Top Nova Scotia Road Trips to Take This Summer

Nova Scotia is made for road trips. With ocean views around every turn, coastal towns full of character and quiet coves to discover, it’s easy to spend summer exploring one scenic route after another.

Over the last few summers (and a few fall and winter escapes too), we’ve travelled every one of these Nova Scotia road trip routes—some more than once. These aren’t just pretty drives pulled from a map or a list. They’re routes we’ve actually driven, with stops we’ve loved and views that made us pull over for “just one more photo.”

Along the way, we’ve found a few hidden gems that don’t always show up in guidebooks.—places we stumbled on by accident, or ones we now go back to every time we’re in the area. From our favourite beach picnic spot on the Cabot Trail to quirky roadside art on the South Shore, we’re sharing the kind of stops that don’t always make the big travel guides.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer summer adventure, these five road trips show off the best of the province—plus two bonus routes worth adding to your list.

5 Best Road Trips in Nova Scotia

1. The Cabot Trail

📍Cape Breton Island

The Cabot Trail is easily one of the most scenic drives in Canada. This 300-kilometre loop around Cape Breton Island winds through small fishing villages, along dramatic coastal cliffs, and deep into Cape Breton Highlands National Park. You’ll pass signs in both Gaelic and French, hear traditional fiddle music drifting from community halls, and find hiking trails that lead to some of the best views in the province.

It’s the kind of road trip that makes you want to take your time—not just for the views, but for the culture, the food, and the quiet stops along the way.

Winding coastal road cutting through dense green forest and mountains, with the Cabot Trail hugging the cliffs above the deep blue ocean on a sunny day in Nova Scotia.

Highlights:

Skyline Trail: A relatively easy hike with a boardwalk leading to stunning ocean views
Franey Trail: A more challenging climb, but worth it for the view over the Clyburn Valley
Ingonish Beach and the warm-water lake across the road
Live music and culture in Cheticamp and Baddeck

One of our favourite spots to stop is Black Brook Cove Beach. It’s a great place for a picnic or a refreshing swim, and there’s a beautiful waterfall that you can see from the beach.

⭐ Planning Tip: While you can drive the trail in a day, we recommend taking at least 2 to 3 days to explore. We’ve put together a detailed Cabot Trail itinerary with suggested stops, hikes, and places to stay.

A single red Adirondack chair sits atop a rocky outcrop on the Franey Trail, overlooking a dramatic view of Cape Breton Highlands and the winding coastline below, with forested hills meeting the Gulf of St. Lawrence under a moody sky. — View from the Franey trail

Visitors relax and swim at Black Brook Cove Beach along the Cabot Trail, with a curved shoreline of white sand and smooth pebbles, surrounded by rocky cliffs and a forested island under a clear blue sky. — Black Brook Cove Beach

2. Lighthouse Route

📍Halifax to Yarmouth (South Shore)

The Lighthouse Route follows the coast from Halifax to Yarmouth, passing by the iconic lighthouses Nova Scotia is known for, quiet beaches, and small towns that are easy to fall in love with. It’s a slower-paced drive, made for wandering down side roads and stopping for seafood or ice cream along the way.

This route is especially great for first-time visitors, as it’s packed with things to see and do without requiring long hours behind the wheel.

fishing village of peggy's cove. fishing boats are tied up to the pier and several houses sit overlooking the water — The village at Peggy’s Cove

Highlights:

Peggy’s Cove: Iconic, but go early or late to avoid the tour buses
Lunenburg: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a colourful waterfront, tall ships and the home port of the iconic Bluenose II. There’s plenty to see and do, and it’s easy to spend at least half a day here.
Hirtle’s Beach and Crescent Beach: Both are worth a detour for a beach day or if you’re up a longer adventure, Hirtle’s Beach leads into Gaff Point Trail, a beautiful coastal hike that’s one of our favourites.

