The Cabot Trail is constantly touted as one of the world’s best drives – this section of Cape Breton in Nova Scotia gets all of the attention. However, as a self-professed underdog lover – I want to let you know that there’s much more to Nova Scotia’s highways than Cape Breton. In fact – there’s a whole series of driving routes throughout Nova Scotia that deserve praise. Each are densely marked with their own logo which makes it easy to follow the route as it winds around towns, beaches, rural areas, and fishing villages. Above is Digby Harbor and Bay of Fundy.
Driving Routes of Nova Scotia
When I started researching Nova Scotia for our mother-daughter trip, I knew right away that I wanted to do a road trip – but I didn’t just want to focus on the Cabot Trail. So with the help of Visit Nova Scotia, we were able to put together a complete Nova Scotia road trip that would take us on the majority of the scenic travelways in addition to the Cabot Trail.
As part of the road trip we stayed in some of the nicest hotel and B&B’s in Nova Scotia. All we had to do was follow the route markers, and we were treated to the generous local hospitality and stunning views! Here was our route, accommodations, and favorite restaurants on this Nova Scotia road trip.
Our Nova Scotia Road Trip Route:
Lighthouse Route
One would think this route was full of lighthouses – but honestly we didn’t see that many – but we did get a great feel for the seafaring heritage of the area. We left Halifax and headed for Peggy’s Cove to see the famous lighthouse and nearby quaint fishing village. We happened to get there as a big storm was arriving, so it was moody and bleak – perfect for photography. We also stopped along the winding road to see beautiful water views and outlooks. We stayed in the fishing village of Lunenberg and hunkered down for the storm.
Based on advice from locals we continued along the Lighthouse Route to the LeHave Ferry. We rode the ferry across with a local who invited us for coffee on the other side at the LeHave Bakery – a must for those along the Lighthouse Route! We stopped in the little town of Petite Riviere to do some wine tasting at Petite Riviere Vineyards and checked out some other great little art shops. The thing that stuck out to me on the Lighthouse Route was that the locals were so proud of their area – we sort of followed an unplanned trail of breadcrumbs along the route where locals had suggested we stop, visit, and eat at making this one of our favorite areas of Nova Scotia!
Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse
Peggy’s Cove Fishing Village
LeHave Bakery
Lighthouse Route Landscapes
Petite Riviere Winery – stop for a tasting along the Lighthouse Route
Accommodation: Lunenburg Arms
Attractions/Restaurants: Fisheries Museum, Petite Riviere Vineyard, The Knot Bar/Restaurant, Broadmore Café , LeHave Bakery, Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse
Evangeline Trail
This route skirts the Bay of Fundy and it’s miraculous tides, as well as gives you a glimpse into the farming culture of Nova Scotia. We stopped in Digby, known as the scallop capitol of the world, and got our first taste of seafood and the changing tides. We went onward to the oldest town in the North America, Annapolis Royal, and enjoyed the small town, fort, and bay views. We continued through the fertile farming land of Annapolis Valley, and then turned towards the rocky coastline to have some fresh lobster in Hall’s Harbour.
We took a detour off the Evangeline Trail and went towards Scott’s Bay where we could take a walk out on the bay floor during the low tide – a unique perk of this area! We then went back inland to charming town of Wolfville to stay at the Historic Blomidon Inn – a historic Sea Captain’s home turned into a B&B. After a long day of driving we enjoyed the flower garden and some pampering at the Inn. No need to venture out for dinner as the Inn served one of the nicest dinners we had in all of Nova Scotia.
