Top Things to do in Nova Scotia
Top Hotels in Nova Scotia
- 1. Maritime Inn Antigonish
- 2. Prince George Hotel
- 3. Comfort Hotel Bayer's Lake
- 4. The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites
- 5. Cambridge Suites - Halifax
- 6. The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax
- 7. Comfort Hotel Bayer's Lake
- 8. Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Halifax - Dartmouth
- 9. Chateau Bedford, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
- 10. Hampton Inn by Hilton Halifax Downtown
The 10 Best Specialty Museums in Nova Scotia, United States
From Yarmouth to Sydney, Nova Scotia is full of scenic landscapes, rich history, and interesting local culture. Sights and fun experiences abound in Nova Scotia, and there is a little bit of something for everyone. Soak up the beauty and serenity to be found in the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens, or head to Cape Breton Highlands National Park for the stunning landscape and wildlife. Explore the history of the area at Louisbourg's Fortress Louisbourg, or hike the Skyline Trail in Ingonish.
Restaurants in Nova Scotia
1. W. Laurence Sweeney Fisheries Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 53 reviews
Step across the threshold and back in time at the W. Laurence Sweeney Fisheries Museum. Explore the Sweeney marine heritage through unique exhibits: a simulation of a traditional fishing wharf, complete with fishing, processing and ship repair sheds, wharf decks and even a coastal freighter.
Reviewed By yase0601 - Sola, Norway
A small but beautiful museum to learn about the history of Sweeney Fisheries. We were here for research, but this is a museum for everyone interested in the fish industry and fishing boats etc.
2. The Crombie
3. Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,164 reviews
Immerse yourself in the rich marine history depicted by this museum's vast collection from binnacles and buoys to anchors and armaments.
Reviewed By B1698RKmichaelh - Burke, United States
This museum has some of the most beautiful ship models, sailboats of unique designs from the Maritime region and artifacts of the wrecks so abundant on the shoreline of Nova Scotia. And to add to this is actual artifacts from the Titanic! Including an actual deck chair. Great displays and fund for the whole family
4. Port-Royal National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 413 reviews
1939 re-creation of Canada's first permanent settlement includes costumed interpreters engaged in traditional handicrafts like woodworking.
Reviewed By PaulRaps - Granville Ferry, Canada
This is a remarkable site. One can feel the presence of the Order of Good Cheer and almost envisage the sailing ships anchored in the Annapolis Basin. Champlain lives here.
5. Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 902 reviews
2020 Guided Tour Experience In order to keep our visitors and staff safe during the Covid-19 pandemic, we have adapted the museum experience we offer this season. We are offering a guided tour of the first floor. The small group sizes allow for easy physical distancing and the wearing of a non-medical face mask is strongly recommended while on site. This high value experience gives the opportunity to discover how our ocean connects to our maritime identity. Small groups sizes allow for the benefit of a 1 to 5 staff to visitor ratio, and our staff are wow makers! Our ocean is a pillar of Nova Scotia’s natural and cultural heritage. We identify with our ocean but what are we doing to protect it? This tour will touch on some ocean preservation initiatives plus more! To book your tour: Call 902-930- FISH (3474)
Reviewed By cliffl973
My wife and I visited in late September. We expected to breeze through in maybe half an hour. Actually spent a couple of hours, and it was educational and informative and very entertaining. They have the best collections of shipbuilding tools I've seen, and a wonderful old birchbark canoe—just two of the many highlights of our visit. And make sure to view the cod-cleaning video by Rosie Tanner (I bough a DVD copy at the well-stocked gift shop for a friend who fancies himself an expert fish cleaner). Lisa, the interpretive guide at the aquarium, was personable, enthusiastic, and a font of knowledge. My only suggestion for the acquarium might be that they provide a nook or crevice for the Wolf Fish to retire to when he's feeling shy. On our two-week driving tour of Western Nova Scotia, this was certainly one of the most enjoyable experiences.
6. Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,122 reviews
Welcome to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, a magical place on the edge of a continent where past and present come together to celebrate Canada’s diverse heritage. Please note that we have three seasons throughout the year: Low season Opportunities to experience the Fortress of Louisbourg's quiet streets during the low season allow visitors to imagine life in the toughest of conditions almost 300 years ago. While there are no services available, a low season visit may provide the best opportunity for visitors to experience the stillness of the streets, take in the beauty of the exterior architecture of the buildings, or simply enjoy the treasures that life's quietest moments may bring. For a new way to experience the site in the low season, try our Explora app. Through sound, video, photos, quizzes and text, you will hold stories about Louisbourg in your hands as you walk through both the reconstructed town and the fortress's ruins. Explora is available to download for free at the App Store and through Google Play. Shoulder season For those seeking quiet opportunities and some on-site services, visiting during the shoulder season is recommended. Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy an inspiring setting with beautiful visuals as they stand on our history-laden grounds. Several buildings with exhibits are open for you to discover. Explore the site on your own or embark on an Explora tour of the grounds. To enhance your visit you may purchase a guided tour or participate in the Time Travel program. Accessible guided tours are available as well. We recommend reserving a place on these tours in advance. By the end of June, the site will begin to fill with costumed interpreters as we ramp up for peak season. After Labour Day, the Fortress of Louisbourg winds down once again with costumed animators interpreting some buildings into September. No matter the season, be sure to find out from reception what activities and experiences may be on offer that day. Peak Season Peak season brings a different kind of magic on-site as costumed people add life to the streets and the homes. A foggy day cloaks the site in mystery and creates scenes and images not to be forgotten. A cold day with wind and rain may draw visitors to the warmth of a welcoming fire or to the cozy inn for a warming bowl of soup. A hot day shows the town and its various gardens at their brightest. On summer feast days colour and pageantry break the routine of daily life as the townspeople promenade in their finery. Chores are the order of the day on summer and fall mornings. With the rooster's crow comes bread from the ovens that supplies both soldiers and hungry visitors. Louisbourg's inhabitants are happy to share their stories, and can be found working the forge, tending the gardens and running the kitchens. The beat of drums and the chime of the garrison clock order the soldiers' day. The sound of a cannon marks midday. You can even fire a cannon or musket yourself by taking part in our 'Have a Blast' or 'Have a Ball' programs. Music might be heard from a waterfront tavern. Children play games in the streets, while the sentry at the gate challenges those who wish to enter the walled town. A public punishment gathers spectators. Sheep run through the streets, called home by the stable hand. Each hour offers something unique and real. During the peak season you can immerse yourself in an 18th century dining experience, available daily, at the Hotel de la Marine and Grandchamp House. For those who prefer a modern experience L'Epee Royale Cafe offers a cozy stop for hot and cold beverages and a variety of pastries. Groups can pre-arrange a dining experience by calling 902-733-3552. The daily fare varies with the season. Please check in advance for menu options and our ability to accommodate any special dietary requirements. Hours of Operation Low season: October 11, 2016 - May 21, 2017) Open Monday to Friday (except statutory holidays) 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Shoulder Season: May 22 2017 to June 30 2017 and September 5 2017 to October 9, 2017 Open 7 days per week 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Peak Season: July 1 - September 4 Open 7 days per week 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Dining Establishment Hours of Operation Grandchamp House Lower class (Less formal dining) July 1 - August 25 (Doors open at 10:30 a.m.) Hotel de la Marine Upper class (More formal dining) July 1 - August 25 (Doors open at 11 a.m.) Hotel de la Marine Lower class (Less formal dining) August 26 - October 9 2017 (Doors open at 10:30 a.m.) L'Epee Royale Cafe May 22 - October 9 2017 (Doors open at 10 a.m.) When the Fortress of Louisbourg is in low season, programs and services are provided through the Fortress Louisbourg Association after-hours programs. Whether it's the bustling street or the solitude of the shore, a visit to the Fortress of Louisbourg offers many opportunities for memorable experiences.
