16 important tips for visiting Nova Scotia

Having grown up in Nova Scotia and worked in tourism, I've been helping and welcoming travelers for years.

This province is my home and playground, and I’m always discovering its hidden gems. There’s always a new winery, restaurant, kayaking adventure, or Indigenous experience that rekindles my love for the place I thought I knew. The great news is that my fellow Nova Scotians are just as excited to host visitors. On a whale-watching trip, the captain might invite you into the wheelhouse to share stories about the boat. At a winery, the owner loves discussing the grape varieties and their organic growing methods. In a local museum, you might be asked to help with a project, like fitting a board onto a dory, reminiscent of what their ancestors did. Nova Scotia is very safe, but even better, its residents are ready to greet visitors with open arms, a glass of wine, and a few entertaining stories, some of which might even be true. Maximize your Nova Scotia experience with these tips before you travel.

1. Plan for a minimum of three days in Nova Scotia

Many visitors mistakenly believe they can drive across Nova Scotia in just one day. While it is technically possible—a drive from tip to tip takes about eight hours—you'll want to fully experience its rural beauty and vibrant cities. Leave the 100-series highways for scenic routes and backroads. Take that detour to the wharf, and don’t hesitate to stop for a walk on the beach when it calls to you.

Interested in other travel options around Nova Scotia? Check out our transportation guide

2. Be prepared for variable weather

Casual, comfortable attire is the norm—think denim, plaid shirts, t-shirts, sneakers, and sandals. Smart casual is appropriate for theater outings or nicer dinners. More importantly, bring layers and a waterproof windbreaker for chilly evenings, foggy coastlines, and rainy days. Winter is another matter, necessitating hats, gloves, and warm coats to combat freezing temperatures.

Determine the best time of year for your visit to Nova Scotia

3. Reserve your accommodations and car rentals well in advance

During summer and along the coast, places to stay often book up months or even a year ahead. Rental cars can be scarce in the summer, so it's wise to secure one before your arrival.

4. Entering and exploring Nova Scotia takes some creativity

A passport is required for everyone entering Canada via Nova Scotia, including Canadians returning home. US citizens and many others only need a passport, while some may require additional documentation.

Maritime Bus provides service to various parts of Nova Scotia with daily routes. A two-hour journey costs around $25. VIA Rail is the sole passenger train operating three times a week between Halifax and Montréal. EV charging stations are being installed quickly, though there are still only about 100 available. Ride-hailing apps may not work in rural areas, but a few taxi services are still available in smaller towns.

Halifax's Metro Transit operates a network of affordable and efficient bus routes, along with a ferry service that crosses the harbor multiple times each hour. An adult fare is $2.75, and you can request a paper transfer when disembarking to catch your next ride for free. Sydney on Cape Breton Island has its own public transit, but visitor-friendly services are quite limited across Nova Scotia.

5. In case of emergency, dial 911

That fee ensures you receive an ambulance staffed by trained paramedics. In rural Nova Scotia, it means a first responder— a volunteer with extensive first aid skills— can quickly access necessary services for any emergency. For tourists, ambulance transport can exceed $1000, so having sufficient travel insurance is crucial, and contact your insurer right away.

6. Cell phone plans can be pricey, so it's best to stick with your home plan

Getting a SIM card upon arrival in Canada won't save you money as it might in other countries. Phone plans in Nova Scotia are quite costly, making it likely cheaper to use your own roaming plan instead.

Visiting Canada for the first time? Here’s what to keep in mind

7. Free Wi-Fi is widely available

Want to minimize costly data usage? Most bars, restaurants, and attractions provide free Wi-Fi. Just ask your server for the password. Need to type something? Libraries throughout Nova Scotia have computers available for public use at no charge.

8. Debit and credit cards are commonly accepted, but bring cash for farmers' markets

Businesses of all sizes in Nova Scotia have embraced electronic payment methods. Debit and credit cards are widely accepted. However, small businesses often bear the cost of transaction fees, making debit a more favorable option for them and cash even better. For instance, places like Wilson’s offer discounts on gasoline for payments made with debit or cash.

9. ...and gratuity is anticipated

When using a card for payment, you'll see various tipping options displayed. The customary gratuity at restaurants in Nova Scotia is 15%. While there's no need to tip more than that, keep in mind that many servers earn minimum wage.

10. Place names can be a bit tricky

Prepare for some unusual and challenging place names in Nova Scotia, many derived from Mi’kmaw, French, or Gaelic. For example, no one in Antigonish is familiar with a 'gonish,' and nobody is looking for anything in Ecum Secum. There’s not an abundance of mushrooms in Mushaboom. Nova Scotians enjoy a good laugh and will gladly assist you with pronunciation. Say Musquodoboit as “mus-ka-dob-it.” To get to Ben Eoin, think of a sleepy friend named “Ben Yawn.”

11. Brush up on your French in Acadian areas

In Acadian communities like Cheticamp, Isle Madame, Pubnico, and Clare, French serves as the primary language. This version of French has been shaped by both English and Mi’kmaq, the local Indigenous tongue. Engaging in a conversation with a speaker of Acadian French can quickly forge a friendship, but be ready for a strong accent and a blend of terms like un pickup and un truck à garbage that are easily understood.

12. Canada is currently undergoing a reconciliation process with Indigenous peoples

The historical mistreatment of Indigenous peoples in Canada by settlers has prompted a movement known as reconciliation. Various levels of government and settlers are striving to remedy the consequences of this past. At musical events, you might hear land acknowledgments recognizing the area as the ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq. Visitors are encouraged to connect with the friendly Mi’kmaq, who provide interpretive experiences like Eskasoni Cultural Journeys and serve as guides at places such as Kejimkujik National Park and the Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre.

13. Keep a safe distance from crashing waves

If there's one hazard that Nova Scotians want all visitors to heed, it's the unpredictable waves along the coast. At popular locations, waves crash directly in from the Atlantic, sometimes gently lapping over rocks and at other times surging to engulf onlookers. Maintain a safe distance from rocky shores during high tide. At Peggy’s Cove, observe the waves from the designated viewing deck. On beaches, make sure to understand how rip tides function and how to navigate them safely.

14. Skip the bottled water

All restaurants provide complimentary water with meals, typically straight from the tap and perfectly safe to drink. There's rarely a need to purchase water in plastic bottles.

15. Ditch that lobster bib

I know, I know. Digging into a whole lobster can be a messy affair, and you definitely want to avoid getting stains on your clothes. However, nothing screams tourist louder than wearing the plastic bib adorned with tiny lobsters provided by restaurants. Be adventurous. Embrace the local culture. Dive into that succulent, bright-red crustacean with both hands, sans bib.

16. Cannabis is legal but restricted to private spaces

Canada legalized cannabis in 2018. In Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission (NSLC) is the sole legal seller of cannabis, available alongside beer, wine, and spirits. If you’re 19 or older (the same age for alcohol consumption), you can enjoy it privately in your accommodations. You may carry up to 30 grams in public, but using it in most public areas or inside a vehicle is prohibited. Remember not to drive under the influence and to avoid leaving it in your suitcase when flying out of Halifax. For those who partake, relish this unique freedom.

Plan your trip to Nova Scotia:

• Keep this list of must-do activities handy

• Check out the must-visit spots

• Set out on one of these breathtaking road trips