Top 5 Nova Scotia Car Tours: See the Best of the Province

Nova Scotia, that land of rugged coastlines, that beautiful vibrant culture, and so many memorable seafood dinners, it’s almost begging for a good road trip, right? Rather than sticking to a schedule, exploring by car gives you so much independence, almost as if you’re creating your own adventure. So, from scenic coastal drives that will definitely steal your heart to history-soaked explorations inland, I’m here to break down five Nova Scotia car tours which will make for unforgettable travels. Hopefully this list helps you get started with preparing for your next travel.

1. The Cabot Trail: Cape Breton’s Crown Jewel

The Cabot Trail is often praised as one of the most gorgeous drives, if not *the* most gorgeous, on the planet, and I feel like it lives up to the buzz, yeah? This iconic 185-mile loop showcases the absolute breathtaking scenery of Cape Breton Island. Very, very old mountains practically kiss the sea. The drive meanders through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Every single twist and turn of this winding road uncovers stunning panoramic views, yeah? So it’s also packed full of things to do and experiences such as abundant walking trails.

Plan for a bare minimum of three days to fully appreciate what the Cabot Trail brings to the table. This allows for hiking, whale watching expeditions from Pleasant Bay (that’s a really, really popular choice, really), and so much exploration of all the cute little artisan shops found in places such as Chéticamp, alright? In terms of when is a good time to go, well the peak season stretches from June all the way through October. That period has the warmest weather, but it can also be very crowded. You may want to try your trip in either late spring or very early fall to kind of dodge most of the touristy chaos, and soak in the beautiful landscapes peacefully.

Read our full review: Cabot Trail Cape Breton Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Cabot Trail)

2. The Lighthouse Route: Coastal Charm and History

Following the South Shore from Halifax all the way to Yarmouth, the Lighthouse Route gifts those on the road a super unique glimpse into Nova Scotia’s sea faring history. A collection of over 20 historical lighthouses that are all working beautifully today sit on the dramatic shores. That means it will feel like you’re stepping back in time every single mile, right? Each little lighthouse comes with their very own story. They bring charm and intrigue to so many lovely coastal communities along the way.

Set aside roughly three to four days to experience all the route has to offer fully. Make absolutely sure to go to Peggy’s Cove (very well-known!) that’s known for its charming lighthouse and rather awesome rock formations. In Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (how awesome!), you can find a great number of stunning examples of colonial architecture as well as the celebrated Bluenose II sailing ambassador, that. Plus, stopping in Shelburne offers unique peeks into Loyalist history (that’s where it happened, actually), while picturesque fishing villages just, like, dot the whole coast, yeah? September might be a great month to visit for the annual Shelburne County Lobster Festival if that’s what you’re interested in or even keen on.

Read our full review: Lighthouse Route Nova Scotia Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Lighthouse Route)

3. The Evangeline Trail: Acadian History and Wine Country

Running through the western region of Nova Scotia from Grand Pré near to Yarmouth, this amazing Evangeline Trail has loads of history from the Acadian people, yeah? The route takes drivers past scenic farmlands, along the coastline of the Bay of Fundy, where it has those highest tides the world has ever seen, that and also through blossoming vineyards. What could be more idyllic or romantic? So its an area that provides just a different perspective on Nova Scotia from coastal communities elsewhere, right?

Allocate roughly two to three days for this trip so that you can experience the region comfortably. Be certain to visit Grand Pré National Historic Site, so, so very essential to what you’re seeing here, which commemorates the Acadian deportation. Explore the wineries around the Annapolis Valley (how can you miss those gorgeous vineyards?), that, and really enjoy the spectacular views that the coastline provides when you visit Digby (pretty important too, huh?). For those that have an interest in food, Bear River provides that chance to wander down their very lovely waterfront and stop for that yummy local cuisine that they’re becoming so popular for. In order to appreciate the Annapolis Valley at its best you could even visit when the Apple Blossom Festival has swung around in late May and you are bound to have an absolutely superb time.

Read our full review: Evangeline Trail Nova Scotia Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Evangeline Trail)

4. The Sunrise Trail: Northumberland Shore’s Hidden Gems

Extending from Amherst all the way towards the Pictou area right along the Northumberland Strait, this beautiful Sunrise Trail presents peaceful shores, warming beaches, and quaint towns, huh? That warm water makes them a pretty great getaway spot. With scenic ocean views plus lovely rural charm, the journey grants a different perspective in terms of beauty as opposed to those much rougher and more prominent South Shore options that exist on the west side of the province, yeah?

A perfect duration would be to spend around two to three days traveling along the Sunrise Trail. If you happen to like going to beaches, then make sure to go and explore the shores along Caribou-Munroes Island Provincial Park that has some wonderful and rather peaceful places to go. Pictou which can boast of being the ‘Birthplace of New Scotland’ that it is gives some extremely interesting looks at some Scottish heritage right there in the center of this gorgeous town that looks out over the harbor that has its very own distinct, unique background to explore. Why not try going on a relaxing adventure between June and September if what you’re chasing is relaxing days basking in some pleasant temperatures, hmm?

Read our full review: Sunrise Trail Nova Scotia Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Sunrise Trail)

5. The Eastern Shore: Untamed Beauty

This one remains, at times, underrated yet extremely pretty option runs right from Dartmouth to the border of Guysborough where nature seems completely unaffected by mankind or its footprint upon that gorgeous land that seems untamed, as well, eh? This really stretches over lots and lots of gorgeous white sand beaches. Those stunning coastal barrens also showcase a very rough and very gorgeous side to Nova Scotia which has something that the majority of other touring itineraries tend not show off for themselves very much these days because everybody keeps taking the popular roads all of the time, yeah?

To truly savor everything, give at least two, probably three days to travel that lovely shoreline at your leisure, that, as well. Do give Musquodoboit Harbour Railway Museum, if your kind of thing entails vintage railroad heritage so much, definitely drop into Sherbrooke Village, where people can revisit that whole living history settlement coming to them thanks primarily because its shipbuilding heyday. In a way that is similarly to nature preserves; you really should check that out especially if eco traveling and bird observing is exactly where all of that love and curiosity lies, alright?

Read our full review: Eastern Shore Nova Scotia Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Eastern Shore)