I did this five day Nova Scotia itinerary as a guest of Tourism Nova Scotia. I was not paid for this post and the tourism board has had no say in what I wrote here. All opinions are my own and I don’t accept freebies or payment in exchange for positive reviews.
All prices are correct at time of writing. I wrote this piece myself based on my own first-hand experiences. It was not written by AI, so any errors you find are, I’m afraid, my own.
For a small province, Nova Scotia packs one hell of a punch.
Dramatic coastal landscapes, historic towns and colourful fishing harbours, six UNESCO sites, sensational food, beautiful places to stay, welcoming people… they even have beaches and, in the summer, perfect weather!
Travel in Nova Scotia really does give you pretty much everything.
Since it’s relatively small compared with other provinces in Canada, the best way to get around Nova Scotia is on a road trip.
Driving in Nova Scotia is a dream! The roads are good, there’s very little traffic, and distances are short, meaning you can see and do a lot without spending all your time driving.
That said, there are masses of places to visit in Nova Scotia, and if you only have five days or a week, you definitely won’t be able to fit everything in. That’s why I’m here to help!
I did a five day Nova Scotia road trip, taking in most of the main highlights.
It was pretty packed and of course there was a lot we left out, but I felt like this was a really great introduction to the province, and if you’re looking for a 5 day Nova Scotia itinerary or a 5 day East Coast Canada road trip, you could do a lot worse than following this guide.
About this Nova Scotia road trip itinerary
This itinerary was crafted by a fabulous lady named Pam Wamback. Pam grew up in Nova Scotia and now works for the tourism board – so there’s basically no one in the province who knows more about things to do in Nova Scotia than her.
Pam calls this her Golden Circle Nova Scotia tour, basically meaning that this is a circular route taking in all the highlights of Nova Scotia, from lighthouses and lobsters to landscapes and legends.
If you’re looking to explore Nova Scotia and get a taste for this amazing province, its food, history and people, this is as good as it gets. Genuinely.
Search for more Nova Scotia tours here.
Introducing Nova Scotia
The second smallest province in Canada after Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia is about three-quarters of the size of Scotland, or twice the size of New Hampshire, with a population of about 1 million.
Located on Canada’s eastern coast with dramatic landscapes shaped by the powerful Atlantic, the province is made up of the Nova Scotia peninsula, Cape Breton Island and 3,800 other islands, and enjoys a stunning 8,000 miles (13,000 km) of coastline.
Thanks to its position on Canada’s Atlantic coast, Nova Scotia built its culture and heritage around the sea, with fishing and shipping the two major influences in the region’s development. In the 17th and 18th centuries it was also a crucial strategic location for French and British colonial expansion.
In fact, the name actually means ‘New Scotland’, and you can still see many traces of this dramatic history as you travel in Nova Scotia.
Did you know: Nowhere in Nova Scotia is more than 42 miles (67 km) from the ocean!
Where did we go on our Nova Scotia Road Trip?
Here’s a summary of where we went on our five-day trip round Nova Scotia.
- Day 1: Arrive Halifax. Depending on what time you arrive, explore Halifax Waterfront.
- Day 2: See Halifax on a Harbour Hopper tour and visit the Maritime Museum. After lunch, drive to Oak Island with a stop en route at Peggy’s Cove.
- Day 3: Take a boat tour to learn about the mystery of Oak Island. Lunch in Lunenburg followed by a walking tour. Then drive to Summerville Beach with time for a walk on the beach before dinner.
- Day 4: Free time to relax or go for a swim at Summerville Beach. Then head to Kejimkuik National Park to see historic petroglyphs and go kayaking or cycling. Later, drive to Annapolis Royal.
- Day 5: Walk around Annapolis Royal and then drive to Halls Harbour for a tour of the lobster pound and fresh lobster for lunch. In the afternoon, drive to Grand Pré National Historic Site. Wine tasting and stay overnight at the Grand Pre Winery.
- Day 6: Drive back to Halifax and fly home, or continue your journey to New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, or Cape Breton Island.
Nova Scotia 5 day itinerary: the details
And now it’s time to dive in! Here is, step-by-step, everywhere I went and everything I saw, did and ate during my five days in Nova Scotia.
