Holidays in Nova Scotia

The province of Nova Scotia is a peninsula located on Canada's eastern coast. Connected to the mainland by nothing more than the 24 km-wide Isthmus of Chignecto, the province is besieged on all sides by the raw power and indifferent beauty of the North Atlantic ocean. The fact that Nova Scotia is Canada's second smallest province means that it's impossible to be more than 42 miles away from the sea at any time. This—along with the local communities' age old traditions and maritime identity—ensures that visitors cannot help but feel an immediate connection with the sea within hours of arriving.

Nova Scotia Holidays: Travel Essentials

Unsurprisingly, the sea has a major influence on Nova Scotia's climate. Indeed, the province's cool winters and warm summers are moderated by the ocean. Summertime and autumn are usually sunny although the eastern areas and Cape Breton Island can be breezy. Flights to Nova Scotia arrive and depart from Halifax International Airport, often via Toronto and take around six hours from the UK. Although public transportation is efficient enough in and around Halifax, hiring a car is easily the best way to get around the province. Nova Scotia is in the Atlantic Time Zone (GMT-4).

Nova Scotia Holidays: Highlights

Exploring the quaint villages, pristine beaches, smugglers' inlets and windswept headlands is the main draw of most Nova Scotia holidays. Without doubt, tucking into some freshly caught crab in a village eatery whilst listening to the waves crash far out to sea is a memorable experience. However, there is more to Nova Scotia than salt water and wild maritime scenery. The provincial capital of Halifax and its assortment of museums, attractions, restaurants and pubs, along with the pretty harbour are all well worth exploring.