

Brussels for a day

Shopping, sightseeing on foot, going to the museum, and more ideas for a fun day out in Brussels!

A day in London

Back and forth by train to London in one day? It is possible!

Day trip to Lille

Lots to see and do in Lille. Walk around the city or grab a bike.

Need to get out of Augusta? Visit these unique spots for cheap, easy day trips

The second week of April will have a lot going on for the Augusta area. The Masters Tournament will bring in thousands of guests from around the world, and it will also be spring break for many families.

For both of these reasons, a lot of people will probably want to take the opportunity to get out of town, even for just a day. However, trips can get expensive, with high gas prices and many tourist stops selling tickets for $30 or more per person.

Here are some low-cost day-trip options for Augusta-area families that won’t require a full tank of gas:

Give yourself a beach day

Augusta-area residents can have all of the fun of a beach day without spending the time and gas money getting to Myrtle Beach or Savannah. Here are some popular parks within a 50-mile radius that offer lake-side beaches and other fun in the sun:

West Dam Recreation Area in Appling on the end of Sparrow Lane off Clarks Hill Road. It's open 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. all week. There is a boat launch and plenty of picnic areas around the beach, including charcoal grills and a sheltered spot offering shade and protection from rain. The entrance fee is $5.

Mistletoe State Park in Appling at 3725 Mistletoe Rd. It's open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. all week. There is a playground, 10 fully equipped cottages on the lake (five of which are log cabins), seven camp sites, three boat ramps, and five picnic shelters. Parking is $5.

Elijah Clark State Park in Lincolnton at 2959 McCormick Hwy. It's open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. all week. There are boat ramps and a fishing pier as well as rental cottages on the lake's edge and a campground in the nearby forest. The park is named for a frontiersman and Georgia war hero who led pioneers during the Revolutionary War. A log cabin replica of Clark's home with vintage furniture, utensils and tools is open on weekends. Visitors can also view the graves of Clark and his wife. The Daily ParkPass is $5.

Solar Eclipse 2024: Here's a guide to where and how to watch the solar eclipse around Augusta

Visit an animal house

While there aren't any zoos in the Augusta area, you don't have to travel to Atlanta or Columbia or pay zoo prices to see exotic animals.

Feathered Friends Forever is a rescue and sanctuary that has rehomed more than 1,000 birds of various species over the last 22 years. There is also a Honey Bee House, a butterfly garden, and more. Feathered Friends is located about 20 miles outside Augusta in Harlem at 612 Byrd Rd. It's open to the public every  Saturdayand Sundayfrom 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $10 per person. For more info, go to featheredfriendsforever.org .

Eudora Farms Safari Park is home to more than 200 creatures, and there are plenty of opportunities to engage with the animals and even feed them. One of the park's most distinctive features is a drive-thru safari, a 3-mile trail for families to slowly cruise along in their own vehicles while meeting some of the animals. Eudora is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. It's located about 58 miles outside of Augusta in Salley at 219 Salem Ln. Tickets are up to $50 for everyone in a vehicle. For more info, go to eudorafarms.net .

Drive up to a drive-in

While there aren't nearly as many as there used to be, some drive-in movie theaters are still open and are within driving distance of the Augusta area.

Monetta Drive-In Theatre has three separate screens offering two different movies at each screen for a total of six movies offered Friday-Sunday. One of the more unique features of the 25-year-old "Big Mo" is the large, peach-shaped projector house attached to the concessions stand on the main field. It's also a great spot for stargazing when there are clear skies.

It's located about 42 miles outside of Augusta in Monetta at 5822 Columbia Hwy. N. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. with the first movies starting at dusk (about 7:45-8 p.m.). Admission gets you access to both of a screen's movies. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for ages 4-11, and free for younger kids. For more info including the latest showings, go to thebigmo.com .

