best time to visit nova scotia
We did a half-day kayaking adventure with Cape LaHave Adventures who set us up with a knowledgable local guide with snacks and water for a four-hour journey hopping islands and paddling along seals. There’s no question the hardest part about your visit to Nova Scotia is deciding what to do next. Summers here are pleasant albeit humid at times and Winters tend to bring icy winds, rain and snow. Also, not that Nova Scotia is mostly made up of coastline and you can have weather patterns that change rapidly and don’t always follow the weather forecast. Tip: Drive down Shore Club Road to get to the spots mentioned above. Located right along the waterfront and close walking distance to everything downtown in Halifax. I would like to make sure its not too cold. Located on a gorgeous white sandy beach you can enjoy a sunset on one of the prettiest beaches in Nova Scotia. This is a fun or curious spot to add to your Nova Scotia travel stories from your trip! We ate at the South Shore Fish Shack which has an incredible selection of seafood dishes and if the weather is nice you’ll enjoy the view from their outdoor deck and patio to eat. Besides just driving around, we would love to eat lobster at a picnic table and to go watch some whales. We are driving down there from Mississauga Ontario and are taking 2 weeks off for the trip. Westin Nova Scotian is another fantastic option for where to stay in Halifax. Even if you don’t have alot of time, this is worth doing even if you only make it halfway and need to turn around. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. Metric (°C / mm) | Imperial (°F / inches), Daytime temperature Short video slide show describing when the best time to visit this city based on weather and climate. Did you know that Nova Scotia has its own appellation wine? Cailin O'Neil 24,935 views. Don’t worry, this Nova Scotia destination has way more to offer than wine. Be sure to also check out Crescent Beach on your Nova Scotia itinerary, a crescent-shaped beach that stretches 2 kilometers that you can drive your car on! The experience is 6 hours long and has 4 courses including a lunch. You can kayak to the islands off of Blue Rocks with Pleasant Paddling. Short video slide show describing when the best time to visit this city based on weather and climate. When arriving to Annapolis Royal be sure to take a walk down St. George Street. Make the most of your time here by exploring our Top 25 things to see and do... with a little off-the-beaten-path adventure mixed in. Jan For the route we have you on for this Nova Scotia road trip we recommend driving along the Lighthouse Route. You’ll enjoy having many of the Nova Scotia destinations to yourself as a tourist without the crowds. There’s also a restaurant on-site and you’re right across from the Halifax Farmer’s Market. We had the most romantic cottage with an amazing view right from our bed. Cost includes the rental of wetsuits, safety briefings and an experienced teacher. This is a great place to do a kayaking excursion from and is considered one of the most desirable places to kayak. There are ferries every 15-30 minutes and you’ll need $7 in cash to pay your way. This town depicts life in the early 1900s and offers hands on exhibits you can participate in or watch actors in period costumes perform daily tasks from boat building to the blacksmith shop. It is one of the best road trip destinations in the world with so many things to see and adventures to be had. (I am from Washinigton State). We aim to make your Nova Scotia travels as easy as possible including some of the best Nova Scotia destinations from our visit! The weather of Valley is favorable along with the best of activities during this particular time in Valley. There are plenty of great options for where to eat here as well if you’ve built up an appetite hopping from one seaside village to another to get here. Take the Halifax Harbour transit ferry from the waterfront to Dartmouth where you can explore by foot and try some of the different beers and ciders at the different stops on the Good Cheer Trail all for $2.50 CAD for a round trip ticket! New Scotland. Best of Halifax Tour with Peggy's Cove. The Nova Scotia tides cause 160 billion tons of water flow through the Bay of Fundy twice a day, which feeds into the Shubenacadie River. Each season truly has something unique to … Halifax Harbour Ferry – This is the cheapest way to see Halifax by water! They both have great locations that are walkable to most of the things you’d want to do in Halifax. Recommended for Nova Scotia. We showed up on a gorgeous day so sitting on the dock in one of the Adirondack chairs was a great way to enjoy our cup of coffee. After, continue on to LaHave Ferry Terminal where you can ride one of the oldest cable river ferries in Canada! Keep in mind that accommodation prices are higher during this time but tourist attractions are never overly crowded. You will want to come mentally prepared that it could be raining or foggy one minute and 15 minutes later the sun is out with big puffy white clouds. You can best see this at the fishing wharf on the main road in the village. It’s located in the town of Walton just 15 minutes before Burntcoat Head Park where you’ll be visiting the Bay of Fundy. It is Nova Scotia’s most popular attraction and with good reason. I understand there