If being surrounded by the sea coast is your scene, then you'll be pleased to find that Nova Scotia is basically designed for water lovers. No matter where you are across the province's seven regions, the ocean is never far away.
From Cape Breton Island to Yarmouth and everywhere in between, you can experience warm water beaches, high tides, rocky coasts and charming seaside towns.
Wherever your visit takes you, you'll always have access to the ocean, and that's what makes Nova Scotia stand out. With the province's fresh seafood and safe, welcoming communities, you won't want to leave — in fact, you could stay for up to a month and still not have seen all of the beauty this East Coast province has to offer.
Ready to start planning your next trip? If you love the ocean, you'll want to add these seven must-see destinations and must-do experiences to your Nova Scotia bucket list.
Drive The Cabot Trail
Price: Free
Address: Cabot Trail Rd., Cape Breton Island, NS
Why You Need To Go: Located on Cape Breton Island, the Cabot Trail is known for its coastal route along the edge of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, past rolling hills, old-growth forests and beautiful ocean views.
With so much to see and do, a visit to the Cabot Trail is more than just a day trip. The recommended amount of time to spend on the Cabot Trail is three to five days, so you can fully enjoy small-town events, hiking paths, whale-watching excursions and — if you're lucky — a local kitchen party or two. Once you've worked up an appetite, stop for some specialty lobster at the many local seafood restaurants along the way.
Bay Of Fundy Ocean Floor Tour By Horseback
Price: $125 to $145
Address: 432 Prospect Rd., Parrsboro, Bay of Fundy, NS
Why You Need To Go: It's time to get your cowboy boots on, because this tour is going to take you for a ride as you explore Nova Scotia's expansive Bay Of Fundy region on horseback. Get ready to make your way through Wasson Bluff, a protected fossil site where 200 million-year-old fossils were discovered.
From Wasson Bluff, your horse will take you across the floor of the Minas Basin at low tide, where you can observe wildlife like crabs, clams and shorebirds. You'll have time to take a snack break under the fossil cliffs and admire the ocean views before it's time to saddle up and head back.
Swim In The Warmest Waters North Of The Carolinas At Melmerby Beach
Price: Free
Address: 6280 Little Harbour Rd., New Glasgow, Northumberland Shore, NS
Why You Need To Go: Famous for its boardwalks and warm waters, Melmerby Beach Provincial Park is the ultimate spot to swim, soak up the sun and picnic with your pals.
The beach has change houses, showers, picnic tables and toilets, so you can set up here for the day with everything you need.
Walk Along The Waterfront In Downtown Halifax
Price: Free
Address: Lower Water St., Halifax, Halifax Metro, NS
Why You Need To Go: Halifax is the province's largest city and the cultural core of Nova Scotia. There's tons to do here — like shopping, eating at award-winning restaurants, visiting museums and relaxing at cute cafes — but the city's real showstopper is the Halifax Harbourwalk.
This 4.4-kilometre boardwalk takes you along the water and past the city's main entertainment locales. It's free to walk and always open, so whether you're craving an oceanside stroll at the crack of dawn or after you've hit up the city's best restaurants, there's always an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the glistening waterfront in downtown Halifax.
Visit Cape Forchu Lighthouse
Price: Adults $12.50, Children (12 and under) $6.25
Address: 1856 Hwy. 304, Cape Forchu, NS
Why You Need To Go: Nova Scotia's only climbable "apple core" lighthouse, Cape Forchu, is the only one that can be climbed in the province. If you choose to head to the top to witness the lightkeeper's dwelling, you'll have to venture up 77 steps. From there, you'll have a magnificent view 123 feet above sea level of the surrounding nature. The lighthouse only takes five participants per tour, and online booking is recommended.
On your way down, stop at Cape Forchu's on-site restaurant, Keeper's Kitchen, for seafood chowder, baked goods, tea and more. If you want to continue your seaside journey, consider walking through nearby Leif Erikson Park, where you'll pass by a whale skeleton display and gorgeous ocean views.
Kayak An Untouched Coastline At 100 Wild Islands
Price: Kayak rentals and tours vary in pricing
Address: Eastern Shore, NS
Why You Need To Go: There are many islands on Canada's east coast, but 100 Wild Islands probably wasn't on your radar — until now. This natural treasure is one of Nova Scotia's hidden gems. The island's coastline remains undisturbed, which means ideal conditions for a serene kayak ride.
You can expect to discover white-sand beaches and sheltered coves amongst these islands. Plus, there's tons of opportunity to spot wildlife, including over 100 species of birds.
Marvel At The Seaside Town Of Lunenburg
Price: Free
Address: Lunenburg, NS
Why You Need To Go: From fishing and whale watching to lighthouses and waterfront walks, Lunenburg — a UNESCO World Heritage site — is a quaint port town on the South Shore of Nova Scotia, home to the Bluenose II schooner.
Simply taking a stroll and digging into some hearty east coast food is more than enough to have a good time in this part of the province. If you want to do more, there are also tons of galleries, distilleries, museums and vibrant walkways to meander. Lunenburg is famed for its colourful architecture, so be sure to bring your camera along with you.
It's time to book an extended stay in Nova Scotia so you can embrace everything it — and the ocean — has to offer.
Check out the places in this list and discover hidden gems along the way as you explore this expansive coastal province. Stay longer, relax more, and enjoy your time in one of Canada's most breathtaking destinations.
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