How to do a Nova Scotia Road Trip in 7 days
So, you have a week off and you want to visit Nova Scotia, but you don’t think you can do much? Well, we have some suggestions to make the most of your ‘short’ road trip to Canada’s Ocean Playground. We understand that this 7 days (or less) itinerary is not ideal for everyone, but our goal is to show you that you don’t need to use up all of your vacation days to make the most of your trip.
Full disclosure: I have been to Nova Scotia many times, and as a result, I have done a lot throughout the province, so there is a lot I can skip from time to time.
Start off by visiting the Nova Scotia Tourism information centre in Amherst to gather all of your travel reading materials, planners, maps, suggestions, coupons, and more. This is one of the finest Tourism Information booths that I have ever seen.
Day 1: Amherst to Parrsboro to Truro
From Amherst, head to Parrsboro for a fun time along the Bay of Fundy. Parrsboro is an area known for its rich deposit of fossils of prehistoric animals and plants. Visit the Fundy Geological Museum to discover this amazing history first hand.
The Harbour View restaurant serves a mean seafood chowder.
From there, drive along the Fundy shore to Economy, and Five Islands Provincial Park for some amazing views.
Masstown has an amazing market that you will want to stop at for some great shopping, amazing baked goods, and don’t forget Fish & Chips at the lighthouse.
Day 2: Truro to Halifax
Truro has some fun activities you may want to take part in – Tidal Bore rafting for example. Definitely, plan to visit the Truro Tidal Bore Viewing visitor centre at just the right time to watch the tides go out.
From Truro head to Stewiacke. Here you will find Mastodon Ridge, where there is a giant statue of a Mastodon visible from the highway. Pop into ColdStream Clear distillery, makers of some amazing spirits that you will want to bring home with you.
Head to Halifax for a great afternoon of visiting the Citadel, the shops of Barrington St, the Harbour Front. Enjoy a nice meal on the Harbour at Gahan’s, or one of the many restaurants/pubs downtown.
Day 3: Halifax to Lunenburg (and back)
Take a drive out towards Lunenburg along the Coast. I recommend the scenic drive early in the day to maximize daylight. First stop will be Peggy’s Cove. You will want to stop here and get your photos of Canada’s most famous lighthouse. Pick up some great souvenirs in the gift shop.
There are cute shops in the area that you will want to visit as well, from gift stores to craftspeople, and jewellery.
As you head to Mahone Bay, you will pass many seafood shacks, that are great places to stop for some chowder, lobster roll, or clams.
In Mahone Bay, there is so much to see – the 3 Churches, the great shopping, the markets, and the epic views.
Head to Lunenburg, where you will find one of the most colourful little towns in all of Nova Scotia. The views are spectacular, the history of the town is very interesting, there is a lot of shopping opportunities, and don’t forget that this is the ‘home’ of the famous Schooner “The Bluenose II”. If it is in the dock, you will want to get your photos, and maybe take a tour.
As you head back to Halifax, if you are looking for a great Lobster Supper, stop by Hubbard’s and visit the Shore Club for a great lobster meal.
Halifax is a great city to explore at night, the shops, bars, restaurants are all open late, and the harbourfront area is alive with activity.
Day 4: Halifax to Sydney
You will want to head out early, to make the most of your drive from HFX to SDY.
There is a lot of gorgeous scenery along the way through Cape Breton. If you stop at the Cape Breton souvenir shop on the other side of Canso Causeway – you might spot some porpoises (or whales) in the harbour.
Once in Sydney, the Waterfront is where you want to be. The Giant Fiddle will be your guide. Take some photos of this fun roadside attraction and walk along the harbour.
Dinner: Governor’s pub is amazing but always busy. If it is, check out the Old Triangle Irish Alehouse for some great food at reasonable prices, and great beer.
Day 5: Sydney to Cheticamp (Cabot Trail)
This is the going to be the hardest part of keeping your itinerary short. The Cabot Trail is not only Canada’s most scenic drive, but it is one of the top scenic drives in North America. You will want to stop at every lookout, vista, and small town. As someone who has seen it all, after a while you will realize the vistas start to look a lot alike, so choose wisely.
The Whale Interpretive Centre in Pleasant Bay is a great (quick) stop to learn all about whales to prepare for the whale watching tour you will take.
There are several great seafood restaurants along the route to enjoy a snack.
In Cheticamp plan a Whale watching tour for the evening so that you make the most of your night. Captain Zodiac is a great option for a real whale watching adventure.
I highly recommend staying at the Cabot Trail Sea & Golf Chalets for a comfortable stay with great service.
For dinner, there are several restaurants worth a try such as Evangeline, Happy Clam, Le Gabriel and more.
Day 6: Cheticamp to Wolfville
As you leave Cabot Trail, there are plenty of things to do. Inverness Beach is a beautiful spot to stretch your legs and enjoy the water.
In Mabou, you will find the Glenora Inn & Distillery, which is a beautiful property to visit.
On your way, stop in New Glasgow for Louie’s Food Truck for a nice lunch of great fish sandwiches and more.
Wolfville is a cute little town, and there are plenty of nice places to check out. Just outside of Wolfville is the town of Hall’s Harbour, along the Bay of Fundy. You will want to visit this place in the evening before sundown for some great photos, and then enjoy a Lobster supper at the Hall’s Harbour Lobster Pound.
Day 7: Wolfville to Digby
Start your morning by going to Grand Pre National historic site, and learn about the Acadians and the history of the area.
From there, head towards Digby. When you get to Digby, you will want to enjoy a great meal of delicious, world-famous Digby scallops. Spend the night at one of the many great hotels. Some of the finest sunrises I have seen have been in Digby. You will definitely get to see the sunrise because you have to get up early in order to catch the Digby to Saint John ferry.
I hope this quick itinerary inspires you when you are planning your own trip to Nova Scotia so you can make some great memories as well.
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