Visit Halifax

Nova Scotia is Latin for New Scotland. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, tens of thousands of Scottish and Irish immigrants chose this peninsula on the East Coast of a budding new world as the place they would call home.

Image Gallery Halifax © Nova Scotia Tourism, Culture and Heritage Nova Scotia continues to attract people from far and wide to its shores, but these days it is to experience the beauty and culture of this spectacular region for a truly unique holiday of a lifetime.

Nova Scotia is steeped in history and visitors can experience this with a visit to the colourful fishing town of Lenenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site or one of the many museums the area has to offer. The cosmopolitan city of Halifax, on the other hand, gives visitors a more contemporary feel for the region with a thriving nightlife, music scene and great shopping.

There are of course no shortage of opportunities to see the influence that the Scottish culture has had on the region of Nova Scotia. There are various Celtic music festivals and ceilidhs to be found, particularly in Cape Breton Island where the Gaelic culture is very apparent. Of course with Scotland being the home of golf, as you would expect Nova Scotia also offers a choice of memorable golf courses, with stunning seacoasts, soaring highlands and tranquil valleys.

Gourmet lovers are also spoilt for choice when visiting Nova Scotia. As well as offering fantastic seafood and great farmers markets, the region is also home to North America’s only single malt whisky distillery and a number of impressive vineyards. The city of Halifax also offers visitors over 400 multi-cultural restaurants to choose from, so there is no shortage of options for foodies.

For a unique holiday experience that you wont forget in a hurry, Nova Scotia is the ideal choice.

GET A SENSE OF THE PROVINCE

See the light at Peggy’s Cove
Known as the idyllic fishing village, Peggy's Cove is one of most popular stops in Atlantic Canada. Set on rocky shores, the lighthouse and village at Peggy's Cove are a photographer's paradise. Despite its popularity this tiny fishing village has been able keep the same relaxed atmosphere that has made it famous and is well worth a visit.

Feel like you are in back in Scotland at the Tattoo!
The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is one of the world's premiere cultural and entertainment spectaculars with over 2000 first-class Canadian and international, military and civilian performers. Similar to the Edinburgh Tattoo, the show, which takes place in Halifax every July, features pipes and drums, massed bands and military displays, as well as dancers, acrobats, comedians and choirs.

Hear the music at the Riverfront Music Jubilee
This outstanding event, held in a premier outdoor amphitheatre overlooking the New Glasgow Riverfront, continues to be one of the most exciting musical events in Atlantic Canada. Offering an intimate listening experience, the Riverfront Music Jubilee celebrates the extremely talented music industry, which has evolved from the roots of Pictou County.

TASTE the world famous lobster
A visit to Nova Scotia would not be complete without sampling their pride and joy – lobster! The maritime delicacy is available in a range of restaurants throughout the province, although visitors who want to catch their own lobster can book on a tour at Cape Breton, Lunenburg, Yarmouth or Peggy’s Cove.

Something SMELLS fishy at Yarmouth Seafest
Yarmouth's Seafest is one of the largest sea focused festivals in Nova Scotia. The annual festival of the sea features a pageant, giant sidewalk sale, open air concerts, a competitive road race, classic car show, the Great Nova Scotia Fishfeast, parade, rum running races and a thrilling display of fireworks over historic Yarmouth harbour.