Hidden Gem: Don’t miss Cosby’s Garden Centre in Liverpool. Behind the plants and greenhouses, you’ll find several paths through the woods that are filled with larger-than-life concrete sculptures—a mix of interesting, eerie, and just plain unexpected.

⭐Tip: Take the LaHave Ferry across the river and stop at LaHave Bakery for coffee and baked goods. If you’re heading through Mahone Bay, grab a lobster roll at Rebecca’s—it’s one of our go-tos in the area. And if you’ve got room for dessert, there’s great ice cream in town too – we think one of the best spots for ice cream in Nova Scotia.

A weathered wooden boardwalk with railings leads toward a rocky shoreline and choppy ocean waves under a cloudy sky. The path curves gently through smooth stones and dried grasses, marking the beginning of the Gaff Point Trail at Hirtle’s Beach. — Boardwalk at Hirtle’s Beach

A child playfully mimics the pose of a dynamic sculpture at Cosby’s Concrete Creations garden in Liverpool, Nova Scotia. The statue features a figure frozen mid-leap inside a large circular frame, set among lush greenery and woodchip ground cover. — Posing at Cosby’s Garden Centre

3. Bay of Fundy Coastal Drive

📍Truro to Digby

This coastal drive follows the Bay of Fundy, home to the world’s highest tides and some of the province’s most dramatic landscapes. A bit more off the beaten path, on this route you’ll pass through small towns, hike along dramatic cliffs, and walk on the ocean floor—then watch the water rush back in hours later, completely transforming the landscape.

It’s one of those places that’s hard to explain until you see it. The tides rise and fall by as much as 16 metres in some spots, and if you can time it right, it’s worth staying to see both high and low tide for the full effect.

Red sandstone cliffs at Burntcoat Head Park in Nova Scotia, surrounded by scattered tide-washed rocks and topped with green shrubs and evergreen trees, under a clear blue sky during low tide.

Highlights:

Burntcoat Head Park: Best to see at low tide, when you can walk on the ocean floor and explore the tide pools. Here’s a full guide on what to expect and what to do at Burntcoat Head Park.
Blomidon Look-Off: A quick stop with sweeping views over the Minas Basin
Cape Split: One of the province’s most rewarding hikes, with a well-marked trail and stunning clifftop views
Hall’s Harbour: A small fishing village where you can watch the tide come in while enjoying fresh lobster—either from the pound or as part of the Dine on the Ocean Floor experience
Digby: Known for its scallops— stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy some fresh seafood

Optional Stop: A bit of a detour, but it’s worth checking out Balancing Rock, a short hike with a big payoff near Tiverton. From there, you can also head to Brier Island, one of the best places in Nova Scotia to go whale watching. Here’s our guide to whale watching in Nova Scotia with more tips and recommended tours.

⭐ Planning Tip: Tide times matter here. Some of the most impressive experiences—like walking at Burntcoat Head or dining on the ocean floor—depend on when the tide is out. Check tide charts before you go.

two fishing boats tied up to a pier and sitting on the ocean floor at low tide in halls harbour nova scotia — Halls Harbour

Majestic view from Cape Split Lookoff showing dramatic sea stacks jutting from the rocky shoreline into the churning waters of the Bay of Fundy, with layered cliffs and distant hills in the background. — The view at Cape Split

4. Marine Drive

📍Halifax to Guysborough (Eastern Shore)

The Eastern Shore is often one of the quietest corners of the province—but that’s exactly what makes it such a great summer road trip. The Marine Drive winds along the coast from Halifax to Guysborough, passing long stretches of untouched shoreline, sleepy fishing villages, and some of the best beaches in the province.

It’s a beautiful route with lots of places to stop for a swim, a surf, or just to stretch your legs and enjoy the view. There are plenty of things to do along Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore, whether you’re road-tripping the full Marine Drive or just exploring for the day.

