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Bucketlist Bri

Bucketlist Bri

Adventurous Slomad Travel

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20 Bucket List-Worthy Things to Do in Nova Scotia

Last Updated: November 23, 2022 · Canada, Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia—one of Canada’s Maritime provinces brimming with fresh lobster, yellow rain jackets, iconic lighthouses, deep roots of aboriginal occupation, European migration, and an immortalized history of sailing with a little bit of pirate mystery.

Whether you have one week, a few days, or just a weekend, here’s my ultimate Nova Scotia bucket list, including the top 20 recommendations for mid-budget and free things to do in Nova Scotia, entire vacation ideas, parks, hikes, road trips, and more!

Table of Contents show
Best Things to Do in Nova Scotia, Canada
1. Stroll Down Halifax’s Historic Waterfront Boardwalk
2. Get Lost in the Colorful Town of Lunenburg
3. Stargaze in Kejimkujik National Park
4. Take a Picture of the World’s Largest Fiddle at Sydney Harbor
5. Island Hop around LaHave Islands
6. Road Trip the 186-mile Cabot Trail
7. Go Whale Watching
8. Send a Postcard from Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse
9. Eat a Lobster Sandwich
10. Taste Ocean-Aged Rum at Ironworks Distillery
11. Ride the Tidal Waves on the Bay of Fundy
12. Go Kayaking with Pleasant Paddling in Picturesque Blue Rocks
13. Bike the Rum Runners Trail from Halifax to Lunenburg
14. Search for Buried Treasure on Oak Island
15. Snap a Skyline Photo of the Three Churches in Mahone Bay
16. Climb up the Zig-Zag Stairs in Halifax Central Library
17. See the Shipwrecks on Sable Island
18. Hike the 26 Hiking Trails in Cape Breton Highlands National Park
19. Camp Overnight in an oTENTik Dome
20. See the Famous Bluenose II Schooner in Port

Best Things to Do in Nova Scotia, Canada

20 Bucket List-Worthy Things to Do in Nova Scotia, Canada #bucketlist #canada #novascotia #travel www.bucketlistbri.com Bucketlist Bri

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for your support!

1. Stroll Down Halifax’s Historic Waterfront Boardwalk

Halifax is Nova Scotia’s hip and sprawling capital city. Its diversity and mixture of people, pubs, and parks create an exciting, welcoming atmosphere. One of the best free things to do in Nova Scotia as well, walking the scenic waterfront boardwalk is worthy of a bucket list checkmark!

2. Get Lost in the Colorful Town of Lunenburg

Lunenburg - 20 Bucket List-Worthy Things to Do in Nova Scotia, Canada #bucketlist #canada #novascotia #travel www.bucketlistbri.com Bucketlist Bri
Lunenburg’s full of color! | Bucketlist Bri

Lunenburg is Nova Scotia’s colorful colonial town. With its richly preserved British grid-style streets and European-influenced architectural homes, the town’s historic past proceeds itself, making it a top tourist destination in Nova Scotia.

Many wanderers end up in Lunenburg and with its quaint and calm vibes, its no wonder why. Plus, we tasted some of the absolute best homemade cheddar scones and coffee concoctions at No. 9 coffee house!

3. Stargaze in Kejimkujik National Park

Kejimkujik National Park is an adventure and nature enthusiast’s paradise. Whether it’s to hike, camp, wander, or marvel at waterfalls, the Kejimkujik National Park is the place to go! You can paddle on the lake, or just revel in the history of 4,000 years of aboriginal presence. Kejimkujik in Mi’kmaq language, as the park states, refers to “tired muscles.” Probably from all that paddling!

4. Take a Picture of the World’s Largest Fiddle at Sydney Harbor

World's Largest Fiddle at Sydney Harbor - 20 Bucket List-Worthy Things to Do in Nova Scotia, Canada #bucketlist #canada #novascotia #travel www.bucketlistbri.com Bucketlist Bri
Do you see it yet? Keep looking! | Bucketlist Bri

When you take the ferry from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland, you’ll likely end up in Sydney (not Australia). Here, at the harbor, stands the largest fiddle in the world!

The fiddle commemorates the folk music of the region. But if you think that’s impressive, take a glance at the gigantic ropes anchoring the ships that come to dock at this port!

5. Island Hop around LaHave Islands

LaHave Islands are a cluster of scenic, wild islands on Nova Scotia’s south shore. To truly take advantage of the inlets, dense forest, and hundreds of lakes, make sure to carve out time for a leisurely Sunday drive.

