Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse and Village

One of the most famous and photographed lighthouses in the world, Peggy’s Cove is set in a charming working fishing village. Surrounded by glacial rocks and dramatic seascapes, it’s a picture-perfect stop. Grab a bite at one of the restaurants in the area or pack a picnic and relax on the accessible observation deck. If you’re hoping for fewer crowds, try visiting early in the morning or around sunset. Just remember to heed the warnings to stay off the black rocks and stay safe on shore.

Cape Forchu Lighthouse

With its distinctive apple core shape, Cape Forchu is the tallest lighthouse in Nova Scotia. Book a guided tour to learn local history and climb the 77 steps to the lantern room for a panoramic view you won’t forget. The site also features coastal trails and an accessible viewing deck, making it perfect for a relaxed afternoon of exploration.

Louisbourg Lighthouse & Trail

Located across the harbour from the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, this lighthouse marks the site of the first lighthouse in Canada (1734). The Lighthouse Trail is a scenic 2-kilometre loop with interpretive signs that make for an engaging, family-friendly hike. For the more adventurous, there’s a rugged extension to the trail—sturdy shoes recommended! Follow signs along Havenside Road to find your way.

Arisaig Lighthouse

This little gem offers big charm. Around the lighthouse, you’ll find interpretive panels that tell the story of the historic fishing community of Arisaig. And during July and August, you can grab an ice cream right at the lighthouse—now that’s how you do summer in Nova Scotia!

Jerome Point Lighthouse

Located in Battery Provincial Park, The Jerome Point Lighthouse, marks the entrance to the St. Peter’s Canal National Historic Site, the only tidal lock system in North America, connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Bras d’Or Lake. This spot is one of many highlights that make the village of St. Peter’s in Cape Breton a memorable destination.

Sandy Point Lighthouse

Located on a picturesque sand bar at the entrance to Shelburne Harbour, this Lighthouse is a favorite for both locals and visitors. At low tide, you can actually walk out to the lighthouse—perfect for those Insta-worthy photos. Bring a bucket and hunt for sand dollars, relax on the beach, or enjoy a snack from the seasonal canteen. The picnic area offers great views of passing boats, giving you a real sense of the region’s connection to the sea and its maritime roots. It’s a peaceful, charming spot that’s well worth a visit.

Fort Point Lighthouse Park

Built in 1855, this is the fourth oldest surviving lighthouse in Nova Scotia and a rare example of pre-Confederation design. It played a big role in Liverpool’s history—once even guarding the harbour with cannons during the American Revolution. Today, you can explore the lighthouse, soak in the views of Liverpool Harbour, and try out the hand-cranked foghorn still located inside.

Want to see more? Check out these lighthouses and find out what each one has to offer.

Immerse Yourself in Acadian Culture

Step back in time at the Le Village historique acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse in Lower West Pubnico. This picturesque 17-acre site overlooks the scenic Pubnico Harbour and features a variety of historic buildings, original wooden homes and lighthouse, all waiting to be explored.

Stroll the grounds, interact with costumed staff, and learn about historic farming and fishing traditions from interpretive panels throughout the site. Enjoy a house-made fricot or seafood chowder at the café, while taking in the water views and the village’s rich Acadian heritage. Before leaving, make sure to stop by the gift shop for locally made souvenirs.

Catch Memories Deep Sea Fishing

Step aboard a deep sea fishing experience with Tusket Island Tours. Departing from Dennis Point Wharf, home to the largest commercial fishing fleet in Atlantic Canada, your fishing adventure takes you near the picturesque Tusket Islands, while heading to the fishing grounds – home to cod, haddock, mackerel and flounder.

Discover Acadian Heritage

Discover the oldest Acadian region still inhabited by descendants of the founders at the Musée des Acadiens des Pubnicos et Centre de recherche. Hear local stories and insights from museum staff and costumed interpreters, take part in hands-on activities, such as knot tying, learn the history of the area via the interpretive panels, and explore your family’s history in Les Archives Pere Clarence d’Entremont Research Centre.

Hike the Pubnico Point Trail

Travel to the tip of the Pubnico peninsula to enjoy a peaceful walk along the scenic coastline on the Pubnico Point Trail. This 4.8km trail features two loops and a mix of gravel surface and boardwalk with several new interpretive panels sharing information on the area and environment. Enjoy sweeping ocean views, look offs, beautiful wildflowers, and 17 impressive windmills.

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Experience Gaelic Culture at Highland Village Museum

Immerse yourself in Gaelic culture at the Highland Village Museum | Baile nan Gàidheal  and experience North America’s only living history museum for Gaelic language and culture. This stunning 43-acre property overlooking the Bras d’Or Lake, depicts the story, culture, and identity of Nova Scotia Gaels and what life was like for the Scottish settlers who arrived between the mid 1700s to early 1900s.