will possibly still be some remnants of the fall foliage, and the temps should be tolerable for my wife. Covering charming seaside villages, unique experiences, and some of the most famous Nova Scotia destinations including the Bay of Fundy & Peggy’s Cove, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and more as we take you on a journey through Nova Scotia’s mainland along the south and Acadian shores up through the west and the Bay of Fundy before returning in a perfect loop back to Halifax where you’ll have a day to explore the capital maritime city. Canada - Newfoundland or Nova Scotia for a first time visitor? This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are also a few other shops dotted along the road selling local art and trinkets. It’s best to have these Nova Scotia travel essentials with you and available most times. I would like to make sure its not too cold. This is also a great chance to visit the Farmer’s Markets if you missed out those on the day earlier too. We stayed in one of the apartment like rooms and loved how spacious they were, it felt more like a home than a hotel. Although Nova Scotia can be visited year-round, the best times to visit would be in the summer (June to August) and in the fall (September to November). We recommend spending the least amount of time here if you’re trying to stop at all three Nova Scotia destinations we recommend on your way to Lunenburg. The Best Reasons to Visit Nova Scotia. Just a few miles away from Lunenburg is another charming, small fishing community worth visiting. This is a very comfortable option for where to stay along your Nova Scotia road trip. Well .. we are going to Nova Scotia this summer. Afterward, you can visit one of the most fought over lands in North America at Fort Anne National Historic Site. Nova Scotia Tourism: Tripadvisor has 381,140 reviews of Nova Scotia Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Nova Scotia resource. Our Go-To Gear 6 - 14°C Mar Above all, schedule time for simply doing not much of anything. The replica house was built as a shrine to honor the local folk artist’s legacy within 6-8km of the original home she painted and what was considered her greatest work of art. Autumn is a fun time to check out Halifax: The summer season groups have weakened; events continue to enliven the city and also the autumn vegetation adds a ruptured of color to the landscapes. This is where you can go back in history to the early 20th century and see what an Acadian village and daily life looked like. Keep in mind that most wineries in the Annapolis Valley close between 5-6 pm and only one stays open until 7 pm. - Interested in traveling to Newfoundland or Nova Scotia next summer. Dec. 40 mm or less Be sure to try the Tidal Bay wine which is made only in Nova Scotia strictly from local grapes and has to pair perfectly with seafood to be considered a Tidal Bay wine. Grab a board and go surfing at Lawrencetown Beach (its surf is known world wide), or check out the white sand beach of Carter’s Beach. The undertow and current are very dangerous as well as the random rogue waves. 25°C or warmer Home to Alexander Keiths, donairs, deep-fried pickles and deep-fried anything for that matter. However, as always, all opinions and experiences are our own! Spend the evening listening to live Acadian inspired music with specialty local dishes and cajun inspired seafood. Atlantic Canada. Both wineries mentioned also have restaurants if you’re ready for dinner after you do a tasting as well. Peggy’s Cove & Halifax. Next up on your Nova Scotia itinerary is the scallop capital of the world in Digby! Shelburne 7. Popular: Booked by 254 travellers! Book Now on Booking.com | Compare Prices for Later on Hotels.com | View Rates on Expedia.com. Be sure to explore the different museums and shops along Dock Street including the Dory Shop Museum where the famous Shelburne Dory boats are made. When going through tolls be sure to go into the lane that accepts cash as well! Best time to go to Nova Scotia. After you’ll enjoy a seafood boil lunch paired with local wine before wandering around the low tide and tide pools with local guides. if you like the arts, Neptune Theatre's holiday show, Elf, will be running. Grab a passport at any of the participating stops and collect stamps as you sip your way through the province! Our Nova Scotia road trip itinerary focuses on mainland heading through the south shores and the west. Explore Nova Scotia holidays and discover the best time and places to visit. None We’ve had the pleasure of traveling all of Nova Scotia from North to South and everywhere in between. Congratulations, you’ve just finished the Lighthouse Route on your Nova Scotia road trip! The best time to visit Halifax is May through October. 