The 25 Drive-In also has three screens with two different movies at each screen which are open Friday-Saturday. It's a historic site with films being presented at the theatre for more than 70 years. There's plenty to eat from the concessions like BBQ tenderloin, ribeye sandwiches, salads, as well as mac and cheese bites.

It's located about 53 miles outside of Augusta in Greenwood at 3109 Hwy. 25 S. Gates open at 7 p.m. with the first movies starting at 8 p.m. Admission offers access to both of a screen's movies. Tickets are $10 for ages 12 and older, $5 for younger children. For more info including the latest showings, go to 25drivein.com .

Your last-minute guide to Monday's total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , offering millions a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken as the moon blocks the face of the sun.

Tune into NBC News NOW as Lester Holt hosts a two-hour special at 2 p.m. ET Monday from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The eclipse's path fortuitously cuts across Mexico, 15 U.S. states and a small part of eastern Canada. In all other states in the continental U.S., viewers will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun and obscuring part of its light.

Here’s everything you need to know about the rare celestial event.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon and Earth align. The moon passes between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon fully obscures the sun, whereas a partial solar eclipse means it blocks just a portion of the sun’s face.

Solar eclipses occur only with the new moon. Because the moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted, the three bodies don’t always line up in a way that creates an eclipse.

“Imagine if the moon’s orbit were in the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun — if that were the case, then every new moon, you’d have a total solar eclipse and every full moon, you’d have a lunar eclipse,” Neil DeGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, told NBC News. “So, because things don’t always align, it lends to the rarity of the event and the specialness of the event.”

Where and when will the eclipse be visible?

This year’s eclipse will follow a slightly wider path over more populated areas of the continental U.S. than other total solar eclipses have in the recent past.

NASA estimates that 31.6 million people live within what’s known as the path of totality, where the total solar eclipse will be visible. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path, according to the agency.

The path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Tiny parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

After the eclipse crosses into Canada, it will pass over southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

Those outside the path of totality can still take part in the astronomical event by viewing a partial solar eclipse — visible throughout all 48 states of the contiguous U.S. — or a NASA livestream.

The timing, including how long totality lasts, depends on the location, but some spots will see the moon fully cover the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Below is a list of timings for some cities along the path of totality, as  provided by NASA . A number of other resources, including NationalEclipse.com  and  TimeandDate.com , can also help people plan.

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.

How to safely view a solar eclipse

It is never safe to gaze directly at the sun, even when it is partly or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or  pinhole projectors  are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent eye damage. Failing to take the proper precautions can result in severe eye injury,  according to NASA .

Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than normal sunglasses and specially made to enable wearers to look at the sun during these kinds of celestial events.

Sky-watchers should also never view any part of the sun through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses unless they have specific solar filters attached. Eclipse glasses should not be used with these devices, as they will not provide adequate protection.

However, during the few minutes of totality, when the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to look with the naked eye.

Beware of fake eclipse glasses. On legitimate pairs, the lenses should have a silver appearance on the front and be black on the inside. The manufacturer’s name and address should be clearly labeled, and they should not be torn or punctured. Check, as well, for the ISO logo and the code “IS 12312-2” printed on the inside.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can make a homemade pinhole projector, which lets sunlight in through a small hole, focuses it and projects it onto a piece of paper, wall or other surface to create an image of the sun that is safe to look at. 

All you need is two pieces of white cardboard or plain white paper, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack. Cut a 1- to 2-inch square or rectangle out of the center of a piece of white paper or cardboard. Tape aluminum foil over that cut-out shape, then use a pin or thumbtack to poke a tiny hole in the foil.

During the eclipse, place a second piece of white paper or cardboard on the ground as a screen and hold the projector with the foil facing up and your back to the sun. Adjusting how far you hold the projector from the second piece of paper will alter the size of the image on the makeshift screen.

What to look for while viewing the total solar eclipse

For people along the path of totality, there are some fun milestones to keep track of as the total solar eclipse unfolds.

