Annapolis Royal
Visited: August 2024
Annapolis Royal is nestled between two mountain ranges in the Annapolis Valley along the shore of the Bay of Fundy. It played an important role in Canadian history and was one of the first European settlements in North America. It also served as Nova Scotia’s capital before Halifax became the capital in 1749. Many of the houses have been registered heritage properties and the city itself has been designated a National Historic District.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Visited: September 2022 and August 2024
Cape Breton Highlands National Park was the first national park created in Atlantic Canada. It’s situated on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia where the mountains meet the sea. It is famous for its dramatic coastline and ocean scenery. The Cabot Trail, a scenic highway that is 298km in length, weaves through the park and offers spectacular viewpoints and access to a variety of hiking trails.
Read More: September 2022 (3 days) and August 2024 (3 days)
Grand-Pré National Historic Site
Visited: August 2024
Grand-Pré is located on the eastern edge of the Annapolis Valley on a peninsula jutting out into an inlet of the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia. Its name means large meadow in French as it’s surrounded by marshlands and farm fields. It was once the centre of Acadian settlement, but when the British captured Port Royal in the early 1700s, Grand-Pré was where many Acadians were forcefully expelled from their lands. Grand-Pré National Historic Site is located at the former village and commemorates the deportation of the Acadians.
Halifax
Visited: August 2024
Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia and is the largest city in Atlantic Canada. Its harbour is one of the largest and deepest ice-free natural harbours in the world. It has a rich history, a vibrant waterfront and is full of all that Maritime charm.
Fortress of Louisbourg
Visited: August 2024
The Fortress of Louisbourg was once a thriving community and bustling fishing harbour. Located in southeastern Cape Breton Island, it was an important centre for trade and commerce and served as a military base for the French in the 18th century. It was captured by the British twice and ultimately destroyed in 1760. It was designated a national historic site and was partially reconstructed to better preserve its history.
Kejimkujik National Park and Historic Site
Visited: August 2024
Kejimkujik is the only national park in Canada that’s also designated a national historic site. This is because of its importance to the Mi’kmaw people, an Indigenous group who are among the original inhabitants of Atlantic Canada. The park was named after Kejimkujik Lake, which is derived from a Mi’kmaw word that means little fairies. It’s spread across two locations in southwestern Nova Scotia in an inland section, which is much larger, and a seaside section. With an abundance of lakes, lush forests, historic canoe routes and hiking trails, it’s easy to be enchanted by the park.
Lunenburg
Visited: August 2024
Lunenburg is located along the southwest shore of Nova Scotia. It’s a charming fishing town with a rich history of shipbuilding and a lot of brightly coloured buildings. It’s one of the best-preserved colonial settlements in North America with its old town designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Site of Canada.
Peggy’s Cove
Visited: August 2024
Peggy’s Cove is located along the south coast of Nova Scotia. It’s a small fishing village that contains colourful houses, quaint shops and bustling restaurants. It is home to Peggy’s Point Lighthouse, which is one of the most famous and photographed lighthouses in Canada.