Nova Scotia Things To Do

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Things To Do

Sure, a breathtaking coastal setting combined with a plethora of rafting, fishing, and hiking opportunities mean that many visitors spend a lot of time outdoors. Still, there’s a lot to explore indoors. Nova Scotia owes its quaint appeal to a rich blend of seafaring tradition and a history that … more stems from its Gallic, Celtic, and Acadian identities. When you’re not out on the water exploring that naval tradition first-hand, you can experience it in one of the island’s museums dedicated to the subject. The same is true for the culture and history of the island, which has been preserved in the form of 18th-century forts, museums, and monuments.

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This 18th-century, star-shaped fort is situated atop the city’s highest hill in the middle of the busy downtown business district. Built in 1749 by the British and originally positioned to protect the Halifax Harbor, visitors can take a guided tour of the musketry gallery and powder magazines, as well as take pleasure in excellent views of the ships, docks, waterfront, and city. A canon is fired daily at 12 noon, a tradition said to be started from Price Edward after becoming frustrated by the town’s lack of punctuality. Address: Sackville St. (near the corner of Brunswick St.)

Sackville St. (near the corner of Brunswick St.); Halifax; Halifax, NS; 902-426-5080; pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/Halifax

Nova Scotia is intimately linked to the ocean, so it’s only fitting that the island should have a quality museum dedicated to maritime paraphernalia. Peruse their extensive collection of scale models of ships, plus nautical memorabilia, including the Titanic’s grand staircase and dozens of photographs depicting the disaster, which occurred not so far away in the chilly North Atlantic.

1675 Lower Water St.; Halifax; Halifax, NS; 902-424-7490; museum.gov.ns.ca/mma

This boutique winery and vineyard offers daily tours and tastings of their signature Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc, and Stutz hard cider. The grapes of Domaine de Grand Pré are noteworthy thanks to the oceanic climate and the Acadian soil in which they grow. The over 150-acre estate is situated close to the preserved Acadian settlement and deportation memorial of Grand-Pré National Historic Site.

11611 Highway 1; Western Coast; Grand Pré, NS; 866-479-4637; www.grandprewines.ns.ca

In 1986, scientists discovered that Parrsboro was a virtual goldmine of fossils, containing 100,000 bones from dinosaurs and other primitive creatures. Today, you can see the fruits of these finds, many of which have been reassembled at this museum. See early frogs, dinosaurs, giant dragonflies, and other organisms so fantastic that it’s hard to believe they once roamed the earth.

162 Two Island Rd. (on the Glooscap Trail); Western Coast; Parrsboro, NS; 866-856-3466; www.fundygeo.museum.gov.ns.ca

Getting into the Nova Scotian spirit of things would not be possible without attending a ceilidh (pronounced KAY-lee), also known as a “kitchen party,” a casual get together featuring traditional fiddle music and dance. Enjoy free lunchtime ceilidhs between Monday and Friday, fiddle workshops, and Celtic concerts at the Interpretive Centre’s head quarters in Judique.

5471 Route 19; Cape Breton Island; Judique, NS; www.celticmusicsite.com

All things Gaelic are preserved and celebrated at Cape Breton Island’s living history museum dedicated to Gaelic culture. Museum exhibits and workshops provide background information on the Gaelic language and music, as well as the history of Gaelic settlement on Cape Breton Island. Since many locals here came from the Hebrides, the endangered Gaelic language is still taught in schools, and traditional music and dance are enthusiastically passed down to the younger generations.

4119 Highway 223; Cape Breton Island; Iona, NS; 902-725-2272; www.highlandvillage.museum.gov.ns.ca

Built as a replica of London’s Globe Theater, the Louisbourg Playhouse offers nightly concerts during the busy summer season. Local musicians from throughout Nova Scotia take the stage nightly at 8pm to perform traditional Celtic and Gaelic tunes in this 220-seat theater in the round.

11 Aberdeen St.; Cape Breton Island; Louisbourg; 902-733-2996; www.louisbourgplayhouse.com

If you’re looking to do a little shopping in Halifax, Jennifer’s is the place to go for quality handmade crafts like pewter, pottery, rugs, and tartans – all from over 240 Atlantic Canadian artisans.

5635 Spring Garden Rd.; Halifax; Halifax; 902-425-3119; www.jennifers.ns.ca

Looking for a Scottish souvenir to prove you were in Nova Scotia? You can’t get more Scottish than a kilt, and Maclsaac is tops when it comes to the masculine miniskirts. Maclsaac’s plaid, Highland wear is custom-tailored for the best possible fit. They also sell pewter and whiskey flasks.

4 MacAskill Dr.; Cape Breton Island; St. Peter's, NS; 902-535-4000; www.mackilts.com

The scientist and inventor of the telephone was born in Scotland and resided in the United States; however, he owned a picturesque vacation home in Baddeck village on Cape Brenton Island. Visitors to this National Historical Site can learn about Bell’s life, the invention of the telephone, and his later work with the deaf through models, artifacts, and photographic exhibits.

Chebucto St. (Route 205); Cape Breton Island; Baddeck, NS; 902-295-2069; www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/grahambell

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