Things to do in Nova Scotia, United States: The Best Outdoor Activities

September 1, 2021 Randal Brittian

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. White Point Hiking Trail

off the northern portion of the Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia Canada http://www.trailpeak.com/trail-White-Point-Cape-Breton-near-Ingonish-NS-1885
Excellent
96%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 50 reviews

White Point Hiking Trail

Reviewed By JFLeB325 - Moncton, Canada

We came here today for a quick walk. What a great place for a hike. There are no signs here. Park at the wharf and follow the rocky road. You will not regret it.

2. Gaff Point Trail

Hirtle Beach Road, Riverport, Nova Scotia B0J 2W0 Canada http://lunenburgregion.ca/index.php/entries/thing-to-do/gaff-point/
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 34 reviews

Gaff Point Trail

Reviewed By Justtravelling4 - Halifax, Canada

We thoroughly enjoyed hiking this trail, it really had a little bit of everything. A beautiful beach, stunning water views, and stunning treks through wooded areas. The walk through the fir trees was one of my favourite portions of the trail, the smell was amazing. There are some exposed roots in places and the walk across the beach rocks is a little challenging on the ankles, but overall a pretty easy to moderate trail. I recommend walking the farm land area over the hill instead of the entire beach as it gives you a break from the sea rocks. The owners have it marked and don’t mind as long as the horses are not in the field. Once you get to the loop we went to the right first. It means you finish on the water view side of the trail. The trail in total including walking Hirtle Beach is about 6.6 km. We finished the entire trail in about 90 mins, this included stopping for pics etc. I highly recommend for anyone of any age, definitely a trail I’d return to.

3. LaHave River Trail

Bridgewater, Nova Scotia Canada
Excellent
88%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 8 reviews

LaHave River Trail

Reviewed By irenetH159ZZ

This is a easy level walk up the lahave river. It has nice shady areas so great to walk on a hit day. the grade to the trail is very slight. it has pretty views of the river.

4. Lighthouse Trail

Nova Scotia Canada
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4 reviews

Lighthouse Trail

This scenic drive is a photographer's dream of picture-postcard fishing villages, historic lighthouses, charming coves and crashing surf.

5. Cabot Trail

Cape Breton Highlands, Nova Scotia Canada 9022953310 http://www.CabotTrail.com
Excellent
76%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,759 reviews

Cabot Trail

One of the most magnificent loop drives in North America treats visitors to the spectacular scenery of the Cape Breton Highlands.

Reviewed By Lets_Cruise_13 - Ottawa, Canada

On Tuesday August 20th, 2019, leaving Baddeck my wife and I drove the Cabot Trail which is a scenic highway completed in 1932 in northern Victoria County and Inverness County on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. The Cabot Trail is 298 km or 185 miles in length and completes a loop around the northern tip of the island, passing along and through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park (the Park). That morning, at the Park’s East Gate we stopped to purchase two $7.80 adult day passes to drive through the Park. At the booth, the Park employee provided us with information on what to look for and other fishing villages to visit. The western and eastern sections of the Park follow the rugged coastline, with views of the ocean. The southwestern section passes through the Margaree River valley before passing along Bras d'Or Lake. Driving the Trail, we stopped at the many lookout spots in and outside the Park, such as Lakies Head, Neil’s Harbour, Rusty Anchor Restaurant in Pleasant Bay, Chéticamp and in Inverness to take photos of mountainous plateau, ocean views and fishing villages during our scenic drive through stunning landscape. What a marvelous day it was for travelling! For nature lovers, hikers or just anyone wishing to visit Cape Breton Island and the surrounding areas, the Cabot Trail and the Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a must to see as it provides beautiful scenes. We would recommend it to family and friends.

6. Sunrise Trail

Nova Scotia Canada
Excellent
75%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8 reviews

Sunrise Trail

Reviewed By 2015eastcoasters - Nova Scotia, Canada

A beautiful drive along the old #3 highway. Many interesting shops & art galleries to visit along the highway from Lunenburg to Halifax.

7. Cape Split Hiking Trail

Cape Split Road, Scots Bay, Nova Scotia B0P 1H0 Canada http://novatrails.com/trails/kings-county/cape-split-trail.html
Excellent
72%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 245 reviews

Cape Split Hiking Trail

Reviewed By 2015eastcoasters - Nova Scotia, Canada

A long hike along a trail to a beautiful view. Wear comfortable footwear because its a long walk but worth the time.

8. Skyline Trail

Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia Canada +1 902-224-2306 http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ns/cbreton/activ/randonnee-hiking/skyline.aspx
Excellent
71%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 825 reviews

Skyline Trail

Reviewed By LuluReview - Canada, null

This trail is a must when traveling along the Cabot Trail! There is lots of free parking and bathrooms at the trail entrance. While the trail is located high up in the mountains, the terrain was quite level and easy to navigate. We did the shorter route and took our time to enjoy the views along the way, and especially at the end (even with some fog).

9. Black Brook Beach

Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia 33637 Canada +1 902-224-2306 http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ns/cbreton/activ/baignade-swimming.aspx
Excellent
77%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 66 reviews

Black Brook Beach

Reviewed By WHMeg - Willoughby Hills, United States

As we were doing a one day drive of the Cabot Trail, I tried to pick a few places to stop to enjoy views or hike. I saw the beach from a distance, and then saw the entrance. I had my husband pull in and I was so glad we did! Not only did I get the opportunity to dip my feet (well, up to my knees) in the ocean (I live in Ohio now — and, no, Lake Erie is not like the ocean) but we managed to climb up the rocks to view the beautiful waterfall at the end of the beach. There was a good collection of people (mostly couples or families) enjoying the beach, but it wasn’t so crowded that I felt bothered. Yes, the water is cold, but there were three younger teens having a blast jumping the waves, and other people in their bathing suits. Definitely a place I would recommend for anyone — even if you just eat your picnic lunch there.

10. Caribou/Munroes Island Provincial Park

Hwy 6-2119 Three Brooks Rd, Pictou, Nova Scotia B0K 1H0 Canada +1 902-485-6134 http://parks.gov.ns.ca/parks/caribou.asp
Excellent
51%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
5%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 88 reviews

Caribou/Munroes Island Provincial Park

Reviewed By lizmariecat - Halifax Regional Municipality, Canada

This beach surpasses how it looks in photos. Generous long beach with pinkish/red sand reached by either a handicap path or set of wood steps with railings. Outhouse toilet at top of stairs as well as changing room in the park near parking lot. Gentle surf, clean, but some good sized jellyfish--a seasonal thing. People swimming in water but were mindful of jellyfish as they were big enough to be seen. Big enough for social distancing with ease during the time of Covid.

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