Nova Scotia Buzz
With the arrival of 2023 comes the opportunity to explore and discover places in Nova Scotia you may have never visited or return to some old favourites.
In no particular order, here are our choices for the top 10 towns and villages to check out in Nova Scotia in 2023. We recommend our favourite place to eat in each as well!
Baddeck
Baddeck is a small town located on Cape Breton Island. It is situated on the shores of the Bras d’Or Lake, which is known for its beautiful scenery and boating. Baddeck is a popular tourist destination and home to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, which commemorates the inventor’s contributions to science and technology.
Place to eat: The Freight Shed
Distance from Halifax: ~3.5 hour
Lunenburg
Lunenburg is a small town located on the south shore of Nova Scotia. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its beautiful historic architecture, including the Lunenburg Academy and St. John’s Anglican Church. The town is also home to the Fisheries Museum of The Atlantic, which showcases the region’s maritime history. Lunenburg is a popular tourist destination, with many visitors coming to explore the town’s history and culture and enjoy the area’s stunning natural beauty.
Place to eat: Salt Shaker Deli
Distance from Halifax: ~1 hour
Mabou
Mabou is a small community located in Inverness County. It is known for its strong Celtic culture, with many residents tracing their ancestry to Scotland and Ireland. Mabou is the original home of the famous band, The Rankin Family. The community is also home to several traditional music and dance festivals. Mabou has beautiful natural surroundings.
Place to eat: Red Shoe Pub
Distance from Halifax: ~3.5 hours
Wolfville
Wolfville is located in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia. It is known for its picturesque setting and is home to Acadia University. It is also a center of agriculture, with many local farms producing wine, cider, and other products. The town is a popular tourist destination, with many visitors coming to explore the shops that line its main street and the area’s natural beauty.
Place to eat: Church Brewing
Distance from Halifax: ~1 hour
Cheticamp
Cheticamp is a small community located on the western coast of Cape Breton Island. It is known for its Acadian culture and beautiful natural surroundings. The town is home to several craft shops and galleries featuring the work of local artisans, and is also known for its traditional Acadian music and dance. Cheticamp is a popular tourist destination, with many visitors coming to explore the park and learn.
Place to eat: L’abri
Distance from Halifax: ~4 hours
Chester
Chester is known for its picturesque harbour, beautiful beaches, and historic architecture. Chester is a popular destination in the summer, with many visitors coming to enjoy sailing and boating, especially during Chester Race Week. The town is also home to the Chester Playhouse community theatre which, after a devastating fire, is set to reopen in Spring 2023.
Place to eat: The Rope Loft
Distance from Halifax: ~1 hour
Annapolis Royal
Annapolis Royal is a town in Annapolis County. The town is known for the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens, the oldest formal gardens in North America. It is also home to Fort Anne National Historic Site, which was the site of several forts dating back to the early 17th century.
Place to eat: Founders House Dining and Drinks
Distance from Halifax: ~2 hours
Mahone Bay
Mahone Bay is a small town located on the South Shore of Nova Scotia and is known for its picturesque setting, charming shops and restaurants, and cultural attractions. The town is home to three churches that are popular photo opportunities for tourists.
Place to eat: Oh My Cod
Distance from Halifax: ~1 hour
Louisbourg
Louisbourg is located on Cape Breton Island. It has a population of approximately 1,000 people and is known for its rich history and cultural attractions. The town is home to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, a reconstructed 18th-century French fortress that is a popular tourist destination. Louisbourg is also home to the Louisbourg Playhouse, which presents live performances throughout the year.
Place to eat: North Star
Distance from Halifax: ~4 hours
Parrsboro
Parrsboro is a small town located on the Minas Basin in Nova Scotia. It has a population of approximately 1,000 people and is known for its rich history, beautiful natural surroundings, and cultural attractions. The town is home to the Fundy Geological Museum, which features exhibits on the area’s geology and paleontology. The Ship’s Company Theatre, which presents live performances throughout the year is another must see.
Place to eat: Blackrock Bistro
Distance from Halifax: ~2 hours
BONUS TOWN: Antigonish
Antigonish is a town located close to the Northumberland Strait on Eastern mainland Nova Scotia. The town is home to St. Francis Xavier University and the famous Peace By Chocolate. The business is run by a family of Syrian immigrants who spread joy and messages of peace through their delicious products. Antigonish is also home to the longest running Scottish Highland Games outside of Scotland.
Place to eat: The Town House
Distance from Halifax: ~2 hours
