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1. I’d love to do this road trip! I went to Newfoundland last year, and would love to go back to the eastern end of Canada for more exploring!

   1. Hi Bryna…You should! It really is fantastic. I too have road tripped around central Newfoundland and enjoyed that too, however good lodging is an issue, but the scenery was stunning. Thanks so much for stopping by. All the best, Mike

2. We live in such a beautiful.province but so etimes take its beauty for granted. Thanks for your article. You have suggested some spots that I have yet to get to as a life long resident! Of course, you will have to come back to explore as there are so many more phenomenally scenic spots to explore and interesting adventures to be had! Well-written and informative article. Thank you for posting!

   1. Hi Doris…thank you so much for taking the time to leave a message. You do indeed live in an amazing place and I’m glad I could inspire a few new places for you to visit. You are correct, I have a lot more that I could explore and hope to come back again one day soon to check it out. Thanks again for stopping by. Cheers, Mike

   2. What’s other places can you suggest a tourist visits in the province? As I am interested in visiting.

      1. Hi Akin, I can’t really because this is the extent of the time I had exploring in the week that I had. I have recommended all the best places/things to do (in this region that is). You can also search my site for other Maritime provinces as well. I have road trip guides and videos on PEI, New Brunswick and even Newfoundland.

      2. The Annapolis Valley is a must! The Wolfville/ Grand Pré area has a lot to offer with all of the wineries and miseries along with Barreling Tide Distillery and the Wayfarer’s Brewery in Port Williams. Travel on Highway 1 all the way to Annapolis Royal, a place whose history dates to 1605! From there, head to Brier Island for Whale Watching! The Bay of Fundy is host to lots of whales. From there, make your way to Yarmouth via the District of Clare which is an Acadian Region. Spend at least a night in Yarmouth before traveling along rte 3 ( the Lighthouse route) towards the Pubnicos and Barringron., considered the lobster capital. Then , head to historic Shelburne and dine at Charlotte’s Lane. From there, continue to Liverpool, the museum town of the south shore. Visit the Keji Seaside Adjunct wilderness park! Follow the Lighthouse Rte to ..

         1. Hi Gren, thank you so much for sharing all this info, very helpful for my next trip! Which I hope is soon. Thanks for stopping by. Cheers, Mike

3. As a resident of Nova Scotia you have hit on the tourist areas that is found on many highlights of our province. I would like to mention to tourists that Nova Scotia has more to offer than you can find on any web sight or Google Search. There are many areas along the Eastern shore untouched and beautiful that you won’t find in a book or article. Please come back again and ask areas what they have to offer that isn’t in any tourist book. Nova Scotia is more than Peggy’s Cove and Halifax.

   1. Hi Judy…thanks so much for your feedback. Yes, some of the spots are well known, and for good reason. Others, like Guysborough are lesser known. I agree with you and your points are well taken. I would absolutely love to come back and discover some areas that people are not talking about.

   2. very interesting ,can you please list some of those places, am very interested in it

4. Love your article, especially the fact that you covered Guysborough and surrounding areas. This beautiful part of Nova Scotia is often ignored. Next time stop by the Authentic Seacoast Destillery and Brewery in Guysborough for some delicious rum, and stay in Charles Cove at the Seawind Landing.
   And yes, riding the Tidal Bore is an experience of a lifetime, glad you covered it!

   1. Hi Alice…thank you so much! I really appreciate that. I do like to try and cover some lesser known areas. I tried twice to stop by the distillery, but they seemed uninterested in giving me a tour. No kidding, that Tidal Bore rafting was one wild experience. Thanks so much for stopping, but, really appreciate it. All the best, Mike

5. I’m surprised that you did not include Capr Breton Highland, the drive around the eastern part, Bedec, Louisburg, etc.

   1. Hi Magdalene…well, I only had a week. I really hope to make it back and explore those regions as well. Thank you so much for stopping by, and for the suggestions.

6. hi Mike do you have one for PEI???

