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Best Things in Nova Scotia - You've Got to Check Out!

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Discover the very best of Nova Scotia — from cozy restaurants and unique local shops to breathtaking places to explore. Whether you’re here to savor the flavors, uncover hidden gems, or take in the natural beauty, this space is all about sharing the ...
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Nova Scotia - You Have To Eat Here

One of our favorite go-to restaurants that never disappoints.
 
Heidi Hirtle & Rory, the Toy Poodle profile picture
Wave Seafood & Grill is one of our go-to spots, and we find ourselves coming back several times a year! The customer service is always top-notch, making every visit feel welcoming and enjoyable. Their seafood chowder is hands-down our favorite — ...
Waves Seafood & Grill
 
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Dining on the Ocean Floor – Burntcoat Head Park One of Nova Scotia’s most unforgettable experiences! Walk the ocean floor at low tide, explore fossils and tidal pools, then enjoy a 3-course seafood meal paired with local wine and beer, all while watc...
Dining on the Ocean Floor | Food Fantastique in Nova Scotia
 
Heidi Hirtle & Rory, the Toy Poodle profile picture
For anyone traveling along Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy, Hall’s Harbour Lobster Pound and Restaurant is an absolute must-visit. Having dined here several times over the years, I can confidently say the meals never disappoint, with a wide selection of f...
Hall's Harbour Lobster Pound and Restaurant
 
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The Grand Banker Seafood Bar & Grill – Lunenburg, Nova Scotia For over a decade, my family and I have returned to The Grand Banker Seafood Bar & Grill, and it never disappoints. Located on the historic Lunenburg waterfront, the restaurant off...
Grand Banker Bar & Grill: Lunenburg
 
Heidi Hirtle & Rory, the Toy Poodle profile picture
For anyone visiting Lunenburg, The Knot Pub is a must-visit destination for its warm atmosphere and exceptional dining experience. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting several times over the years, and it never disappoints — the cozy ambience and friend...
The Knot Pub – Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
 
Heidi Hirtle & Rory, the Toy Poodle profile picture
If you’re travelling Nova Scotia’s South Shore, stop at Seaside Seafoods. I’ve been going there for over 30 years and the fish and clams have never disappointed. Their menu offers fresh, locally-sourced seafood, burgers, soft serve ice cream, and cl...
Seaside Seafoods, 6943 Hwy 3, Hunts Point, Nova Scotia
 
Heidi Hirtle & Rory, the Toy Poodle profile picture
I’ve been enjoying the Chinese food from this restaurant for as long as I can remember, and it’s always been consistently good, fresh, and reliable. Whether I order takeout or eat in, the atmosphere is calm and comfortable, and the staff are always c...
Egg Roll King Restaurant
 
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I’ve been really impressed by the diversity of dishes and flavors on the menu at White Lotus. The variety alone makes it a standout — with so many thoughtfully curated options, fresh, vibrant, and incredibly appealing to the palate. If you’re in the...
White Lotus Thai & Vietnamese Cuisine - Bridgewater, Nova Scotia

Hidden Gems of the South Shore, Peggy’s Cove & Coastal Villages

Where rugged coastlines meet storybook fishing villages, Nova Scotia’s South Shore and Peggy’s Cove capture the true essence of coastal beauty. Known for its iconic lighthouse perched atop ancient granite rocks, this region offers far more than just ...
 
Heidi Hirtle & Rory, the Toy Poodle profile picture
Peggy’s Cove is the kind of place that imprints itself on your heart — whether you’ve lived in Nova Scotia all your life or are visiting for the first time. With jagged granite outcrops, the iconic lighthouse perched against the Atlantic, and small-t...
Peggy's Cove - Nova Scotia
 
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While exploring Nova Scotia’s South Shore, a visit to the Swissair Flight 111 Memorial Site near Peggy’s Cove offers a moment of reflection and remembrance. This poignant site honors the 229 lives tragically lost in the 1998 Swissair Flight 111 accid...
Swissair Memorial Site – Nova Scotia
 
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Escape the crowds and discover a rugged coastal playground just minutes from one of Nova Scotia’s most iconic landmarks. This moderately‑difficult hike spans roughly 3.1 km and is rated “Moderate‑to‑Difficult (Terrain/Navigation)” thanks to rocky pat...
Polly's Cove Hiking Trail - Near Peggy's Cove
 
