Top 5 things to do after moving to Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is a province in Canada that is often in the shadow of more globally popular parts of Canada, like Ontario. But even though less famous, that doesn’t mean that it has nothing interesting to offer. Quite the contrary, between 2022 and 2023, the population of this province increased by 3.24%, and each recent year shows a similar trend. If you want to join this population trend, rest assured that you won’t be disappointed – and if you work with reputable relocation companies in Canada, this transition will be enjoyable from the first to the very last moment. All you will have to worry about is exploring the best things to do after moving to Nova Scotia!

Drive the Cabot Trail

One of the first things to do is drive the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island. It’s 185 miles of stunning coastal views and winding roads. Most people know about the scenery, but the best part is the hidden spots along the way. Locals love stopping at small, unmarked lookouts where you can sit quietly and just take in the cliffs and water.

The Skyline Trail is a favorite. It’s a fairly easy walk, but at the top, you get an incredible view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Have a picnic here. It’s also a place where you can engage in some whale watching. You can see humpbacks if you’re lucky – mostly if you visit during the right time, which is from early to mid-June.

Another tip is to stop in fishing villages like Cheticamp for fresh seafood. The locals know the best spots that aren’t crowded with tourists, like L’abri or Harbour Restaurant & Bar.

This route isn’t all about views and food, though. You can fish in the Margaree Valley, known for its salmon fishing spots, or dive into the Acadian culture in Cheticamp. Pleasant Bay offers whale-watching trips, while Neil’s Harbour is a great stop for fresh seafood. The Cape Breton Highlands Park is perfect for a wilderness experience. In Ingonish, you’ll find the gateway to the highlands, and St. Ann’s is where you can learn some Gaelic at the Gaelic College. For something more laid-back, try sailing on the Bras d’Or Lakes near Baddeck, a lovely resort village. It will do you good after moving with the help of province to province movers.

This is without a doubt one of the best things to do after moving to Nova Scotia.

Visit Peggy’s Cove

Peggy’s Cove is one of those places that just feels unreal. The lighthouse here is one of the most photographed in the world, and for good reason—it’s beautiful. Around 700,000 people visit this locale each year! But the real magic happens when you take a moment to explore places that are not so popular. The area around Peggy’s Cove is filled with rugged rock formations, waves crashing against the shore, and small, quiet walking paths.

A local tip: visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds. The quiet mornings allow you to really take in the peaceful scenery. We are talking about 6 am early, so make sure to go to sleep early the night before! Seeing as the distance is only 308 km, you can visit it the day after moving from Charlottetown PEI to Halifax NS. If you’re planning a longer visit, explore the nearby village for fresh seafood and local shops. This is a great spot for families or anyone wanting to get a true taste of Nova Scotia’s coastal life. Some of the restaurants we recommend are Tom’s Lobster Shack, Bubba Magoos Takeout & Bistro, and Café l’Acadie. Just keep in mind that most of these places focus on seafood dishes.

The Halifax Waterfront

One of the best things to do after moving to Nova Scotia is to take a walk around the Halifax Waterfront. No matter where you are located in the city, you will be able to get there easily, due to the city’s good infrastructure and connections. Even if reputable long distance movers in Halifax just dropped you off, you will likely be able to make it there on the same day. This area is a favorite for both locals and tourists, and it’s easy to see why. Around 3.2 million visitors came here in 2022.

The 4-kilometer boardwalk is perfect for walking, with plenty of spots to stop for food, drinks, and local shopping. Recommended spots are:

• Waterfront Warehouse Restaurant,
• Smoke’s Poutinerie and
• Da Maurizio Dining Room.

You’ll find everything from fish and chips to gourmet lobster rolls. For example, The Bicycle Thief is a top-rated spot for both its food and waterfront views.

There are also cultural attractions along the waterfront, such as the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. If you’re interested in Nova Scotia’s history, this is a great place to learn more about its seafaring past. The waterfront is not just for daytime fun, either. In the summer months, you can catch live music and outdoor festivals right by the water.

This waterfront offers various things that you can enjoy.

Pay a visit to the wineries in the Annapolis Valley

After a day on the waterfront, consider heading out to the Annapolis Valley for some wine tasting, the next day. The distance between the two is roughly 160 km or a 1 hour 40 minutes drive. If you don’t want to drive back the same day, luckily, there are plenty of places to stay. They also accommodate different budgets. Some of the options include Tattingstone Inn, Slumber Inn, and Pink Flamingo.

This region is known for its cool-climate wines, and there are over 18 vineyards to explore. In fact, Nova Scotia’s wine industry has been growing, with a 2019 report showing an economic impact of $196 million. Popular wineries like Benjamin Bridge and Luckett Vineyards offer tours and tastings, giving you a chance to sample local wines like Tidal Bay, a crisp white wine that’s unique to Nova Scotia.

Wine tasting is more than just sipping—you’ll learn about the region’s wine-making process and how the soil and climate impact the flavors. If you’re not a wine drinker, cider houses like Annapolis Cider Company and craft breweries like Annapolis Brewing Company are scattered throughout the valley, offering something for everyone.

Explore Kejimkujik National Park

The outdoors has gained popularity in recent years. More and more people are choosing to spend their holidays in an active way, hiking or camping, over the traditional sun, sea, and sand vacationing approach. For people like this, Kejimkujik National Park is a must-visit. This park is a mix of forests, rivers, and lakes, and is one of the best places to camp, canoe, or hike. It’s also home to ancient Mi’kmaq petroglyphs, offering a look into the region’s indigenous history. For campers, Kejimkujik has excellent facilities with campsites for both tents and RVs. Whether you’re spending the day or staying overnight, the park is great for families and solo explorers alike. No matter the duration of your trip, rest assured that our skilled movers Prince Edward Island locals recommend know how to handle your hiking and camping gear.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can do at Kejimkujik:

• Canoe or kayak on the peaceful rivers and lakes
• Hike along trails with various difficulty levels
• Visit Mi’kmaq petroglyphs to learn about the region’s history
• Camp at well-maintained sites or rent a cabin

National parks are always a good option

Which one of the best things to do after moving to Nova Scotia will you do first?

As you can see, there’s no shortage of things to do after moving to Nova Scotia – even though it is the second smallest province in Canada. But the diverse geography and interesting history make up for its lack of territory. Aside from the 5 things that we mentioned, there are many other places worth visiting. But since you have made this your home, there will be plenty of time to explore everything there is in this province. Use these suggestions as starting points, and let the road guide you!