There is SO much to do in Nova Scotia, that 3 days just scratches the surfaces. This 3 day Nova Scotia road trip itinerary provides a good overview of everything that Nova Scotia has to offer (from a local’s perspective).
This 3 day road trip itinerary around Nova Scotia focuses on the main highlights of Nova Scotia, and what makes it so unique. You will see the highest tides in the world, red sand beaches, and colourful and historic seaside villages.
A lot of visitors come to Nova Scotia and head straight to Cape Breton to drive the Cabot Trail. I don’t blame them, it is one of my favourite things to do in Nova Scotia (especially in the fall!). But if you do this, then you will be missing out on everything else that Nova Scotia has to offer.
If you have a week in Nova Scotia, I would recommend adding 3 days in Cape Breton to your itinerary.
3 Day Road Trip Itinerary for Nova Scotia: a summary
- Day 1: Halifax & Peggy’s Cove: Nova Scotia’s capital and the iconic Lighthouse.
- Day 2 Explore the colourful and historic towns of Lunenburg and Mahone Bay
- Day 3: Visit the Bay of Fundy for the highest tides in the world.
Tips for this 3 day road trip around Nova Scotia
- You can spend each night in Halifax and visit the Bay of Fundy and Lunenburg as day trips, or you can spend the night in each town you visit as you travel around Nova Scotia.
- The best time to do this 3 day road trip around Nova Scotia is in the summer and fall months (July to October). The road conditions will be the best, more shops will be open, and you will have more daylight for exploring.
- Have extra time and want to visit Cape Breton as well? Drive to Cape Breton and follow this 3 day Cape Breton itinerary.
Rent a car (or bring your own) while traveling around Nova Scotia. If you are beginning your road trip in Halifax, there are 4 car rental companies located at the Halifax Airport:
Day 1: Halifax & Peggy’s Cove
Morning
Halifax is a beautiful and historic city with a small-town vibe and lots to do. In the morning, have some breakfast and stroll along the boardwalk. Visit Citadel Hill If you have the time. At around 3pm, start driving to Peggy’s Cove.
Afternoon
Drive about 45 minutes from Halifax to Peggy’s Cove to see the famous lighthouse. There’s a cute and very postcard-perfect fishing village that you drive through to get to Peggy’s Cove.
In 2021, construction has been completed for a more accessible viewpoint of the Lighthouse.
Overnight: Continue down the coast for a little over an hour to your overnight accommodation in Lunenburg.
Day 2: Lunenburg and Mahone Bay.
Morning
Lunenburg is an UNESCO world heritage site, and the most colourful seaside village you will ever lay eyes on. Fun fact, it is home to Bluenose II which is on the Canadian Currency’s 10 cent coin.
There is lots to do in Lunenburg, and it is very walkable. Get acquainted with the town and learn it’s history by going on a walking tour, visit the Fisheries Museum along the harbour, go for a sail on the Bluenose II if it’s at the harbour, get an ice cream at Sweet Treasures, and walk up the hill to the Lunenburg Academy.
For the best view of Lunenburg, head towards the Golf Course and have a drink (coffee or a craft beer!) and meal at the Lightship Brewery.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, drive about 10-15 minutes towards Mahone Bay. This small town is home to the Three Churches which line the small bay. Park across from the churches and walk along the main street towards the Government Wharf. Stop at the Teaser for souvenir shopping, Joann’s market, top at have afternoon tea at the Biscuit Eater Cafe, cozy up with a coffee at The Barn Coffee and Social House, and explore all of the little shops along Main Street.
Overnight: Drive one hour to Wolfville to spend the night.
Suggested Reading: Read a detailed itinerary about what to do on a day trip in Mahone Bay and Lunenburg.
Day 3: Bay of Fundy
On the last day of your 3 day Nova Scotia road trip itinerary, you will be heading out to the Bay of Fundy to see the highest tides in the world. Seeing these dramatic tides is an activity truly unique to Nova Scotia and there are a few options for how to best experience them.
Plan your day around the tide times. Check the tide times here.
Option 1: Drive to Wolfville and walk along Kingsport Beach at low tide, visit the Botanical Gardens at Acadia University, explore Grand Pre National Historic Site, or go on a wine tour.
Option 2: Go Tidal Bore Rafting. I would recommend making Tidal Bore Rafting the main activity of the day, and planning any other activities from Option 1 around that if you have spare time.
There is nothing like Tidal Bore Rafting! Ride through the waves on a Zodiac boat as the tides come in, and go mud sliding down the clay-like riverbanks. Wear sneakers and clothes you don’t mind getting stained from the red, clay-like mud. And bring a change of clothes too.
The time that you go Tidal Bore Rafting depends on the tide times. There is a choice to go on a 2.5 or 4 hour tour. The rafting resort which offers the tidal bore rafting experience is 1 hour and 20 minutes away from Wolfville (or 50 minutes away from Halifax).
Are you planning a trip to Nova Scotia? Or have you already visited Nova Scotia? Let me know what you would like to see, or have seen, in the comments below!
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