Hear local stories and try hands-on activities with the costumed interpreters, while touring the 11 historic buildings. Take part in a traditional ceilidh and explore the award-winning exhibits in the new Welcome Centre. Be sure to stop by the Village Store to pick up a Gaelic-inspired gift, baked good or a takeaway charcuterie box to enjoy on your adventures.

Relax at MacCormack Provincial Park

MacCormack Provincial Park  offers the perfect place for a family picnic and for a scenic stroll along the beach. Relax on one of the benches and soak in the breathtaking views of the beautiful Bras d’Or Lake and picturesque Plaster Cove.

Discover the Bras d’Or Lake UNESCO Biosphere

Experience the Bras d’Or Lake UNESCO Biosphere up close and hands-on at the Àros na Mara Centre of Learning and Discovery. Interact with a touch tank and gain a snapshot of the unique ecosystem of the biosphere. Outside the centre, pick up a coffee from the wharf side shop, stroll the quay, and take in the views of the lake via viewfinders, while learning about the rich history of the area through interpretive panels.

To get on the water, bring your boat and launch at the Barra Strait Marina in Grand Narrows, just across the bridge. This community-operated marina hosts live music on Sundays (July – August) and has a sandy beach, picnic area, and the licensed Wheelhouse Café, serving fish and chips, sandwiches, salads, and baked goods.

Stay at Hector’s Point Vacation Rentals

Enjoy scenic views from your coastal accommodation at Hector’s Point Vacation Rentals. Located right on the edge of the Bras d’Or Lake, this newly constructed accommodation features 1-bedroom suites with full kitchens, comfortable living areas, and large balconies overlooking the water. In the morning, relax with a cup of coffee on the deck and then at night, enjoy the sunset from around the onsite fire pit.

Shop Unique Nova Scotia Treasures and Fun Finds

Bear River Vineyards crafts 100% estate-grown and bottled wines using a gravity-based system within their historic barn, originally built in 1883. Sip elegant wines made from grape varieties less commonly grown in Nova Scotia while overlooking rolling hills of vines.

Take a Trilling Flight with Amazing Bay of Fundy Views

On this exclusive and unforgettable private plane tour, fly over sections of the renowned Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark and Five Islands Provincial Park. Experience awe-inspiring beauty while soaring over Nova Scotia’s upper Bay of Fundy coastline with Debert Flight Centre. After all of the excitement, stop into Masstown Market to shop a wide variety of classic Nova Scotian treats, homemade eats, and local sourced ingredients and gifts.

Highland Arts Theatre, Sydney

Highland Arts Theatre, or “The HAT” as it’s affectionately called, is the name of a performance venue in downtown Sydney, formerly the home of St. Andrew’s Church. When the church was decommissioned in 2013, the venue was transformed and today boasts entertaining theatrical productions each Thursday, Friday and Saturday during July and August and musical acts and other shows throughout the year.

Ship’s Company Theatre, Parrsboro

Located in the coastal community of Parrsboro, this professional theatre company has been in operation for more than 30 years. A prime centre for the production and development of Canadian and Atlantic Canadian theatre, locals and visitors alike are entertained by over 75 performances every year.

Fort Anne National Historic Site, Annapolis Royal

A meeting place for cultures and a focal point for historic power struggles and treaty negotiations, Fort Anne played a key role in the forces and events that shaped this community, province, and nation.

Fundy Geological Museum, Parrsboro

From dinosaurs that roamed the earth millions of years ago to gigantic bug-like creatures, enjoy the interactive displays throughout the Fundy Geological Museum’s galleries as you learn about half a billion years of geological history and these incredible creatures who once called our planet home. Get hands on with a guided beach tour accompanied by an expert museum guide.

Buy an annual pass for unlimited entry to all sites for a year

A Museum Pass offers great value if you plan on visiting multiple museum sites throughout the year. Pay once and gain entry for you and your family all year long. Passes cost $92.65 for a family (two adults and their children) and $46.85 for a single adult (18+). Purchase a pass in person at any of the Nova Scotia Museum sites.

See authentic artifacts from Titanic 

Visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax to check out artifacts from Titanic. Many do not realize that Halifax was one of the closest ports of call when the Titanic disaster occurred. Those who perished in the disaster were taken to Halifax and dozens are buried at cemeteries in the city. A permanent exhibit at the museum tells of Halifax’s role in the disaster and displays artifacts from the ship and personal items of some of the victims.

Click here to learn more about Nova Scotia’s connection to the Titanic disaster.