   1. Hey Mary, I sure do! https://mikesroadtrip.com/pei-road-trip-guide Let me know if I can answer any questions. Cheers, Mike

7. Again the south western part of the province is totally ignore . I understand you only have 7 days but you are missing this important fishing and historical area; not to mention the whales !

   1. Hi Mary Ann. I would love to come back just to visit the south western part…maybe this summer. Who doesn’t love seeing those majestic whales!

8. I’ve been to Nova Scotia for a week before, but I only stayed around Halifax because I went in February. Next time, I want to come in the summer.

   1. Hi Sabrina…yeah, a summer road trip is definitely in order. 😉

9. Hi Mike! You have given me some ideas for my next trip!! I live on the south shore of Nova Scotia with its beautiful white sand beaches be sure to check this area and the French Shore Annapolis Valley on your next Nova Scotian Adventure.

   1. Hey Lorraine…I am so happy to hear that! Thank you so much for stopping by, I really appreciate it. Hope you’ll check out some of my other road trip adventures. 😉

10. I love Nova Scotia. Raised in the Annapolis Valley but moved to Ontario in my early teens. Really appreciate the awesome beauty every time I go back. Was on quite a road trip myself last year and visited many of the spots you named. Heading back again this Sept.

    1. Hey Wendy…me too! Oh, how cool. Hope you have a fantastic time. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing a bit of your experiences.

11. I am definitely going Memory Lane! This looks like an awesome vacation Mike. The countryside, the lighthouses, seemed the tidal bore rafting… I can’t wait for my next vacation.

    1. Oh, it really is! You’d love it!

12. Me and the family are going!

    1. I’m so glad I could inspiring you! 😉

13. I was quite disappointed to not see Digby. Digby Neck and Long & Brier Islands. We have 4 lighthouses just on the islands alone as well as Balancing Rock and Whale Watching. http://digbyarea.ca/digby-area-visitors-guide/

    1. Hey Tina. Yeah, I hear ya…only so much one can cover in a week, especially in Nova Scotia. Now, when I spent a week on PEI, I could cover a lot more ground as it is so much smaller. I really appreciate you reading and watching the video though, and, for sharing your suggestions. Really appreciate it. Hopefully I’ll be able to make it back to Nova Scotia again one day soon. Cheers!

14. Hi Mike – This is fantastic! We’ve been wanting to explore the Maritimes, and this itinerary is a big help in planning. Can’t wait to explore Memory Lane – that sounds like fun. The biggest question now is whether to go in summer, or try to time it for fall foliage. Either way, looking forward to it!

    1. Hey Rob and Ann…thank you so much. So glad you found it helpful. I don’t think you can go wrong either in summer or fall. When I was there it was late summer and you could just start to see the leaves change, I can only imagine how beautiful it must be. BTW, I have road trip guides to New Brunswick and PEI, so if you have the time, check those out as well. Cheers, Mike

15. On the way back from Lunenburg, always stop into Mahone Bay, wonderful shops including the best shoe store, and yummy cafe/restaurants with great food and views of the water. Then Queensland Beach or Bayswater Beach for sandy beach and dip in the Atlantic Ocean.

    1. Hi Mary…thank you so much for sharing the tip. I love it when readers share their experiences/suggestions. Thanks for stopping by. Cheers!

16. Hi Mike! My husband and I are planning to drive to Nova Scotia from Ottawa in middle of August! We’re planning on camping all the way down there! Do you know of any good campsites in Nova Scotia we can just stop for a night without reserving? Thank you!
    Cheers
    Elaine

    1. Hi Elaine…wow, that sounds like a wonderful trip! I’m afraid I don’t have any suggestions. From my experience, camping in the east requires reservations because the sites full up so fast. That’s disappointing I know, because you just want to go off and explore and not be subject to having to stay at a particular place. I hope it turns out great though and you both have a wonderful time. Cheers, Mike

17. Shouting out for the Southwestern region of Nova Scotia…stunning coastline…world class beaches! See Queens, Shelburne, Yarmouth & Digby Counties!!!! You can have a magnificent itinerary in this part of the province alone.