As the eclipse progresses and the sun gets thinner in the sky, it will start to get eerily dark, according to Tyson.

When the last beams of sunlight are about to become obscured, look out for the “diamond ring effect”: The sun’s atmosphere will appear as an illuminated halo, and the last light still visible will look like the diamond of a giant ring.

As the sunlight decreases even further, an effect known as Baily’s beads will be created by the moon’s rugged terrain. Tiny “beads” of light will be visible for only a few seconds around the dark moon, as the last bits of sunlight peer through the moon’s mountains and valleys.

When the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to remove eclipse glasses and look at the total solar eclipse with the naked eye.

Some lucky sky-watchers may even catch a glimpse of a comet .

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks — nicknamed the “ devil comet ” because an eruption last year left it with two distinct trails of gas and ice in the shape of devil horns — is currently visible from the Northern Hemisphere as it swings through the inner solar system.

The comet can be seen in the early evenings by gazing toward the west-northwest horizon. During the eclipse, when skies darken during totality, it may be possible to see the comet near Jupiter, but its visibility will depend on whether it’s in the middle of an outburst and thus brighter than normal.

Most likely, all eyes will be on the alignment of the moon and sun.

“Most people won’t even notice,” Tyson said. “But if you know to look, it’s there.”

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse will be in 2026, but it will mostly pass over the Arctic Ocean, with some visibility in Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and northern Spain. In 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Spain and a swath of northern Africa.

The next total solar eclipse visible from North America will be in 2033, but only over Alaska. Then in 2044, a total solar eclipse will cross Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Canada and Greenland.

The next total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. coast-to-coast in will occur in 2045. The path of totality for that eclipse will cut through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Lucas Thompson is a content producer for the NBC News Climate Unit.

Restaurants, Food and Drink | Bay Area brewery day trip: Sipping suds at…

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Restaurants, food and drink | big rig overturns on connector to i-880, commute a mess, restaurants, food and drink, subscriber only, restaurants, food and drink | bay area brewery day trip: sipping suds at calicraft and mike hess.

My Bay Area Brewery Day Trip series has seen me traipsing — and sipping — my way through breweries from Alameda to Santa Cruz and Redwood City . This time, I circled back to Walnut Creek to visit two stellar breweries and taprooms — and there’s big news ahead for one of them.

Calicraft Brewing

At age 14, Calicraft founder Blaine Landberg already knew he wanted to own a brewery someday. He began home brewing while studying at UC Berkeley, then gained commercial experience with a non-alcoholic start-up, Honest Teas.  What began as a contract brewery — with a very popular sparkling beer called Buzzerkeley — became a bonafide destination when Calicraft opened a taproom and beer garden in Walnut Creek in 2012, with an R&D brewery where Landberg and brewmaster Thomas Vo could work out recipes for new beers.

There’s a small bar indoors, but the beer garden is the big draw, with decks, picnic tables, Adirondack chairs and fire pits. It’s a popular spot all year round, but especially so when the weather warms. And there’s big news ahead.

Calicraft is opening a 25,000-square-foot beer garden in August — on the other side of the same Shadelands business park lot where they are now — with a new building to house their 10-bbl brewhouse planned for spring of 2025. A new rooftop spot is set to open downtown in early summer, upstairs from Va de Vi, and a Davis taproom will open next year.

No need to wait, though. Head over to the original Calicraft now, and you’ll find 18 Calicraft beers, plus “blooms” — untraditional ciders made with fruits other than apples and  strong, distinct flavors. The blooms allow them to play around a bit with beer cocktails, Vo says. There’s a slushie machine behind the bar mixing up two varieties each day, including a non-alcoholic version. And the beers can be mixed with blooms or slushies to create unique drinks.

I’m a fan of Buzzerkeley sparkling ale, but there’s also a great, old-school Oaktown Brown ale, a Karl the Fog IPA — hazy, of course — and Coast, a Kolsch-style beer. Soon, they’ll be pouring a new West Coast IPA called Westside IPA.

