How to Plan the Perfect Nova Scotia Vacation
Visit Nova Scotia, Canada's Ocean Playground
By Hayley Simpson | Published on November 13, 2025
Planning the perfect Nova Scotia vacation means choosing the right itinerary, the ideal time to visit and must-see stops along the way. Cruising is one of the easiest and most exciting ways to explore this coastal Canadian gem. Don’t underestimate the experiences waiting for you when you visit the Atlantic province. A Nova Scotia vacation offers everything from UNESCO World Heritage-listed towns and fresh seafood to the world's highest tides, iconic lighthouses and stunning coastal vistas.
Here's what else you can expect when you embark on an unforgettable cruise from New York City to Nova Scotia.
Quick Takeaways:
- ● Taking a cruise to Nova Scotia from New York is one of the best quick getaways.
- ● Explore charming towns like Lunenburg and Halifax, rich with culture, history and cuisine.
- ● See natural wonders, from the Bay of Fundy tides to the scenic Cabot Trail.
- ● Enjoy fresh seafood, including lobster rolls and scallops, or indulge in fresh wild blueberries.
- ● Cruises are the best way to visit this Canadian gem.
Depart on Your Nova Scotia Vacation From Cape Liberty
Cruising from Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey, is an ideal starting point for your Nova Scotia vacation. Conveniently located near New York City, Cape Liberty offers four- and five-night cruises to Nova Scotia — the perfect getaway. The main advantage of cruising out of Cape Liberty is that you're close to New York.
While you're there, spend time in New York visiting iconic attractions like:
- ● The Empire State Building.
- ● The Rockefeller Center.
- ● Central Park.
- ● Broadway shows.
- ● The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- ● The Museum of Modern Art.
- ● The American Museum of Natural History.
With so much to do both before and after your cruise, New York is the ultimate launchpad for an exciting journey north.
Why Nova Scotia Is Known as Canada’s Ocean Playground
Nova Scotia, one of Canada’s four maritime provinces, is famous for its dramatic coastline, charming seaside villages and natural wonders.
Expect to experience:
- ● Over 8,000 miles of rugged coastline.
- ● The world’s highest tides at the Bay of Fundy.
- ● Charming historic coastal towns.
- ● Golden shorelines.
- ● Picturesque lighthouses.
Nova Scotia consists of a mainland peninsula and Cape Breton Island.
Popular Destinations in Nova Scotia
Some of the top places to see in Nova Scotia on your cruise include:
Peggy's Cove
- ● Home to one of the world’s most photographed lighthouses.
- ● Less than an hour from Halifax.
- ● Rugged rocks and crashing waves create picture-perfect views.
Halifax
- ● Enjoy the city’s historic charm and natural landscapes.
- ● Stroll the 2.5-mile waterfront boardwalk.
- ● Visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21.
- ● Explore the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
Lunenburg
- ● Visit this UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town and experience North America's best example of a planned British colonial settlement.
- ● Walk along the charming streets with colorful buildings.
- ● Take an iconic Nova Scotia tour aboard the Bluenose II schooner.
Cape Breton Island
- ● Take a coastal drive along the famous Cabot Trail.
- ● Visit the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site.
- ● Experience rich Celtic culture and listen to live Celtic music.
- ● Play on world-class golf courses.
Things to Do in Nova Scotia
No Nova Scotia vacation is complete unless you’ve tasted some local cuisine and immersed yourself in the outdoors.
Must-Try Foods and Local Dining Legends
- ● Lobster, oysters, Digby scallops and fresh Atlantic salmon.
- ● Visit the Shore Club in Hubbards — home of the original lobster supper — or Baddeck Lobster Suppers in Cape Breton.
- ● Donair — a pita wrap filled with spit-cooked beef, sweet garlic sauce, fresh tomatoes, onion and pickled radish.
- ● Wild blueberries from Oxford — Canada’s blueberry capital.
- ● Buy wild blueberries and blueberry-themed goods — juice, soap, baked goods and more — across the province.
- ● Apples from the Annapolis Valley in October, when the Fall crop is bountiful.
- ● Nova 7 sparkling wine from Benjamin Bridge Vineyards in the Annapolis Valley.
- ● Rappie Pie — a traditional Acadian dish made from grated potatoes and meat.
- ● Scottish-inspired oatcakes.
Outdoor Adventures
- ● Hike Cape Breton Highlands National Park’s Skyline Trail.