Day 1/ Halifax
Most visitors to Nova Scotia will arrive by air to Halifax Stanfield International Airport, which is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Halifax. Pick up your rental car from the airport and drive to your hotel.
I flew from the UK and landed at about 6 pm, but if you arrive early in the day you’ll have plenty of time to explore some of the city on your first day.
Things to see and do in Halifax
As the provincial capital, Halifax boasts a rich heritage dating back to its founding in 1749 as a strategic British military outpost. Over the centuries, it evolved into a bustling seaport and a key player in maritime trade.
The city played a crucial role during the American Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and both World Wars, serving as a major naval base, and traces of its rich and sometimes violent history are easy to find as you explore.
Today, Halifax is a welcoming and walkable seaside city that’s a charming blend of maritime history and modern style.
Elegant 18th- and 19th-century architecture sits alongside modern towers of glass and steel, and the city has a generous helping of treelined streets, acclaimed restaurants, charming hotels, pavement cafes, galleries and museums.
Top places you could visit on your Halifax itinerary include:
- Halifax Citadel National Historic Site: Discover Halifax’s military history and check out the epic views at this iconic fortress, perched 70 metres (230 feet) above the waterfront.
- Maritime Museum of the Atlantic: This fascinating museum covers Nova Scotia’s seafaring history, including a moving Titanic exhibit (more about this below).
- Halifax Waterfront: Wander along the waterfront promenade and explore the shops, street food stalls, historic boats and beautiful seaside views.
- Art Gallery of Nova Scotia: Discover Canadian and contemporary art in this cultural institution.
- Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market: North America’s oldest continuously operating farmers’ market.
Or why not try a small group walking tour of Halifax to help you get your bearings?
Where to stay in Halifax: Muir Autograph Hotel
Enjoying what may well be the best location in Halifax, right on the waterfront promenade, the brand-new and very fancy Muir Autograph hotel has 109 gorgeous rooms with sea views and bespoke, made-in-Canada furniture, as well as a high-end wellness centre, spa pool and art gallery.
I loved this hotel because my room was huge, everything was immaculate, and I could walk out the front door and be at the sea in about 30 seconds!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🏨 Booking.com rating 9.4 | 💻 Click here to see reviews
Where to eat in Halifax: Drift at the Muir
I know it might be considered a bit lame to eat in the hotel restaurant, but Drift is not your average hotel restaurant. Serving classic Atlantic Canadian dishes, but done really, really well, this is where to come for your first taste of Nova Scotia’s epic cuisine. The freshly-baked brown bread with onion butter was just the start, and my caught-that-morning halibut, baked in butter and served on a bed of bubble and squeak, definitely set the bar high for the rest of the trip (don’t worry, I wasn’t disappointed later!).
Day 2/ Halifax to Oak Island via Peggy’s Cove
Morning: Halifax Harbour Hopper Tour
The Halifax Harbour Hopper is a fantastic way to see all of the city’s main sights in 60 minutes. The iconic amphibious vehicles were once used to transport troops and weapons during the Vietnam War, but have now found a new home taking tourists from city streets to ocean waves and back again.
The tour starts by driving around the downtown area, passing landmarks such as Citadel Hill, the Victorian Public Gardens and St. Paul’s Church, while the hilarious host gives you engaging commentary and fascinating facts about Halifax’s maritime history.
Then you drive down to the waterfront and keep going – the splash as you plough straight into the harbour is a hairy moment, especially if, like me, you’re holding an expensive camera! The car-now-boat then cruises around the harbour so you can enjoy the sea and cityscape views and learn more about key moments in the city’s history, before bringing you safely back to dry land.
Most interesting thing I learned: One of the most famous events in Halifax’s history is the Halifax Explosion. On December 6, 1917, two ships collided in Halifax harbour. One of them was carrying a cargo of ammunition which caught fire and catastrophically exploded, killing more than 1,900 people and devastating the city. It’s said to be the largest man-made explosion before the atom bomb was invented.
Top tips for the Harbour Hopper Tour: sit on the right for the best views, avoid the front four rows if you don’t want to get splashed and bring a jacket. It typically feels 5 to 10 degrees colder on the water.