6. Road Trip the 186-mile Cabot Trail

Roadtripping the Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia www.bucketlistbri.com Bucketlist Bri #cabottrail #roadtrip #novascotia #capebreton
View of Middle Arm from atop Broad Cove Mountain, The Cabot Trail | Bucketlist Bri

The world-famous Cabot Trail is a 186-mile scenic drive around Cape Breton Island. It passes through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and skirts the rugged cliffs and clear coastline.

Many travelers tour it by car or motorcycle in one or two days. (Check out our 2-day itinerary here!)

Also Read — The Ultimate Road Trip Across Canada: From Newfoundland to British Columbia

7. Go Whale Watching

Whale watching along the coast of Nova Scotia is a popular outdoor activity, especially during the summer. Digby on the Bay of Fundy side of Nova Scotia is a top-rated place to whale watch, as is Cape Breton Island.

But since Nova Scotia is practically surrounded by coastline, you’ll no doubt find whale-watching tours anywhere. The whale-watching season runs from June to September, with July and August being the top months to go.

8. Send a Postcard from Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse

5 Epic Destinations on Nova Scotia' South Shore #novascotia BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com #canada #adventure #travel
Peggy’s Cove at sunset | Bucketlist Bri

Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse is one of the most popular destinations in Nova Scotia. A bucket list adventure through and through, Peggy’s Cove serves up a postcard-perfect location.

Its iconic and historic lighthouse, which once functioned as a fully-serviced post office, is what attracts so many people to its coastline. A trip here and you’ll be immersed in a truly authentic Nova Scotian fishing town (aside from the tourists).

9. Eat a Lobster Sandwich

No doubt you’ll see signs for a “fresh lobster sandwich” nearly everywhere you go throughout Nova Scotia. And if not a sandwich, you at least have to try the lobster just once! Nearly every town or city will serve fresh seafood.

Next to lobster, don’t forget to try the fresh catches of the day or freshly-shucked Nova Scotian oysters!

10. Taste Ocean-Aged Rum at Ironworks Distillery

Ocean Aged Rum at Ironworks Distillery 20 Bucket List-Worthy Things to Do in Nova Scotia, Canada #bucketlist #canada #novascotia #travel www.bucketlistbri.com Bucketlist Bri
Ocean aged rum @ Ironworks Distillery, Lunenburg | Bucketlist Bri

Have you ever tasted rum aged in barrels that have survived the surging waves of the ocean from the Caribbean all the way to Nova Scotia’s clear waters? If not, now is your chance!

The Ironworks Distillery in Lunenburg puts out the best rum in the region. You’ll have to taste it to believe it!

11. Ride the Tidal Waves on the Bay of Fundy

Experience the Bay of Fundy like never before—from atop the tidal waves! We missed out on this must-do bucket list adventure but that just means we’ll have to go back! We did get to kayak the Bay of Fundy, however from the New Brunswick side!

12. Go Kayaking with Pleasant Paddling in Picturesque Blue Rocks

Blue Rocks is a quaint fishing village and town famed for inspiring artists.

Only situated 15 minutes from Lunenburg, don’t forget to make the stop here. You can also go kayaking in the scenic, clear-water inlets with Pleasant Paddling.

13. Bike the Rum Runners Trail from Halifax to Lunenburg

Rum Runners Trail Map via rumrunnerstrail.ca

Cyclists rejoice. If you’re looking for an epic bucket list adventure in Nova Scotia, look no further! The Rum Runners Trail is a 74-mile multi-use trail and biking trail which connects Nova Scotia’s capital of Halifax all the way to colorful and historic Lunenburg.

Talk about fresh air and freedom! Forget driving down the coast, bike it!

14. Search for Buried Treasure on Oak Island

Oak Island is surrounded by mystery and mayhem, of pirates buried treasure and gore. The History Channel on YouTube even has a long-running “Curse of Oak Island” series. Will they ever explain the mysterious objects found here? Tune in here:

15. Snap a Skyline Photo of the Three Churches in Mahone Bay

Mahone Bay is a tiny gem of a town found between Halifax and Lunenburg. Passing through this town you can’t help but take notice of its charm.

It’s quickly gaining in popularity because of the three churches that make out Mahone Bay’s skyline! The churches are from different religious denominations from their rich migrant history.

