You can drive to beautiful Nova Scotia by taking the Trans-Canada Highway from neighboring New Brunswick. You cross into Nova Scotia using Trans-Canada Highway 104, which leads you to the town of Amherst. This route is the only major road connection between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and the only way to drive into Nova Scotia. No bridges or tunnels exist between Nova Scotia and neighboring New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, or Maine in the USA. While there is only a single road crossing into Nova Scotia, a host of different ferries service the province.
Nova Scotia is on Canada’s eastern seaboard and is Canada’s second smallest province. Covering an area of 21,345 sq miles, it has a population of just over 1 million. The peninsula is east of New Brunswick and south of Prince Edward Island. The peninsula stretches as far south as Portland, Maine. To the northeast is the Island of Newfoundland, an area we’ve covered in an earlier article.
Nova Scotia’s status as a peninsula rather than an island makes it a relatively easy destination to reach. There are road, boat, and air connections to Nova Scotia, giving you the freedom to choose your mode of transport.
Road – Nova Scotia is connected to the Trans-Canadian Highway at the border with New Brunswick at Amherst. The Nova Scotia Highway 104 links with Route 2 of the Trans-Canadian Highway, which runs through to Quebec and beyond to the west coast.
Boat – Nova Scotia is well connected to the surrounding provinces and states by a series of ferry connections.
Newfoundland and Labrador: A connection between North Sydney and Port-aux-Basques in Newfoundland runs twice daily all year. The journey takes between 6 to 8 hours. A summer seasonal ferry also runs from Argentia, running three times per week.
Prince Edward Island: A bi-hourly ferry service makes the short journey between Woods Island and Caribou on Nova Scotia. Taking just 90 minutes, it’s a scenic trip across the Northumberland Strait.
New Brunswick: The Saint John to Digby ferry offers an alternative way of travelling from New Brunswick. Taking 2.5 hours and running twice daily, it’s a pleasant trip across the Bay of Fundy.
Maine, USA: Running from Bar Harbor, Maine, to Yarmouth in Nova Scotia, this is an express catamaran service. The service takes just 3.5 hours and departs most days during its May to October sailing season.
Air – Nova Scotia is well served by both domestic and international airlines. Both Halifax Stanfield International Airport and Yarmouth International Airport are located within the province and are serviced by international and domestic flights. JA Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport also offers domestic connections via WestJet and Air Canada. International direct flights into Nova Scotia include locations in North America, such as Washington and Boston, and European destinations like London and Paris. There’s no shortage of domestic flights and connections into the peninsula, with destinations spanning the length and breadth of Canada.
Nova Scotia is safe, accessible, and serviced by a good network of highways and minor roads. Driving outside of winter poses no challenges you won’t find elsewhere in North America. Driving during the winter months can be more challenging, but reasonable precautions will ensure your journey is safe and trouble-free. You can find tips on driving in winter in Nova Scotia on the government website.
The main reasons to visit are Nova Scotia’s rich history and incredible scenery. These themes dominate our top things to do in Nova Scotia:
Halifax Waterfront – The historic Halifax waterfront is a great place to spend a few hours taking a gentle stroll. There are plenty of historical buildings, including the excellent Maritime Museum. It’s a popular destination for visitors and locals alike, and you’ll find no shortage of restaurants and bars in the area, many directly on the waterfront.
Drive the Cabot Trail – Situated on Breton Island, this picturesque 185-mile loop takes in some wonderful scenery and views. There are some excellent places to stop along the way to hike, take in the viewpoints, and explore the small towns and villages. The skyline trails are a highlight, with great views and frequent moose sightings.
Annapolis Valley – This is a great place to visit in spring when the apple trees are in bloom. It’s also home to 12 wineries that offer an excellent range of wines. It’s worth sampling a few on your way through and taking in the beautiful settings.
Lunenburg – This pretty and historic town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its colorful historical buildings date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, making it one of the best-preserved historical towns on the East Coast.
Victoria Park – Located in the town of Truro, this wonderful park encapsulates the best of Canada. Great trails, fabulous flora and fauna, waterfalls, and excellent park maintenance make this a delightful place to stop. Many visitors who intend to come for a couple of hours spend the whole day.
Aside from those visiting to participate in winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating, it’s generally considered that the best time to visit is during the warmer months from May through to October. During this time, the days are warm, with an average temperature of around 70°F. In peak summer, the mercury can hit 80+°F, while winter can see temperatures plunge into the low teens. Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, with some minor regional variations.
The peak summer months of July and August see prices rise and accommodation options dwindle. It’s well worth considering a visit outside of this period, particularly in the fall when the vivid colors of autumn come to the fore.
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