8 Day Travel Itinerary: Nova Scotia in Shoulder Season
- Laura
- Apr 2
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 4
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Visit the maritime province of Nova Scotia, Canada to explore miles of spectacular seashore. Jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, the peninsula is a wonderful mix of sleepy villages, nautical towns, and rocky coastlines. Our 8 day Nova Scotia itinerary included scenic drives, hikes, and city walks.
This Nova Scotia itinerary explores the territory between Yarmouth, New Minas, and Halifax. In 8 short days discover some of the best things to do in Nova Scotia. Visit Digby Harbor, the Landscape of the Grand Pre, Lunenbueg, Halifax, Peggy's Cove, and more.
BEST TIME TO VISIT NOVA SCOTIA
Between June and September, Nova Scotia bustles with energy and tourism peaks. In shoulder season, May and October, many restaurants and businesses may just be opening up and/or shutting down. This inconvenience will be off-set by the bliss of encountering uncrowded roadways, national parks, and beaches.
NOVA SCOTIA WEATHER
Nova Scotia, Canada has four distinct seasons. Summer are warm (70's F) and winters are snowy and cold (30's'F). It is a maritime climate with frequent showers (thunderstorms when humid). Shoulder season, May and October, are a great time to visit when the weather is pleasant and crowds are manageable.
GETTING AROUND NOVA SCOTIA
Heritage sites and attractions in Nova Scotia are quite spread out. Outside of Halifax, public transportation is sparse. This Nova Scotia itinerary is designed as a road trip. Click here to learn about car rental rates in Nova Scotia.
NOVA SCOTIA TOURS
Even if you rent a car, tours and excursions can be a great way to give yourself a break from driving and to learn about the area's culture from a local guide. In this section we have listed some well-reviewed tours and excursions. In addition, where appropriate, we have added them to the itinerary below.
NOVA SCOTIA ITINERARY
Day 1: Digby, Nova Scotia
Travel to Digby, Nova Scotia. We stayed at the Digby Pines Resort and highly recommend it. The resort is seeped in old world charm. It is beautifully landscaped and the staff is attentive. If you decide to stay at Digby Pines, have dinner at the onsite Churchill's Restaurant.
Day 2: Landscape of the Grand Pre, Evangeline's Beach, & Digby Harbor
On Day 2, cruise north on Highway 101 along the Bay of Fundy and the Annapolis Valley. Make a stop at the Landscape of the Grand Pre. On the grounds, visit the museum honoring the Acadian people. Hike around the acreage and take in the sweeping landscapes. The UNESCO World Heritage site is serene and beautiful.
Before leaving the area, drive to nearby Evangeline's Beach and walk the shore. On the drive back to Digby, get off the main route and meander in and out of the tiny coastal communities until you reach Port Royal.
Grand Pre Tours:
Back in Digby, tour the world famous fishing wharf lined with scallop boats. See fishermen unloading and re-stocking the trollers. Have dinner in the town of Digby.
Day 3: Kejimkujik Scenic Drive & Old Town Lunenburg
Begin the day with a ride on the Kejimkujik Scenic Drive to Route 216. Along the way, enjoy the lakes, rivers, long swathes of conifer forests, tiny rural villages, rolling pastures, and Christmas tree farms lining the route. It is glorious!
From Route 216 in Bridgewater, travel to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Old Town Lunenburg (established in 1753 as a planned British community). Park and walk Lunenberg's historic district. The site is home to the world-famous Bluenose II Schooner.
While in Lunenburg, visit the small fishing museum and a picturesque waterfront. Then, meander through town visiting the many restaurants, gift shops, and craft shops. The blocks of buildings stretch from the ocean-front uphill for many blocks. Parking can get tight with the many tour buses.
Lunenburg Tours:
Back on the road, drive to Summerville Beach. For this leg of the road trip, we stayed at the Quarterdeck Resort. The hotel's location is on a quiet stretch of Nova Scotia's south shore. There is a restaurant, the Quarterdeck Grill, onsite.
Day 4: Hiking at Kejimkujic Seaside National Park
Get outside on Day 4. The Kejimkujic Seaside National Park is ten minutes from Summerville Beach. At the park, take the Harbor Rocks Trail (6.4km). It leads to the seashore where brilliant blue waves crash upon jagged rocks as far as the eye can see. Look for sea gulls, seals, and sea lions frolicking in the surf.
Day 5: Halifax and Peggy's Cove
On Day 5, drive two hours north to Halifax. Park along the waterfront and head to the boardwalk. Along the family-friendly boardwalk enjoy the benches, hammocks, and other inventive spaces. For a small fee, there are several ships to explore.
Check out the craft shops, including a pewter store and crystal showroom (where you can watch glass being blown in an attached workshop) along this stretch. There are many restaurants in the area where you can eat and watch barges and zodiac boats buzzing about the harbor.
Halifax Tours:
On the ride back to Summerville, stop at Peggy’s Cove for rock climbing and picture taking. The park area is breathtakingly beautiful. Onsite there is a small village, massive granite ledges, and a rocky point with the iconic lighthouse. The surrounding area is sprinkled with little shops, fishermen’s homes, and spectacular vistas.
Next, drive the Lighthouse Route (Route 333 to Route 3) around Margaret’s Bay. This stunning seaside drive passes a series of fishing villages, delightful small towns, and million dollar properties.
Peggy's Cove Tours:
Day 6: Hiking at Kejimkujic Seaside National Park
On Day 6, head back to Kejimkujic Seaside National Park for another hike. Or, if you are a bike rider, rent bikes and do the biking trails by Mahone Bay. Tonight, head to the dining room at White Point Beach Resort.
Day 7: Summerville Beach
Beach day! Spend the day enjoying Summerville Beach. The half-mile (1 km) white sand beach is bordered by rolling dunes and a salt marsh filled with wildlife. It is the perfect location for sunning, picnics, and outdoor games.
Day 8: Check-out and travel home!
Hope to see you soon, Laura and Randy
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