If you’re dreaming of a Canadian road trip that offers coastal adventure, charming fishing villages, golden beaches, water activities and sumptuous seafood, it’s time to visit Nova Scotia; Canada’s Ocean Playground.
I recently had the absolute pleasure of taking a 7-day solo road trip around the coast of the Canadian province of Nova Scotia with Visit Nova Scotia. From the exhilarating experiences of surfing on Summerville Beach and kayaking with seals in the Blue Rocks archipelago to ticking off a bucket list dream of whale watching, Nova Scotia blew me away in ways I never anticipated. Now I want to share my exact itinerary with you along Nova Scotia’s Lighthouse Route – with all of the additional tips and recommendations I picked up along the way.
Trip completed August 2025. Article written September 2025.
This article has been written in partnership with Visit Nova Scotia. All words, advice and travel tips are my own.
7 Day Nova Scotia Itinerary – At a Glance
This 7 day itinerary is a round-trip which starts and ends in Halifax, the vibrant capital of Nova Scotia and the perfect launchpad for your road trip. From here you’ll take the spectacular 103 coastal road, stopping off at Peggy’s Cove, Lunenburg, Blue Rocks, Mahone Bay, Summerville Beach, Cape Forchu and Yarmouth, Digby, East Ferry and ending in the Annapolis Valley Wine Country. This itinerary will take you along Nova Scotia’s famous ‘Lighthouse Route’ and beyond.
Further down in this article you’ll find the full detailed itinerary, which provides a day-to-day breakdown of the very best things to do, best activities, best places to eat and best places to stay en route. With first-hand experience from myself as a tourist and expert input from the team at Visit Nova Scotia, I truly believe this is the ultimate Nova Scotia itinerary for a coastal road trip.
Booking a hire car is essential in order to follow this itinerary, which you can pick up and drop off at Halifax Stanfield International Airport. Like me, you’ll cover 939 kilometres (585 miles) of Nova Scotia’s stunning coast line, which equates to roughly 11.5 hours of driving over the 7 days.
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I recommend making a hot drink and devouring this long-form itinerary word for word, but if you’re short on time, feel free to jump to the info you’re looking for.
Introducing Nova Scotia
Perched on Canada’s Atlantic coast, Nova Scotia is one of the country’s three Maritime provinces and is almost entirely surrounded by ocean. Connected to mainland Canada by a narrow land bridge with New Brunswick, it sits just northeast of Maine in the United States and is closer to Boston and New York than it is to Toronto or Vancouver. Despite its small footprint (it’s roughly the size of Scotland), Nova Scotia packs in over 13,000 kilometres of coastline, with rugged landscape, wild beaches and charming fishing villages (often literally) around every turn. The name itself means ‘New Scotland’ in Latin, a nod to the province’s proud Scottish heritage, which you’ll see echoed in its place names, tartan traditions and warm maritime spirit.
Being from the UK, I will say that Nova Scotia is not a widely visited travel destination for Brits. I now think this is kind of crazy, because Halifax is one of the closest gateways into North America from the UK. My flight from London Heathrow took only 6 hours direct with Air Canada. It was so quick, that I was still processing the fact I was in North America long after touching down on the runway.
My biggest misconception of Nova Scotia that, like many other parts of Canada, it would be cold all year round.
The Best 7 Day Nova Scotia Itinerary – Days 1-7
Day 1 – Arrive in Halifax and Visit the Halifax Harbour
Where to Stay: Moxy Halifax Downtown
Number of Nights: 2
Day 1 is your travel day, so all that you need to focus on is arriving safely at Halifax Stanfield International Airport and collecting your hire car. The drive from Halifax Airport into downtown Halifax is probably the most congested drive you will take in the whole trip, so just take it steady and rest assured that after this, the roads will be calm, open and quiet as you navigate around the coast.