I also tried a Blue Manhattan, a beer cocktail that was quite tasty, and one that tasted eerily like a Cosmo. If you like unique flavor combinations, you’ll love Calicraft. Food trucks are on site most days, and Tuesday nights are devoted to trivia, courtesy of Geeks Who Drink.

Details: Opens at 3 p.m. Monday-Thursday and noon Friday-Sunday at 2700 Mitchell Drive in Walnut Creek; calicraft.com .

Mike Hess Brewing

Walnut Creek native Mike Hess actually made his name in San Diego’s beer world, opening a nanobrewery there in 2010. Today, there are seven Mike Hess Brewing locations with an eighth opening in Long Beach next year. As the company grew, brewer Jason Stockberger became director of brewing operations.

The Walnut Creek taproom is in the Orchards Shopping Center, with a large beer garden that sits on a deck under a 70-year-old oak tree. Inside, there’s a bar and tables, of course, but it’s that expansive deck that’s the star. The taproom is dog- and kid-friendly, with regular diversions including Taco Tuesdays, live music Saturdays and Sunday Fun Days.

Details: Opens at noon daily at 2313 Oak Grove Road in Walnut Creek;  mikehessbrewing.com .

Make a day of it

If you want to add to your outing, try some of the nearby breweries I’ve featured in previous brewery day trips .  Morgan Territory ’s brewery, at 40B Crescent Drive in Pleasant Hill, is about 15 minutes from Calicraft. Ditto on the distance for Headlands Brewing , which is located at 3420 Mt. Diablo Blvd. in Lafayette.

Know a local brewery or brewpub that’s knocking it out of the park? Tell me about it at [email protected].

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What travelers are saying.

PM's six-day Indo-Pacific trip cost $2M, including $200K in catering

Names of hotels used during the trip's three stops were redacted from the documents. A little over $2,500 was spent on official gifts

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The prime minister’s six-day trip, accompanied by his son, to “strengthen ties” in the Indo-Pacific region in September cost taxpayers nearly $2 million, with nearly $200,000 spent on in-flight catering.

PM's six-day Indo-Pacific trip cost $2M, including $200K in catering Back to video

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, his oldest son Xavier, and 51 others departed on the six-day trip on September 2 aboard a Royal Canadian Air Force CC-150 Polaris, destined for Indonesia and Singapore, plus a visit to India to attend last summer’s G20 summit. The purpose of the trip was to work with international partners to tackle “ crises and challenges” including the inflation and food and energy insecurity.

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According to documents obtained through an access-to-information request, the total cost of the trip came to $1,908,243.

Costs for the trip included $190,000 on in-flight catering, $643,000 for aircraft handling and fuel fees, $422,000 for lodging, $129,000 for ground transportation and $427,000 for RCMP security costs. The numbers contained in the documents are not final, as invoices and claims are still being processed.

“I guess one way to beat the high cost of groceries in Canada is to take a government work trip and bill taxpayers for fancy airplane food,” said Canadian Taxpayers Federation Federal Director Franco Terrazzano.

The prime minister’s entourage arrived in Jakarta on September 5 to attend the ASEAN summit, where he helped launch the ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership and hold bilateral discussionss with a number of world leaders, including Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

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The group then departed for Singapore, where Trudeau met with the country’s prime minister, Lee Hsien Loong, before flying to India for the G20 summit .

The trip took a turn when the prime minister’s aircraft suffered a mechanical breakdown in Delhi as crews were preparing the three-decade old airliner to depart, prompting Air Force officials to dispatch repair crews and a second plane to India to rescue the stranded passengers.

Canadian officials declined the Indian government’s offer to lend its executive aircraft , Air India One, to allow Trudeau and his entourage to return home.

