Nova Scotia

Canada

Nova Scotia offers stunning coastal landscapes, charming fishing villages, and a rich maritime history. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, explore national parks, and immerse themselves in Celtic culture.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days
Budget$100/day
Mid-range$250/day
Luxury$750/day

Known For

Nova ScotiaHalifaxAtlantic CanadaMaritimesEast CoastCanada

🇨🇦 Country Information: Canada

CapitalOttawa
CurrencyCanadian dollar ($)
Language English , French
Phone Code+1
Electricity120V (Type A, B)
Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

  • Tipping is customary in restaurants (15
  • 20% of the bill), bars, for taxi drivers, hairdressers, and hotel staff
  • For delivery services, tipping is also common (10
  • 15%)

Money & Payments

  • ATMs are widely available
  • Credit cards are widely accepted
  • It is not necessary to bring large amounts of cash, but some cash is useful for small purchases
  • There is no black market for cash

Cultural Norms

  • Punctuality is valued in professional settings
  • Canadians tend to be polite and appreciate direct, but not aggressive, communication
  • Personal space is generally respected
  • It is common to remove shoes when entering someone's home

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Canada has progressive LGBTQ+ laws, including legal same-sex marriage nationwide.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

  • Legal drinking age is 18 or 19 depending on the province/territory
  • Drug laws vary by province, but recreational cannabis is legal nationwide for adults, with strict regulations

Special Laws

  • It is illegal to drive while using a handheld device
  • Some provinces have laws against jaywalking
  • Hunting and fishing require licenses

Common Phrases

HelloBonjour (bon-ZHOOR)
Excuse mePardon (par-DON)
Thank youMerci (mair-SEE)

Climate

Nova Scotia has a humid continental climate moderated by the Atlantic Ocean, leading to milder winters and cooler summers than inland areas at similar latitudes. Coastal areas experience more fog and precipitation.

Climate Zone: Marine Oceanic

Best Time to Visit

Getting There

Getting Around

Health & Vaccinations

Staying Connected

Local Cuisine

Donair street_food

Nova Scotia's official food, this savory item consists of thinly sliced spiced beef cooked on a vertical spit. It is served in a pita and generously t

Rappie Pie (Râpure) regional_speciality

A unique Acadian dish made with grated potatoes that have had the water squeezed out, combined with meat, typically chicken. This savory, oven-baked p

Nova Scotian Lobster Dinner must_try

A quintessential Nova Scotia experience featuring a freshly cooked, whole lobster. It is often served with accompaniments like clams, mussels, and boi

Seafood Chowder must_try

A creamy, hearty soup filled with a selection of fresh Nova Scotian seafood like haddock, scallops, and lobster. Many recipes are family traditions, s

Creamed Lobster regional_speciality

A rich and indulgent dish that involves fresh lobster meat simmered in a heavy cream sauce. It is considered one of the officially unique Nova Scotia

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Accommodation (Hotels, B&Bs, Rentals) Accommodation
Book 2–6 months in advance

Hotels, B&Bs, and other accommodations, especially outside major cities like Halifax, book up quickly during the high summer season (July and August).

Nova Scotia Parks Camping Reservations Accommodation
Book at least 3 months in advance for peak season

Campsites in popular provincial parks are limited and fill up almost instantly when the booking window opens for the summer season.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Cabot Trail Guided Tours tour_or_activity
Book 1–3 months in advance

Small-group and private tours, particularly those focusing on the scenic Cabot Trail during the fall foliage and summer months, have limited capacity.

Fun Facts

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