Cruising Nova Scotia

There’s much to celebrate in Nova Scotia, known as “Canada’s Festival Province.” With 8,300 miles of coastline, rich culture and history, a fantastic food scene and a packed festival calendar, Nova Scotia rewards cruisers who take time to explore this Canadian Maritimes gem on the Atlantic.

Halifax

The capital of Nova Scotia is as much of a draw for its historic sites as for its sophisticated dining scene and laid-back vibe. The star-shaped Halifax Citadel National Historic Site has dominated the city’s skyline since 1856. From May through October, tour this hilltop fortress with guides in period dress. Time your visit for the firing of the Noon Gun.

Downhill from the Citadel lies the 16-acre Halifax Public Gardens. One of the oldest formal Victorian gardens in North America, it’s a peaceful and colorful respite in the city center.

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic chronicles the region’s captivating maritime history, including such headline events as Titanic’s sinking and the devastating 1917 Halifax Harbor explosion.

Naturally, world-class seafood abounds in Halifax. Look for fresh offerings on Saturdays at the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market. The Bicycle Thief puts an Italian spin on its dishes dal mare. The Highwayman Restaurant & Bar pairs seafood-focused Spanish dishes with outstanding cocktails. The Wooden Monkey specializes in inventive, locally sourced fare and local craft beers. And sample a local specialty at the King of Donair: a sandwich version of a döner kebab.

Cape Breton Island

Choose your own adventure to explore the natural beauty of Cape Breton Island. Cruise Bras d’Or Lake, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, to cast a line or look for bald eagles, herons and other wildlife. Drive the 186-mile Cabot Trail scenic highway through the dense forests of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Stop to stroll the Bog Trail to spy tiny pitcher plants and gigantic moose. Or drive a golf ball on the highly regarded Cabot Cliffs and Cabot Links golf courses and enjoy the dramatic ocean views.

Fuel up for explorations at the Dancing Goat Cafe & Bakery, a popular destination for breakfast, lunch or coffee. Visit the casual Rusty Anchor for its renowned lobster rolls. For fine dining, Woodroad offers a distinctive, intimate multicourse dinner. And make time to catch a performance of Cape Breton’s world-renowned fiddle music at the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre or The Barn.

Elsewhere on Nova Scotia

Along the south shore, Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse is the most famous of the province’s 160 lighthouses and an emblem of Nova Scotia. Many of the colorful wooden homes of Old Town Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site, date to the early days of this well-preserved British Colonial settlement, founded in 1753.   

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