While the documents don’t include what was served on the flights, Terrazzano drew parallels with Governor General Mary Simon’s infamous March 2022 trip to attend Expo 2020 in Dubai, where she and her 29 guests racked up a $100,000 in-flight catering bill while aboard a government aircraft over the course of a week, complete with fresh flowers, beef Wellington and $165 for an undisclosed quantity of lemons and limes .

“The government told taxpayers it would cut down on these extravagant trips, but dropping $200,000 on airplane food doesn’t exactly scream fiscal responsibility,” Terrazzano said.

“The government is more than $1 trillion in debt, so maybe it could cool it on these expensive international trips.”

The number of rooms booked by the government varied on each leg of the trip, with 53 rooms booked in Singapore and Jakarta, and 58 in New Delhi.

Names of hotels used during the trip’s three stops were redacted from the documents.

A little over $2,500 was spent on official gifts.

The stewardship and accountability of public funds are of the utmost importance to Global Affairs Canada. Global Affairs Canada ensures that public funds are spent responsibly, respecting accepted practices for both international procurement and Canadian official travel abroad.

The cost of official visits abroad is made public in the Public Accounts of Canada, tabled annually in Parliament and available to Canadians. We are committed to Canada’s presence on the world stage and advancing our national interests and values in a complex global environment. International diplomacy incurs costs, and these costs are influenced by a range of factors.

Global Affairs Canada, the Department of National Defence and the RCMP covered costs associated with their respective mandates for this visit.

In the case of India and Indonesia, a key factor was that international summits affect both the availability and cost of accommodation due to the host’s organizational prerogative and the heightened security environment.

In a statement, Global Affairs Canada said that Canada is committed to maintaining an international diplomatic presence, and that costs money.

“We are committed to Canada’s presence on the world stage and advancing our national interests and values in a complex global environment,” the statement read.

“International diplomacy incurs costs, and these costs are influenced by a range of factors.”

The statement said that Global Affairs, the Department of National Defence and the RCMP covered their own costs for the visit through their own departmental budgets.

“In the case of India and Indonesia, a key factor was that international summits affect both the availability and cost of accommodation due to the host’s organizational prerogative and the heightened security environment,” the statement added.

Canada’s attendance at international conferences typically comes with some steep price tags.

Last month, National Post reported the government spent $1.4 million to send 633 people to the 2023 COP28 climate conference in Dubai . The information did not detail how many of the attendees had their flight and room expenses covered by the government.

National Post

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Wealth of Geeks

12 Day Trips From San Diego You Must Take

Posted: April 9, 2024 | Last updated: April 9, 2024

The great thing about visiting San Diego is there are plenty of things to see and do within the city limits. What do you do when looking for a little more than a Central San Diego itinerary can provide? When the appetite for adventure kicks in, there are plenty of options for hitting the open road for a day trip from San Diego. 

Day Trips From San Diego You Will Love

One of the unique aspects of San Diego is that within an hour or two of the city, you can be in the deserts, mountains or on the beach and waterfront. As a resident for over 20 years, I have enjoyed numerous day trips, often turning them into weekend trips. Here are twelve of the best day trips from San Diego to satisfy any visitor. 

Julian  is one of the closest day getaways, a historic former mining mountain town with a Main street downtown full of shops and eateries. It’s one of my regular trips for its wine, beer, and cider options.

While any season is a great time, fall brings festivals, and winter can bring snow for visitors in the area who aren’t used to enjoying snow. Make sure to indulge in a piece of apple pie made from locally grown apples. 

2. Idyllwild

This mountain town, at 6,000 feet elevation, is a two-hour drive from San Diego, where numerous outdoor activities exist, such as fishing, rock climbing, and hiking. The real treat is enjoying the hipster downtown at the heart of  Idyllwild .

Vintage, thrift, and crystal and gem shops are among the choices for perusing and shopping. Small cafes and restaurants, including Idyllwild Brewery and Middle Ridge Winery, are popular stopping points. 

