5 of the best towns to visit in Nova Scotia

At dawn, mist seeps across the wave-carved headland of Peggy’s Cove, softening the edges of the shoreline and cloaking the whitewashed lighthouse in an ethereal veil. Below, the Atlantic pounds against the granite rocks, sending salt spray into the morning air. In the village, wooden cottages huddle against the elements, their shingle roofs worn silver by years of sea-lashed winters, while lobster traps, stacked like weathered post-boxes, lie in wait for another day’s labour beneath the waves.

It’s a scene echoed across Nova Scotia’s many seaworn towns, where the pulse of the ocean has long dictated life on land. In UNESCO-listed Lunenburg, tall ships still glide past a brightly painted waterfront, nodding to the town’s centuries-old shipbuilding legacy. Meanwhile, pint-sized Pictou, once the first port of call for Scottish immigrants, continues to carry its maritime spirit through landmarks like the Hector Heritage Quay, where the ship that brought Scottish settlers to Canada is commemorated. These coastal enclaves — once quiet fishing outposts — are now lively hubs where visitors can step back in time and uncover the stories of sailors, shipbuilders, traders and dreamers who’ve all helped craft the province’s multifaceted identity. Here are five of the best places to visit for a taste of coastal Nova Scotia.

1. Halifax

Best for: learning how Canada came to be

Halifax is where Nova Scotia’s story begins — a port city forged in the heat of battle, born from the fierce rivalry between the French and British for control of the Atlantic. Yet long before its official founding in 1749, the First Nations Mi'kmaq peoples lived and thrived along its shores, their deep knowledge of the land and sea shaping the region. Today, cosmopolitan Halifax is far more than Nova Scotia’s largest city and primary port of entry — it’s the gateway to the province’s colourful past.

What to see: A stroll along the Waterfront Boardwalk offers a first taste of the capital: ferries chug across the harbour, seagulls skim the waves and lively restaurants and street vendors dish up every imaginable Canadian delicacy, from warm lobster rolls to poutine drenched in gravy. At the southern end of the boardwalk, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic offers a deep dive into the city’s seafaring history, charting Mi’kmaq traditions through to the 1917 Halifax Explosion and the city’s fateful connection to the search and recovery of the victims of the Titanic disaster.

Further along, Pier 21 houses the Canadian Museum of Immigration, where interactive exhibits — including recorded memories, handwritten letters and family photos — highlight the hopes and hardships of more than a million settlers who arrived in Canada between 1928 and 1971. The exhibition concludes with a giant world map, inviting visitors to pin their own journeys, while a poignant film portrays the profound contributions immigrants have made to shaping Canada’s identity.

Beyond the boardwalk, tree-lined streets packed with colonial sandstone townhouses and grand neoclassical buildings climb towards the Citadel National Historic Site. An imposing, star-shaped sentinel built to defend British Halifax from French forces, it’s now both a living history museum and a powerful reminder of the battles that shaped the region. Book a guided tour to hear the tug-of-war tales of rivalry and resilience, punctuated by the crack of musket fire and the thunderous boom of the noon cannon.

Where to stay: The Muir, Halifax’s only five-star hotel, situated in the city's new upscale Queen’s Marque neighbourhood. Expect Atlantic-inspired interiors, a spa complete with a vitality pool and halotherapy salt room, plus exclusive access to a yacht for harbour excursions.

2. Lunenburg

Best for: hearing salty tales of British seafaring and rum-running

UNESCO-listed Lunenburg is Nova Scotia’s most determined time capsule, with colonial buildings painted scarlet, cobalt and ochre tumbling down a hillside towards a bustling harbour. Here, sailboats bob in the breeze, weathered wooden piers jut out into the water and streetlights are adorned with metalwork swordfish, barb-chinned cod and red snapper. Known to the First Nations Mi’kmaq as ‘Āseedĭk’, meaning ‘the land of the clams’, the town’s seafaring roots run deep. In the 1700s, European immigrants arrived and, finding the land too harsh to farm, turned to the sea’s abundant larder, building their fortunes on salt-cured cod and lobster. The town soon became one of Canada’s busiest and wealthiest ports, relying on its fishing grounds which stretched from Lunenburg to Labrador. Today, it remains one of the best-preserved colonial settlements in North America, with around 70% of its original 18th- and 19th-century architecture still standing.

What to see: To hear salty tales of the town’s rich fishing, shipbuilding and rum-running history, take a guided tour of the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, then step onboard the deck of the Bluenose II, a sleek, black-hulled replica of Canada’s most famous racing schooner. If time permits, embark on a winding 47-mile drive to Peggy’s Cove, where the iconic red-and-white Peggy’s Point Lighthouse stands tall against a rugged granite backdrop. For a quieter yet equally photogenic excursion, venture to the nearby fishing village of Blue Rocks, where colourful dories drift on glassy waters, creating a scene favoured by both photographers and kayakers.

