Day Trips in Nova Scotia"

Home , Blomidon Provincial Park, Kejimkujik National Park, McNabs Island, Peggys Point Lighthouse

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15 Locations Bookmarked

Halifax "Enchanting Halifax"

The provincial capital of Nova Scotia may have been named one of the top ten business-friendly cities in the Americas by the prestigious fDi Magazine, but is best known for its stunning harbourfront, craft beer culture and thriving arts scene. Swept by the sea breeze, Halifax makes the most of its setting on the world’s second-largest ice-free harbor with a by Tim Green aka atoach ravishing waterfront boardwalk lined with inventive restaurants, local pubs and specialty shops. Stretching between the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 to the Casino Nova Scotia, the historic harbourfront presents a colorful visage. Beyond this lies the strikingly modern Halifax Central Library, the historic fortifications of Citadel Hill, regional history at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and the flower-rich Halifax Public Gardens. The Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market is one of Canada's oldest, while NovaScotian Crystal is known for its world-class hand-cut crystals. While you may loathe leaving the city, day trips to the nearby Fisherman’s Cove, Dartmouth and McNabs Island are also recommended. From Atlantic Canada's largest art collection at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia to the sampling small-batch brews at Alexander Keith’s original Nova Scotia Brewery, Halifax will captivate you with its bountiful offer.

discoverhalifaxns.com [email protected] Halifax, Halifax NS

McNabs Island

"In The Midst Of The Sea"

Half of the McNabs and Lawlor Islands Provincial Park, McNabs Island is a stunning introduction to Nova Scotia's Halifax Harbour. The island's colorful history includes stints as a French fishing center and a military battery, and today, Fort McNab is considered a National Historic Site. Although Lawlor Island is not open to the public, visitors can enjoy by archer10 (Dennis) (51M McNabs Island's gorgeous coast and various attractions, like the Maugers Views) Beach Lighthouse. Wildlife watchers can stroll the island's many trails, watersports enthusiasts can spend the afternoon boating, and the curious can get to know the island's history by taking a tour with the Friends of McNabs Island, a volunteer society dedicated to preserving Nova Scotia's island gem.

+1 902 434 2254 www.mcnabsisland.ca [email protected] McNabs Island Provincial Park, Halifax NS

Blomidon Provincial Park "Overseer of the Minas Basin"

Blomidon Provincial Park in Canning, Nova Scotia covers a scenic 759 hectares (1,875 acres) of land overlooking the Minas Basin. Open to the public from mid-May to September, the park offers various group activities, including camping and beach-combing. Also available are several hiking and biking trails, shaded picnic areas, and photo by Figure8 opportunities galore. Blomidon Provincial Park is approximately 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) from Wolfville and accessible via Nova Scotia Route 358. +1 888 544 3434 parks.novascotia.ca/conte [email protected] 3138 Pereaux Road, Canning nt/blomidon NS

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

"Coastal Vistas"

Situated on the northern end of Cape Breton Island, this park provides visitors with three distinct kinds of habitat: Acadian, Taiga, and Boreal. It is home to extensive trekking trails, beaches, and waterfalls, and it houses by Tony Webster from San various observation points for visitors to enjoy beautiful panoramas of the Francisco, California Atlantic Coastline. The ever-popular Cabot Trail is a scenic drive that passes through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, offering equally breathtaking views of the surrounding areas. Camping at the park is possible between May and October.

+1 902 224 2306 www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn- [email protected] 37639 Cabot Trail, Ingonish np/ns/cbreton/index.aspx Beach, Ingonish NS

Taylor Head Provincial Park "Unspoiled Park"

Taylor Head Provincial Park, also known as Taylor Head Beach, comprises just under a mile (1 kilometer) of sandy beach. Beyond plentiful hiking trails complete with scenic views, the small beach is a great place to catch up on some afternoon sun, enjoy a picnic lunch, or go exploring. Visitors will find sand volcanoes at the park, an uncommon natural phenomenon by archer10 (Dennis) in Nova Scotia, alongside other interesting geological features and a variety of wildlife. Be sure to check out the Mushroom Harbour trail beach walk for some of the best views of the coast.

+1 902 662 3030 www.novascotia.com/see-do/outdo Taylor Head Provincial Park, Halifax NS or-activities/taylor-head-provincial- park/1863

Laurie Provincial Park "Wilderness Bliss"

Located minutes from the beautiful Shubenacadie Grand Lake, Laurie Provincial Park is a perfect getaway for outdoor lovers in need of a camping retreat or scenic afternoon. The on-site campground offers more than 60 sites, most of which promise spectacular views of the lake. Those who enjoy swimming can take a refreshing dip before barbecuing under by Public Domain the sun. Fire grills, ample wood, and dishwashing and disposal stations are some of the facilities and services offered at the park. Laurie Provincial Park is WiFi enabled and open to all.

+1 902 861 1623 www.novascotia.com/places-to-stay Laurie Provincial Park, Grand Lake NS /campgrounds/laurie-provincial- park/974

Sable Island National Park Reserve "Sea & Wilderness"

Southeast of mainland Nova Scotia in the Atlantic Ocean is Sable Island, a designated National Park Reserve since 2013. Sable Island is a natural grassland with prolific beachgrass growth. Its marshy coast is characterized by low sand dunes and a distinct lack of trees. Sable Island is remarkably narrow, offering visitors views of the ocean from most by Paul Gierszewski vantage points. Wildlife viewing at the park is a must, with opportunities to see Greenland Sharks, Grey Seals, Ipswich Sparrows, Arctic Terns, and of course Sable Island horses. Tourists are welcome although prior permission from local authorities is necessary before visiting.