Late morning: Downtown Halifax
The Harbour Hopper Tour only takes 90 minutes, so you should still have time before lunch to do a bit more exploring. Here’s what I did:
Wander Halifax Waterfront. With 2.5 miles (4 km) of boardwalk, the waterfront is a wonderful place for a leisurely stroll. With sparkling sea views, historic ships, street food stalls, restaurants and bars, masses of public art, cute shops and places to sit and relax, you can easily spend several hours here.
Visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. I was really keen to see their world-famous Titanic exhibition. When the doomed liner hit an iceberg in 1912, Halifax was the closest major port and many of the recovered bodies and pieces of wreckage were brought here. There’s a moving display of artefacts including a perfectly-preserved deck chair, pieces of carved woodwork, and even clothes and shoes of some of the ill-fated passengers.
Alongside all this, there’s also a fascinating exhibit about the Halifax Explosion and masses more on Halifax’s seafaring history.
Where to eat in Halifax: Waterfront Warehouse Restaurant
Just a couple of minutes’ walk from the Maritime Museum is the Waterfront Warehouse, which was once used to repair ocean-going tugboats. Today it’s been converted into a legendary restaurant offering the chance to feast on Nova Scotia’s world-famous seafood, plucked fresh from the water. No food miles here!
I’m not a big seafood eater but I love to try all the local food when I travel, so I was delighted when we were served a massive seafood platter with fresh scallops, mussels, clams and a whole lobster, meaning I got to taste all of it!
For my main I had poutine – a classic Canadian icon featuring chips usually topped with gravy and cheese curds – but here given a Nova Scotia twist of cheesy sauce and – yes! – lobster. Don’t worry if you don’t like seafood though, there are meat and pasta options too.
After lunch: drive to Peggy’s Cove
About an hour by car from Halifax, Peggy’s Cove and lighthouse is one of the most photographed places in Canada. And when you see it, you’ll understand why. Huge granite rocks, weathered smooth by the ocean’s battering, are topped by a graceful red-and-white lighthouse, balanced alone like a figurehead on the prow of a ship.
Nearby, the village itself is a picture-perfect array of rainbow-coloured clapboard houses, craggy coves piled with lobster pots, weather-beaten fishing boats and charming artisan shops.
It’s very beautiful, but I did get a bit annoyed with all the tour groups crowding around the base of the lighthouse. Guys! Everyone wants to photograph the damn thing! Step back!
You only need an hour to wander the village and take some photos – but if you do have more time and the forecast’s looking good, I highly recommend sticking around for sunset, when most of the tour groups will have left and the setting sun behind the lighthouse will be sensational.
Where to Stay: Oak Island Resort
Drive for another hour along the coast from Peggy’s Cove and you’ll reach the Oak Island Resort and Conference Centre, in the Western Shore area, overlooking Mahone Bay.
The three-storey hotel has 102 recently renovated guestrooms and 10 chalets for families, plus a marina, golf course, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness centre, tennis court, and loads of activities on offer.
It’s not as fancy as the Muir Hotel in Halifax, but it’s welcoming and comfortable and, perhaps most importantly, it’s the perfect base for tomorrow’s adventure…
Where to eat: Oak & Oar Eatery
There aren’t loads of places to eat around Western Shore, but the hotel’s Oak & Oar restaurant has lovely bay views and serves an excellent selection of meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes paired with local Nova Scotia wines.
The special of the day was halibut, but since I ate that yesterday and was craving vegetables, I went for a delicious chickpea curry.
Day 3/ Oak Island to Summerville via Lunenburg
Morning: Boat tour of Oak Island
Oak Island is a small, private island just across the water from the Oak Island Resort.
It’s not much to look at, but it’s home to the world’s longest-running and most expensive treasure hunt, still going after more than 200 years!
Legend says that in 1795, three men saw a light coming from the island and rowed over to investigate.
There they found clues that suggested someone – possibly pirates or the Knights Templar – had buried a vast fortune in treasure there, though what or how much no one knows for sure.
Excavations have only served to increase the mystery – uncovering artefacts, cryptic symbols and unexplained objects that have no reason to be here.
Six people have died trying to find the treasure – but it remains elusive.