Reviewed By Centauri27 - Vancouver, Canada
When visiting Nova Scotia, be sure to allot a full day to visit the Fortress of Louisbourg. It is a educational experience that it well worth it. The fortress is a one-quarter partial recreation of an 18th century French fortress. Wandering through the town really makes you feel like you've stepped back into time. The recreations are painstaking and authentic. I would not have known that almost everything I saw was a recreation, rather than the original object. There are several levels of admission at the fort: we were too late for the standard guided tour, so we elected to go with the enhanced tour that included actors in period costumes. I would recommend going with this option: it's the most authentic. We had an actor dressed in an authentic period costume of an 18th century French soldier. She led us through various buildings, meeting other actors. The stories they told were informative and fascinating. I had no idea that the soldiers were considered the "dregs" of society and how poorly they were treated! After the tour, we were free to continue to explore each building on our own. There is so much to see, learn, and photograph here.
7. Anne Murray Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
All that glitters is gold at the Anne Murray Centre. The Centre is a tribute to the legendary singer’s amazing career. Rows of gold and platinum albums, and glittering trophies of all shapes and sizes fill every inch of the room. It’s breathtaking even to those who’ve been in the room before, but for those who haven’t, it’s like walking into a fantasy – a spectacular visual you’ll remember long after you’ve left the Centre!
Reviewed By virtus18 - Australia, null
Before Celine...before Shania.....before kd......there was the Snowbird herself - Anne Murray! About 28 years ago, the Anne Murray Centre opened in Springhill, NS and is a wonderful way to revisit Anne's life and music. The museum (although Anne reputedly isn't keen on calling it that, still being very much alive) offers a chronological view of her life from her birth in Springhill through to her retirement, covering her professional, her personal and pubic achievements. It's all there - the music, the gold (and platinum) records and her other awards including her Order of Canada and Order of Nova Scotia. The gift shop on the premises offers not only memorabilia relating to Anne but also items created by craftsmen and women and artisans in Nova Scotia and particularly from the local region. In addition to this, the Centre also supports local musicians with their Music at Noon sessions on Fridays during the summer months. The staff are fun, friendly and enthusiastic - a great group of people. And for those who are able to be there - Anne Murray Day takes place on the last Saturday of July each year, with Anne herself appearing for a meet and greet with her fans.
8. Cape Breton Miners' Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 504 reviews
Reviewed By motorhead2469 - Juniper, Canada
This is a must go to, we went to Louisburg in the morning and Miners Museum in the afternoon! The underground tour is great, amazing stories that keep you entirely engaged. Tough on taller people or if you have a bad back. Next time I will bring a kneeling pad to be more comfortable during the stops. Perhaps they could offer that there?
9. Sherbrooke Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 183 reviews
Sherbrooke Village is Nova Scotia’s largest Provincial Museum with 25 heritage buildings brought to life by costumed interpreters. In the 1860s, timber tall ships and gold ruled life along the St. Mary’s River, turning the community of Sherbrooke into a prosperous boom town. Today, the picturesque village still stands proud, just as it did more than 100 years ago. At Sherbrooke Village, every day is a trip back in time as Nova Scotia’s 19th century heritage is brought to life by the blacksmiths, potters, weavers, wood turners and printers. Get dressed up and “Step Into 1867” to become a part of the Village story. Visit our new Indigenous Art Centre or have your photo taken at Canada’s only commercial Ambrotype glass photo studio. Our activities, learning programs, workshops for children and adults, and schedule of special events make it easy to get your hands on history all summer long! Visit Village Treasures and Gifts for that special item or McDaniels's Tea Room and Restaurant.
Reviewed By HenriettandRalph - New Glasgow, Canada
A return visit after many years. It was a great morning with sunny weather. With several buildings open to explore and craftspeople such as Blacksmith, Furniture maker, Pottery and Print shop where one can see craftspeople doing the jobs as they were done about 1900. A great venue for all ages - would recommend at least a couple hours. As these are original period structures it is not completely accessible. In spite of Covid19 a good time with excellent guide.
10. Shearwater Aviation Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
Reviewed By brendahB6428DY
Very interesting . . . There was more information here than I expected. If you like history and aircrafts, than you will enjoy visiting this museum. The history is mostly navy related with uniforms and letters, etc. There are also Guides to help patrons with any questions.
