
If you're dreaming of the kind of road trip where every twist and turn comes with a view, where small towns feel like storybook settings, and where lighthouses, beaches, and seafood await around every corner – Nova Scotia is calling your name.
Nova Scotia was made for road tripping. With coastal routes that hug the ocean, plenty of roadside photo ops and welcoming communities to explore, it's easy to slow down, take the scenic route and enjoy the ride. Here are a few of scenic drives that make the journey the destination:
Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Island: One of the World's Most Scenic Drives. This 186 mile loop is a must-do. Winding through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, it offers dramatic ocean views, forested highlands and charming communities like Ingonish and Chéticamp. It's especially magical in the fall when the leaves put on a colourful show of red, orange and golden yellows.
Lighthouse Route, South Shore: A Coastal Drive Full of Postcard Views. Stretching from Halifax to Yarmouth, the Lighthouse Route is lined with picturesque lighthouses, working harbours and historic towns like Lunenburg and Mahone Bay. It's a route made for easy detours, photo ops and seafood chowder breaks.
Marine Drive, Eastern Shore: An Off-the-Beaten-Path Journey Along the Atlantic. The Marine Drive hugs the Atlantic coastline along the Eastern Shore and delivers peaceful beaches, friendly communities and a slower pace that invites you to truly unwind. Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore offers pristine wilderness, historic attractions, authentic fishing communities, and endless beaches. Surf enthusiasts can ride year-round waves at Lawrencetown and Martinique Beaches, while the 100 Wild Islands provide secluded coves, turquoise waters, and unique boreal rainforests for more tranquil exploration.
Whether you're soaking in the historic charm of local fishing villages or the dramatic ocean vistas and lush forests, you will find countless reasons to pull over and explore, including:
- Peggy's Cove: you can't road trip through Nova Scotia without a stop at the most famous lighthouse in the province. Snap a photo, climb the rocks and soak up those salty sea views.
- Burntcoat Head Park: Home to the world's highest tides, this spot on the Bay of Fundy is truly special. Time your visit with low tide and you can walk on the ocean floor.
- Look-Offs and Scenic Pullovers: Nova Scotia is full of spots where you'll want to pull over just to take in the view. Whether it's a panoramic ocean vista, a sweeping valley in the Annapolis Valley or the dramatic cliffs along the Cabot Trail, don't be shy about stopping.
- Beaches, Beaches, Beaches: Whether you're into warm water swims on the Northumberland Shore or rugged coastal walks along the Atlantic, Nova Scotia has a beach for every mood.
- Coastal Communities: The kind where everyone waves hello, the seafood is fresh off the boat, and you might stumble upon a local festival or farmers' market. From places like Shelburne and Liverpool to Guysborough and Baddeck, these little towns are full of charm and character.
- Cultural Charm: In every corner of Nova Scotia, vibrant arts and culture await, offering a perfect blend of rich heritage and unique cultural experiences.
- Try the Local Eats: Whether it's a roadside lobster roll, a cup of chowder with a view, or a slice of local cheese, Nova Scotia's culinary trails are the perfect way to eat, drink and explore the province's culinary gems.
About Nova Scotia: With more than 8,000 miles of coastline to explore, Nova Scotia is an ocean playground and filled to the brim with stunning natural beauty, diverse cultures, rich heritage, and warm, friendly people. Home to some of the most authentic, exclusive and extraordinary coastal experiences in North America, the province is rich in history - boasting 6 UNESCO designated sites - and is known for its spectacular beaches, and a top-notch locally sourced culinary scene shaped by the sea. For more information visit novascotia.com.