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Things to do in Nova Scotia

Our most recommended things to do in Nova Scotia

From Halifax: Peggy’s Cove Express Tour

1. From Halifax: Peggy’s Cove Express Tour

Explore the beautiful Peggy’s Cove, with an experienced, fun, and friendly local guide. Enjoy pickup from your downtown Halifax Peninsula hotel with express access to the iconic Peggy’s Cove. Explore the most photographed lighthouse in Canada, with a small and intimate group tour. Enjoy hotel pickup in the Downtown Halifax Peninsula and begin your fully guided tour towards Peggy's Cove. Ride in comfort and style with a high-end sprinter van, and small groups of less than 6 people. As you drive to this picturesque fishing village, learn fun local facts and tips from your guide and admire the stunning tree-lined landscape. Upon arrival in Peggy's Cove, grab the opportunity to take a picture with Peggy's Point Lighthouse. Take your free time to explore this quaint fishing village, which offers unique, small shops and stunning views of the ocean and surrounding nature. Sit on a sightseeing bench and ponder this turbulent coastal point, before heading back to Halifax.

Charlottetown: Prince Edward Island Small-Group Tour

2. Charlottetown: Prince Edward Island Small-Group Tour

Discover the best of Prince Edward Island on a small-group tour departing from Charlottetown. Experience the island's natural beauty which was the inspiration for Lucy Maud Montgomery’s famous novel, Anne of Green Gables. Enjoy a scenic drive through the province to visit viewpoints, see the home of Anne of Green Gables, and enjoy the gardens at the Prince Edward Island Preserve Co. Enjoy the top attractions and visitor experiences in Charlottetown while avoiding long lines and wait times with a fully guided and narrated tour with attraction admission fees included. Receive hotel pickup and drop-off in the comfort of an air-conditioned van. Meet your guide at your accommodation in downtown Charlottetown and embark on a narrated drive of this beautiful city. Pass by many interesting places such as St. Dunstan's Basilica, the historical Province House, the Confederation Centre of the Arts, Victoria Park, and more. Listen to your guide's notable narration, highlighting important tips and facts about the surrounding area. Discover two separate viewpoints: Dalvay by the Sea Outlook and Cavendish Cliffs Outlooks, with signature views of rugged, red sandstone cliffs. Cavendish Cliffs is famously connected to the story of Anne of Green Gables. Visit her home at the Anne of Green Gables Heritage Site and take some free time to relive Anne's youthful escapades. To finish the tour, head to the Prince Edward Island Preserve Co, a riverside eatery offering refined regional fare and house jams in an airy setting. See, hear, taste, and smell Canada's finest preserves before returning back to your hotel.

Saint John: Small-Group City Tour with Optional Jetboat Ride

3. Saint John: Small-Group City Tour with Optional Jetboat Ride

Explore the natural wonders in St. John and its historical attractions with a fun and friendly local guide. Get to the best attractions such as the Carleton Martello Tower, Fort La Tour, Rockwood Park, and the City Market. Enjoy a small group and avoid long lines and wait times for attractions. Upgrade to experience Saint John’s Reversing Falls Rapids on a sightseeing jetboat ride. Embark in style with pickup from your hotel in a comfortable tour van. First, stop at the Saint John City Market, an iconic market dating back to the 1870's and the oldest farmers market in Canada. Browse the large variety of vendors that carry local produce, meats, seafood, and crafts. Next, sit back and relax on a fully narrated driving tour through Saint John. Pass many popular sites and attractions such as the beautiful Rockwood Park, located in the heart of the city and Saint John Port, the bustling Uptown. Drive around King Square, the thrilling Reversing Falls Rapids, Irving House, Red Rose Tea House, City Gardens, and historic Fort Howe while listening to the interesting narration of your guide. Take a step back in history at the Carleton Martello Tower, one of the nine surviving Martello Towers in Canada dating back to 1812. Here, you can look out over the city of Saint John, its harbor, and the skyline from the viewpoint. Make Fort La Tour your last stop, a National Historic Site of Canada and an archaeological site that contains the remains of a 17th-century fortified fur trading post in Saint John. Return back to your Downtown Saint John New Brunswick hotel. Experience the natural beauty of Saint John, New Brunswick.