Today the story is so famous that there’s a long-running TV show about the quest: The Curse of Oak Island, now filming its 11th series.
Some people say the real treasure is actually all the money that’s been made from tourism as a result of the mystery and TV show!
Since the island is private you can’t land there, but Salty Dog Sea Tours run fascinating boat cruises so you can learn about the mystery and this region’s dramatic pirate history.
Tony, our lively boat captain and guide, is an archaeology diver on the series. He showed us some amazing historic coins and other artefacts he’s found from other shipwrecks.
This whole area is a shipwreck graveyard, which is why many people believe the stories of the treasure are true.
I thought the boat trip was fascinating and highly recommend you add it to your 5 day Nova Scotia itinerary.
Lunchtime: Drive to Lunenburg
It only takes half an hour to drive from Oak Island to Lunenburg, one of Nova Scotia’s most iconic destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can have lunch before taking a walking tour.
If you have time, make a quick stop in Mahone Bay, another very pretty waterfront town with brightly-painted houses and, in September, a hilarious and creative scarecrow festival. It’s a lovely place to wander around, admire the views, and maybe grab a snack or a souvenir in one of the quirky shops.
Where to eat in Lunenburg: Grand Banker Bar and Grill
Conveniently located right on Lunenburg’s waterfront, the Grand Banker has a huge menu with masses of fresh seafood and fish options. But if, like me, you fancy meat for a change, you might want to try the cleverly-named Lunenburger: 6 ounces of local beef, smoked mozzarella, bacon, lobster and tarragon butter sauce, all crammed into an artisan bun and topped with a bacon wrapped scallop!
Afternoon: Lunenburg Walking Tour
After lunch, it’s time to explore the famous town. You can easily wander around by yourself, but if you want to make sure you don’t miss anything and get all the best stories, I recommend booking a walking tour with Lunenburg Walking Tours.
Founded in 1753, the UNESCO town of Lunenburg is a living museum of 18th-century architecture, featuring well-preserved historic buildings painted in vibrant hues.
First established as a British settlement, the town thrived on shipbuilding, fishing, and trade – the source of its wealth as well as many of its woes. A sobering monument on the waterfront bears the names of the many citizens, whole families and even entire ships, lost at sea. The iconic Bluenose racing ship, symbolizing Canadian maritime prowess, was built here in 1921.
The hour-long tour will show you the most important sites including St. John’s Anglican Church, a wooden church recently restored after a devastating fire, and the stunning Lunenburg Academy, known as ‘the castle on the hill’. The town’s history was brilliantly brought to life by our energetic guide June, and I really enjoyed hearing her stories.
Late afternoon: drive to Summerville Beach
On the way out of Lunenburg, take Tannery Road to the iconic Lunenburg photo spot, where you can admire the magnificent view of the town’s colourful skyline across Lunenburg Harbour. If you haven’t dawdled for too long, you should still arrive at your next stop in time to stretch your legs with a walk along the beach before dinner.
Summerville Beach
Did you know that Nova Scotia has beautiful beaches? I certainly didn’t, but I discovered that Summerville Beach is up there with the best – a mile-long stretch of white sand, fringed by dunes and evergreen forests and looking out over a shallow, protected bay that’s perfect for swimming.
In summer, temperatures here can hit 30 degrees, but it’s a huge beach so it’s never crowded, making Summerville a surprisingly brilliant beach destination. And if you visit in autumn as I did, you can still enjoy calm weather and clear skies, perfect for soaking up some of that Vitamin Sea. I even went for a swim!
Where to stay in Summerville Beach: The Quarterdeck
The idea of Canada as a beach destination may have been new to me, but people have been coming to the Quarterdeck for more than 85 years. Today the place has been modernised, with a selection of 58 rooms, villas and apartments, many of which are newly-built or recently-refurbished in a rustic, beachy style.
The room I stayed in also had a sea view balcony, and there’s a recreation hub with indoor and outdoor pools, fitness equipment and a lounge. The beach is just a short walk away.
