Annapolis Valley
Often referred to as the bread basket of the province, the Annapolis Valley is a picturesque blend of rolling farmlands, thriving fruit orchards, and a tranquil coastline. Throughout the year, its landscape transforms, offering a spectrum of experiences. Spring brings blossoms and new life, while summer ripens orchards and invites leisurely exploration. Fall paints the valley in vibrant hues, and winter brings a serene calm. Amidst this natural beauty, the Valley's communities thrive, embracing a warm spirit of hospitality and connection.
Highest tides in the world
There is literally no other place like this. A stunningly beautiful ecological area, the Bay of Fundy is home to the rarest of whales, dinosaur fossils, and – most famously – the highest tides on earth. Twice each day, 160 billion tonnes of seawater flow in and out of the Bay of Fundy – more than the combined flow of all the world’s freshwater rivers. No wonder it’s been named one of the 7 wonders of North America.
Fruits of our labour
The unique terroir of this region offers soil with all the nutrients necessary to create some of the best fruits and vegetables. Apple orchards, berries, peaches and more are happily at home in there fertile Valley, and residents of local towns (and Halifax, for that matter) love nothing more than experiencing this bounty firsthand. Check out one of the many U-Pick fruit growers or stop by a local farmer's market and enjoy the many flavours of Nova Scotia.
The South Shore
Fishing. Ship-building. Lighthouses. This region of the province just might be what visitors imagine most before their trip when they imagine “Nova Scotia”. Home to historic communities such as Lunenburg (home base for the Bluenose II Schooner), Liverpool, and Mahone Bay, this area has also become rich territory for wonderful dining and shopping.
A sailor’s paradise
The trade, and subsequent wealth, made possible by sail defines the economic history of Nova Scotia. Today, sailing is as much a part of the province’s culture as ever – except it tends to be of the recreational variety. Life in this part of the province revolves around the sea, and enjoying time out on the water quickly becomes an obsession.
Spin your wheels
The inlets and peninsulas of Nova Scotia’s South Shore are perhaps best experienced on two wheels. The roads and trails of this region feature gentle slopes and quiet coastal routes that follow the water’s edge. Between the sandy beaches and fishing villages, find award-winning restaurants and folk artist shops, perfect excuses for rest stops.
Our South West
Between vibrant seaside communities is a rugged and charming coastline, dotted with lighthouses, and rich in history. This part of the province is ground zero for the intersection of two founding cultures in Nova Scotia, the French-speaking Acadie and English-speaking communities. Roots here go back over 400 years, creating modern communities of great character and warmth.
Kejimkujik: A national treasure
When Nova Scotians talk about a camping adventure, this is almost always what they mean. Generations of families have paddled, hiked and camped at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site (just “Keji” to locals). Kejimkujik National Park Seaside is a separate protected wilderness on the coast, with pristine white sand beaches and turquoise waters, wildflowers, and coastal wildlife.
Dark Sky Preserve
Keji was designated a Dark Sky Preserve by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada in 2010, so the use of artificial light is restricted in most of the park. In other words, this is a stargazer’s paradise. On clear nights, views of the moon, constellations, and planets...unreal! And “star sightings” are also commonplace in Yarmouth and the Acadian Shores, home to North America’s first Starlight Tourist Destination by the Starlight Foundation.