Where to stay: The Bluenose Lodge, Lunenburg’s longest-running inn, is conveniently located in the heart of town. For those seeking more space or a chance to explore the surrounding area, the Black Forest Cabins in Mahone Bay provide modern comforts, complete with a rustic fire pit and cedar sauna.

3. Shelburne

Best for: uncovering the story of the Black Loyalists

It’s easy to drive straight past the sweet, unassuming town of Shelburne in the South Shore region, but a visit reveals one of North America’s most overlooked chapters of history. Lured by the promise of land and freedom, around 3,000 Black Loyalists sought refuge here during the American Revolution, transforming it into one of the largest settlements in North America at the time. For most, the promise was broken, and many people were forced to move away, relocating to neighbouring communities like Birchtown or even migrating to Sierra Leone. A few families, however, chose to stay, and around 30 direct descendants still call the town home today.

What to see: History comes to life at the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre in Birchtown, where immersive exhibits and artifacts beneath glass floors — such as tools, personal belongings and letters — celebrate and preserve these early settlers’ stories. Afterwards, step outside and follow the Black Loyalist Heritage Trail, a mile-long path that passes key landmarks like St Paul’s Church, a 19th-century wooden chapel built on the site of the original Black Loyalist meeting house, and the Old School House Museum, a one-room schoolhouse where generations of children were taught.

Beyond the area’s poignant historical relevance, Shelburne has also become a favourite among filmmakers. Take some time to wander its perfectly preserved colonial streets and you might just spot a familiar scene from the big screen. Standouts include the CBC and BET-produced The Book of Negroes, Stephen King’s chilling 2007 thriller The Mist and the 1995 Oscar-winning The Scarlet Letter.

Where to stay: Situated steps from the waterfront in a restored 19th-century home, Cooper’s Inn is a boutique bed and breakfast featuring nautical interiors and is said to have a friendly ghost wandering the halls. For families, out-of-town White Point Beach Resort offers a range of rustic guest rooms, cosy cottages, luxurious oceanfront treehouses and even lakeside glomes.

4. Pictou

Best for: discovering Canada's Scottish heritage

It’s impossible to miss the Scottish spirit in pint-sized Pictou. Known as the ‘birthplace of New Scotland’, this historic harbour town on Nova Scotia’s Northumberland shore was home to the first permanent Scottish settlement in Canada — a legacy still evident in its tartan-clad shopfronts, storied street names and lilting local accents.

What to see: Set along the waterfront, the Hector Heritage Quay tells the tale of the 189 Highlanders who arrived aboard the Hector in 1773 after a treacherous 11-week voyage, during which a hurricane and outbreaks of dysentery and smallpox claimed many lives. Explore immersive exhibits to learn about the settlers’ stories and how the Mi’kmaq played a crucial role in their survival, then step aboard the full-scale replica of the ship docked outside. Afterwards, stroll along the waterfront to explore the town’s kooky art galleries and boutiques, then grab a seat at one of the many seafood shacks or pubs, like The Nook & Cranny, to sample locally brewed beers and whiskies.

Where to stay: Why book a room when you can bunk in a train? Located just outside Pictou, in small-town Tatamagouche, The Train Station Inn lets you snooze in a restored railcar, complete with antique decor and a charming onsite dining car. Top tip: don’t miss Tatamagouche Brewing Co. for a local craft brew before dinner.

5. Wolfville

Best for: immersing yourself in Acadian culture

A small university town with a big personality, Wolfville is one of Nova Scotia’s coolest and quirkiest corners. Its main drag is refreshingly free of cookie-cutter chains — just hole-in-the-wall cafes, indie boutiques, bookshops and farm-to-table bistros. It’s also just a short hop from the hazy blue mountains, forested ridges and rolling vineyards of the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia’s largest wine country, with 11 wineries tucked within a 12-mile radius.

What to see: Grand Pré Winery and Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards are two standouts, offering everything from crisp Tidal Bay whites to bold reds with superlative vineyard views. Alternatively, take the hop-on, hop-off Magic Winery Bus tour, which departs three times a day from Downtown Wolfville to various participating wineries. Also not to be missed is the weekly Wolfville Farmers' Market, housed in a former apple storage unit near a former train route. Walk the winding Harvest Moon Trail to reach the market.

Wolfville serves up more than just great flavours, however — it’s also one of the best places to dive into the province’s rich Acadian history. Visit the Grand-Pré National Historic Site to hear the poignant story of the 2,000-strong Acadian community that once thrived here before their forced expulsion in 1755, and to see how the relentless Bay of Fundy tides were tamed with an ingenious dyke system to carve out fertile farmlands.

Where to stay: In the mood for some Victorian flair? The Blomidon Inn, located in the heart of town, serves up all the charm of a bygone era, with quaint, antique-filled rooms, inviting verandas and award-winning fare. Alternatively, Grand Pré Winery offers a unique escape among the vines, with its renowned Le Caveau’s restaurant serving an ever-evolving menu of local, seasonal dishes. Think North American flavours meet decadent flair, with dishes including creamy lobster risottos, succulent roast duck with wild berries and smoky grilled octopus with chorizo, all paired with the region’s finest vintages.