View of Lawrencetown Beach along Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore, with gentle waves rolling toward a rocky and sandy coastline dotted with small buildings. — Lawrencetown Beach

Highlights:

Fisherman’s Cove: Just outside of Halifax, this restored fishing village is one of our regular stops year-round. Grab an ice cream at Jo’s Old-Fashioned Candy & Ice Cream Parlour (they have a great flavour selection and are one of our favourites places to get ice cream in Halifax), or head to What’s the Scoop, the red shack at the end, for one of the better lobster rolls on the Eastern Shore.
Lawrencetown Beach: Another one of our favourite beaches near Halifax—but it’s better for a walk or surf session than a full beach day. Hike up the hill beside the beach for a great view of the surfers below, or stop at the little café just before the beach for coffee or a snack. East Coast Surf School is just down the road and offers board rentals and lessons if you want to get out on the waves.
Clam Harbour and Taylor Head: Two of the Eastern Shore’s best beaches, with soft sand, hiking trails, and great swimming spots.
Sherbrooke Village: A living history museum where you can walk through a 19th-century Nova Scotia town
Guysborough: A small town at the end of the route, with a laid-back waterfront and the locally loved Rare Bird Pub .

Why Go: It’s one of the least-travelled scenic drives in Nova Scotia, which means fewer crowds, lots of space to explore, and a much slower pace. Here’s how to spend 3 days on the Eastern Shore.

A breathtaking aerial view of Taylor Head Beach in Nova Scotia, showing a long stretch of forested peninsula bordered by turquoise waters on one side and a darker inland lagoon on the other. The sandy shoreline and clear blue ocean create a stunning contrast against the lush greenery. — Credit: Tourism Nova Scotia / Photographer: @daveyandsky (not our own photo because it was so absolutely foggy the day we hiked there!)

People in 19th-century period clothing walk along a dirt road in Sherbrooke Village, a historical reenactment site on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore. Heritage buildings line both sides of the street, including a red storefront marked “Cumminger Bros” and a large white house with green trim. — Credit: Tourism Nova Scotia / Photographer: Ian Selig

5. Sunrise Trail

📍Antigonish to Amherst (Northumberland Shore)

The Sunrise Trail follows the Northumberland Shore, a stretch of coastline known for its warm waters and quiet, sandy beaches. It’s a slower-paced route that’s perfect for beach hopping, small-town exploring, and scenic coastal drives.

This part of Nova Scotia often gets overlooked, but it’s one of the best places for a relaxed summer road trip—especially if you’re travelling with kids or looking for a more low-key vibe.

Highlights:

Tatamagouche: A fun first stop, with local shops, craft beer, and the Train Station Inn, where you can eat (or even sleep) in a vintage railcar
Pictou: Best known as the landing spot of the Ship Hector. Visit the replica and museum, then walk along the harbourfront trail. There aren’t a ton of major attractions, but it’s still a nice stop along the route—and we’ve rounded up a few things to do in Pictou if you’re passing through.
Blue Sea Beach: With soft sand, warm water, and sand dunes, it’s best at low tide when the beach stretches way out, revealing sand flats that are perfect for beachcombing and long walks—something my boys can do for hours.
Melmerby Beach: A wide, family-friendly beach near New Glasgow with some of the warmest ocean water in the province
Seafoam Lavender Farm: One of our summer favourites—we go every year when the fields are in bloom. You can cut your own lavender – our tradition – when it’s in season, or stop by the little shop any time to pick up plants, soaps, and other lavender products. Their natural bug spray is amazing.
Cape George Lighthouse: A quick stop with a big view and a great spot to stretch your legs or stop for a photo before continuing on.

⭐ Hidden Gem: Arisaig is a scenic coastal village we didn’t know about at first, but now always make time for. There’s a small beach, fossil-filled cliffs, and one of the prettiest wharves on the trail—plus there’s a small waterfall, which is always bonus in my books.