- ● Paddle through Kejimkujik National Park’s historic waterways.
- ● Walk the ocean floor at Burntcoat Head Park during low tide.
- ● Surf the waves at Lawrencetown or relax on Martinique Beach.
- ● Ride the tidal bore waves on the Shubenacadie River for a thrill you’ll never forget.
Outdoor Adventures to Try on a Nova Scotia Vacation
Whatever outdoor adventure you seek, it's all but guaranteed you can enjoy it while on a quick trip to Nova Scotia.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers 26 hiking trails, including:
- ● The Skyline Trail.
- ● Broad Cove Mountain.
- ● The Acadian Trail.
Beyond Cape Breton, choose from hundreds of hiking trails from Sydney to Shelburne.
- ● Climb 175 steps to the top of Jacob's Ladder in Victoria Park.
- ● Enjoy panoramic views from the trails at Cape Split Provincial Park.
- ● Head along the Louisbourg Lighthouse Trail to see the fortress from an impressive angle.
- ● View East River Bay vistas from Castle Rock Trail.
- ● Choose from multiple trailheads on the 57-mile Celtic Shores Coastal Trail.
If hiking isn’t your style, trade your boots for a club and tee up at Highland Links, one of the world's top 100 golf courses.
National Parks in Nova Scotia
Kejimkujik National Park is both a national park and a national historic site. Learn about its 10,000 rich years of Mi'kmaq history as you paddle along historic waterways that cover over 45 lakes and ponds, and spy Mi'kmaq petroglyphs on guided and iconic Nova Scotia tours. If you'd prefer a seaside excursion, enjoy Kejimkujik Seaside's isolated sandy beaches, scenic trails and rocky secluded coves. The park is also a dark-sky preserve, making stargazing a must-do.
Another area to investigate is the Bay of Fundy’s Burntcoat Head Park. Here, you can watch the world's highest tides uncover the hidden treasures of the ocean. When the tides are out, you can walk for miles on the ocean floor.
Unique Experiences: Customize Your Nova Scotia Vacation
Several seaside adventures also await you in Nova Scotia.
From June to October, join a whale watching tour to see some of the 12 whale species that visit the province's waters annually. There are Nova Scotia tours available coast to coast, from Annapolis Valley to the Cabot Trail.
You can also sail the high seas in Bluenose II from Lunenburg — a replica of the Bluenose, which was a famous Canadian vessel now permanently commemorated on the Canadian dime.
Nova Scotia is also a globally recognized surfing destination. Check out the swells at Lawrencetown, Cherry Hill, Summerville and Martinique Beach, which is home to Nova Scotia’s longest beach at three miles long.
Other must-visit beaches include Carter's Beach, with a sparkling white sandy shore and azure water. Alternatively, stroll along Inverness Beach's idyllic boardwalk and choose from three crescent-shaped beaches at Crystal Crescent.
For an adrenaline-pumping rush, nothing compares with riding the waves of the world's highest tides in a Zodiac boat. Reaching up to 13 feet high, the Shubenacadie River transforms into a water roller coaster for an experience you won't find anywhere else. Head to the small towns of South Maitland and Green Oaks for unforgettable tidal bore adventures, and complete the experience with a spot of mud-sliding.
If you'd prefer to leave the thrill-seeking to others, there are other options for a more romantic couple's getaway to Nova Scotia. Get your feet wet while kayaking. Experiences are available across the province, including:
- ● Cape Breton’s Baddeck to North River.
- ● Blue Rocks near Lunenburg.
- ● The Bay of Fundy's Three Sisters' sea stacks, Cape Chignecto Provincial Park.
As far as adventures go, a Nova Scotia vacation is certain to be epic.
What To Do in Nova Scotia: Tips for Travelers
The best time to visit Nova Scotia is May to October, as the early spring, summer and early fall seasons offer the warmest weather, making it the best time to explore and enjoy:
- ● Diverse experiences from scenic drives and fresh seafood to lively festivals and outdoor adventures.
- ● Experience the best of what Nova Scotia is known for, such as Celtic music, lobster feasts and buttery lobster rolls, historic harbors, wild blueberries and friendly locals.
Maximize your time in this Atlantic Canadian gem with a quick getaway that combines big city excitement with maritime charm by taking a cruise to Nova Scotia from New York.
Get Onboard: Cruise to Nova Scotia for the Ultimate Vacation