+1 902 426 8507 www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn- Sable Island National Park Reserve, np/ns/sable/visit.aspx Halifax NS Lunenburg, Nova Scotia "World-Heritage Port Town"

Lunenburg is a port town known for its naval and fishing heritage. It was established in 1753, just four years after Halifax, Nova Scotia's capital. The town's rich history and vibrant architecture earned it a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 1995, and today, Lunenburg is cherished as an example of an early British colonial settlement. It sports a scenic by Wladyslaw waterfront sprinkled with brightly-colored buildings that overlook the intense blue of the surrounding Back Harbor. Between its historic town center, gorgeous port, small town charm, and many local businesses, this increasingly popular tourist destination definitely warrants a day trip.

+1 902 634 4410 (Tourist Information) www.explorelunenburg.ca/ Lunenburg, Lunenburg NS

Martinique Beach Provincial Park "Surfing & Beach-combing"

Martinique Beach Provincial Park is set next to the distinctly crescent- shaped Martinique Beach. It stretches five kilometers (3.1 miles) along the Nova Scotia coast, making it the longest beach in the province. The park protects such species as the Piping Plover and serves as a migratory site for various waterfowl. While Martinique Beach is a popular spot for by Public Domain amateur and experienced surfers, those who prefer to stay dry can follow boardwalks that unlock the beach's beauty and tranquility. Also popular is beach-combing for hidden treasures, an activity enjoyed by kids and adults alike, and carried out for both commercial and recreational purposes.

+1 902 662 3030 www.novascotia.com/see-do/outdo 193 Martinique Beach Road, Halifax NS or-activities/martinique-beach- provincial-park/1745

Antigonish "Old World Town"

Antigonish is the cultural hub of Antigonish County in Nova Scotia. Known locally as "The Big Town," it is perhaps best known for housing St. Francis Xavier University, which is regarded by some as the best undergraduate university in all of Canada. You can find several historical monuments in town, notably old churches with impressive architecture. Antigonish hosts by Brendanriley the Highland Games every year, an athletic competition that also features entertaining cultural events like music and dance performances. Whether you visit for the games or just because, Antigonish is bound to be a delightful stop along your tour of Nova Scotia.

www.visitantigonish.ca/ Antigonish, Antigonish NC

Kejimkujik National Park "Home of the Mi'kmaq People"

Although evidence suggests that the earliest inhabitants of this area lived roughly 4,000 years ago, archeological discoveries have traced the use of the Kejimkujik National Park's watercourse by semi-nomadic people to around 6,000 years ago. Over time, the region's early Archaic itinerants settled into a more permanent cultural group, known today as the by Barney Moss Mi'kmaq people. Stone engravings that depict everything from traditional Mi'kmaq dress to its social structure make a notable addition to the park's many natural attractions. Visitors to Kejimkujik National Park, best known simply as Keji, can enjoy a variety of outdoor recreation, cultural activities, and learning experiences here.

+1 902 682 2772 Kejimkujik National Park, www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ [email protected] Kejimkujik NS ns/kejimkujik/index.aspx

Peggy's Cove "Quaint Fishing Village"

Found on the Bluenose Coast by the picturesque St. Margaret's Bay, Peggy's Cove is a popular day-trip destination for travelers in Nova Scotia. The area boasts a rustic appeal; it is famous for having beautiful beaches, colorful bird life, plentiful whale watching opportunities, scenic trails, and fun kayaking spots. Enjoy renowned Nova Scotia seafood, stroll the by – Wladyslaw [Disk.] beach, or shop for local souvenirs. Outdoor enthusiasts are guaranteed a good time at Peggy's Cove, and everyone will enjoy a tour of the iconic Peggys Point Lighthouse.

www.peggyscoveregion.com/ Peggys Cove, Peggys Cove NS

Cape Chignecto Provincial Park "Shoreline Park"

Sprawling across 42 square kilometers (16 square miles) of pristine wilderness, Cape Chignecto Provincial Park is one of the largest in Nova Scotia. It moves between coastal beach, low valleys, and forested areas, providing habitats for a variety of plant and animal species. Visitors can explore the verdant landscape and take in views of the shoreline from one by Bardencj of the site's many hiking trails. Particularly popular among backpackers and wilderness enthusiasts, Cape Chignecto Provincial Park is open to all between May and November. Please note that there are no drive-up sites; the park offers walk-in campgrounds and recreation areas only.

+1 902 392 2085 parks.novascotia.ca/content/cape- 1108 West Advocate Road, Advocate chignecto Harbour NS

Wolfville "Charming Port Town"

Once famous for being the world's littlest port, the Wolfville of today is cherished as a small but important cultural hub. The town is roughly an hour from Halifax by car and characterized by charming eateries, boutiques, and bed and breakfasts. Close proximity to the Bay of Fundy has made Wolfville a popular tourist destination. It is also home to one of by wolfvilleian Canada's oldest liberal arts institutions, Acadia University, which often hosts cultural events. Favorite among locals is the Annapolis Valley Music Festival, featuring thousands of competitors from across the province. With as much to do as there is scenery to appreciate, an afternoon in Wolfville is sure to be memorable.

www.wolfville.ca/ Wolfville, Wolfville NS

Annapolis Royal "Small Town Charm"

Annapolis Royal is a historic gem of the Annapolis Valley. Settled by the French in 1605 as Port Royal, the area was later overtaken by the British, who changed the settlement's name to Annapolis Royal in honor of Queen Anne. Although this seaside town is home to less than five hundred residents, it plays host to more than 130 heritage sites. Must-visit by Stig Nygaard attractions include the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens, Tidal Power Generating Station, and Farmers' and Traders' Market. Outdoor adventurers will also find a number of exciting recreational activities between the North and South Mountains and the town's charming waterfront.

www.annapolisroyal.com/ [email protected] Annapolis Royal, Annapolis Royal NS JOIN US AT: cityseeker.com