3. Mount Laguna

Just 20 miles southwest of Julian and easily accessible from Interstate 8 out of San Diego, Mount Laguna boasts more outdoor adventure. Situated on the edge of the Cleveland National Forest with close access to the Pacific Coast Trail, tranquility is a major attraction.

There’s also an outstanding Observatory from which to view the night sky. Camping is one of the best ways to turn this into a weekend stay, and the options are plentiful to do so. 

4. Borrego Springs/Anza Borrego State Park

This day trip to the desert East of San Diego should not be missed. The town of  Borrego Springs  is small but features thrift shopping and eateries. As an official Dark Sky community, star gazing is at a premium here and is one of my favorite pastimes. Summer months are usually best avoided due to extreme heat, but catching the Super Bloom in early Spring is a highlight. 

There are options for every style and budget to make it a weekend stay. These include camping, RV parks, glamping retro RV rentals, and motels and hotels. I’ve tent-camped, gone glamping in a retro trailer, and used a motel, and you can’t go wrong with any of those choices. 

5. Temecula

The Temecula region is about an hour north on the inland side and is known for its wine country offerings. Check out Old Town Temecula for a very doable and enjoyable day trip, known for its history, shopping, and eateries.

I have created my own wine country tours and have gone along with organized tours such as  Grapeline . Tours can either start from Temecula or to and from San Diego. 

6. Campo/Lake Morena

Although still part of San Diego County, visitors will feel a world apart from the hustle and bustle of city life. Lake Morena County Park  sits at a 3,000-foot elevation south of the Laguna Mountains.

As an outdoor lovers paradise, camping, hiking, kayaking, and fishing are leading attractions. You may also encounter hikers along the Pacific Coast Trail. 

7. Baja California, Mexico

One of the unique aspects of San Diego is its proximity to the Mexican border, where beaches, shopping, and tacos and margaritas await. The food and hospitality in  Baja  are the reasons to consider this trip. One can stay nearby in Tijuana or venture further south to Rosarito, Ensenada, and the Valle de Guadalupe wine region. There are ways to take public transit taxis and hire a private driver or tour guide for those who don’t want to drive. 

Note: This day trip requires more planning and documentation than the other trips. Be sure that all visitors have a valid passport the car has the proper insurance for Mexico, and plan ahead for a potential long wait at the border upon the return. 

8. Dana Point

Dana Point features a host of things to do on any day trip, including beaches, shopping, and dining.

In addition, the Dana Point Harbor is a great starting point for whale watching, fishing, kayaking, and other water activities. In addition, a trip to the Ocean Institute will teach visitors all about sea life. 

9. San Juan Capistrano

This historic city, 66 miles north of San Diego, is a must-do for any history lover. One of the main attractions is the San Juan Capistrano Mission, known as the birthplace of Orange County.

In addition, is, the Los Rios Street Historic District packed with great restaurants, quaint shops, and art. It’s an easy 90-minute train ride on Amtrak’s scenic Pacific Surfliner, perfect for a car-free day. 

10. San Clemente

It’s one of the shortest day trips just an hour north of San Diego. Known as a surf haven and for its historic pier, this coastal city also features boutique shopping, restaurants, and beach hiking.

One of the highlights here is a stop at Pedro’s Tacos, a staple since 1986. A visit to Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, the former home of the city’s founder, features stunning views of the city and coast from above. 

11. Long Beach/the Queen Mary

Nested in between Orange County and Los Angeles, it is the perfect medium of both. Long Beach has 8.5 miles of coastline and is about 110 miles from San Diego.

There’s more than just the beach, though, as a visit to the Queen Mary and the  Aquarium of the Pacific  are great for any family member. There are many places to stay to make it a weekend getaway, including aboard the Queen Mary, which operates as a floating hotel. 

