In 1867 Nova Scotia was one of the founding provinces of the Canadian Confederation, along with New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada, which later became the separate provinces of Quebec and Ontario.

The province's mainland is the Nova Scotia peninsula and is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, including numerous bays and estuaries. Cape Breton Island, a large island to the northeast of the Nova Scotia mainland, is also part of the province. Sable Island, a small island notorious for its shipwrecks, is also part of Nova Scotia. It is located approximately 175 km from the province's southern coast.

Nova Scotia is the second smallest province in Canada, with an area of 55,284 km². Its population of 934,405 makes it the fourth least populous province of the country.

Get in

By plane
The recently renamed Robert Stanfield International Airport about 30 miles outside of the city services numerous American, International and domestic locations. The Sydney airport in Cape Breton is also an option but has fewer carriers than Halifax.

By car
Nova Scotia is accessible by the number 104 Trans Canada Highway. The highway connects the province to neighboring New Brunswick with Highway 2. Be prepared to drive at a slower pace than most other places as Nova Scotians take their time.

By train
Via Rail Canada operates its main rail hub in Halifax, Nova Scotia's capital. However, the train does not travel to the southern part of the province.

By ferry
Whether you're coming through Bar Harbor, Maine or traveling to New Brunswick, expect to spend about three hours on a ferry. The high-speed Cat Ferry in Yarmouth goes to Maine while the Princess of Acadia in Digby connects Nova Scotia with Saint John, New Brunswick. 

Marine Atlantic also runs two ferries between Cape Breton and Newfoundland.

Get around

By car
Nova Scotia's highway system is very simple. Starting in Yarmouth, the 101 and 103 Provincial highways pass around the respective shores; the 101 along the western shore through Digby and Windsor; the 103 goes along the eastern shore. Both lead to Halifax and Dartmouth. the Provincial 102 goes to Truro, where you can choose Amherst (and New Brunswick) or New Glasgow via the Trans Canada 104. A ferry to Prince Edward Island is also found at Pictou. The Trans Canada leads all the way to the Canso Causeway, the one way to Cape Breton. The Trans Canada also leads to Sydney and the Newfoundland Ferry at North Sydney. Be aware of road conditions in the winter, especially away from major areas. Special scenic routes are labeled by specific signs, (Cabot Trail, Sunrise Trail, etc.).

Attractions

 • Peggy's Cove Lighthouse, 35 km SW of Halifax on road 333. A picturesque lighthouse that draws thousands of visitors every year sits on a mountain of jagged rocks. The lighthouse is a post office, restaurant and tourist information bureau. Outside Peggy's Cove on the 333 there are plenty of Bed and Breakfasts and restaurants.
 • Swiss-Air Memorial, close to Peggy's Cove on the 333. Remembers those who perished in the tragic plane crash just off the coast of Halifax.
• Cape Breton highlands. From golf, camping, and just plain sightseeing, the beauty of the Cape Breton Highlands cannot be lost or described for that matter.  
 • The Southern Nova Scotia Biosphere, Tobeatic Wilderness Area, and Kejimkujik National Park. Located in the southern half of the province, the biosphere is the largest protected wilderness area in Atlantic Canada.
 • Digby Neck Whale Watching, Digby. The seaside community's world-famous scallops aren't the only thing to try here. Whale watching is an adventure in itself. Don't be surprised if you get sprayed by one, that's how close the boats get. 
 • Alexander Keith’s Brewery Tour, 1496 Lower Water St. (902) 455-1474. Cool off with a pint of Nova Scotia’s legendary India Pale Ale at the historic brewery just off the Halifax waterfront. Guided tours are performed by actors replaying 17th century brewery workers. Ages 19 and up.
 • Halifax International Busker Festival, Halifax Waterfront. Aug 9-19. The week-long festival features the finest street theatre from around the world. The event if free but donations are greatly appreciated.

Museums

 • The Bluenose II, Lunenberg. Take a two-hour harbor cruise on Canada's most famous vessel. Book by reservation, June through September. The ship appears on Canada's dime.
 • Highland Village, Iona, Bras d'Or Lakes Scenic Drive, (902) 725-2272. With 11 buildings in total, the Highland Village is North America's only living-history museum for Gaelic language and culture.
 • Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, 1723 Hollis St. (902) 424-7524. See how Nova Scotia folk artist Maud Lewis lived. Her actual house is on display inside the museum and is just one of many breathtaking exhibits. The museum hosts numerous exhibitions throughout the year, featuring Canadian and international artists. 

National historic sites

 • Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, Baddeck, (902) 295-3496. E.T. couldn't have phoned home without the invention of this world-famous Canadian. But make note, Mr. Bell had his hand in more inventions than just the telephone.
 • Pier 21 National Historic Site, 1055 Marginal Road at the south end of Barrington St. (902) 425-7770. More than a million immigrants passed through Pier 21 between 1928 and 1971. A touching and emotional tribute to those who sought refuge in Canada is one of the museum's many exhibits.
 • Port Royal National Historic Site, Annapolis. Settled by the French during the 17th-century, the fort has survived numerous English invasions and one major fire.
 • Citadel Hill, Sackville St. (902) 426-5080. Formerly a military fort, the star-shaped structure sits atop Halifax's highest point, giving visitors a great panoramic view of the city and its waterfront.
 • Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, Louisbourg. Actors dress as townspeople to recreate the 18th-century military fortress' atmosphere. 

Activities

Winter
Unknown to many are the numerous cross-country and downhill ski hills Nova Scotia has to offer. Ski Wentworth, located about an hour northwest of Halifax, is best for snowboarding and advanced skiers. Ski Martock, about 40 minutes southwest of Halifax, is the most popular hill in the province because of its close proximity to Halifax. However, to get the full experience of what Nova Scotia has to offer, it's better to visit during the summer.

Summer
Because of its size to population ratio, Nova Scotia is a haven for campers and outdoor enthusiasts. This is particularly true in the Cape Breton highlands, where campers can enjoy a multitude of outdoor activities, including sport fishing, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and especially golfing.