16. Climb up the Zig-Zag Stairs in Halifax Central Library

20 Bucket List-Worthy Things to Do in Nova Scotia, Canada #bucketlist #canada #novascotia #travel www.bucketlistbri.com Bucketlist Bri
Halifax Central Library | Bucketlist Bri

Having won several architect awards, the Halifax Central Library is a sight to marvel at! Beyond a place to cozy up in a nook with a book, the library has stunning visuals for visitors.

Climb up the zigzag staircase to the top, eventually stepping out on the roof-top terrace that overlooks downtown Halifax. Sunsets from atop here are sunkissed and sweet!

17. See the Shipwrecks on Sable Island

Sable Island off Nova Scotia’s southeast coast is home to more than 300+ shipwrecks. As such, it’s often nicknamed the “Graveyard of the Atlantic” and many curious travelers venture here to seek out the shipwrecks. The island is protected and managed by Parks Canada.

Visitors must arrange a tour to visit the island! No one lives on Sable Island apart from the hundreds of wild-roaming horses which, according to Discover Halifax, were almost removed from the island and turned into pet food! Luckily that didn’t happen…

18. Hike the 26 Hiking Trails in Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Roadtripping the Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia www.bucketlistbri.com Bucketlist Bri #cabottrail #roadtrip #novascotia #capebreton
The world-famous Skyline Trail | Bucketlist Bri

The Cape Breton Highlands National Park is rich in wildlife, hiking trails, beaches, and even waterfalls! Not only is it home the world-famous Cabot Trail as mentioned earlier, but there are also many sights to see within the National Park itself.

Click here to search the hotels and campgrounds in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

19. Camp Overnight in an oTENTik Dome

Nova Scotia has lots of campgrounds to stay at if you’re searching for a night under the stars. But a particular bucket list item to tick off is a stay in Parks Canada’s exclusive oTENTik domes—”the perfect mix of tent and A-frame cabin comes together in our oTENTik with its raised floors, cozy beds, and furniture.”

20. See the Famous Bluenose II Schooner in Port

The Bluenose Schooner is Nova Scotia’s most prized ship and “sailing ambassador” to have ever graced its seas. But unfortunately, the original Bluenose was lost off the Haitian coast back in the 1950s.

Since, it’s been immortalized on car plates, coins, and in Nova Scotians’ hearts and legends! However, you can witness the Bluenose II (an exact replica) when in port in Lunenburg—the seat of the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic.

How many of these Nova Scotia places to see and things to do will you check off? Overall, Nova Scotia is a sea lover’s escape.

So next time you’re considering where to go in Nova Scotia, you’ll have an entire bucket list of ideas to inspire your trip.

Enjoy the salty air and fresh seafood for me!

20 Bucket List-Worthy Things to Do in Nova Scotia, Canada #bucketlist #canada #novascotia #travel www.bucketlistbri.com Bucketlist Bri
20 Bucket List-Worthy Things to Do in Nova Scotia, Canada #bucketlist #canada #novascotia #travel www.bucketlistbri.com Bucketlist Bri
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By: Bri · In: Canada, Nova Scotia

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Comments

  1. John says

    May 6, 2020 at 6:25 pm

    Thank you for not mentioning the north shore of NS as we enjoy our beaches and cottage country without all the tourists

    Reply
    • Bri says

      May 7, 2020 at 12:57 pm

      Yes NS has beautiful beaches!!

      Reply
  2. Taylor Deer says

    November 11, 2019 at 7:47 am

    Nova Scotia is now on my bucket list and I’m totally keeping this handy as my guide! It looks so beautiful!

    Reply
    • Bri says

      November 11, 2019 at 11:53 am

      Yay! Glad to hear it! And even with 2-3 weeks, we didn’t get to cover hardly anything. It’s apparently the land of waterfalls, too!

      Reply
  3. Josefine says

    November 8, 2019 at 7:37 pm

    This looks amazing! I recently moved to Canada and would love to visit Nova Scotia during my time here 🙂 PS. I love your graphics!

    Reply
    • Bri says

      November 9, 2019 at 5:06 pm

      Oh how exciting, Josephine! I’m sure there are deals for a quick trip in the summertime! And thank you!!

      Reply

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They ask, “Why?” I was 29 when I embarked on They ask, “Why?” 

