Hidden in plain sight on Canada’s East Coast, Nova Scotia is one of North America’s best-kept secrets. This maritime province stretches over 8,000 miles of coastline, dotted with pastel fishing villages, cliffside golf courses, and a luxury hotel scene that’s quietly (and surprisingly) under the radar. From cobblestone streets and Halifax’s cool cultural scene to the incredible Atlantic views of Cape Breton’s Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia combines history, adventure, and charm into one, complete with a coastline that quite simply refuses to be forgotten. Ahead, check out an insider’s guide to the best places to stay, eat, and explore.
Where to Stay
Muir, a Luxury Collection Hotel (Halifax)
Right in the heart of downtown Halifax, Muir, a Luxury Collection Hotel is the city’s chicest home-away-from-home. Rooms are sleek and modern, while a guests-only speakeasy and an in-house art gallery add unexpected layers of sophistication. It’s perfectly placed for wandering cobblestone streets, exploring local galleries, and strolling along the waterfront, all without straying too far from the hotel’s doorstep. The vibe? Cosmopolitan, relaxed, and effortlessly stylish.
Cabot Cape Breton (Inverness)
For a place where luxury collides with Atlantic charm, Cabot Cape Breton delivers – with absolutely no exceptions. Suites, cottages, and full-size homes come with picture-perfect ocean and golf course views, while dining hits every note, from the refined Panorama Restaurant to the casual on-property pub. As for the golf? Well, it’s a hole-in-one. Cabot Links, Cabot Cliffs, and The Nest make for some of the best golfing in the country.
Fox Harb'r Resort (Wallace)
If privacy and luxury had a love child, it would be Fox Harb’r. Set on a large, private peninsula with its own airstrip, this resort has five-star accommodations with ocean views from almost every room. There’s championship golf, a full-service spa, and fine dining that leans into Nova Scotia seafood and local ingredients. Whether it’s a sunrise walk along the cliffs or an evening sipping wine in the dining room, Fox Harb’r is indulgent without being too showy.
Trout Point Lodge (Ecum Secum)
Secluded, luxurious, and downright impeccable, Trout Point Lodge is a wilderness escape like no other. Located on a 100-acre riverside estate in the heart of the Tobeatic Wilderness, it’s remote but reachable (just a few hours from Halifax and ferry ports). River-view suites and cottages balance comfort with style, while the dining leans on seasonal ingredients, often straight from the property itself. Days are for kayaking, hiking, and lounging by the water, while evenings are all about enjoying the star-filled skies.
Where to Visit
Peggy’s Cove
About 45 minutes southwest of Halifax, Peggy’s Cove is the Nova Scotia image everyone has in their head. That iconic lighthouse sitting atop massive granite rocks? It’s basically the province’s mascot, watching over the Atlantic like it’s been doing for centuries. Beyond the postcard-perfect photo ops, the tiny fishing village and coastline make it a great place to explore, especially at sunrise.
Cabot Trail
Stretching wide and long across northern Cape Breton Island, this bucket-list-worthy trail winds through some of Nova Scotia’s most beautiful scenery. Expect nothing less than jaw-dropping Atlantic views, jagged, plummeting cliffs, and small villages filled with Celtic and Acadian heritage. Whether driving, cycling, or hiking, each turn is as pretty as the last – especially during fall when the foliage turns the trail into a colorful escape.
Lunenburg
Ninety minutes south of Halifax, Lunenburg is like a living history lesson in full Technicolor. A UNESCO World Heritage site, its vibrant waterfront houses, preserved shipyards, and maritime museums make the town feel like a storybook you can walk through. For a proper taste of the town, The Salt Shaker Deli has mouthwatering lobster rolls and chowder, while Grand Banker Bar & Grill is all about Atlantic-inspired dishes with waterfront views.
Kejimkujik National Park
This national park is the perfect place to unplug and remember what being outside actually feels like. Forests, lakes, and rivers once paddled by the Mi’kmaq set the scene for kayaking, canoeing, hiking, or just keeping an eye out for wildlife. Spend the day on the water or by checking out winding trails, and by night, the sky puts on a show so clear the stars look almost close enough to touch. The park also protects Indigenous heritage sites, historic canoe routes, and a mix of forest and water ecosystems, so visitors can get a glimpse of the past.