Where to eat: The Quarterdeck Grill
The Quarterdeck Grill is just along the road from the accommodation, and is something of a local icon serving classic Nova Scotian food. I was craving something healthy, so I ordered the vegan harvest bowl with kale, beans and sweet potato – obviously balanced out with a ‘Trapped Lobster’ cocktail! The jalapeno and cheddar biscuits (more like small cheesy scones) with honey butter are something of a signature starter – don’t miss them!
Day 4/ Summerville Beach to Annapolis Royal via Kejimkujik
Morning: Drive to Kejimkujik
You might want to enjoy a lie-in and a leisurely breakfast back at the Quarterdeck, or if the weather’s nice, I recommend nipping down the beach for a bracing morning swim. Then it’s time to pack up and resume your Nova Scotia road trip by heading an hour inland across the peninsula to Kejimkujik National Park & National Historic Site.
I doubt you’ll be bored of stunning coastal views, but Kejimkujik makes a nice change anyway: a scenic inland wilderness with dense woodland crisscrossed by hiking trails and waterways once used by the Indigenous Mi’kmaq people. They carved their presence into the rocks here, and the historic petroglyphs they left behind, which date back between 300-1000 years, are one of the reasons why this is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
You can spend the whole afternoon here doing whatever takes your fancy – exploring some of the 40 hiking trails (keep your eyes peeled for wildlife!), going mountain biking, or renting a canoe or kayak from Whynot Adventure and taking it out on one of the many waterways used for thousands of years by the Mi’kmaq people.
If you want to see the petroglyphs, you’ll need to take a guided tour as non-native people are not allowed to wander the protected areas alone – and to be honest you’d need help spotting them! We were shown around by Mi’kmaq guide Nick from Parks Canada who pointed out many of the different designs included faces, stars, a whale and even a boat.
Where to eat in Kejimkujik National Park
You could stop en route and pick up a picnic, but we swung by the park’s new Lakeview Café & Eatery and ordered from their menu of pizza, burgers and sandwiches. Our host Pam pronounced the lobster roll ‘very good’ – high praise indeed!
Afternoon: Drive to Annapolis Royal
It’s only about 40 minutes from Kejimkujik to your next destination – the historic town of Annapolis Royal. Yay for all those short Nova Scotia distances!
Established in 1605, Annapolis Royal is a colourful town set on the south bank of the Annapolis River, that claims the title of the oldest permanent European settlement in North America. Originally founded as Port Royal by the French, the area changed hands between the British and French many times, before eventually being handed back to the British in 1713 under the Treaty of Utrecht. The town was then renamed Annapolis Royal and was the capital of Nova Scotia until it was moved to Halifax in 1749.
As you drive into town, you’ll quickly get a sense of its historic feel, with grand colourful clapboard houses lining the roads, as well as the 17-acre historic gardens and the former British military base at Fort Anne National Historic Site.
Where to stay in Annapolis Royal: Hillsdale House Inn
The quintessential Annapolis Royal historic house, Hillsdale House Inn was built in 1859 as a travellers’ inn, and it still welcomes visitors today. Each of the 13 individually-decorated rooms is a charming and quirky mix of historic charm and modern comforts, each with its own style and fascinating features like four-poster beds, antique furniture and some fabulous wallpaper!
We drew keys at random and I was very happy with the room I got, but if you get the chance, make sure you take a tour and check out some of the other gorgeously decorated rooms as well!
Where to eat in Annapolis Royal: Restaurant Compose
Taking a break from all that seafood, Restaurant Compose is run by a lovely Austrian chef and serves an innovative menu of Austrian dishes with a Nova Scotia twist. Yes of course you can still order the lobster risotto (and it was delicious), but I recommend the schnitzel! With a waterfront setting, it’s also a gorgeous place to enjoy a glass of local wine as you watch the sun set on the fourth day of your Nova Scotia road trip.
Day 5/ Annapolis Royal to Grand Pré via Halls Harbour
If you didn’t have time the previous day, make sure you take a wander around the beautiful town of Annapolis Royal. Head to the Historic Gardens, learn about Mi’kmaq, French and British history at Fort Anne, or simply do what I did and walk around the waterfront and main streets taking photos of all the stunning houses.