If you have the time or energy after checking into your hotel, I recommend taking a walk down to the Halifax Harbour area and walking the whole length of the waterfront. This lively harbour front boardwalk is home to independent boutiques, waterfront cafés, restaurants, public art installations and people generally enjoying life. I can recommend the fish tacos and a frozen margarita at Pickford and Black, which has alfresco seating overlooking a beautiful waterfront setting. This was a great little find on my first night in Nova Scotia.
I checked into Moxy Halifax Downtown, which was a fun, friendly and convenient hotel, around 10 minutes’ walk from the Halifax Harbour area. However, I don’t think it would be to everyone’s taste due to the quirky, dark interior and very compact rooms.
Top Tip: Make sure that any hotels you book offer on-site parking for your hire car.
Day 2 – Harbourfront Highlights in Halifax
AM – Halifax Harbour Hopper Tour
Start your first morning with a splash of fun aboard the Halifax Harbour Hopper, Atlantic Canada’s most iconic sightseeing tour (meeting point: 5050 Salter St, Halifax (next to Waterfront Warehouse Restaurant). This bright green, amphibious vehicle will take you through the city streets before plunging straight into the harbour and turning into a floating vessel. The experience is fun, unique and made even better with a lively and entertaining guide. Yes, it’s extremely touristy, but I loved this experience and it was the perfect guided introduction to Halifax. It’s equal parts informative and entertaining — and a brilliant way to orient yourself on day one.
Book tickets for the Halifax Harbour Hopper.
Alternative Option: Halifax Guided Small Group Walking Tour.
Top Tip: It’s often 5–10°C cooler on the water, so bring a layer to stay warm when the vehicle hits the harbour.
PM – Maritime Museum of the Atlantic + Ferry to Dartmouth
Just minutes from where the Harbour Hopper Tour ends, you’ll find the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, home to the world’s finest collection of wooden Titanic artifacts. Halifax was the closest major port to the 1912 disaster, and many of the recovered bodies and relics were brought here. I was totally mesmerised by the Titanic exhibition and thought that seeing the near-perfectly preserved deckchairs and intricate oak carvings was both haunting and fascinating.
A museum ticket also includes free access to the CSS Acadia, a beautifully preserved 1913 Canadian scientific research and hydrographic ship moored just outside the museum. Join one of the free tours to step below deck and see the officer’s quarters, bridge and engine room — it’s like stepping back in time.
After visiting the Maritime Museum and Halifax harbour area, hop aboard the Halifax-Dartmouth Ferry (only $2.50 each way) to explore the up-and-coming neighbourhood across the water. Once in Dartmouth, soak up the buzz of this up-and-coming neighbourhood. Once a quiet suburb, it’s now one of the province’s coolest new enclaves, with trendy eateries, indie shops and laid-back beer bars dotted around Alderney Landing.
Once you’re back in Halifax, I recommend going for dinner at Darya, which is a stylish waterfront restaurant serving modern Middle Eastern food. I ate here and thoroughly enjoyed it — you can also sit outside by the water on a sunny day.
Overnight at Moxy Hotel Downtown.
Day 3 – The Lighthouse Route: Peggy’s Cove to Lunenburg
Where to Stay: Kitch’Inn Boutique Inn & Wine Bar, Mahone Bay
Number of Nights: 1
It’s time to hit the open road and follow Nova Scotia’s famous Lighthouse Route along the province’s South Shore. This stretch of coast is truly spectacular and today’s journey will take you from Halifax to Lunenburg, with a magical stop at Peggy’s Cove along the way.
AM – Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse + Lunch at Margaret’s
Just under an hour’s drive from Halifax, Peggy’s Cove is one of the most photographed places in Canada — and when you see it, you’ll know why. Its iconic red-and-white lighthouse perches dramatically on smooth, wave-worn granite, while colourful fishing boats bob in the tiny harbour below. Park in the Visitor’s Car Park then wander up to the Lighthouse and soak up the salty air before heading to Margaret’s for a leisurely lunch. I ate the most delicious lemon and garlic whipped cream cheese bagel here, with an iced coffee on the side. It was the perfect lunchtime fuel for my next coastal leg.
