From lobster to Acadian joie-de-vivre; wine to apples; music to pumpkins and everything else in between, Nova Scotia is home to an myriad of celebrations throughout the year. Festivals are a great way to mingle with the locals and celebrate a few of the things that make Nova Scotia so unique. Here are our top picks:   Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival | May 28 - June 2, 2025: from its creation in 1933 as a tribute to the blossoms of the many apple orchards, traditions and agricultural heritage of the Annapolis Valley, the Festival has grown to be a yearly homecoming for families and friends.   Eastern Shore Cold Waters Seafood Festival | 7 – 8 June, 2025: Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore culture is anchored in the coves, harbours, and inlets that form the wild shores of this region. These cold, clear waters yield some of the best seafood in the province, and that coastal connection is celebrated in a big way. From contemporary dishes, to simple steamed shellfish, or tried and true traditional favourites, there’s something for everyone.   Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo | June 27 - July 1, 2025: a celebration of harmony, remembrance, and resilience through music, dance, and cultural traditions. Since its inception in 1979, this international event honours those who paved the way for peace and freedom in flourish.   Pictou Lobster Carnival | 4 – 6 July, 2025: this year will see the Pictou Lobster Carnival celebrating 90 years! Enjoy succulent seafood, live music featuring headliner bands, carnival fair rides, crate run (a new favourite), boat races, lobster banding competition, lobster trap hauling contest, a street parade, and of course, delicious lobster suppers.   Antigonish Highland Games | 6 – 13 July, 2025: a weekend full of cultural, athletic and musical experiences sponsored by the Antigonish Highland Society. Founded in 1861, about 75 years after the Gaels first began arriving on nearby shores, the Society has kept alive numerous Scottish traditions and events that help to define the character of Antigonish town and county.   TD Halifax Jazz Festival | 15 – 20 July, 2025: returning for their 39th annual event, TD Halifax is the oldest jazz festival and largest summer festival in Atlantic Canada. Halifax Jazz Festival brings international artists to the maritimes and platforms local musicians.   Festival acadien de Clare | July 26 - August 15, 2025: the oldest Acadian festival in the world celebrates Acadian heritage gathering thousands of people from all over the world along the shores of the Bay of Fundy in Saint Mary’s Bay. A packed programme includes activities for all ages, like the lumberjack competition, a street parade, bazaar and so much more! Concerts also take place, with music genres varying from Acadian, Cajun and even Bluegrass. The festival wraps up by celebrating National Acadian Day on August 15th, a vibrant cultural celebration for the Acadian people throughout Canada and particularly in Nova Scotia. It commemorates the rich heritage and history of Acadian communities, descendants of French settlers who first settled in the area in the 17th century.   Halifax Busker Festival | July 30 - August 4: running for six days over Nova Scotia’s Natal Day long weekend (late July/early August), with hundreds of shows, Buskers is Nova Scotia’s favourite summer festival and can’t be missed on a visit to Halifax. Founded in 1986, the Busker Festival scours the globe for the best street performers and musicians to perform at the annual event along Halifax’s historic waterfront and boardwalk.   Digby Scallop Days | 7 – 10 August: Digby Scallop Days is a celebration that takes place annually during the second weekend of August to celebrate Nova Scotia’s heritage in the scallop fishing industry and to savour in the culinary delight of the famous Digby Scallop.  The festival is celebrated over a four day period and reflects on the area’s local scallops and the fishermen that harvest them. Scallops from Digby, the scallop capital of the world, are known worldwide for their unique and succulent taste and there is no better time or place to savour their unique and succulent taste.   Celtic Colours International Festival | 10 – 18 October: A unique celebration of Cape Breton Island’s living traditional culture. For nine days in October discover hundreds of events and activities taking place in communities around the Island. Since its introduction in 1997, Celtic Colours has grown to become one of Canada’s premiere musical events and a cultural highlight in Nova Scotia. Showcasing the musical culture of Cape Breton it gathers tens of thousands of visitors from more than two dozen countries.   Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl Festival | February 1-28, 2026:  Nova Scotia isn’t just a summer destination.  Every February – for the entire month – the province throws a fantastically tasty event, the Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl Festival. February just happens to be the peak of the lobster fishing season in Southwest Nova Scotia, so from Barrington (the Lobster Capital of Canada) to Peggy’s Cove and every port in between, you can expect all kinds of celebrations in salute to that the province’s favourite crustacean.