Halifax: Guided Halifax Tour and Peggy's Cove Visit

4. Halifax: Guided Halifax Tour and Peggy's Cove Visit

Your adventurous day begins with a scenic drive to Peggy’s Cove. Located about an hour’s drive away from Halifax, Peggy’s Cove is a picturesque fishing village with plenty to see and do. While driving up to Peggy’s Cove, your guide will point out notable sights, landmarks, and scenic views. Upon arrival to the cove you will be given plenty of free time in which you can explore the area around the historical lighthouse, stroll along the ocean looking for tidal pools, head into the village to watch the fishermen come and go, or go shopping in one of the small boutiques and shops. After exploring Peggy’s Cove, you will head back to downtown Halifax where you will stop at Citadel Hill where a historical guide will be waiting to take you on an amazing tour. Throughout the tour, you will explore prison cells and alleyways which date back to 1745.  The day ends on a high note with a driving tour of downtown Halifax. The driving tour will take you by the city’s most well-known buildings and landmarks, such as the Titanic Cemetery, the City Gardens, Pier 21, and the Halifax Farmers Market. At the end of the driving tour, you will be dropped off at a location of your choosing.

Prince Edward Island, Canada: Walking Tour of Charlottetown

5. Prince Edward Island, Canada: Walking Tour of Charlottetown

Explore Charlottetown on a 2-hour guided walking tour where you will enjoy a combination of history, sightseeing, and entertainment. Your day begins on the city’s waterfront at Confederation Landing. From here, you will head to Great George St. which is known for the evolution of architecture displayed along the way. On one side you will see beautifully preserved Georgian architecture and on the other side of the street you will see Gothic Revival architecture. As you leisurely walk down the street, you will pass by the Bishops Palace and the Basilica Cathedral, considered to be the defining silhouette of Charlottetown. Next, you will stroll around the grounds of Province House, known for being the birthplace of the Confederation, before heading over to Victoria Row. This area is well known for its daily live entertainment, local artists, artisan shops, cafes and farm-to-table restaurants. After, you will view the Confederation Centre of the Arts, where the world-famous Anne of Green Gables play has been running for over 50 years. Your tour will then continue on as you pass multiple points of interest such as Confederation Court Mall, City Hall, and Rochford Square. Then, head over to the Prince Edward Island government buildings, a stunning example of brutalist architecture. Here you will visit the Beaconsfield Historic House and the Government House of Prince Edward Island, which today serves as the home of the Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island. After this, you will make your way back towards your meeting point as you stroll down the Victoria Boardwalk. Along the way you will pass by the Culinary Institute of Canada, the Queen Charlotte Armoury, and the PEI Convention Centre, arriving back at Peakes Quay and Confederation Landing for the end of your tour.

Halifax: Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 Admission

6. Halifax: Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 Admission

Book in advance and enjoy flexible admission for the Canadian Museum of Immigration. Plan your visit around the weather and your travel schedule with a ticket allowing you to visit within 7 days either side of your booked date. The museum is located on Halifax's waterfront in the national historic site of Pier 21.. Step into the past and experience what it was like to immigrate to Canada. Join a passionate guide for a tour in English or French of the Pier 21 Story Exhibition. Your admission includes access to all exhibitions. Follow the evolution of immigration to Canada in the Canadian Immigration Story Exhibition. Dive into first-hand accounts of newcomers to Canada’s culture, economy, and way of life - from the past to the present. Watch an original 20-minute documentary 'In Canada' for compelling stories of journey and belonging. One of the museum's expert researchers can help you uncover your family's journey at the Scotiabank Family History Centre. You can also shop Canadian treasures at the museum's one-of-a-kind gift shop.

From Halifax: City & Peggy's Cove Express Sunset Tour

7. From Halifax: City & Peggy's Cove Express Sunset Tour

Discover Halifax at night with a local guide who will take you to witness the best views of the sunset at the famous Peggy's Cove. Take in beautiful, bustling downtown Halifax lit up at night and see key attractions on a guided tour that includes pickup, drop-off, and transportation. After hotel pickup, enjoy a scenic drive to Peggy's Cove just in time to watch the dazzling sunset. Marvel at the view as you watch the sky change color with the famous Peggy's Cove Lighthouse (also known as Peggy's Point Lighthouse) overlooking the Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop. Once the sun has set, be driven back towards the bustling downtown core. Listen to your guide's narration as you pass points of interest, such as Point Pleasant Park, Halifax Port, and Pier 21. Then, take in Halifax Seaport Market, the oldest continuously operating farmers' market in North America. Next, see the bustling Halifax Waterfront, Alexander Keith's iconic brewery, Dalhousie and Saint Mary's universities, and the beautiful City Gardens. Take in Fairview Lawn Cemetery, the final resting place for over 100 victims of the sinking of the Titanic. Finally, return to your hotel.