32 reviews ₹6,477.05 per adult. The best way to explore the different Nova Scotia destinations on this Nova Scotia itinerary road trip we recommend renting a car in advance. Also, keep in mind some of the Nova Scotia destinations we mention on this itinerary do offer certain activities seasonally and if you come in the winter you may find some of the businesses close for the winter. We recommend staying the night in Lunenburg as there are so many things to do and see here on your Nova Scotia itinerary that you’ll have an action-packed day. There’s no question the hardest part about your visit to Nova Scotia is deciding what to do next. Read below for more weather and travel details. Nova Scotia successfully turned Scott from hating scallops to loving scallops on this trip. We love sea food so would like to make sure we are in season. subscribe to the Flying Apron Inn & Cookery’s newsletter. Besides having a fascinating history, this is a great place to take a nice waterfront walk and visit another lighthouse along the Lighthouse Route at the Fort Point Lighthouse. Just like champagne can only come from Champagne, France, Tidal Bay can only come from Nova Scotia. There are 19 in Halifax alone! Even if the sea looks innocent during your visit there’s a chance a rogue wave could come even on the calmest of days. Nova Scotia was one of the original four provinces that became part of Canada in 1867, and as of 2011 had a population of 922,000 people, of whom 44% live in the capital city, Halifax. Visitors to Nova Scotia should spend a little time poring over a map (and this travel guide) before leaving home. Also, what's the best region to visit and do you have any tips: restaurants to dine at, museums to visit, places to see, things to do... Update: Thank you SO much for what you've all said so far. 10 hours or more If you don’t have the perfect amount, the teller can break change for you. Answer 1 of 9: I have been wanting to go to the northeast to see the leaves changing for about 30 years now. Nova Scotia is known for its microclimates so there’s also a chance somewhere 5 minutes away is experiencing different weather than you! Happy Travels! Nova Scotia's climate is slightly continental, characterized by very cold, snowy winters and pleasantly warm, quite rainy summers. So in Nova Scotia the best place to see the Bay of Fundy tides is in the Parrsboro/Advocate Harbour area. However, no matter when you plan to visit be sure to check the weather and dress accordingly. Nova Scotia Day Tour - Visit Peggy's Cove, Lunenburg, and the Annapolis Valley. Fort Anne is also considered the oldest National Historic Site in Canada! Acadians are descendants of the French colonists in Atlantic Canada and the Northeast US who colonized this area between the 17th and 18th centuries. Your next Nova Scotia destination on your itinerary is one of the most famous. Right on the property is also Rhubarb Restaurant, an incredible local spot offering up great seafood and dishes. The bay at Advocate Harbour is reduced to mud flats at low tide and then fills in many feet at high tide. The city lies in the Northern Temperate Zone. See our Privacy Policy https://www.boboandchichi.com/privacy-policy/. This military fortress has been fought for and taken control over back and forth by the French and British for centuries. Their restaurant serves up delicious local seafood and other dishes as well as great cocktails and local wines with views of the white sand beach. The best time to enjoy your Nova Scotia road trip itinerary is arguably between the months of May through October. Factor in a couple days in Halifax. We recommend doing the 4-course meal set that comes with a bottle of perfectly paired local wine. I have a friend in Sydney. Go Tidal Bore Rafting. I understand there will possibly still be some remnants of the fall foliage, and the temps should be tolerable for my wife. The breathtaking Cape Breton National Park. Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites is a great option for exploring Halifax. That being said, this is also the peak season to enjoy Nova Scotia destinations. Strolling or biking in quiet lanes; picnicking on a beach; and watching the tides from docks, boat decks, and hotel porches are the best ways I know to let Nova Scotia's charms sink in at their own unhurried pace. A lady at work told me the best time would be in early September but thats when my teen goes back to school. As you’re driving you can’t miss the giant sign indicating where the UFO sighting took place that shook everyone and even people to this day. You’ll be introduced to the area and learn about edible plants from a local before foraging around the property where you’ll spot some edible plants from the knowledge you just learned. 12 hours or more, Sea temperature Jul New airline routes & holiday destinations for 2021, Beyond caffeine: the fascinating coffee cultures of the world, 11 exciting summer holiday destinations you can visit with TUI, Fred Olsen sale: Cruises from £599 + extra benefit, Cosmos sale: up to £772 off tours + £300 air credit, Kiwi.com: Book flexible flight, train & bus tickets, VRBO: Holiday rentals with free cancellation, Where to book family holidays with free child places, Where to go in 2021: Top destinations to rediscover travel, Quarantine-free holidays & Covid Cover with TUI, Where to go on holiday in July for the best weather, coronavirus (COVID-19) updates for Canada, Discover top Air Canada offers on flights to Canada, Browse the lowest fares available or search by date, Book flights to Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal & more. 100 mm or less, Days with some rain Planning a Nova Scotia road trip anytime soon and looking for the perfect Nova Scotia itinerary? This is a great stop for lunch or a snack if you’re holding out until Lunenburg for a full meal. What's the best time of year to visit Nova Scotia and what do we need to know about visiting? The next stop on our Nova Scotia