12. Anaheim/Disneyland

Disney and theme park lovers can make a day trip to Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure Park a day trip from San Diego. It’s 95 miles by car, or you can take the train to Fullerton and then a shuttle bus to the entrance. It would be better to spread this across two days for the ultimate experience if attempting both parks. Ample resorts, hotels, and motels are available to make it a great weekend–or longer–getaway. 

Adventure awaits no matter which direction you head out on the road from San Diego. The day or weekend trip options are abundant—from mountains to deserts, beaches, water sports, and more. There is enough to experience in each location to make a return trip enjoyable. Choosing where to go might just be the hardest part. 

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U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is on a five-day visit to China

Devan Schwartz

Leila Fadel

NPR's Leila Fadel talks to Mary Lovely, senior fellow with the Peterson Institute for International Economics, about Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's visit to China.

LEILA FADEL, HOST:

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is finishing a trip to China, where she's managed to become a favorite on Chinese social media. Posts with the secretary masterfully using chopsticks have been viewed millions of times there. But has the secretary's popularity online translated to success for the actual purpose of her trip, trade talks? For more on Yellen's visit and relations between the world's two largest economies, we're joined by Mary Lovely. She's a senior fellow with the Peterson Institute for International Economics. Good morning, Mary.

MARY LOVELY: Good morning.

FADEL: Thanks for being on the program. So there are a lot of competing U.S. and Chinese interests over goods like electric vehicles, solar panels, as well as national security concerns related to the economy. So I want to start with listening to what Yellen said to the Chinese premier, Li Qiang, yesterday.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)

JANET YELLEN: I believe that, over the past year, we've put our bilateral relationship on a more stable footing.

FADEL: Mary, does that strike you as true, and does Yellen's trip further destabilize the relationship?

LOVELY: Well, that's an interesting question. I believe it is true that the U.S. and China talking at the highest levels of government is extremely important to not just stabilizing the relationship, but trying to reduce conflict, so I think it's important. It doesn't mean that many problems have been solved. It's an attempt by both sides to begin to solve some problems, I think. And has her trip destabilized it? No, I don't see that it has.

FADEL: Were there any breakthroughs with this trip?

LOVELY: Well, I think the mission is - was not so much to have a breakthrough as to warn the Chinese. It seems as though the Biden administration is teeing up more trade restrictions against China. And in particular, we're talking about so-called new energy products - EVs, solar panels, batteries. And there might have been some attempt to, you know, negotiate with the Chinese to get them to restrain, in some way, their exports, but it doesn't seem like anything like that has happened. So it can be seen as an attempt by the administration to avoid tariffs and settle this in a different way.

FADEL: Now, Yellen went to China with a big message, which is that China is overproducing and flooding the market with cheap products, as the administration puts it, and that hurts local production here. How was that message received on her trip?

LOVELY: Well, China has admitted that it has a problem with overcapacity, certainly in the past on steel and cement. And more recently, it was discussed at the work program last December. So at the highest levels of the Chinese Communist Party, they have admitted that there are - overcapacity.

I think where the Chinese and the U.S. most clearly disagree is in electric vehicles. China has become a strong exporter of those vehicles, as is - Europe. The U.S. is far behind, exporting about a tenth of what China and the United - and Europe export each month. But these EVs are, in some sense, a threat to the future. So as the Biden administration and the United States in general has invested in transitioning its auto sector toward EVs, it's important that those, you know, green shoots have a chance to take off.

And there's a fear that Chinese companies lack the basic profit-based motive of when they build too much, inventory builds up, they pull back production. Instead, as we've seen in other industries in the past, China keeps pumping out more product.

FADEL: Really quickly, before I let you go, Yellen's making this visit right before a presidential election, meaning they - China might not be see - dealing with the same man soon or could be dealing with the same man. Does that affect her trip?

LOVELY: Yes, I think it does. I think the Chinese don't really know, if they cut a deal, if it will hold. President Trump has certainly argued for much more draconian restrictions against China.