Not road tripping? Book a tour from Halifax to Peggy’s Cove.
PM – Lunenburg Walking Tour
From Peggy’s Cove, continue along the Lighthouse Route to Lunenburg (about 1 hour 20 minutes), one of the most charming towns on Nova Scotia’s South Shore. Old Town Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and over 70% of its original 18th- and 19th-century buildings still stand, painted in a rainbow of vibrant hues.
At 2pm, join the Essential Lunenburg Walking Tour for an hour-long guided stroll through the historic streets. Your guide will bring the town’s past to life with local folklore and haunting true stories. Highlights include St. John’s Anglican Church, the second-oldest Protestant church in Canada, and the pretty Fishermen’s Memorial Monument by the waterfront, where the tour ends.
After your tour, explore more on foot then settle in for a well-earned cocktail and seafood snack at The Half Shell Oyster & Seafood Bar. I picked out this place as it’s located right on the waterfront and had a great atmosphere. I ordered a virgin cocktail and some fresh tuna tacos, which were so fresh and absolutely delicious.
After this, drive just 15 minutes to Mahone Bay, for an overnight stay at Kitch’Inn Boutique Inn and Wine Bar. I recommend heading for dinner at the on-site restaurant; Betty’s at the Kitch, for some great wine and pizza. Mahone Bay is one of Canada’s prettiest small towns — all colourful clapboard houses, independent shops and cosy cafés.
Day 4 – Kayaking with Seals in Blue Rocks
Where to stay: The Quarterdeck Resort, Summerville Beach or White Point Beach Resort
Number of Nights: 1
Today’s adventure takes you to the quiet peninsula of Blue Rocks, just outside Lunenburg, for one of Nova Scotia’s most amazing water-based activities. Drive time: 25 minutes from Mahone Bay
AM — Kayaking with Seals in the Blue Rocks Archipelago
Arrive by 8:45am to meet your guide from local tour company Pleasant Paddling (245 The Point Road, Blue Rocks, Lunenburg, NS B0J 2C0) and gear up for their signature ‘Paddle to the Seals’ tour. This is a 3–4 hour guided kayaking experience through the Blue Rocks Archipelago, a labyrinth of inlets, passageways and tiny uninhabited islands on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.
This serene pocket of coastline is often described as one of the best places to kayak in all of Nova Scotia, and I could definitely see why. The landscape is spectacular. As you glide across calm, glassy water, keep your eyes peeled for seals’ heads bobbing out of the water, curious eagles, and ospreys flying overhead. About halfway through, we pulled ashore on a deserted corner of Heckman Island for a beach break and snack before returning to our kayaks to discover more seals. I loved this experience so much and felt so truly present and immersed in nature as we paddled through the water. If you get the chance to book with Lukas, go for it! He is an excellent guide who provided the most incredible experience.
The water got quite choppy at one point which was quite tiring on the arms, but this tour is suitable for beginners and you can be towed by the guide if you wear out at any point.
Note: This area is wild and thriving — great white sharks have been known to pass through — which only adds to its raw beauty. Your guides are experts who know these waters inside out, so you’re in safe hands.
PM — Lobster Rolls in Lunenburg
After your paddle, head 15 minutes back into Lunenburg for a well-earned lunch. My kayak guide Lukas recommended The Fish Shack (108 Montague St, Lunenburg, NS B0J 2C0) for their famous Nova Scotian lobster rolls, which was an awesome tip — buttery toasted buns packed with sweet, fresh lobster, enjoyed overlooking the colourful Lunenburg waterfront.