Morning: Drive to Hall’s Harbour Lobster Pound
Since it must have been at least 24 hours since you had lobster, it’s time for some more! Hall’s Harbour, about 75 minutes’ drive along the coast of the Bay of Fundy from Annapolis Royal, is a working lobster pound, where fishermen bring their catch to be weighed, sorted and shipped.
Here, as well as buying all the lobster-themed souvenirs you can carry from the gift shop, you can take a tour to learn everything you ever wanted to know about lobsters (plus a whole lot more).
My favourite lobster fact? I learned that lobsters can be right or left handed, depending on which of the two front claws is bigger.
The larger of the two is the strong ‘crusher’ claw, used for – yes – crushing, and the smaller claw is the ‘pincher’ claw, for holding stuff.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can choose your lunch out of the tank and it’ll be taken away to be cooked for you.
But if you don’t fancy wrestling a lobster, don’t worry – there are plenty of wraps, burgers and fish baskets to choose from. Though as you might expect the vegetarian options are decidedly limited!
Afternoon: Grand Pre National Historic Site
It’s only 40 minutes’ drive from Hall’s Harbour to Grand Pre, the final stop on your epic Nova Scotia Road trip.
During the 17th century, this area was home to the Acadians. Descended from the first French immigrants, they settled here and established homes and farms, using clever engineering to reclaim land from the sea and create fertile, irrigated soil for farming.
They were peaceful and non-partisan, trading equally with the French, British and local Mi’kmaq.
But by the mid-18th century the British controlled this area and were at war with France, and they didn’t trust the Acadians because of their French roots.
Even though they had done nothing wrong and had been living there for over 100 years, in 1755 the British rounded them all up and forcibly deported them in a tragic event known as Le Grand Dérangement or the Great Expulsion.
Over 11,000 were evicted and around 5,000 died of starvation, disease or in shipwrecks.
You can learn more about Acadian history at Grand Pré National Historic Site, named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2012.
Watch a short film that tells the stories of some of the families, discover their impressive agricultural skills, and visit the Memorial Church. If you want to spend the night here, you can sleep in the park in one of the new oTENTik rustic cabins.
For many descendants of those first Acadians, Grand Pré represents their ancestral homeland and the symbol of the ties that unite them.
Where to stay and eat: Grand Pré Winery
This fertile land wasn’t only good for the Acadians. The Annapolis Valley, where Grand Pré sits, enjoys a microclimate with mild temperatures that are great for growing grapes.
So where better to spend your last night in Nova Scotia than at The Inn at Grand Pré Winery, where you’ll be able to taste some of the best local wines alongside some pretty spectacular food. My tuna tartare and fillet steak were sensational!
The inn itself was extensively renovated in 2021, with gorgeous modern rooms and a communal kitchen and lounge area.
Day 6/ Drive back to Halifax
It’s only an hour from Grand Pré back to Halifax, and just like that, your Golden Circle Nova Scotia Road Trip is over! Depending on where you’re headed next, you could spend some more time in Halifax, head east up to Cape Breton Island or north to Prince Edward Island, or explore beautiful New Brunswick.
One thing I know for sure, there’s a whole lot more to see in Atlantic Canada than can possibly be managed on a 5-day road trip, so I’m just going to have to go back!
Inspired? Check out some similar Nova Scotia tours here.
Some Nova Scotia FAQs
Is Nova Scotia a country?
Apparently this is a frequently-asked-question on Google, so I’m putting it here, even though I’m pretty sure by now you know the answer! Sing it with me… Nova Scotia is not a country, it’s the second-smallest province of Canada.
Is Nova Scotia worth visiting?
If you’re asking this question, you clearly haven’t been paying attention to this post!
There really is something for almost everyone – whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, a nature lover or a city fan. So yes Nova Scotia is definitely worth visiting at least once!
How long do you need for a Nova Scotia Road trip?
How long is a piece of string? Nova Scotia has masses to see and do and I reckon you could easily fill two weeks, especially if you wanted to head up to Cape Breton Island as well, and maybe take it at a slightly slower pace.
That said, I felt that I really saw and did a lot on this five-day tour, and although I didn’t see everything, I got a really great taste of the place. And now I have a good reason to come back and see more!
So I think five days in Nova Scotia is a good amount of time, but you could stay longer and you wouldn’t be bored. Equally, if you don’t have quite as much time, you could leave a day out and do 4 days in Nova Scotia instead.
