Nova Scotia's Coastal Family Getaways Await
Popular lakes
Upcoming events
Travel Tips
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Embrace the Local Culture
Embrace the lively ceilidhs where traditional Celtic music and dance create unforgettable evenings.
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Respect Nature
Explore Kejimkujik’s old-growth forests to encounter moose and diverse bird species. Visit Bird Island to observe Atlantic puffins nesting in summer.
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Be Flexible
Halifax’s 45-minute drive to Peggy’s Cove offers coastal views; Sydney’s 30-minute drive to Mira River Provincial Park provides boating and camping.
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Support Local Businesses
Savor fresh seafood at The Crow’s Nest in Digby, renowned for its oceanfront dining experience. Explore unique handcrafted goods at The Whirlyjig Factory in Martins Point, offering distinctive artisanal products.
Coastal Highlands and Tidal Treasures
Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Highlands rise 532 meters above the Atlantic, where the legendary Cabot Trail’s 298 kilometers of switchbacks reveal hidden waterfalls cascading into Bras d’Or Lake’s 1,099 square kilometers of inland sea. Peggy’s Cove lighthouse stands sentinel over granite shores pounded by 12-meter waves, while the Bay of Fundy’s twice-daily tidal bore rushes upstream at 13 kilometers per hour. Kejimkujik National Park’s 381 square kilometers shelter 46 backcountry lakes perfect for canoe camping, where ancient Mi’kmaq petroglyphs mark portage routes between watersheds teeming with loons and beaver.
Highland Games and Lakeside Gatherings
Bras d’Or Lake’s sheltered bays host July’s Celtic Colours International Festival across 32 communities, transforming waterfront stages into Gaelic celebrations drawing 75,000 visitors. The Halifax International Busker Festival brings 35 street performers to the historic waterfront each August, while Digby Scallop Days celebrates maritime harvests with 50,000 pounds of fresh shellfish. Lakefront estates range from restored Victorian sea captains’ homes overlooking Mahone Bay to contemporary glass pavilions perched above Lake Ainslie, North America’s largest natural freshwater lake on an island, where properties accommodate intimate anniversary escapes or three-generation family reunions.
Mountain Lakes and Maritime Adventures
The Cobequid Mountains’ ancient ridges frame pristine lakes where brook trout thrive in waters reaching depths of 30 meters, accessible via a network of 600 kilometers of maintained trails. Pet-friendly cottages dot the shores of Lake Charlotte and Sherbrooke Lake, featuring private beaches and enclosed yards for four-legged swimmers. Group compounds near Aylesford Lake offer multiple cabins sleeping 25 total, with communal fire pits, private docks equipped for paddleboard yoga, and screened gazebos perfect for lobster boils sourced from nearby Lunenburg’s UNESCO heritage wharves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to see what Nova Scotia has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Lunenburg offers UNESCO charm with rentals from $150 CAD near beaches and Bluenose II. Mahone Bay provides colorful cottages starting at $135. Baddeck features lakefront options under $125. Lake.com helps families find Nova Scotia’s lighthouse-dotted coastal properties.
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Ingonish provides trail access from $140 CAD with beach proximity. Cheticamp offers Acadian culture starting at $110. Pleasant Bay features whale watching under $120. Lake.com’s scenic route collection showcases affordable Cabot Trail accommodations perfect for road-tripping families.
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Digby excels with Bay of Fundy rentals from $125 CAD for whale tours. Brier Island offers prime viewing starting at $115. Cheticamp provides Gulf access under $130. Lake.com identifies Nova Scotia properties near guaranteed whale watching and kayaking adventures.
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Absolutely! Cape Breton combines Highland Village, Fortress Louisbourg, and Skyline Trail. Baddeck rentals from $125 suit all ages. Celtic music and ceilidhs entertain evenings. Lake.com features multigenerational properties with easy access to culture and nature.
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Peggy’s Cove pairs with nearby rentals from $145 CAD. Kejimkujik offers wilderness cottages starting at $95. Cape Split provides hiking access under $110. Bay of Fundy delivers tidal wonders. Lake.com connects families with Nova Scotia’s iconic outdoor destinations.
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Inverness Beach welcomes pets with cottages from $130 CAD. Crystal Crescent offers off-season access starting at $110. Martinique Beach provides endless sand under $120. Many properties include fenced yards. Lake.com’s pet filters show Nova Scotia’s dog-friendly coastal escapes.
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July-September brings 20-25°C perfect for beaches and hiking. October delivers stunning fall colors. June offers lupines without crowds. May-October suits whale watching. Lake.com’s Maritime guide helps families plan ideal Nova Scotia adventures avoiding fog and maximizing sunshine.