Halifax: City Segway Tour

8. Halifax: City Segway Tour

Climb aboard a Segway and make seeing Halifax’s sights a breeze as you glide effortlessly up the city’s many hills. There are two tour lengths to choose from to suit your sightseeing plans and schedule. Both tours include training, stops for pictures, and time to enjoy the visited sites. Check-in at the kiosk on the Halifax Waterfront, sign the waiver and be kitted out with the safety equipment. Prepare for your Segway adventure with 30-minutes of comprehensive training including ample practice time. Then, follow your expert guide along the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk before heading into the city to see the sights. Benefit from the local insights of your guides and enjoy stops for photo opportunities. Your tour duration depends on your selected option. The most popular is the 3-hour City Tour that takes you into the heart of Halifax to see some of the highlights of downtown. The 2-hour City Spin Tour is a shortened version of the 3-hour tour and will take you along the Halifax Waterfront up to Argyle Street and Citadel Hill. Get to know where things are and how the city is laid out so that you can explore further on your own.

Saint John: Scenic Evening Tour

9. Saint John: Scenic Evening Tour

Explore the beauty and history of Saint John New Brunswick illuminated at night, with a fun and friendly local guide who will take you to Carleton Martello Tower and Fort La Tour, and on a night time narrated drive through the city. There is no better way to experience the city than with See Sight Tours - Saint John’s best small group tours (max. 6 guests). Enjoy the top attractions and visitor experiences while avoiding long lines and wait times, with our fully guided and narrated tours with all attraction admission fees included along with complimentary hotel pick up and drop off in the comfort of an air-conditioned vans. Your See Sight Tours Guide will greet you at your downtown Saint John accommodations and begin your fully guided tour in the comfort and style. Begin your night with a narrated drive of the city passing multiple dazzling points of interest lit up at night such as; the Saint John Port, Uptown, King Square, the historical Fort Howe, the thrilling Reversing Falls Rapids, and the iconic City Market. Then your guide will take you to the Reversing Falls Rapids a series of rapids on the Saint John River where the river runs through a narrow gorge before emptying into the Bay of Fundy - this is a sight to behold as the monstrously high tide reverses the flow of the mighty Saint John River known as ‘nature’s tug-of-war’. Then, take a step back in history at Fort La Tour, a National Historic Site of Canada - an archaeological site containing the remains of a 17th-century fortified fur trading post in Saint John, New Brunswick. Continue to learn about the city’s history at the Carleton Martello Tower - one of the nine surviving Martello Towers in Canada dating back to 1812 playing a significant role in conflicts up until the Second World War. Here you can look out over the city of Saint John, its harbor and skyline from the viewpoint. At the end of your tour, your guide will take you back to your Downtown Saint John hotel.

Bay of Fundy: Fundy Trail Parkway Entry Ticket

10. Bay of Fundy: Fundy Trail Parkway Entry Ticket

Explore the amazing Fundy Trail Parkway and see coastal cliffs, roaring tides, and waterfalls. Hike on the many trails, visit the interpretive center and visit two UNESCO-designated sites. Learn about the lumber industry and walk across a 275 ft (84 meter) suspension bridge. Enter the park via the east or west entrance and choose to drive along the 19 mile (30 km) paved parkway where you can see the amazing 820 ft (250 meter) coastal cliffs. There, you can see the amazing view of the Bay of Fundy. Hike along the many trails to explore pristine beaches and estuaries. Also, you can cross a 275 ft (84 meter) suspension bridge and see the waterfalls and geological features. Then, visit the interpretive center to learn about the history of the lumber industry, which used to thrive here. Challenge yourself by hiking on the many hiking trails here. Walk along the Fundy Footpath hiking path, which is one of the top 50 hiking trails in the world. Afterward, go to the lookout points to see the tides, which can be up to 32 ft (9.75 meters) and which can go out as far as 0.3 miles (0.5 kilometers). When hiking, choose between Easy (green circle), Moderate (blue square), and Strenuous (black diamond) hikes, based on your ability. Enjoy the freedom to explore the park at your own pace and according to your own schedule.

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Frequently asked questions about Nova Scotia

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What people are saying about Nova Scotia

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 353 reviews

We toured on a very cool and windy day during the off season but the trip was still worth it. Our tour guide, Ethan, made the trip worth while by telling us informative stories regarding the history of Halifax, the landscapes we saw, Peggy’s Cove, and present day happenings. Definitely request Ethan for your tour. And, no, we are not related to him.

Our guide was waiting for us on the pier as arranged. Cher was friendly and knowledgeable about Saint John, adding background to each of our stops. When we expressed interest in something we had read about, she gracefully worked it into our allotted time.

Very easy to follow the guide. Very helpful and knowledgeable staff everywhere. Very good archives. Library helped me find relatives, took the time to do it. Overall great experience. I was an immigrant who came through those doors

It was a great experience to do while visiting Halifax ! We had explanations about the city and Peggy’s cove ! It was interesting! Thanks to our guide Jack !

Wonderful tour and an amazing tour guide, Cher! She was fun, knowledgeable and extremely accommodating. We had a very enjoyable trip around the city.