FADEL: That's Mary Lovely, a senior fellow with the Peterson Institute for International Economics. Thank you so much.

LOVELY: You're welcome.

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Jersey Shore day cruises: Your guide to scenic adventures and delicious meals

If you are looking to set sail and escape for a day, the Jersey Shore and nearby locales have got you covered with different cruises that can be done in a day. Here are some of the most popular one-day cruises at the Shore.

Cape May Sunset Buffet Dinner Cruise

• Where: 1218 Wilson Drive, Cape May
• Duration: 2 hours
• Price: $55 for adults, $30 for child 12 and under, $20 for wine tasting

Step aboard The Spirit of Cape May for a dinner cruise that promises breathtaking sunset views of the Delaware Bay and Cape May Lighthouse. There's a chance you also spot some dolphins swimming along the ship as the captain or naturalists on board provide you with some educational facts. Guests are guaranteed memorable mammal sightings.

Cornucopia Cruise Lunch Buffet

• Where: 401 Riverview Drive, Perth Amboy
• Price: $67.95 for adults, $50.96 for kids 3-12

The Cornucopia’s Princess sets sail from Perth Amboy-Raritan Bay for a lunch or dinner cruise, offering stunning views of the Raritan Bay and New Jersey's inland waterways. Enjoy a meal and craft cocktails during this 2 ½ to 3-hour experience

Cape May Whale and Dolphin Cruise

• Where: 1213 Wilson Drive, Cape May
• Departure Time: 1 p.m.
• Duration: 3 hours
• Price: $55 for adults, $40 for children 7-12

Experience the thrill of whale and dolphin watching aboard the Cetacean Spectacular, a three-hour cruise offered by The Cape May Whale Watcher. Led by Captain Jeff Stewart, this cruise ventures into the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean for some marine life sightings. Throughout the journey, the captain will share some local history with passengers.

Gambler Fishing Cruise

• Where: 59 Inlet Drive, Point Pleasant Beach
• Duration: varies
• Price: from $90 to $395 per person

Based in Point Beach, The Gambler is a family-owned business operating since 1949. It offers popular fishing trips with a variety of lengths in the spring, winter, and summer.

Fluke trips are 12 hours from July to Labor Day and 6 hours from Labor Day through mid-September. The golden and blueline tilefish are 24 hours and depart at 11 p.m. Trips includes bait; fish tackles are available for purchase or rent. Staff on board offers assistance and instruction on filleting fish at the end of the trip.

Jersey Shore Pirate Adventure for kids

• Where: 281 Princeton Ave., Brick
• Departure: multiple throughout the day
• Duration: 75 minutes

Embark on a 75-minute pirate adventure departing from the marina near Windward Beach in Brick. Designed for pirates aged 3 to 10, this cruise is enjoyable for the entire family.

The young will get the opportunity to dress up like pirates, get their faces painted and get some pirate tattoos. On the ship, they'll take part in an interactive treasure hunt, following the Sea Gypsy's rules, reading maps, finding a secret message in a bottle, and working together to defeat a rival pirate using water cannons.

Atlantic City booze cruise

• Where: 800 North New Hampshire Ave., Atlantic City
• Departure: 12 p.m., 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
• Price: $45 per person. Drinks are not included

It's always party time in the Atlantic City Tiki boat. Enjoy a ride along Atlantic City coastline while you sip drinks from the bar. Guests cannot bring their own booze, and the bar onboard only takes cash payments.

BBQ and steel drums with Classic Boat Rides

• Where: 8 Simon Lake Drive, Atlantic Highlands
• Departure: Some Sundays around 5 p.m.
• Price: $68 for adults, $58 for kids 12 and under

Experience a getaway with live steel drum music aboard the Navesink Queen. Enjoy a laid-back atmosphere on this family-friendly cruise along calm waters in Atlantic Highland. You can eat BBQ chicken, pulled pork and all the typical fixings. Alcoholic beverages are available.