Top 9 Road Trips in Nova Scotia

There’s no better way to savor a summer day in Nova Scotia than meandering down a peaceful rural road with the windows rolled down, eager to discover what lies around the next bend.

More often than not, you’ll find a serene cove where fishing boats gently sway at their moorings, a stretch of gleaming sand, or a rocky outcrop leading to a hiking path. The picturesque views, combined with numerous parks and significant Mi’kmaw, Gaelic, and French cultural landmarks along the way, will entice you to linger longer than intended.

International driver’s licenses are valid in Nova Scotia for up to 90 days. You can traverse the entire province in about eight hours. For quick travel, stick to the 100 series highways, but for stunning views and experiences, take Nova Scotia’s scenic routes and the smaller roads that branch off. Aside from rush hour in Halifax, traffic is generally light. All roads are well-marked with clear signs indicating location, distance, and regulations—allowing for a carefree, windows-down adventure.

Want to explore Nova Scotia without a vehicle? Check out our tips for getting around

1. South Shore

Best drive connecting coastal towns Halifax–Bridgewater; 210km (130 miles), plan for 2 days

On this journey from Halifax, exit Hwy 103 onto Rte 324 to reach Lunenburg, where steep streets descend to the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic and the Bluenose II, Canada’s iconic tall ship. Adorned with vibrant red buildings, this waterfront area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunenburg competes with Peggy’s Cove—known for its lighthouse perched on rugged rocks—for the top spot among South Shore attractions.

Be sure to explore the sailing town of Chester and the artisanal haven of Mahone Bay. Consider a side trip to Blue Rocks. Journey around the Aspotogan Peninsula and continue past Lunenburg to Riverport before taking the cable ferry across the LaHave River, concluding your drive in Bridgewater.

Detour: For a unique adventure, bring your bicycle on the ferry to Big Tancook for a day of peaceful cycling on quiet roads.

2. Sou’west Nova

Best road trip for discovering fishing villages Yarmouth–Bridgewater; 473km (294 miles), plan for 3 days

After the ferry from Maine arrives in Yarmouth, set off towards the Tusket Island archipelago, including Wedgeport, historically a tuna fishing hotspot. Generally follow Rte 3 along the coastline, stopping at the Historic Acadian Village in Pubnico, where the early 1900s French Acadian lifestyle comes alive. Explore Cape Sable Island, the world’s lobster fishing capital, before heading to Birchtown, home to the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre that reveals a crucial chapter in the history of slavery. Stroll the historic waterfront in Shelburne, walk along Crescent Beach into Lockeport, and sound the old foghorn at Fort Point Lighthouse in Liverpool. Continue your journey along scenic coastal roads beside shimmering beaches, stopping at artisan shops from Voglers Cove to LaHave before finishing in Bridgewater.

Visiting Nova Scotia for the first time? Check out these local tips

3. French Shore

Best road trip for experiencing French heritage Yarmouth–Digby; 110km (68 miles), plan for 2 days

In 1755, British troops forcibly removed French Acadian settlers from Nova Scotia. Many returned eight years later to establish themselves along the coastline between Yarmouth and Digby. They transitioned from farming to fishing upon their return. Today, Acadian red, white, and blue can be seen on everything from mailboxes to lobster boats. Stone and wooden churches serve as historical markers along the route. The area features charming fishing villages and expansive beaches. Follow Rte 1 along the coast, connecting the ferry from Maine in Yarmouth with the ferry from New Brunswick in Digby.

Local tip: On National Acadian Day, August 15, Acadians celebrate by taking to the streets for the Tintamarre, banging pots and pans, honking car horns, and proudly expressing their Acadian heritage. It’s a powerful sight.

4. Annapolis Valley

Best road trip for wine and farm markets Digby–Halifax; 228km (142 miles), plan for 3 days

Nova Scotia’s most favorable weather region, the lush Annapolis Valley, is also the agricultural backbone of the province. Travel along Rte 1 to find fresh produce year-round at local farm markets and U-picks. Explore vineyards along the way and taste wines gaining recognition worldwide. Vintners have found that the mineral-rich soil and ocean-influenced slopes are ideal for cultivating crisp whites and refreshing sparkling wines, including the province’s signature wine, Tidal Bay, a perfect match for Nova Scotia seafood.