I was 29 when I embarked on the plane on the 21st, and 30 when I disembarked on the 23rd. How fitting. I spent all of my 20s abroad (except for my two final semesters in undergrad), and moved to Nepal when I was 21. 

What better way to say goodbye to my twenties than by returning to the start? I felt the desperate urge to start my 30s this way—alone on a one-way ticket with no concrete plans. I have both feared and longed to come back all these years. You see, I had made a promise to one of my closest Nepali friends that I’d see her again, but the reality is that I no longer can. 

She, along with another dear friend, passed away from cancer a couple of years back. The thought of returning to my old life here without my friends made me, well, incredibly sad. I had thought that, upon landing in Kathmandu—or taking a bite of my first momo—after so long, I’d find myself bursting into tears of both grief and gratitude. But I didn’t. Instead, I found familiarity in the chaos and chaos in the strangeness. 

Just being here—and the decisions and actions it took to get here—has reminded me of the preciousness of this one very short life. And that, by choosing to celebrate mine—at the exciting turn of a decade no less—by coming back to Nepal on a solo trip that would force me into daring discomfort when I could instead retreat to the comforts of family or my partner, is how I want to live it.

Truth is, a couple of months ago the thought of Nepal felt out of reach. It felt risky, unattainable. But the idea itself pushed open, just a crack at first, a door that had been otherwise closed. I could have more easily ignored my “what if?” daydreams—calling them off as too hard, too uncomfortable, or too far-fetched to actually pursue—and kept it shut.
But sometime in mid-July, I decided to look at flights. And I found one (truly, just one) option that could work. And it just so happened that it would fall on my birthday, or rather bridge my birthday. The idea of getting on a plane at 29 and getting off it at 30—back in Nepal—sold me. I fell in love with the story, the adventure, the unknowingness of it all. 

So, yeah. That’s why. Or as I prefer, “Why not?”
Rebuilt, it is indeed different now, but at the sa Rebuilt, it is indeed different now, but at the same time just as I remember: the swirl of incense, spice, sweat, and candle smoke peppering the air; the pigeons cooing and flapping overhead; the Tibetan devotees and tourists melodically shuffling clockwise around the dome; the street dogs curling up in corners; the monks humming and drumming inside monastery halls. 

I’m both at home and a foreigner in a strange land, once more, discovering it all over again with new eyes—just like those of the reborn stupa.

The last time I saw Boudhanath—one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world—was in 2016. It remained under reconstruction after the deadly 2015 earthquakes, so I never got to see it in all its magnificent wonder—until today! 🙏 

And wow, Boudha under the rain this afternoon was just what I had been dreaming of ever since I left Nepal after one year living/studying/working here. 

It’s so good to be back 🥹🇳🇵

📍 Boudhanath Stupa (northeast Kathmandu) — you can catch the local bus here from the airport for only 20-40 Nepalese rupees instead of paying 900 Rs for a taxi 😉 

Save this reel to your Nepal folder and follow along @bucketlistbri 💛

#nepal #boudhanath #kathmandu #lifetimeexperiences #nepaltourism #visitnepal #kathmandunepal #nepalnow #nepalviaje @nepaltourism #nepalnow
I have a confession 🙈 I have not enjoyed crea I have a confession 🙈 

I have not enjoyed creating or posting on Instagram for a few months. But I have recently hit a big reset button🚨 and I feel inspiration flowing back to me. 

I think in many ways, and for years, Instagram has stunted my creativity and photographic eye. Funnily enough, I used to love creating short travel videos long before it became a thing or a lucrative job. Now it feels like I’m always playing catch up. Now I select 5 photos out of 500 and I choose them through an Instagram filter of what “works.” I really don’t like doing that, which is why I often go weeks without posting. I lost my why, again and again and again. 

What I really enjoy is the art and act of it — the “seeing” — the visual story, the edit that just transforms the feeling. The emotion that videos and photos evoke — in me when I take them and also in others when they absorb them. 

That’s why I love writing and photography both, and combining them both through blogging. I forget I don’t have to do this, I GET to. 

The joy, the flow, the “creation” of it all is so powerful. 

So I hope you enjoy these photos and behind the scenes — for some reason, I always felt they weren’t “good enough” to share except for in Stories. How odd, who told me that? Only I did. So I’m giving back to myself the permission to travel far and wide and share whatever I feel like creating and sharing far and wide, too. I know many of you can relate… You’re not alone 🤗 — this is your sign to give yourself that permission slip to show up as authentically you 💛

1. iPhone snap of me happy in a teahouse 

2. The gorgeous Japanese-style exterior of Amei Teahouse evokes scenes from “Spirited Away”

3. Spotted through the window 🫖 

4. Jiufen under the rain 

5. A woman from Malaysia was sitting at our table at dinner and gave us her “Jiufen souvenir” to remember her by. It was so sweet!

