9+ BEST Adventures in Nova Scotia

The road down from Cape Smokey looking south
The road down from Cape Smokey looking south

I love Nova Scotia for the variety of scenery, it’s wonderful people, and the plethora of outdoor adventures in Nova Scotia that are extremely easy to access. I know there are more – so please share your thoughts in the comments. From my post 45 Observations & Fun Facts about Nova Scotia, I know that people in Nova Scotia aren’t shy about sharing their opinions.

Here are nine plus not to be missed outdoor adventures in Nova Scotia that I personally recommend. There are certainly lots more you can do outdoors in Nova Scotia but this will open your eyes to the variety of landscapes and experiences available. Tidal bore rafting is the one thing I still haven’t done but would love to.

This post includes some affiliate links. If you make a purchase via one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you very much for your support.

Location map for the 9 outdoor adventures in Nova Scotia

                                             

Before you start out on your Nova Scotia adventures

Before you start any adventure I’d also recommend picking up a copy of theNova Scotia Backroad Mapbookas you may discover a host of other things you’d like to do on the way to one of the Nova Scotia adventures detailed below.

Heading for the Ukme'k Trail
Heading for the Ukme’k Trail in Kejimkujik National Park

Paddle in Kejimkujik National Park

There’s something for every type of paddler in Kejimkujik National Park. Novice paddlers can kayak the mellow Mersey River by canoe or kayak.

Those with more experience can head out on a multi-day trip. If you stick to Kejimkujik Lake, a big lake dotted with islands, you can avoid a portage.

But it’s possible to do the Big Dam Lake – Frozen Ocean Lake combination if you’re up for a 400 metre portage. The 48 km Peskowesk Lake System is another option offering a true wilderness experience. All equipment for your trip can be rented in the park from Whynot Adventures.

Lots of islands filled with beautiful pine trees
Lots of islands filled with beautiful pine trees

Cycle the newest bike trail in Kejimkujik National Park

I also recommend mountain biking Kejimkujik’s newest bike trail – Ukme’k that ties into other trails to provide about a 28-kilometre return bike ride. It  formally opened in spring 2022 though bikers were able to access it in the fall of 2021. You don’t have to be a hardcore mountain biker to have fun on it. 

A biker showing how you tackle the double black section
A biker showing how you tackle the double black section on Ukme’k

Cycle the backroads of the South Shore – one of the scenic adventures in Nova Scotia

You’ll find some of the prettiest scenery in Nova Scotia cycling along the south shore between Peggy’s Cove and Lunenburg. And I think experiencing it on the back of a bike is one of the best ways to see it.

Choose backroads where you can, including the Aspotogan Peninsula. Don’t miss a side trip to Blue Rocks. And be prepared for a moderately hilly ride.

Another great bike ride that could take up to a week if you like to explore takes you from Mahone Bay to Lunenburg to Bridgewater.

Mid-June is a lovely time to bike the backroads of Nova Scotia
Mid-June is a lovely time to bike the backroads of Nova Scotia
The colourful shoreline in Blue Rocks
Cycle by the colourful shoreline in Blue Rocks
It's really pretty cycling along the length of Second Peninsula to reach Bachman's Beach
It’s really pretty cycling along the length of Second Peninsula to reach Bachman’s Beach – accessible from Mahone Bay or Lunenburg

Backpack the Cape Chignecto Coastal Trail – one of the top adventures in Nova Scotia

The premier backpacking trip and one of the top adventures in Nova Scotia has got to be backpacking the Coastal Trail in Cape Chignecto Provincial Park. Tough, with loads of ups and downs, the 51 km loop trail can be done in either direction but campsites (or huts) must be reserved.

The most enjoyable section of the whole hike lies between Little Bald Rock and Seal Cove though sections of the fog forest are a total delight.

Expect to be wowed by the Bay of Fundy scenery – both at cliff-top and beach level.

One of the best views along the Coastal Trail - and one of the harder adventures in Nova Scotia
One of the best views of the three days along the Coastal Trail – one of the top adventures in Nova Scotia
Never saw a boat on the Bay of Fundy
Never saw a boat on the Bay of Fundy while hiking the Cape Chignecto Trail

Hike to Cape Split in Blomidon Provincial Park

Most of the hike to Cape Split is a slog. But the reward at the end is worth it – expansive views of the Bay of Fundy complete with rock spires, lichen covered cliffs, and a bird loving, grassy covered rock pillar.

Try to time your trip for the mid-point of the incoming tide so you can see and hear the turbulent tidal currents.

The sound has been called The Voice of the Moon. May is an ideal time to visit as the woods are filled with wildflowers.

Adventures in Nova Scotia include the hike to Cape Split
Views at the end of the hike to Cape Split
Like lemmings to the sea - there's an attraction to the edge
Like lemmings to the sea – there’s an attraction to the edge

Nova Scotia Adventures – Kayak in the Peggy’s Cove Area

If you’ve been to Peggy’s Cove and witnessed the power of the ocean, you probably wouldn’t think of kayaking in the Peggy’s Cove area. But one look at a marine chart tells a different story.

