Top 8 unique things to do in Nova Scotia

Are you thinking of a trip to Nova Scotia, or do you have one in the works? When planning what to do and see, you will find the typical places that most people see when they go to Nova Scotia, but there are some things that you shouldn’t miss that are not always on those “must do” lists. I hope these broaden your trip to beyond the normal.

Square dancing  in Mabou

The square dancing here is not the square dancing I learned in school on the west coast of Canada. It is a Celtic reel type dance and it is some of the most fun you will have. Filled mostly with locals, they are more than happy to show you the way and guide you through the reels. What is even better is that the music is provided  by a live band which makes this night even more special.

Search for a moose on the skyline trail

Heading into Cape Breton, you will soon realize that there are no shortage of hiking trails of all levels. Cape Breton on its own is a place not to be missed, but making sure you get out an enjoy the nature of this area is a must. The Skyline Trail is probably the most popular trail in the area, but for good reason. Gorgeous views, very easy trail, and the possibility of spotting wildlife was high.

Although I didn’t spot a moose my first venture on Skyline trail, the next time I went I was successful and got to see a huge male moose just chilling and having an evening snack. The best time to spot moose is just before sunset area, so if seeing a moose in the wild is on your list, make sure you plan your time well.

Blue Rocks

If you are planning on visiting Lunenburg (and you totally should) be sure to check out Blue Rocks on your way there or back. It is a 10 minute drive from Lunenburg this picturesque fishing village is a great place to watch the sunset.

Sail on the Blue Nose

When in Lunenburg, you have to sign up to sail on the Bluenose II. Now it is not in port all the time I would highly recommend reserving your spot in advance, but it so cool being on a working tall ship and watching the sails raise out in the water. If you don’t know about the bluenose, read about it here, but it is such a part of Canadian history that is on the dime. Bluenose II is the sister ship and exact replica of the original.

Mahone Bay

While you are in the area of Lunenburg and Blue Rocks, be sure to check out Mahone Bay about 20 minutes away. This gorgeous town is filled with artisan shops, and café’s and I witnessed one of the most beautiful sunrises I  have seen. Be sure to also check out the 3 churches along the bay that gives this town a unique look.

Find as many lighthouses you can

There are a lot of lighthouses in Nova Scotia, so many so that they have the most amount of any Province in Canada. I have a soft spot in my heart for lighthouses, I think because they are almost always surrounded with a beautiful view and setting…thank you Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse. Make a list of the ones that are close to where you will be and be sure to check them out. I even went to a lighthouse that has been converted into an Ice Cream Shop in Cape Breton…delicious!

Search out as many coves as you can

Nova Scotia is filled with so many coves, the most famous being Peggy’s Cove. But there is something exciting driving down streets that you don’t know what you will see, to find a cove with no tourists and you get a unique view into life here. So get off the highways and take some side streets and turn down roads that you don’t know where they will end cause you never know what you might find. If nothing else you can always just turn around and go back to where you were heading.

Eat as many lobster rolls as you can

Now this was one of my favourite things…Lobster Rolls are a very east coast thing, so growing up on the West coast, I was not familiar with them. Well, once I had my first one, I was committed to finding lobster rolls wherever I went. And not only are they sooo fresh and delicious out here, but the cost is something that everyone can afford!

These are only a handful of things to do here, but I do hope I have given you some different ideas to take along with you on your Nova Scotia trip. 

If you are wanting some help planning out your trip, get in touch with me and lets see how we can work together to make your trip the most memorable one.