road trip itinerary is the town of Barrington, or also known as the lobster capital of Canada! A lady at work told me the best time would be in early September but thats when my teen goes back to school. After, you’ll enjoy a once in a lifetime experience 3-course dinner prepared on the ocean floor where you’ll eat and watch the tide slowly roll in before having tea and coffee around a fire on the ocean floor. However, the town still has descendants of the first generation loyalists who reside here today. Nova Scotia is at its busiest in the summer months, with the best weather occuring between May and September. based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Get your weekly fix of holiday inspiration from leading travel writers. Enjoy a slow, romantic evening near the waterfront with a bonfire and B&B style room that makes you feel right at home. This is a leisurely day and since you’re along the south shores, if you’re visiting during comfortable weather, we recommend enjoying a kayak excursion on this day either from Blue Rocks or LaHave to experience the views of the Nova Scotia coastline from the water. Explore Nova Scotia holidays and discover the best time and places to visit. Chester is an interesting stop during your Nova Scotia travels, a bit like Hubbards in the sense that you probably won’t encounter too many tourists here but worth stopping to see the charming downtown area where you can find cafes and shops to explore. Situated on the coastline with a gorgeous waterfront view of the nearby islands is where you can find a cozy, feel at home kind of accommodation. After getting a dose of what Acadian life was like we recommend heading to Argyle for your overnight stay and dinner at the Argyler Lodge & Restaurant. The Best Time To Visit Nova Scotia. Close to Halifax, you’ll find Crystal Crescent, Rainbow Haven and Queensland, to name a few. Find all the helpful info you need to plan your visit to Nova Scotia, Canada. Answer 1 of 20: My wife and I would like to visit Nova Scotia in October, preferably the 18th-29th. Aug If your Nova Scotia travel day doesn’t allow for much time, like ours, then we recommend just walking along the Leif Ericson trail for pretty views of the light station along the rocky coastal path. Get the latest coronavirus (COVID-19) updates for Canada with current travel advice, statistics and online resources. The best time to visit Nova Scotia depends on your preferences and which kinds of activities you enjoy. I have a friend in Sydney. Posted on July 30, 2014 February 27, 2021 Author: Nova Scotia. Best time to visit Nova Scotia is preffered by most of the tourists. Make the most of your time here by exploring our Top 25 things to see and do... with a little off-the-beaten-path adventure mixed in. Though most don't enjoy Nova Scotia travel in the winter because of the cold, others find it a blissfully peaceful time to vacation, engaging in outdoor activities like skiing, cross country skiing, ice fishing, back-country hiking, and even winter camping for intrepid types. Enjoy your morning at the last of the Nova Scotia destinations on the Lighthouse Route with a lighthouse! Ingonish is actually an area of 6 different communities — Ingonish ferry, harbour, beach, centre, and North Ingonish. There’s also a chance you won’t see another tourist here as this is a bit off the radar for most visitors and you’ll likely encounter locals who are getting their morning walk or jog in around the water. However, even if you do visit in the off-season months you can enjoy the old lighthouse on the property and view the Bay of Fundy from above. I see a lot of postings by people who live in Nova Scotia… Shelburne is one of the more unique Nova Scotia destinations on our road trip itinerary. Learn about the rum-running history of Lunenburg during the prohibition period in this immersive culinary experience. We recommend driving down to Cape Forchu Lightstation where you can visit what is considered an applecore lighthouse because of its shape. You can visit the Lightkeeper’s house here, take a guided tour, visit the fog alarm building, and even eat at the restaurant here called the Keeper’s Kitchen. Mahone Bay 4. Disclaimer: This post was made in collaboration with Visit Nova Scotia. Lunenburg 5. This day gives you a chance to enjoy the Annapolis Valley before heading over to where the world’s highest tides were recorded at the Bay of Fundy in Burntcoat Head Park and finally ending your Nova Scotia itinerary day in Halifax for the evening. Many the Acadians were invited by the Spanish to migrate into Louisiana and the Acadians that are there to present day are originally from the Atlantic coast of Canada and Maine. I am finally planning a trip in the Fall of 2007, and now I am in a quandry as to when to go. Besides a few adorable churches, Mahone Bay also boasts great shopping along its independently owned stores, cafes, restaurants, and walk along the water. Harbour Hopper Tour – Hop aboard an amphibious retired US Navy vehicle where you’ll cover all of Halifax by land and sea with a cheeky guide and captain who will tell you the history and overview of the city on this hour-long tour. Ingonish (one of the best places in Nova Scotia for golfing, hiking and camping) Of all the places to visit in Nova Scotia, this was one of our favourites for sure. This town is famous for being a