From here, continue on your road trip towards your next base of Summerville Beach (1 hour 10 minutes’ drive) or spend some more time in Lunenburg doing one of the following:
- See the Bluenose II, the legendary racing schooner featured on the Canadian dime (and even sail on a 2-hour harbour cruise if the timing aligns)
- Visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic to learn about the town’s shipbuilding and rum-running heritage
- Stop for a tasting at Ironworks Distillery, known for its apple vodka and molasses rum
- Browse the many artist studios and galleries dotted through the town
End your day by checking into your next accommodation at Summerville Beach. I recommend The Quarterdeck Resort, which is located right in front of Summerville Beach and has a wonderful seafront restaurant called ‘The Grill’.
Day 5 – Surfing and Lighthouse
Where to stay: Dockside Suites at the Fundy Complex, Digby
Number of nights: 1
Today begins with salty hair and sandy toes, and ends with a serene sunset in the Bay of Fundy. You’ll swap your kayak paddle for a surfboard this morning before hitting the road west towards Cape Forchu and Digby, passing through some of Nova Scotia’s most beautiful coastal scenery along the way.
AM – Private Surf Lesson at White Point Beach
If you’ve ever wanted to try surfing, this part of Nova Scotia is the very best place to do it. Book yourself a surf lesson with Rossignol Surf Shop which is located at White Point Beach Resort (White Point Beach Resort, 75 White Point Beach Resort Rd, White Point, NS B0T 1G0). I was a total beginner and I’ll admit this was the activity on the trip that I was the most nervous about, but my instructor Jeff put me at ease.
We started by practising surf safety, etiquette and technique on the sand before heading into the water for a 1 hour lesson. Having an instructor in the water makes a huge difference for beginners as it means you can be propelled into the wave with extra force, making it easier to stand up on the board. After one or two attempts, my worries melted away and I was just having complete unadulterated FUN! I’m so glad I pushed myself to give surfing a go. It was an amazing and invigorating start to the day.
PM – Cape Forchu Lighthouse
From White Point, begin the scenic 2.5 hour drive west, tracing wild stretches of coastline towards Cape Forchu, a dramatic headland just outside Yarmouth. Climb the 77 steps to the very top of Cape Forchu Lighthouse to be rewarded with panoramic views of Yarmouth Harbour and the vast Atlantic beyond. Tours to the top of the lighthouse run throughout the day, so be sure to book onto one as soon as you arrive. Whilst you wait for your time slot you can enjoy lunch in the small on-site café and check out the tiny museum in the old Lighthouse Keeper’s quarters.
After visiting Cape Forchu, drive onwards to Digby where you will spend the night. I stayed at Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa but I actually don’t recommend this hotel due to the extremely tired and dated decor and the poor service at breakfast. Instead, head to Booking.com and check out all top-rated hotels in Digby.
For dinner in Digby, I can definitely recommend Fundy Restaurant which is located in the heart of Digby. Head here for delicious Digby scallops, fresh maple glazed salmon or fantastic sushi. I really enjoyed my meal here and the service was very friendly and efficient. It has an outside decking area where you can enjoy a meal overlooking Digby harbour. This restaurant also has accommodation called Dockside Suites at the Fundy Complex which is currently rated 9.1 superb on Booking.com.
Day 6 – Whale Watching on the Bay of Fundy
Where to Stay: The Inn at Grand Pré Winery
Number of Nights: 2
Few experiences capture the raw magic of Nova Scotia quite like watching whales emerge from the wild Atlantic Ocean. Today you’ll journey down the Digby Neck to East Ferry for an unforgettable afternoon at sea — then end the day in the heart of Nova Scotia’s wine country.
AM – Whale Watching with Petit Passage
Enjoy a slow morning and then drive 40 minutes down scenic Route 217 along the narrow spine of the Digby Neck towards East Ferry. Park opposite the ferry dock and check in at the Petit Passage Café (Petit Passage Whale Watch, 3450 NS-217, East Ferry, NS B0V 1A0), which serves hearty pre-departure fare, from creamy seafood chowder to scallop rolls made with Digby’s finest.