Just east of Peggy’s Cove are numerous islands and islets. Their presence takes much of the power out of the waves so you can safely kayak the area.

It’s one of the most scenic day trips in a kayak I’ve ever done. It would be a good idea to engage a guide with local knowledge of currents, wind and swells. And don’t miss a side trip to Dover Island – a mecca for rock climbers and a beautiful spot to enjoy a picnic.

Kayaking out of Peggy's Cove
Kayaking out of Peggy’s Cove is one of the top adventures in Nova Scotia
Trying to slither our way to open water - one of the fun adventures in Nova Scotia
Trying to slither our way to open water

Cycle the Cabot Trail – one of the challenging adventures in Nova Scotia

Considered to be one of the best multi-day bike rides in all of North America, the Cabot Trail, a 300 km loop, takes from five to seven days to cycle. Baddeck is a great place to start as it’s convenient to Sydney. Head through the Margaree Valley and then into French speaking Cheticamp (the hooked rug capital of the world).

The beautiful Cape Breton Highlands National Park is the best and hardest part of the ride. There are two major climbs in the park, one with grades of 13% over 3 km.

The east side of the Cabot Trail offers lovely surprises including beautiful pink, rocky shores, secluded beaches, inspiring  vistas and quaint fishing villages. It has a few good hills of its own as well.

Cabot Trail looking towards Cheticamp
Cabot Trail looking towards Cheticamp
Checking out the hiking trails off the top of Cape Smokey
Checking out the hiking trails off the top of Cape Smokey

Go for a hike in Kejimkujik National Park Seaside

A beautiful park, well off the radar of most yet only 175 km from Halifax, Kejimkujik National Park Seaside offers two superb hiking trails – the 5.2 km (3.2 mi) out and back Harbour Rocks Trail and the 8.7 km (5.4 mi) Port Joli Head loop. Both are scenic and worth doing most of the year.

They can be done individually in just a few hours but it’s also possible to combine them.

Scenery is wild and rugged and a good part of the hiking trail is along the coast. It’s one of the few hikes where when hiking alone that I ran into bears – Mama and her two cubs. I beat a hasty retreat. The moral of the story – don’t go alone and carry bear spray.

Beautiful walking on a white sand beach at the end of the Harbour Rocks Trail - one of the easy adventures in Nova Scotia
Beautiful walking on a white sand beach at the end of the Harbour Rocks Trail in Kejimkujik National Park Seaside
Aiming to hike the loop trail along the coast
Aiming to hike the loop trail along the coast

Kayak the Cape Chignecto Area – one of the fun adventures in Nova Scotia

Sign up with Nova Shores Adventures to explore the Cape Chignecto area by kayak. What you’ll experience from the water is a wild, unspoiled landscape and a chance to get close to rock spires, arches, cliffs and the legendary Three Sisters rock formation – often referred to as the Crown Jewel of Cape Chignecto Park.

There are pristine beaches, albeit rocky ones, once you’re past the Three Sisters – that are perfect for camping if you’re lucky enough to have the time to do a multi-day paddle.

Conditions change quickly on this trip with the difference between low and high tide over 12 m. Local knowledge about tides and currents goes a long way here.

Kayaking past the Three Sisters at low tide
Kayaking past the Three Sisters at low tide
Adventures in Nova Scotia include kayaking the Bay of Fundy past incredibly coloured rock outcrop
Kayaking the Bay of Fundy past incredibly coloured outcrop

Cycle in the Annapolis Royal Area

If you’re looking for cycling adventures in Nova Scotia, head to the Annapolis Royal area – a great destination for cyclists. You have a choice of 16 routes ranging from 8.2 km to 102 km – all detailed on maps provided by the town.

There’s a huge variety of countryside to explore including a challenging coastal tour along the Bay of Fundy, a ride down to Kejimkujik National Park and a dirt road ride to Belleisle Marsh.

I chose a couple of bike rides – one to the charming town of Bear River – where you can enjoy lunch at a café on stilts. Don’t miss a stop at several of the nearby wineries.

For a pretty out and back ride, head across the Annapolis River Causeway, the only place in North America right now that generates energy from the tides. Then continue west towards Victoria Beach past Port-Royal, the site of a French Colonial settlement in the early 17th century, and now a National Historic Site. The rest of the ride takes you through farm country up and down gently rolling hills.

Beautiful views from Annapolis Royal
Beautiful views from Annapolis Royal
Enjoy a red chair moment with a view
Enjoy a red chair moment with a view at Fort Anne in Annapolis Royal
Café on stilts in Bear River
Stop at the café on stilts in Bear River

More fantastic things to do in Nova Scotia

Click on the photo to bookmark to your Pinterest boards.

The best outdoor adventures in Nova Scotia

My Cart Close (×)

Your cart is empty
Browse Shop