    1. Hi Jane…thank you so much for stopping by and providing some additional suggestions. I would love to see that part of the province one of these days. All the best, Mike

18. My husband and I are planning on a 2 week trip to Nova Scotia and are considering traveling the last week in August. We want to see as much of the area as possible and prefer roads less traveled. Also, we both live rocks and fossils.

    1. Hey Susan, I hope this Nova Scotia road trip guide and video was of some use. Let me know if you have any questions. Hope you have a wonderful trip. Cheers, Mike

    2. Sounds like you need to stop at the fossil cliffs in Joggins. They’re a UNESCO world heritage site. If you enjoy hiking a stop at Cape Chignecto is Advocate Harbour is well worth the drive. The views of the Bay of Fundy are outstanding.

       1. Hi Beth, thank you so much for the suggestion. I’ll make note of that the next time I visit. Thanks for stopping by. Cheers, Mike

19. So happy I found your blog while doing research for my trip in early September! Quick question if you don’t mind, instead of staying at the airport Alt Hotel, could I stay in Halifax the first night and still fit in the day one plan you described? Based on flights, I should be getting into Halifax in mid-afternoon and would rather not stay in the airport. Thanks!

    1. Hi Sue…I am too! 😉 I think it all depends on your flight times, that’s why I put the suggestion of staying at the Alt at the hotel. That, and it really is a cool airport hotel, one of the best I’ve stayed at. Hope you have a fantastic time. Thanks for stopping by. Cheers, Mike

20. How is this road trip and hotels etc for an elderly person using a wheelchair – not wheelchairbound but cannot walk far. How well do you feel the disabled are catered for generally in NS? Thanks.

    1. Hi Nina…to be honest, it’s hard for me to say since I was not looking at it through that lens. If I had to guess, I would say fairly well. You might want to contact the Nova Scotia Tourism office to double check and ask specific questions though. Hope you get a chance to make it there, it’s a lovely province. All the best and thanks for stopping by. Cheers, Mike

21. You have missed the entire North Shore, Truro, the Hub of Nova Scotia, and Cape Breton. You didn’t even mention Issac’s Harbour in the Guysborough area.This is a 7 day road trip around selected parts of NS.

    1. So I did. If you haven’t noticed, it’s a large province and a person can only do so much in a week.

22. We are planning a road trip in Late Aug. we have friends in Halifax so we will start there. Your road trip looks fascinating and we are looking forward to following in your “tire tracks”.

    1. Oh, very cool. You’ll love it. Great time of year. Haha…hope you do, you will have a wonderful time. All the best, Mike

23. I am coming for two weeks from Scotland in July with my family 3 boys (2 teenagers and a 9yr old) can’t wait! Staying with family in Halifax then Chester then Digby enjoyed reading your post! How’s the weather in summer and costs for eating out etc?
    Thanks

    1. Hi Marianne…that’s great, you’ll have a fantastic time. Weather is fantastic in the summer, mild, about 75f/24c. Coming from Scotland I think you’ll find the prices fair, not too expensive. Have a wonderful time.

24. Hi Mike;
    Congrats on hitting some great spots in Nova Scotia; you have made a good start and now have many reasons to return as there are even more hideaway and exotic locales yet to find! If you would like to do a bit more research on what is available, we have a free travel app you might enjoy that is available on the iTunes App Store and Google Play called “Ride Atlantic Canada”. My husband and I have been welcoming motorcycle travellers to find Nova Scotia’s hidden treasures for the past 18 years. You will find detailed mapping, route descriptions, mileage and time charts all inside. It was primarily designed with motorcyclists in mind…but we all use the same roads.
    Cheers and keep up the good work!