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Tucked into the picturesque village of Peggy’s Cove is Six by the Sea—a charming “village within a village” where restored 19th‑century buildings house artisanal makers, quaint cafés, and cultural spaces that celebrate Atlantic‑Canada’s creative spir...
Six by the Sea: Charming Village near Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia
 
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If you’re searching for one of Nova Scotia’s most picturesque coastal escapes, Rissers Beach Provincial Park is a must-visit destination for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. This stunning park features soft sandy beaches, scenic boardwalks...
Rissers Beach Provincial Park - South Shore of Nova Scotia
 
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Step into one of the world’s most enigmatic destinations—Oak Island, Nova Scotia, where centuries of mystery and treasure‑hunt legends meet rugged coastal beauty. On the South Shore just a short drive from Halifax, this private island has been the ce...
Oak Island Tours - Nova Scotia
 
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Nestled along Nova Scotia’s South Shore, White Point Beach Resort delivers stunning oceanfront views, exceptional dining, and full‑service resort amenities in one unforgettable destination. With its sweeping beach, luxury treehouses and lakeside glom...
White Point Beach Resort

Hidden Gems of Digby, Long Island & Brier Island

Tucked away at the farthest tip of Digby Neck, Brier Island is one of Nova Scotia’s most captivating hidden gems—where untamed coastal beauty meets peaceful island charm. Surrounded by the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy, this secluded destination...

 
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The Balancing Rock Trail is one of Nova Scotia’s most unforgettable hikes. A relaxed 2.5 km return walk through forest and boardwalks leads to 235 steps down to a breathtaking view of the gravity-defying basalt column on St. Mary’s Bay. Easy-to-moder...
Balancing Rock Trail - Nova Scotia
 
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My husband and I have stayed at Brier Island Lodge & Restaurant on two separate occasions—our most recent visit being ten years ago—and we’ve always experienced exceptional service. Nestled atop the cliffs of enchanting Brier Island, this ocean-f...
Brier Island Lodge & Restaurant | Oceanside, Nova Scotia
 
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If you’re planning a trip to Nova Scotia—or already live here and haven’t yet—please check out the incredible whale-watching experience offered by the tour providers at Brier Island: . My husband and I have done this tour twice, and each time the si...
Whale Watching | Brier Island, Nova Scotia
 
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Nestled among the scenic coastline of Brier Island, the island’s array of historic lighthouses offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty and maritime heritage. Among them, the standout is Brier Island Lighthouse (also known as “Western Light”),...
Lighthouses of Brier Island, Nova Scotia

Hidden Gems: Bay of Fundy & Annapolis Valley

Where the ocean kisses the land with the world’s highest tides, the Bay of Fundy and Annapolis Valley reveal some of Nova Scotia’s most awe-inspiring hidden gems. This remarkable region is known for its dramatic coastal cliffs, ever-changing tidal la...

 
Heidi Hirtle & Rory, the Toy Poodle profile picture
One of my most memorable day trips in Nova Scotia is Burntcoat Head Park. At low tide, you can actually walk on the ocean floor where the world’s highest tides rise and fall. The sights are jaw-dropping, the beauty unmatched, and exploring the Bay of...
Burntcoat Head Park - Nova Scotia
 
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Nestled along the scenic Annapolis River in the heart of Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and garden enthusiasts alike. Spanning 17 acres, this beautifully landscaped g...
Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens - Nova Scotia
 
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Discover the charm of Bear River Vineyards, where estate-grown wines meet breathtaking views of the Annapolis Basin. Sip handcrafted wines, explore the sun-drenched vineyard, and immerse yourself in an authentic Nova Scotia countryside experience tha...
Bear River Vineyards - Nova Scotia
 
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Discover the charming fishing village of Hall’s Harbour, nestled on the rugged coast of the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley region. Known for its dramatic tides that plunge and rise by up to 16 meters twice daily, the harbour’s boats s...
Hall's Harbour - Nova Scotia
 
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Located in the heart of the Annapolis Valley and overlooking the Minas Basin, Grand‑Pré National Historic Site is a powerful tribute to the Acadian settlement from 1682 to 1755 and the deportation that followed. With sweeping views of marshland onc...
Grand-Pré National Historic Site