Boardwalk in Annapolis Royal along the Evangeline Trail
Blomidon Inn Wolfville Evangeline Trail
Scott’s Bay and the Bay of Fundy
Blomidon Inn Flower Garden and walk
Accommodation: Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa, Blomidon Inn
Sites/Restaurants: Hall’s Harbour Lobster Pound, Annapolis Royal, Scott’s Bay, Blomidon Inn Restaurant, Fundy Restaurant
Cabot Trail
The Queen of all of Nova Scotia’s driving routes – the Cabot Trail – is typically littered with superlatives such as best, greatest, and most scenic. It certainly deserves praise as it provides a whole different feel of Nova Scotia than the other routes. The road hugs the cliffs and winds around forests on the Northwest side and the Eastern side provides a rocky coast dotted with fishing villages and beaches. There are plenty of scenic lookouts along the Cabot Trail giving you many photo opportunities or just a place to sit and take in the magnificent views. We did half of the drive and then stayed overnight at the Keltic Lodge in a cabin on the rocky peninsula. After a dinner fit for royalty at the Purple Thistle, we enjoyed Celtic music and live entertainment at the lodge.
The next morning another storm had arrived in force and we couldn’t even see the coastline! We continued our drive along the now stormy Cabot Trail giving us a whole new respect for Mother Nature’s force. We stopped at art galleries and the Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts to see bagpipe, fiddle, and other demonstrations – a great rainy day stop. Note that the demonstrations are only held in the morning once a day – so get there early!
Cabot Trail Cliffs
White Wooden churches dot the Cabot Trail
Scallops with ginger and carrots at the Purple Thistle
Rocky beaches along the Cabot Trail
Cabot Trail – the views that make it one of the world’s best drives
Accommodation: Keltic Lodge, Inverary Resort, Mid Trail Inn
Sites/Restaurants: Purple Thistle, Gaelic College
Marine Drive
This drive along the Southeast coast of Nova Scotia was the Cinderella of the bunch. It gets very little coverage, but it had the most character. It starts with the loveable town of Guysborough where they brew their own brands of coffee and beer. This side of Nova Scotia isn’t considered a popular tourist area – so you’ll be treated to a good dose of small fishing village culture. However Guysborough was the tourism exception as it was home to the Des Barres Manor Inn – a beautifully designed Bed and Breakfast with a seafaring history.
The next day we drove from Guysborough along the whole Marine Drive back to Halifax. The weather was ever changing and the small towns were plentiful. Lighthouses dotted the horizon and lobster traps were stacked in small harbors. It was the perfect Sunday drive.
Lighthouse along the Marine Drive
Church in Guysborough
The landscapes along Marine Drive
Historic Des Barres Inn Guysborough
Lobster boats come into Guysborough harbor and you can purchase them fresh off the boat!
Accommodation: Des Barres Manor Inn
Sites/Restaurants: Sherbrook Village, Canso, Skipping Stone Café, Rare Bird Craft Beer
Halifax Dartmouth
It’s not a driving trail as the others, but it is the largest city in Nova Scotia – it’s the hub. Make sure that before or after your road trip you spend some time exploring this city’s sites. We stayed at the historic Halliburton House – which is not simply a house but a trio of heritage townhouses full of character. It was only a few blocks from the waterfront and boardwalk full of eating options. We also enjoyed a luxurious meal at the historical Five Fisherman Restaurant which is said to be haunted – like most of Halifax. We learned about the history of the big Halifax explosion, ghosts, and why the restaurant used to be a funeral home. And of course when you are in Halifax don’t miss the Citadel on top of the hill in Halifax.
Fun streetlamp art along the Halifax water front
The Halifax clock-tower is a main site of the Citadel
Accommodation: Halliburton House, Delta Halifax
Restaurants/Sites: Boardwalk/Harbor, Citadel, Maritime Museum, Five Fisherman Restaurant
Nova Scotia and it’s variety of scenic drives is perfect for a driving holiday. It has so much variety beyond just the Cabot Trail. Hopefully you can get out and follow the signs along the other routes to get a complete view of this picturesque and culture filled part of Canada.
Disclosure: I was a guest of Visit Nova Scotia during this trip and they provided me assistance with lodging as well as suggesting driving routes. However all of the opinions here are my own.
Sherry Ott is a refugee from corporate IT who is now a long term traveler, blogger, and photographer. She’s a co-founder of Briefcasetobackpack.com, a website offering career break travel inspiration and advice.
Additionally, she runs an around the world travel blog writing about her travel and expat adventures at Ottsworld.com.com.