loyalist colony to the British crown during the American Revolution. One thing that’s really nice about Nova Scotia is that gas prices are generally the same at every gas station, no one is really surging prices not even near the airport which makes filling the car back up before returning it as easy and convenient as ever. Next, on our Nova Scotia itinerary on your way to Lunenburg if you’re only going to stop at one seaside village on the way this is it. This is really very helpful. We recommend having dinner at Rhubarb Restaurant just a few miles away or enjoy the Lobster Feast Experience with Oceanstone Seaside Resort where you get to spend time learning about the local lobster at Ryer’s Pound, have a glass of local wine or beer at a locals-only spot in Peggy’s Cove, enjoy a fresh oyster and craft beer pairing, and ending with a private sunset lobster dinner along the ocean. 22°C or warmer The best time to go guide for Nova Scotia shows long term monthly weather averages processed from data supplied by CRU (University of East Anglia) & the Met Office. The previous day was a huge driving day compared to the others on your Nova Scotia road trip and trying to pack alot in. Low or less This is a great chance to taste around more at some of the local wineries you may have missed the previous day. Answer 1 of 9: I have been wanting to go to the northeast to see the leaves changing for about 30 years now. It's a good idea to narrow down your options, because numerous loops, circuits, and side-trips are possible here -- and the permutations only multiply once you factor in various ferry links to the United States, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland. The $2 coin is a ‘toonie’. Feb Halifax Waterfront – Walk along North America’s longest wooden waterfront boardwalk right here in Halifax! This is fun for anyone and they even have wheelchair friendly spots on their tours. Don’t fancy wine tasting? June 18th to October 7th. We have highlighted some of our favorites. Find yourself aboard a whale watching tour with lively commentary and local tales as you watch for any of the 12 species of whales that visit Nova Scotia each year. A great option is the Lunenburg Arms Hotel which is where we stayed. After eating a feast, be sure to walk along the Admirals Walk along the waterfront where you can see the scallop fishing fleet. I’ll warn you, it’s highly competitive so when they give you the date that reservations are open you will want to be prepared and ready to call the number the moment it opens, leave a short message on their answering machine, and hope that you were one of the lucky ones who got to leave a message first and score a seat! Good luck to all of those who try! During low tide, you can carefully walk on the ocean floor and witness different marine life in the tidepools. We recommend trying Captain Kat’s Lobster Shack. ... Nova Scotia - Best Things to See and Do - Duration: 1:38. The Lunenburg Distilled Culinary Adventure is a must add item to your Nova Scotia road trip itinerary if you’re visiting from July – October. Truro is situated in the heart of Nova Scotia and has been listed as one of the best places to live in Canada by several magazines including MoneySense and Chatelaine. Home to Alexander Keiths, donairs, deep-fried pickles and deep-fried anything for that matter. If you do not have a family practice, call 811 or visit www.needafamilypractice.ca to join a provincial wait list. Oct The best time to visit Halifax is through summer and autumn between May and late October. For the tide times check here. 15 days or fewer Be sure to check their program dates, if it doesn’t line up with your itinerary be sure to try another one of Lunenburg Walking Tours experiences. We recommend planning lunch in Barrington, the lobster capital of Canada, then making your way down Cape Sable Island if the weather is clear and you have an ample amount of time before heading to the historic Acadian village and eventually to Argyle where you will spend the evening. We recommend taking your time and adjusting our suggested Nova Scotia destinations mentioned on this itinerary to your specific interests if needed. Moderate or less {optional} The best time to go guide for Halifax, Nova Scotia shows long term monthly weather averages processed from data supplied by CRU (University of East Anglia) & the Met Office.Find out more about our data sources. We recommend staying and dining at Quarterdeck. Halifax’s museums and galleries Get lost in Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, and explore its many museums, galleries, and historic sites. We recommend spending the least amount of time here if you’re trying to stop at all three Nova Scotia... Chester. We recommend following the routes that stay on the Lighthouse Route because these routes are more scenic. Liverpool is most famous for its role in rum-running during the prohibition and is also known as the “Port of Privateers,” because of their role in history as one of British North America’s leading privateer ports. 19°C or warmer We are driving down there from Mississauga Ontario and are taking 2 weeks off for the trip. {optional} Citadel Hill – A National Historic Site in Canada and old fortification is a great place to visit during your time in Halifax. If you are doing great on time be sure to go all the way to the Cape Sable Lighthouse.