6. Wandering the alleyways and found a temple hiding under the mist 🐉 

7. Taiwanese tea ceremony 😍

8. Those layers ⛰️ 

9. The sweetest lady and owner of our homestay had us model in front of her elaborate door, which she was very proud of! 

#taiwan #jiufen #taiwantravel #taiwantrip #iseetaiwan
Jiufen is a charming mountain town in Northern Tai Jiufen is a charming mountain town in Northern Taiwan with an interesting Japanese gold mining history🏮💛 

It is an enchanting destination that deserves to be savored—don’t make the mistake of coming only for a day!

As I shared in a previous reel, many Studio Ghibli fans have caught wind that the Amei Teahouse is rumored to have inspired scenes in “Spirited Away,” and therefore make the day trip from Taipei to see it in person and live out their fantasy. 

However, Miyazaki has denied the rumor that Jiufen, or any particular teahouse, was the source of inspiration for the film!

What did introduce Jiufen to the global stage, however, was the 1989 film “A City of Sadness.” It was filmed in Jiufen on Shuqi Road (the street going down past Amei Teahouse).

Please remember to visit Jiufen mindfully & with care 🙏 

Learn more about what to do and see in Jiufen, Taiwan beyond “taking a photo of the Spirited Away teahouse” in my 2-3 day itinerary — free on my blog! @bucketlistbri 🤍 🇹🇼 

#jiufen #taiwantravel #studioghibli #spiritedaway #jiufenoldstreet #taiwan #ameiteahouse #heartofasia
“I had to defend myself. So I beat him with a ma “I had to defend myself. So I beat him with a machete and I left,” she said unabashedly, continuing, 

“You can either choose to live in the darkness or in the light. I chose the light.” 

Beti happened to be my Uber driver for my ride from Corte Madera to SFO airport, but now I know it was no happenstance that she be the one to accept my request. 

You see, I just spent four days immersed in light at the 31st @bookpassage Travel Writers and Photographers Conference — an experience that @don_george_travel called in his closing speech, “A magical forest of light, illuminated by fireflies.” (With each embrace representing a spark of light — lots of hugging took place in that bookstore!)

Beti fled Honduras twenty-nine years ago in fear for her life and in search of peace. 

As I listened to her story and met her soulful eyes in the rearview mirror, one of my greatest fears surfaced: not living my life to its fullest potential; to not only travel the world for my own selfish cravings of adventure and connection but to, in a sense of responsibility, share it back with the world. To live fully. To write stories. And to listen to them — like Beti’s. 

And so as I was sitting there, all teary-eyed and smiley, I visually zoomed out high above our car crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. There, amid the endless line of ant-sized traffic, I saw it: two fears, two stories, and two seemingly separate lives intermingled intimately together, emitting a singular, soft glow — just like that of a firefly — making its way through the mist and fog of San Francisco, and ultimately, of life.

This was my second year attending TWPC, and again I am reminded of what I take most from this gathering which is — beyond the expert-led workshops & insider knowledge for excelling in the travel writing and photography worlds — the unshakeable lesson of living & traveling mindfully, armed with the two most important tools of the trade: 

love and light 🤍✨
Add this place to your Taiwan bucket list — ASAP Add this place to your Taiwan bucket list — ASAP!

📍 Taroko Gorge, Taroko National Park 

This place felt like the “Misty Mountains” (of Taiwan)🧙‍♂️ ⛰️ 🥾 — there are wispy waterfalls, towering peaks, marble canyons, hiking trails, dark tunnels, aboriginal food/culture, and just look at that crystal clear river water! 😍

My full blog guide + itinerary for this underrated destination and national park (one of nine in Taiwan!) is now LIVE! 

Head to my blog @bucketlistbri .com and search for Taroko for all the juicy details on how to visit 🌿

P.S. More Taiwan + Japan blog guides to follow — send me your questions and don’t forget to bookmark this for later ✨ 🤗

#taiwantravel #tarokonationalpark #iseetaiwan #asiatravel #tarokogorge #adventureculture
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