  Nova Scotia is home to some of the most authentic, exclusive and extraordinary coastal experiences in North America.   The gateway to Atlantic Canada has plenty for you to discover and we would like to share with you some of the latest highlights we are all excited about. And remember…. over 13,000 km of coastline await you in Nova Scotia! To explore where to go and what to do in Nova Scotia, visit NovaScotia.com  

NEW Culinary experience: Tastes of Lunenburg 

      Treat your palate to this unforgettable multi-stop adventure featuring the spectacular tastes of Old Town Lunenburg. Drawing flavours from more than 270 years as a seagoing town with deep German roots, this three-hour gastronomical delight is sure to satisfy. Walk with local guides who will take you through the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering up cultural and historical anecdotes as you immerse yourself in this delectable tour.  

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9 Don’t Miss Outdoor Adventures in Cape Breton

    For the outdoor enthusiast, Cape Breton Island is a must-visit spot when visiting Nova Scotia. From kayaking, and tubing to canoeing (and more!) your clients will surely discover the perfect afternoon or multi-day escape. Here are 9 outdoor adventures that simply cannot be missed!  

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NEW Experience: Evangeline, Expulsions, Enchantment & Elixirs

      Learn about Acadian and Mi’kmaw culture through plant medicine and food remedies on this guided adventure. With herbalist Angie Oriana Jenkins, explore four historic sites in the Grand Pré-region including the Landscape of Grand Pré UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Historic Site, the Deportation Site, the Guzzle, and finish at the Horton Ridge Malt House.  

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    Everyone needs a little inspiration. Luckily, we’ve got lots of it. Check out some of the top experiences and attractions that are sure to get you itching to plan your trip.

  Travel enthusiast Graham McKenzie engages in a lively conversation with Geordie Mott, the visionary owner of Picture Perfect Tours based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Geordie's unique venture seamlessly blends his expertise in photography and art history with the allure of tourism. The heart of their discussion revolves around the enchanting Sable Island, a remote and mystical location situated in the North Atlantic. Geordie vividly describes the island's history, particularly its iconic population of wild horses tracing back to the 1760s. As Geordie unfolds the details of Picture Perfect Tours, viewers are treated to a fascinating glimpse into the immersive and visually stunning experiences offered by the company, making Sable Island an unparalleled destination for photography enthusiasts.  

  Nova Scotia is home to some of the most authentic, exclusive and extraordinary coastal experiences in North America.   The gateway to Atlantic Canada has plenty for you to discover and we would like to share with you some of the latest highlights we are all excited about. And remember…. over 13,000 km of coastline await you in Nova Scotia! To explore where to go and what to do in Nova Scotia, visit NovaScotia.com  

Opening Soon: Moxy Hotel

  The first new-build Moxy hotel in Canada, part of Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio is due to open next month. The stylish and playful 160-room hotel is located at the heart of the downtown area where guests can make memories over handcrafted drinks, small plates and vibrant music and have easy access to several iconic attractions and must-do tours.  

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Icelandair returns to Halifax!

    The return of Icelandair to Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) in May 2024 opens up another exciting way to access the province of Nova Scotia from the UK, with the added bonus of free Iceland stopovers en route for durations of up to seven days.   Icelandair’s new thrice-weekly seasonal service, which will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from May 31 through to October 14, marks the welcome return of the carrier to Halifax – the chief international gateway to the Atlantic Canada region – after a five-year absence.   Flights are already on sale for the service, which will be served by the carrier’s Boeing 737MAX8 aircraft, and the airline was on hand at this year’s World Travel Market in London (November 6-8) to get the message out to the international travel trade.  

Grab your spoon, hit the trail and eat your way around Nova Scotia!

    What better way to taste Nova Scotia than to enjoy a bowl of seafood chowder? We take the finest seafood from our cold, clean waters and pair it with produce from our lush fertile valleys. Our chowders are warm and comforting, much like the character of our people. Every bowl tells the story of who we are and where we’re from!  