Local tip: No designated driver? No worries. Join a winery tour with Grape Escapes or hop on the Magic Winery Bus for a fun day out.

5. Eastern Shore

Best road trip for island hopping Dartmouth–Canso; 305km (253 miles), plan for 2 days

The Eastern Shore Drive follows Rte 7 along a scenic, undulating coastline dotted with rocky peninsulas and narrow bays. Experience sea kayaking with a guide around the 100 Wild Islands Coastal Wilderness. Dress up like a 19th-century pioneer at Sherbrooke Village, the largest provincial museum in Nova Scotia, where you can learn to make horseshoes, watch a carpenter create a chair, and explore the village jail.

Local tip: Wrap up your trip in Canso during the last weekend of July to enjoy the famous Stan Rogers Folk Festival.

Discover more of Canada with these amazing road trips

6. Parrsboro Shore

Best road trip for exploring prehistoric sites Amherst–Truro; 232km (144 miles), plan for 2 days

As of 2020, much of the coastline along Rte 2 and Rte 209 is recognized as the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Geopark due to its rich natural and cultural heritage. Camp at Five Islands Provincial Park and discover the legend of Kluskap, the Mi’kmaw creator deity who flung mud at a giant beaver to form the islands. In Parrsboro, learn about the amphibians that thrived in tropical swamps over 300 million years ago. Hike up to the Cape d’Or Lighthouse, dramatically positioned on a cliff jutting into the bay. Explore the wild landscapes of Cape Chignecto Provincial Park. At the Joggins Fossil Centre, tour the coastal cliffs where ancient fossils tumble from the rocks.

Local tip: To delve into local shipbuilding history, visit the ship-shaped Age of Sail Museum in Port Greville.

7. North Shore

Best road trip for warm waters Amherst–Canso Causeway; 278km (173 miles), allow 3 days

The North Shore route meanders through picturesque countryside, stops in charming towns, and leads to long beaches gently caressed by the relatively warm waters of the Northumberland Strait. In Pictou, step aboard a replica of the tall ship Hector, which carried the first Scottish settlers to the North Shore in 1773. At the Museum of Industry, hear gripping tales of tragedy and survival from a retired coal miner. Melmerby Provincial Park is a highlight, known for its warm, shallow waters and excellent facilities.

Detour: Embark on a 255km (158-mile) side trip to Antigonish via Rtes 337 and 245. Here, you can sample craft spirits at Steinhart Distillery, enjoy cheese from Knoydart Farm, converse with fishermen at the Ballantyne’s Cove Tuna Interpretation Centre, and admire the sea views from the cliffs at Cape George Lighthouse.

8. Cabot Trail

Best road trip for highland scenery Baddeck–Baddeck; 298km (185 miles), allow 2–3 days

Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, the Cabot Trail, primarily along Rte 30, meanders over the ancient Appalachian Mountain ridges with its switchback roads. While it's possible to complete this drive in a day, taking your time is highly recommended. Stop at lookouts, explore artisan studios and museums, wander through charming villages like Pleasant Bay, known for whale watching, and enjoy the services, hikes, and interpretive programs offered by the national park. Consider staying overnight to relish the tranquility, gaze at the night sky, taste North America’s first single malt whiskey, or enjoy a round of golf on one of the world’s top 50 courses.

Local tip: Instead of looping back from Baddeck, venture from Cheticamp down Cape Breton’s west coast towards the Canso Causeway. Don’t miss the traditional music jam night at the Red Shoe Pub in Mabou.

9. Bras d’Or Lake

Best road trip for cultural experiences Canso Causeway–Canso Causeway; 470km (292 miles), allow 3 days

Take it slow while driving around the saltwater Bras d’Or Lake, primarily along Rte 4, to fully appreciate the stunning scenery and numerous cultural landmarks. The lake’s serene waters are overlooked by the Highland Village Museum, a historical site where Gaelic settlers established a farm and church. Join Indigenous guides for an Eskasoni Cultural Journeys walk along a 2.4km (1.5-mile) trail that immerses visitors in Mi’kmaw culture. The route also leads to Fortress Louisbourg, where you can explore the reconstructed fortifications, streets, and 18th-century buildings, including homes, hotels, and shops.

Organize your trip to Nova Scotia:

• Keep this list of top activities

• Determine the ideal times to visit

• These are must-see destinations