When is the best time to do this Nova Scotia 5 day itinerary?
For the best weather, you’ll want to visit between May and October. Winters can be harsh and snowy with rough weather along the coasts. Summers are hot but also can get more crowded, so if you want cheaper prices and fewer people, try visiting in May or October. When we visited in October we still had bright sunshine and very pleasant temperatures.
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Other hotels in Nova Scotia
Although these aren’t on my itinerary, there are some other great hotels in Nova Scotia to suit all budgets, and you might want to consider adapting or extending your Nova Scotia road trip to include one or more of them.
Top Pick: Sail Inn, Lunenburg
Located in the historic town of Lunenburg, this boutique hotel features elegant rooms with modern amenities. Its location is perfect for enjoying the UNESCO World Heritage site, with beautiful views of the waterfront.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🏨 Booking.com rating 9.1 | 💻 Click here to see reviews
Comfort: The Sutton Place Hotel, Halifax
A luxurious option in downtown Halifax, this hotel boasts chic design, excellent service, and a rooftop bar with stunning views. Perfect for guests looking for sophistication and comfort.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🏨 Booking.com rating 8.9 | 💻 Click here to see reviews
MID-RANGE: The Water’s Edge Inn, Baddeck
This charming lakeside inn offers beautifully decorated rooms with stunning views of Bras d’Or Lakes. Guests rave about the friendly hosts and its ideal location for exploring the Cape Breton area.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🏨 Booking.com rating 9.1 | 💻 Click here to see reviews
MID-RANGE: Chocolate Lake Hotel, Halifax
Overlooking Chocolate Lake, this Best Western hotel is just a short drive from downtown Halifax. It has comfortable rooms, an indoor pool, and a relaxing lakefront view – though much to my disappointment the lake does not contain actual chocolate.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🏨 Booking.com rating 8.1 | 💻 Click here to see reviews
BUDGET: Willow Bend Motel, Truro
Located on the Glooscap Trail, this motel offers clean and comfortable rooms with a seasonal outdoor pool. It’s a great value option for exploring central Nova Scotia with a friendly atmosphere.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🏨 Booking.com rating 8.4 | 💻 Click here to see reviews
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My favourite travel tools and brands
To help you organise your trip, here’s a short list of some of the brands and tools I use over and over again when I’m planning my travels. You can see more on my Travel Resources page.
- Booking.com: A huge range of hotels to choose from, often with free cancellation. If you book hotels regularly you can earn discounts. I’m on Genius Level 3 which gets me 20% off!
- Expedia: Another great place to find hotels and Expedia also sell flights, car hire, and loads more all in one place.
- Skyscanner: The only place I ever go to search for flights and compare prices.
- Flight Centre: Booking a more complicated route? Let Flight Centre organise it for you (and deal with the drama when something goes wrong).
- Priority Pass: I love having access to 1600+ airport lounges when I fly, allowing me to enjoy my time at the airport. Buy through my link and you get up to 20% off!
- Airalo: Say goodbye to ridiculous mobile roaming charges. Did you know you can now buy ane-SIM, install it in your phone before you leave home, and then use data abroad at local prices? Game changer. Get US$3 credit with code BELLA5735.
- TourRadar: If you prefer group travel and organised tours, TourRadar has a huge range of fantastic tours from respected operators. They’re very helpful and have 4.5 stars on TrustPilot.
- Viator: Part of the TripAdvisor brand, Viator is another great place to search for group adventures and day trips.
- GetYourGuide: A great place to find local tours and day trips in your destination.
- Wex Photo Video: The UK’s best camera gear store.
- Ellis Brigham: Looking for good quality backpacks, travel clothes and other gear? Ellis Brigham is where I buy almost all of mine.
- Rentalcars.com: Part of the Booking.com family and the world’s largest online car rental service, with 24/7 customer service.
- World Nomads Travel Insurance: I never ever travel without travel insurance and nor should you!
Where to next?
If you enjoyed this 5 days in Nova Scotia itinerary post, why not check out some of my others?
- 4 Days In Jasper National Park: An Awesome Jasper Itinerary
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