Discover Nova Scotia’s Coastal Museums

  With more than 13,000 km of coastline surrounding the province, it’s no surprise Nova Scotia’s rich heritage is heavily influenced by the sea. From stories of the fishing industry to insights into historic shipbuilding and even geology, these five museums are the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Nova Scotia’s coastal history.     Located in the heart of the historic Halifax waterfront, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic features an abundance of exhibits focused on Nova Scotia’s strong connection to the sea. From the popular Titanic exhibit to the displays on the Halifax Explosion, the museum overflows with takes of history.     Be sure to check out the the ongoing exhibit Ta’n me’j Tel-keknuo’ltiek: How Unique We Still Are, which shares experiences of how Mi’kmaq people remain connected to the waters of Mi’kma’ki.   Nova Scotia is home to a rich Acadian culture and Le Village Historique Acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse is a perfect opportunity to immerse in this vibrant history. Explore the grounds of this immense 17-acre site whilst visiting a variety of historic buildings.     Still inhabited by descendants of the village’s founder, this museum showcases the industrious and joyful spirit of the Acadian people, while celebrating a language and culture that has thrived for more than 250 years.  

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  Only a six-hour flight from the UK, Nova Scotia is filled to the brim with stunning natural beauty, diverse cultures, rich heritage, and warm, friendly people.  This Atlantic Canada province is home to three national parks. From helping to share Mi'kmaw heritage to showcasing and carrying out modern day conservation efforts, Nova Scotia’s national parks offer cultural experiences, exciting outdoor adventure and special places to stay. Here is why they are a bucket list-worthy destination:   Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site: Discover the historic waterways, wooded multi-use trails, incredible night sky, and unique camping accommodations at Nova Scotia’s only inland national park. Explore Mi'kmaw petroglyphs and connect with Mi'kmaw culture, experience some of the darkest (and most starry) night skies in North America. You can also explore the park by renting a bicycle or canoe onsite to explore trails and lakes, and spend the night in a yurt, rustic cabin, oTENTik, or tear-drop Ôasis “duplex”, several feet in the air.   Kejimkujik National Park Seaside: Located along the rugged Atlantic coast and a little over one hour from the inland Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, visitors here will be rewarded with incredible coastal views and wide white sand beaches after a 2.8 kilometre (one way) hike on Harbour Rocks Trail. Along the way, check out the viewing platform with views of St. Catherine’s River Beach and keep an eye out for local wildlife and birds. Pick up a Perfect Picnic in nearby Liverpool before hitting the trail and enjoy it later at the beach. Be sure to snap a photo sitting on the iconic Parks Canada red chairs.     Cape Breton Highlands National Park: An undisputed “must do” when visiting Nova Scotia is exploring the Cabot Trail. The trail winds its way through Cape Breton Highlands National Park making it easy to see the whole park. Featuring 26 hiking trails, 12 breathtaking look-offs, 8 campgrounds, and 6 beaches, this national park is the ideal destination for the outdoor enthusiast. Whether you prefer roughing it in the back country, taking in the incredible fall colours on a hike, or picking up a Perfect Picnic to enjoy during a beach day, a visit to Cape Breton Highlands National Park is likely to be a highlight of your trip to Nova Scotia.