    1. Hi Wendy…thanks so much for stopping by and for the kudos. Thanks as well for the information. Cheers, Mike

25. where can I find the map with your itinerary in Nova Scotia?
    Thanks!

    1. For some reason I did not include a map. I will have to look into doing this. Thank you for the reminder. I will let you know when I update. In the meantime, let me know if I can answer any other questions. Cheers, Mike

26. Hi Mike! Thanks for this; very helpful! I will be traveling alone with my 4 year old son….is this do-able with a young kid? Looks like lots of driving. Thanks 🙂

    1. Hi Heather…so glad you enjoyed the piece. Yes, I think it would be find for a young child, the driving in between towns is not that far, you can make it as long or as short as you want. I tend to like to stop a lot during the day, but if you want to pick up the pace, just stop less often. Hope you get a chance to experience it one day soon. Cheers, Mike

27. Hi Mike,

    I have six days & never been to NS, would you suggest heading to Cabot Trail and doing the loop & staying there over touring Halifax itself?

    1. Hi Raed…I have not been to Cabot Trail, but have heard it is simply amazing. If you only have 6 days, you will probably need at least 3 for Cabot, so that doesn’t leave much for the mainland. Touch choice as there is so much to see. Even at 6 days you would only be able to see part of the mainland as I did. Maybe do the Cabot Trail for 2-3 days, then spend 3-4 days in the northern part of the mainland. Hope you have a wonderful trip.

28. Mike….I’m taking a road trip to Nova Scotia in a few weeks. Are there maybe 2 locations/regions you might recommend to stay for a few nights/day each. I like to have a home base and do day trips. I’m also going to New Brunswick….time is not an issue. I can do a week or a month depending on how I feel. I will be arriving by car from Maine. I hope to take the ferry from Campobello to New Brunswick before the end of September. Thanks for any info.

    1. Hey Pam, thanks for stopping by. Oh, you’re going to have a great time. You can search the site for lots of content on PEI and New Brunswick as well, some of which have videos. Not knowing your interests, budget, etc, it’s tough to say. I think Halifax would be a great home base for a few days if you like more urban stuff. It’s a fantastic city and some great nearby day-trips, such as to Peggy’s Cove. I did not make it to Cape Breton, but hear it is amazing, so maybe a few days there. If you’re looking for something a bit more rural Guysborough has some nice inns and might be a good place to call home for a couple days exploring the area. Don’t miss Sherbrooke if you go to this area. In New Brunswick, I REALLY loved Grand Manan and St. Andrews. Oh, and Moncton is really cool too. Hope that helps, let me know if I can answer any other questions.

29. Hi Mike!
    Like Pam, above, we are planning a driving trip to NS in May for about a week to ten days. We will be arriving by ferry from Maine, and we are two older women with disabilities, so road trips are great for us. Hiking not so much.
    Will we have time to see interesting sites? We don’t mind changing areas every day or two. And will we have time to go to Antagonish?
    Thanks!

30. Wonderful information and what a great video!

    1. Thank you. Glad to be of help.

31. This looks and sounds like a wonderful trip. Oh, and we loved your video on Nova Scotia as well, so professional.

    1. So glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for stopping by.

32. Mike. We would love to do this trip with a camper van so we don’t have to stay in hotels. Do you know of places where we could stay-campsites or just off the road spots? We don’t need water hook up. Thanks

    1. Hi Dena, thanks for stopping by. That sounds like a fun trip. While I can’t really help with your request, I don’t think you should have much trouble finding camping spots, it is a pretty wide open province. This website might be helpful: https://www.campingnovascotia.com/rvparks-campgrounds/find-campgrounds/ Cheers, Mike

33. Fantastic road trip guide to Nova Scotia. My boyfriend and I are planning to visit in a few months and found your article very helpful. We enjoyed the video too. Thank you, Marisa

    1. Glad to be of help. Hope you both have a great time.

34. Fantastic post and video, thanks for sharing My wife and I are planning a trip in a couple of months.

    1. Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for stopping by.