Top Tip: I recommend arriving early enough for lunch at the Petit Passage Café; it was the perfect pre-cruise stop. Be sure to also buy some water and additional takeaway snacks from the cafe as there is no food or drink to purchase once on the boat.
At 12:45pm, board the Passage Provider 2020 for your 3-hour Petit Passage Whale Watching Tour. The waters off the Digby Neck are renowned as one of the best whale-watching locations in North America, and during summer they become a rich feeding ground for humpback, minke and fin whales, as well as playful porpoises, seals and a wide array of seabirds.
It has been a dream of mine to go whale watching for over 10 years, so this experience really felt like a dream come true. I was hoping to just spot one or two whales, but we were spoilt by seeing a total of eight humpback whales during our cruise. I couldn’t believe how close the whales came to the boat — it was truly breathtaking. The activity of whale watching is very strictly controlled and only two whale-watching boats are ever allowed out on the water at the same time, so you can rest assured this is a sustainable and ethically controlled aspect of tourism in Nova Scotia.
I highly recommend booking this experience with Petit Passage Whale Watching. At just $45 per adult, I think you are getting incredible value for money here.
Top Tip: Even if it’s a warm and sunny day, be sure to bring a coat, a hat and plenty of layers for your cruise as it does get cold out on the Bay of Fundy.
Read my full Guide to Whale Watching in The Bay of Fundy to get more information about this activity and all of my top tips to get the most out of the experience.
PM — Drive to Grand-Pré Wine Country
After your whale-watching adventure, continue north for a scenic 2-hour drive to Grand-Pré, set in the lush Annapolis Valley. Check in to the elegant Inn at Grand Pré Winery, a boutique property nestled between vineyards and orchards. After a day of salt air and sea spray, enjoy a glass of local wine on the Terrace or in the boutique bar at Inn at Grand Pré Winery. This historic, friendly and boutique Inn feels luxurious and is the perfect place to relax and unwind at the end of your 7 day Nova Scotia itinerary. The interiors are beautiful and the daily in-room freshly baked breakfasts are a standout highlight.
I highly recommend booking a table for dinner at Le Caveau, the onsite restaurant at The Inn at Grand Pre. This is a small yet very popular restaurant with exceptional food and wine. It’s often full, so definitely book ahead. I had the most incredible duck pasta dish here and the food was so good that I ate here two nights in a row.
Day 7 – Lobster Lunch & Annapolis Valley Wine Tasting
Your final day in Nova Scotia is all about slowing down and savouring the flavours of the province — from sweet, succulent lobster pulled straight from the Bay of Fundy to crisp white wines grown on sunlit valley slopes.
AM – Hall’s Harbour Lobster Pound
Ease into the day with a scenic 40 minute drive to the tiny fishing village of Hall’s Harbour, perched dramatically on the Bay of Fundy. At Hall’s Harbour Lobster Pound & Restaurant (1157 West Hall’s Harbour Rd, Centreville, NS B0P 1J0), choose your own lobster (up to 2lbs) from the tanks, then watch as it’s cooked fresh to order in the on-site cook shack. Sit down in the waterfront dining room with your lobster feast, buttery corn on the cob and a cold drink as you watch the tide roll in — it’s an iconic Nova Scotia experience.
Top Tip: If you’re a bit squeamish about eating a whole lobster (like I was) there are plenty of other options to choose from including the Lobster Roll, Lobster Mac ‘n’ Cheese or dishes without any lobster at all.
PM – Wine Tasting in Grand-Pré & Wolfville
After lunch, return to the rolling vineyards of the Annapolis Valley for a leisurely afternoon exploring Nova Scotia’s wine country. You could wander the pretty university town of Wolfville, dipping into its cafés, cider houses and boutiques, or head back to The Inn at Grand Pré Winery to join one of their guided vineyard tours and tastings, taking place daily at 4pm ($25 per person).