Watch our Tourism Nova Scotia webinar, bringing to you the winners of Race Across the World – Cathie and Tricia, please CLICK HERE.   Cathie and Tricia travelled from Liverpool on the South Shore to the capital of Halifax, where they then made their way to the heart of the Province in Truro, before starting their exit route through the Northumberland Shores reaching Antigonish before passing through Cape Breton Island to depart from North Sydney.  Their exclusive interview shared the wonderful experience they had in our beautiful Province as well as Canada overall.   As mentioned on our webinar, you have the chance to Win a Trip to Halifax Nova Scotia including 4 nights accommodation and return flights from London.   To enter, you just need to complete and pass the Air Canada and Tourism Nova Scotia online training programmes.   The links are: Air Canada Online Training Tourism Nova Scotia Online Training   In addition to our holiday prize, Canadian Affair are also offering a cash incentive for bookings that include Nova Scotia.  Agents can earn up to £150 Love2Shop voucher when you book Nova Scotia with Canadian Affair.  Terms and conditions apply.   About Nova Scotia:  Here’s some useful tips about our Province to share with your customers. The gateway to Atlantic Canada and only a 6 hour flight from the UK, this province is filled to the brim with stunning natural beauty, diverse cultures, rich heritage, and warm, friendly people. Known for its world class experiences, spectacular beaches, and a top-notch locally sourced culinary scene shaped by the sea.   From the Cabot Trail, voted time and time again as one of the world’s most scenic drives, to the Bay of Fundy, recorded to have the highest tides in the world, and included as one of the seven most breathtaking natural wonders of North America.  About the size of Scotland, and home to just under a million people, Nova Scotia is very much a road trip destination. With spectacular seaside and inland driving routes, it’s an easy destination to get around and the journey is very much part of the holiday experience.   Nova Scotia is rich in history and boasts 6 UNESCO designated sites; it is the perfect destination for sailing, whale watching, kayaking and more. Visitors can also go river rafting on the highest tides in the world, glamp under the stars while listening to traditional music, or learn from locals on a guided hike or paddle.   Experiences   Tidal Bore Rafting: If you’re an adventurous person, tidal bore rafting should be firmly placed on your list of things to do in Nova Scotia! Two times a day, the tides in the Bay of Fundy rise and fall (between 3.5 metres (11 feet) and 16 metres (53 feet), depending on the phase of the moon). When this massive influx of water pours into the Shubenacadie River, the two waters collide to create rapids, waves, and a whole lot of swells. Add to the fun: go mud-sliding after your rafting trip! https://www.novascotia.com/things-to-do/outdoor-activities-tours/tidal-bore-rafting?f=gkYF5W8Aoi   Hike in National Parks: The Cabot Trail cuts through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, which is home to 26 hiking trails. The most popular is the Skyline Trail, and it’s popular for good reason! At the end of the loop, you’re rewarded with vast views out to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and many people encounter wildlife such as deer or moose on this trail. Nova Scotia’s other national park is Kejimkujik National Park& National Historic Site which is home to some great hikes as well. If you have the time and the ability, you can embark on one of the backcountry trails (4 days long), or if you’re looking for a day hike, there are plenty of those as well, ranging in length from 200 metres to 5 kilometres (3 miles). https://www.novascotia.com/things-to-do/outdoor-activities-tours/hiking?f=t8Ki7WybDN   Stargazing: Nova Scotia is home to Acadian Skies and Mi’kmaq Lands, the first designated dark sky destination in North America. Experience the night sky with your guide on a night hike or bike tour. For those who enjoy looking up at the night sky and admiring the stars, The Deep Sky Eye Observatory is the perfect place to do it. Sit back with a warm blanket in an anti-gravity chair and let them guide you through to the universe. Learn to navigate the night sky using points of reference such as Polaris and the constellations and see live views of the night sky’s celestial wonders through their outdoor telescope.   Another great place for stargazing is Kejimkujik National Park & National Historic Site - the park was designated as a Dark Sky Preserve by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada in 2010, which restricts the use of artificial light in most of the park. The result is a stargazer’s paradise, with clear nights offering unparalleled views of the moon, constellations and planets.  An even better way to stargaze is to set up camp at one of the many campsites throughout the park, including serviced sites with electricity and others that are lit only by the stars! https://www.novascotia.com/trip-ideas/stories/where-see-stars-within-acadian-skies-mikmaq-lands     Starlight Culinary Escape: A wilderness escape at the world’s first starlight hotel which is the Trout Point Lodge. Located within UNESCO Southwest Nova Scotia Biosphere Reserve in Yarmouth. Experience Includes: Overnight accommodation, Guided forest walk (Explore the edge of the Tusket River on forested paths and boardwalks to your private stargazing deck), Expert-led stargazing where you’d listen to stories shared by an astronomy expert whilst you can enjoy Nova Scotian sparkling wine. https://www.novascotia.com/packages/findapackage/starlight-culinary-escape/205591   Horse riding at Cliffs of Fundy Geopark: Fascinating Mi’kmaw legends, the highest tides in the world, and the oldest dinosaur fossils in Canada are just the beginning in this geological wonderland. Nova Scotia’s 6th UNESCO designation, Cliffs of Fundy Global Geopark has added a new experience to its many offerings: a Horseback Tidal Floor & Fossils Tour.   Telling the story of the coming together of the supercontinent Pangea 300 million years ago and its ripping apart 100 million years later, the Geopark follows the stunning Bay of Fundy shoreline with many  attractions to explore such as hiking trails, provincial parks, community museums, lighthouses, beaches and kayaking tours.   The new Horseback Tidal Floor & Fossils Tour is one-of-a-kind experience where you tour the ocean-floor by horseback, trotting along the world-famous Bay of Fundy to a fossil site where you’ll see the low tides revealing 300-million-year-old dinosaur fossils.  Along the way you’ll observe a variety of tidal creatures such as clams, crabs and shore birds galore. https://www.novascotia.com/see-do/attractions/cliffs-of-fundy-unesco-global-geopark/7748     Kayaking: From the dramatic cliffs, arches and towering pinnacles of northern Cape Breton and Cape Chignecto to the sheltered waterways and isolated white sand beaches of Prospect and Tangier, for many, this coast is best seen from the water. History buffs will enjoy paddling along historic waterfronts, while cultural enthusiasts will love chatting with local fishermen or traversing the waterways of the Mi’kmaq. https://www.novascotia.com/things-to-do/outdoor-activities-tours/kayak-canoe?f=xwakY9SLfH   Visit Georges Island National Historic Site: The newest addition to Nova Scotia’s National Historic Sites family, Georges Island is located in the heart of Halifax harbour, the place the Mi’kmaq called Kjipuktuk or “The Great Harbour.” Georges Island is one of five National Historic Sites in Halifax which are known collectively as the Halifax Defence Complex including: Halifax Citadel, Fort McNab, Prince of Wales Tower and York Redoubt.   Accessible by shuttle boat or kayaking packages discover how this small island and its fortifications played a large role as a prison, as an internment camp for Acadians, in the development of Nova Scotia and in the overall defence of Canada. Visitors can take in a guided tour of the historic tunnels, enjoy the scenic views from a new perspective and immerse yourself in the rich history of Halifax! https://www.novascotia.com/see-do/attractions/georges-island-national-historic-site/7900

