Nova Scotia Top 10 (plus 2)… just because.

Secret Beach on Gaff Point Trail

Nova Scotia, Canada… what would I do if we could only only visit 10 ( plus 2) destinations in the province of Nova Scotia? Had a hard time narrowing it down to 10… oh well, consider it a big tip.

We asked ourselves… would we spend all our time lazing around on the many world class beaches? Would we venture down onto the mud flats of the Bay of Fundy? Would we venture out onto the cliffs or down to the caves along the rugged coastline? What would we do if a “genie in a bottle” granted me 10 ( plus 2) destinations only? Hmmmm….

Here are the most memorable adventure destinations in Nova Scotia, Canada which, according to our EH Tourism research team, are the “must do” destinations when visiting in the province. There are so many more to list but we had to draw a line somewhere. All the adventure destinations and communities will be posted on our upcoming NovaScotiaEH.ca Travel Website in the near future. Stay Tuned!

Three Sisters

Cape Chignecto Park – The Cape Chignecto Provincial Park is located near the Village of Advocate Harbour. The wilderness park explores the high cliffs, sea stacks, sea caves, hidden coves, remote beaches and rocky bluffs along the Nova Scotia and the Bay of Fundy coastline. There is a 51 kilometre (3 -4 day) wilderness trail in the Cape Chignecto Provincial Park popular for hiking, backpacking and wilderness camping. The views are drop dead amazing! (more info)

Cape Split Point

Cape Split Trail – Located near the community of Kentville, Nova Scotia. The Cape Split Trail is a challenging and rugged 8 kilometre one-way hiking trail which explores a coastline forest before leading out onto a craggy bluff and grassy knoll which provide far reaching views of sea stacks, crashing waves, jagged cliffs and a colony of birds. The views are spectacular.. with or without the floating fog as company. (more info)

Wards Falls Trail – The 3.5 kilometre one-way forested hiking trail follows a small creek crisscrossing, back and forth, over a series of wooden foot bridges. We lost count after we crossed the 10th bridge. The forested trail leads down into a gorge and a beautiful waterfall. The waterfall trail is a hidden gem and one of the lesser known hikes in Nova Scotia so the opportunity to enjoy the waterfall on your own is a very good possibility. (more info)

Partridge Island Trail Views

Partridge Island Trail – Located near Five Islands, Nova Scotia. The hiking trail measures about 3 kilometres one-way and begins behind the Ottawa House Historic Site. The trail starts off by walking along a very long sandy beach. Great if hiking is not your thing. At the far end of the beach is the trailhead. The trail follows a series of switchbacks before connecting to a viewpoint and some great views of the Bay of Fundy. (more info)

Cape Forchu Lighthouse

Cape Forchu Lighthouse – The lighthouse is located south of the community of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. The destination is very much a park with many extras. The lighthouse stands on the tip of a rocky bluff providing views of the Atlantic Ocean. The lighthouse structure is like a large red and white candy cane. Onsite there are developed viewpoints, a picnic area. gift store and sightseeing benches. Many visitors packed a lunch and took up a spot on the cliffs for some quality time. (more info)

Thomas Randall Park – The park is located near the Village of Liverpool, Nova Scotia. The region is best known for its high concentration of sandy beaches. The Thomas Randall Park includes one of those sandy beaches. The main beach is the day use area is very popular. there is a long spit many like to walk out onto. We found pleasure following the trails into the trees leading to some of the private coves and bays in the park. (more info)

Hirtles Beach on Gaff Point Trail

Gaff Point Trail – The Gaff Point Trail and Hirtles Beach is located near Kingsburg, Nova Scotia. The beach is one of the longer white sand beaches in the region measuring over 2 kilometres long. The beach is also the start to the Gaffs Point Trail. The trail loops around a point visiting rocky coves, private beaches, shale rocks and jagged cliffs. The hike is a beauty and was one of the highlights in the region. (more info)

SEaside Beach in Keji Park

Keji Park – The Kejimkujik National Park is a two part park separated into two distinct sections. The central section is a network of lakes and rivers ideal for canoe routes and kayaking. There is a beautiful white sandy beach, wilderness campsites and a developed campground. The coastline section of the park consists of a 3 kilometre one-way hiking trail leading to a remote 1+ kilometre white sandy beach. Walk to the end of the beach and the world is all yours. Not a soul, not a sound. Heavenly. (more info)

Peggy’s Cove – The world famous Peggy’s Cove is located southwest of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Peggy’s is a small fishing village with a very popular lighthouse perched on a rocky coastline with great views. The lighthouse is one of the most photographed of the province. There is a gift shop, tours, sightseeing benches and a picnic area. (more info)

Egypt Falls Trail – One of the best looking waterfalls in the province of Nova Scotia located near the small community of Baddeck. A short 1 kilometre hike leads down into a gorge and then to a 2 tiered waterfall. The last section of the trail follows along some switchbacks with a rope railing because of the steep grade. Please note that the hike out is very steep and challenging. This trail may be short but do not take it lightly. The views are amazing. (more info)

Cabot Trail – The Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island is a sightseeing highway measuring over 320 kilometres long exploring the northern end of Nova Scotia, Canada. The paved highway leads to small villages, picnic sites, parks, hiking trails, lookouts and some spectacular views of nature, landscapes and wildlife. The trail is not to be rushed as there is much to see and explore. (more info)

Clam Harbour Beach – On Highway 7 most people talk about Lawrencetown Beach. It is a surfing and sunbathing beach with a nearby biking and hiking trail system. But… there is a little known beach called Clam Harbour Beach which deserves a plug. The beach is a sheet of hard packed white sand extending for miles. There are picnic sites, and many large parking lots as the beach is popular for the locals. Ideal beach for sunbathing, sand castles, walking, swimming and picnicking. (more info)