This boutique winery is one of the oldest in the province and produces award-winning cool-climate wines like L’Acadie Blanc and Tidal Bay. I booked onto the afternoon tour, where our guide took us through the vineyards and taught us about the winemaking process before hosting a tasting of five signature wines in the cellar. Enjoy the experience and then pick up a bottle or two of your favourite wines for a great souvenir to bring back home. It’s an idyllic and fittingly indulgent way to round off your coastal road trip.
As the sun sets over the valley, raise a final glass to your 939km adventure around Nova Scotia’s coast — from surfing and kayaking to whale watching and wine tasting. You’ve conquered the open road, discovered the wild beauty of Atlantic Canada, and returned with memories (and confidence) to last a lifetime.
Where to Stay – Hotels in Nova Scotia
Here’s a concise round-up of all the places I have recommended to stay within this itinerary. I also suggest doing your own research via Booking.com, which allows free cancellation on accommodation up to 24 hours before the booking date.
Best Food to try in Nova Scotia
A trip to Nova Scotia wouldn’t be complete without sampling its world-famous seafood — and you can’t go far without seeing a red lobster in this Canadian province. Be sure to try fresh-caught lobster, best enjoyed whole and steamed at a rustic lobster pound.
If the whole lobster experience isn’t for you, tuck into buttery lobster rolls along the coast. In Digby, make sure to try the town’s iconic sweet, plump scallops, celebrated as some of the best in the world. You’ll also find creamy seafood chowder packed with local haddock and mussels on nearly every menu.
If seafood isn’t your thing, don’t worry. I discovered some absolutely delicious pasta, pizza and Middle Eastern food whilst exploring Nova Scotia. Whatever your taste, you will be well catered for in Nova Scotia.
Tips About Driving in Nova Scotia
As a Brit who is used to driving on the left side of the road, I was quite nervous about recalibrating to the other side of the road alone. However, Nova Scotia is probably one of the very best places to try it. There was a total of 11.5 hours of driving but this felt very manageable (and even enjoyable) because it was broken down into small chunks of driving each day.
The roads are mostly very quiet and the drivers are very calm and polite. Almost all cars in Canada are automatic too, which gives you one less thing to worry about as you switch to right-sided driving. Honestly, building the confidence to drive around the world unlocks so many incredible and unique travel experiences (just like this one), so even if you are nervous to drive in Canada, I urge you to face the fear and give it a try. I promise that the reality won’t be anywhere near as scary as the thought.
Driving solo through Canada gave me a renewed sense of confidence in myself. If I can hire a car in a country where they drive on the ‘wrong’ side, navigate nearly 1,000 kilometres, and deliver a full content campaign along the way… what can’t I do?
Top Tip: I used an eSIM to make sure I was connected to 5G at all times, which meant I could navigate easily using Google Maps
Book your hire car from Halifax Stanfield International Airport.
Solo Travel in Nova Scotia
I completed this itinerary as a solo traveller, meaning you can too! I found the Nova Scotian locals to be incredibly warm and friendly and there was not one scenario where I didn’t feel safe. Of course, as with anywhere in the world, you do have to remain observant and extra vigilant as a solo traveller.
I took certain safety precautions by sharing my route and my location with family members. However, I made sure never to share my exact location in the moment on any of my social media channels. I also think remaining connected online is super important as a solo traveller, so I made sure I had plenty of data on my phone via an eSIM.
Final Thoughts
Nova Scotia surprised me in every possible way. What started as a 7-day solo road trip turned into a journey of discovery — of wild, untamed coastline, of incredible coastal experiences, breathtaking wildlife and of my own confidence as a solo traveller. Whether you’re chasing coastal adventure, dreaming of world-class seafood, or ticking off bucket-list experiences, this Nova Scotia itinerary shows just how much magic fits within one small but mighty province. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to book that trip… this is it.
Did you find this Nova Scotia itinerary helpful? Are you planning your own adventure or plan to replicate this one? Leave us a community comment to let us know. We’d love to hear from you!
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