  Nova Scotia is home to some of the most authentic, exclusive and extraordinary coastal experiences in North America.   The gateway to Atlantic Canada has plenty for you to discover this fall and we would like to share with you some of the latest highlights we are all excited about.   We look forward to fully enjoying this upcoming season. And remember…. over 13,000 km of coastline await you in Nova Scotia! To explore where to go and what to do in Nova Scotia, visit NovaScotia.com  

The Celtic Colours International Festival: A unique celebration of Cape Breton Island’s living traditional culture: 6 – 14 October 2023

    Since its introduction in 1997, Celtic Colours has grown to become one of Canada’s premiere musical events and a cultural highlight in Nova Scotia showcasing the musical culture of Cape Breton to tens of thousands of visitors from more than two dozen countries.   At one of the many concerts, you’ll find some of the world’s finest musicians sharing the stage with Cape Breton’s best musicians, singers, dancers, and story-tellers in venues that range from community halls and churches to modern schools and theatres.  

Discover hundreds of events & activities taking place in communities around Cape Breton!

 

October Adventures in Nova Scotia

    October is a special time of the year in Nova Scotia. From the colourful changing leaves to the bountiful harvests, it's the perfect time to get out and explore as sweater weather sets in.   Here are our top recommendations for things to see & do!      

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Calling History Lovers

  If you love history, why not plan a visit to Georges Island National Historic Site in the heart of the Halifax Harbour during your next Nova Scotia trip. Take a guided tour of the tunnels, and be sure to order a Perfect Picnic to enjoy during your visit. Have you ever explored the island?   The site is open 5 days/week until Sept. 4 (Labour Day) and then returns to weekends only until October 8th (final day to visit for this season).    

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Exclusive webinar with the winners of Race Across the World – Cathie and Tricia. We will hear first hand on their experience on the show and particularly their time in Nova Scotia. By registering you can also find out how you could be in with a chance to win a 4 night stay in Halifax with return flights for two from London.