A row of brightly colored Adirondack chairs—red, yellow, blue, and green—lined up along a wooden boardwalk in Pictou, Nova Scotia, with lampposts and a view of trees, buildings, and parked cars under a clear blue sky. — Pictou waterfront

woman in a white top and grey skirt standing in between a row in a lavender field. evergreen trees are behind the field. — Seafoam Lavender – one of our favourite stops in July

Bonus Road Trip Ideas

Parrsboro to Advocate Harbour and Joggins

📍Bay of Fundy’s Geological Coast

This short but scenic loop explores one of the most geologically rich areas in Nova Scotia. It’s a great detour for anyone already heading through the Bay of Fundy region—or a road trip of its own if you’re into fossils, cliffs, and rugged coastal scenery.

Highlights:

Five Islands Provincial Park: Camp with a view or just stop for a picnic – this park has dramatic Fundy tides, red cliffs, and great hiking. It’s also a good beach stop when the tide’s out, especially if you’re up for exploring the shoreline.
Parrsboro: Visit the Fundy Geological Museum to learn about the area’s ancient hisotry, see real fossils and learn how the coastline formed.
Joggins Fossil Cliffs: A UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can choose a guided tour or head down to explore on your own. Even if fossils aren’t usually your thing, it’s fascinating to see the layers of rock—many of them tilted and exposed in dramatic angles along the shore.

Child in a gray hoodie crouching among rocks at low tide on the rocky shore of Joggins Fossil Cliffs in Nova Scotia, searching the ground. The backdrop includes rugged cliffs, a muddy Bay of Fundy coastline, and a mix of blue sky and scattered clouds. — Searching for fossils at Joggins Fossil Cliffs

Cape Breton’s Musical Coast

📍Route 19 – Port Hastings to Margaree Forks

This stretch of Route 19 along Cape Breton’s west coast is often called the Musical Coast—and it lives up to the name. Starting in Port Hastings, the gateway to Cape Breton, and running all the way to Margaree Forks, where you can connect to the Cabot Trail, this short but scenic drive is filled with warm sand beaches and plenty of chances to hear live music and experience Cape Breton’s Gaelic culture.

Highlights:

Judique: Stop at the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre to learn about the area’s musical roots—and if you time it right, catch a lunchtime ceilidh
Port Hood: Great for a beach day – this area has some of the warmest waters in the province and a handful of beaches within a short drive. Boardwalk Beach is our favourite, especially for a late afternoon swim or a walk along the water.
Mabou: Home to the Red Shoe Pub, owned by the Rankin Family, and known for good food and regular live music. Nearby, the Glenora Distillery offers whiskey tastings and beautiful grounds to wander.
Inverness: A small town with a long boardwalk, soft sand, and one of the best beaches in Cape Breton – at least in our opinion. There’s also a few spots to grab ice cream, and the famous Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs golf courses nearby.

Why Go: It’s a quieter alternative to the Cabot Trail, and perfect if you’re looking to mix music, beach time, and coastal scenery. The pace is slower, the drives are short, and the views never get old.

Tranquil beach at Port Hood in Cape Breton with soft evening light, calm water, and low hills across the horizon under a cloudy sky. — Port Hood

A man tees off on a green golf course overlooking the ocean, with a row of buildings in the distance and rolling hills beyond. The dramatic coastal cliffs and calm blue water highlight the scenic course. — My brother-in-law at Cabot Cliffs

Wrap Up: Experience a Nova Scotia Road Trip This Summer

There’s no better way to explore Nova Scotia in the summer than by hitting the road. With coastal views, quiet beaches, small towns, and some truly great food stops, each of these routes offers a different way to experience the province.

We’ve driven every one of these ourselves—some more than once—and always end up finding something new. So pack a few snacks, plan around the tides where it matters, and take your time. The road’s waiting.

⭐ Looking for more ideas to help plan your trip? We’ve got a 5-day Nova Scotia itinerary that’s perfect if you want a little bit of everything and a guide to spending 2 days in Halifax if you’re starting in the city. For more inspiration, check out our list of classic things to do in Nova Scotia in the summer, like camping, beach days, and blueberry picking, and our favourite small towns to visit in Nova Scotia if you’re looking for ideas on where to go next.

Top Nova Scotia Road Trips to Take This Summer