If you’re looking for inspiration for some truly spectacular coastal drives, and driving holidays, we have a 5-day Nova Scotia itinerary that you may want to steal! This road trip will offer you exhilarating adventures, astounding hiking trails and gorgeous accommodations by the seaside.
We are certain that this road trip will be the one you will always remember. Because who doesn’t like the promise of warm waters, scenic views, and a location that is just a six-hour flight away (especially if you live in Ireland and the UK)? Also, while any month of the year is good for taking a road trip, we reckon that autumn and winter bring about a special something in Nova Scotia. While the trees may have shed their oranges and reds in October, there are epic sunsets to behold, and beautiful bends to stop by and take a sip of hot coffee from your flask. (Btw, did you know this? The warmest ocean water around Nova Scotia is located along the Northumberland Strait. Some regions along the straight can reach temperatures of 25C. This is because the shallowness of the waters and some other factors make the waters warm.)
Day 1, Burntcoat Head Park to Shubenacadie
There’s lots to do on day one. Explore the ocean floor at low tide at Burntcoat Head Park, home of the world’s highest recorded tides in the Guinness Book of World Records. We recommend that you pack clothing and footwear so you won’t mind getting dirty for this experience. You could also take a guided tour or explore the dramatic site on your own. But be aware of the tide times for the day you visit to ensure you are back on dry land well before the tide comes back in.
Added bonus: experience the one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure – tidal bore rafting! As the 100 billion tons of water rushes into the Bay of Fundy, there is only so much space for it to travel and therefore the great tides actually reverse the flow of rivers that would typically flow into the Bay. Nowhere else in the world can you find this kind of experience!
Day 2, Advocate Harbour
Cape d’Or Lighthouse in the Cape d’Or Coastal Park is a great spot to witness the Bay of Fundy’s impressive tidal rips from the towering cliffs of this park. Enjoy a meal next to a lighthouse at the onsite restaurant known for its seafood and breathtaking views.
For a unique overnight experience, visit the Lightkeepers Kitchen & Guest House, located just a few steps from the Cape d’Or Lighthouse in the converted Lightkeeper’s residence. For the outdoors enthusiast, explore Cape Chignecto Provincial Park, Nova Scotia’s largest provincial park featuring back-country and day-use trails, magnificent Bay of Fundy beaches, and camping. You can also discover the Bay of Fundy by taking a sea kayaking tour with NovaShores Adventures where you will see impressive views of Cape Chignecto’s sea cliffs and famous “Three Sisters” rock formations.
There’s also the opportunity to dine in one of Nova Scotia’s highest-rated restaurants, Wild Caraway Restaurant & Café. The restaurant and café are open for lunch and supper and offer an authentic taste of local Nova Scotia dining through the use of local ingredients.
Day 3, Wallace and Tatamagouche
Spend a day (or more!) at the beautiful Fox Harb’r Resort, one of only five 5-star resorts in Canada, situated on Nova Scotia’s stunning Northumberland Shore. Keep aside some time to try out one of the many activities available on sights such as horseback riding, volleyball, or sea kayaking. Experience the luxurious links on their 18-hole championship golf course and a no-less-daunting par-3 short course.
Enjoy dinner in the award-winning Cape Cliff Dining Room or something more casual at The Willard restaurant.
Explore the town of Tatamagouche and get a taste for the local craft spirits scene with a stop at Tatamagouche Brewing Co. or travel a few minutes north of Tatamagouche to Malagash to visit the award-winning Jost Vineyards or Malagash Cidery at Bella Vista Farm.
Day 4, Liscomb
Make your way to Liscomb Mills to spend the night at Liscombe Lodge Resort & Conference Centre.
Hike along a portion of the 9 km of hiking trails or simply relax and enjoy the solitude of the area overlooking the Liscomb River at Liscombe Lodge. Take a boat tour along the Liscomb River. This relaxing pontoon boat ride along the Liscomb River takes you into the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean with the Marina Supervisor and Captain, Chester.
Visit the resort restaurants for a true maritime meal with a view over the river and the rugged Eastern Shore landscape.
Day 5, Spry Bay to Lawrencetown
Hike the beautiful coastal trail system at Taylor Head Provincial Park, with pristine white sand beaches, rugged headlands, and sweeping views of the ocean and undeveloped coastline.
Stop for lunch to refuel at the Henley House Pub and Restaurant or Sober Island Brewing Company before continuing along the Eastern Shore.
Head to Lawrencetown and check in at East Coast Surf School at Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park to learn to ride the waves. If surfing isn’t your thing check out Lawrencetown Beach, Clam Harbour, Martinique, Rainbow Haven or one of the other beautiful beaches along the Eastern Shore.
I am already daydreaming about taking this road trip – I have also thought of what music I will play, and how lucky I would be to catch a sunset at Burncoat Head Park! What about you?
