Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is one of Canada's Atlantic Provinces. With around 950,000 inhabitants, it is one of the least populated. As a peninsula exposed to the Atlantic Ocean, Nova Scotia has a more maritime climate than mainland Canada, with mild winters and cool summers.

Regions of Nova Scotia

The regions, main cities and other destinations of Nova Scotia

Minas Basin Some of the highest tides in the world and the Joggins UNESCO World Heritage site

Northumberland Shore Beaches with some of the warmest water north of the Carolinas

Halifax Region The main tourist draw of the province with the historic city of Halifax (Nova Scotia)

Annapolis Valley A historic agricultural region with many small towns and villages

South Shore (Nova Scotia) Beaches and picturesque seaside villages like Mahone Bay and Lunenburg

Yarmouth and Digby The far western tip of Nova Scotia where Acadian culture lives on; inland is the large protected Tobeatic Wilderness Area

Eastern Shore (Nova Scotia) The less travelled, wilder shore

Cape Breton Island Celtic and Acadian culture, and the scenic Cabot Trail

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Cities

• Halifax (Nova Scotia) | Halifax — Capital of the province and economic and cultural hub of Eastern Canada. There's history to explore, culture, beaches and friendly laid-back East Coast hospitality.
• Amherst (Nova Scotia) | Amherst — Closest city to the Joggins Fossil Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Dartmouth (Nova Scotia) | Dartmouth — The "City of Lakes" across the harbour from Halifax.
• Guysborough —
• Lunenburg — Historic fishing village with the brightly painted houses and picturesque townsite. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Pictou —
• Sydney (Nova Scotia) | Sydney — Largest city on Cape Breton Island and close to the ferry to Newfoundland and Labrador|Newfoundland
• Windsor (Nova Scotia) | Windsor —
• Yarmouth (Nova Scotia) | Yarmouth —

More Destinations

• Tobeatic Wilderness & Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve. The largest protected wilderness area in Atlantic Canada. The Tobeatic is a large natural area that spans five counties and more than 104,000 hectares of central southwestern Nova Scotia. Nine major rivers flow from the Tobeatic and over 120 lakes are found within the wilderness area. The wilderness area is available to the public for canoeing, birding, and other outdoor pursuits for the enjoyment of nature. The Tobeatic features numerous species of interest including the last native population of moose, black bear, southern flying squirrel, Blanding's turtle, Eastern ribbon snake, Bald Eagle, brook trout, Lady Slipper orchids, and various carnivorous and non-chlorophytic flowering plants.
• Brier Island in the Bay of Fundy. Brier Island is a unique destination situated off the end of ancient basalt formation (Digby Neck) jutting out into the world famous Bay of Fundy. This area is rich in marine life (Whale watching, Atlantic flyway for migrating birds and has a resident seal colony) The area has been long visited by naturalists who regularly spot rare and endangered plants. Rock hounds will be impressed with the many types of rock formations and can find quartz, agate jasper, amethyst and even zeolite.An area truly unspoiled, off the beaten track and deeply steeped in maritime tradition. (Home of the famous Joshua Slocum and the first person to sail solo around the world in 1895 on the Spay a 37’ sloop.) Brier Island offers many trails to explore both easy and challenging for hikers on short or extended visits. The island is accessible by two short ferry rides from the end of Digby Neck.

• Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site is an amazing place to visit. - Maitland Bridge, Annapolis County, Nova Scotia ☎ +1 902-682-2772

Nova Scotia Halal Explorer

For a population just under a million Nova Scotia is remarkably diverse: Mi'kmaq, Scots descendants, black Nova Scotians, French Acadians, Annapolis Valley farmers, Cape Bretoners and Haligonians all form distinct groups with their own unique quirks, culture and language. The novel "Rockbound" is written entirely in the South Shore dialect of the fishermen of that region, a fusion of Shakespearean English, German and unique local idioms.

Champlain named Nova Scotia "Acadie" and claimed it for France in 1604. French immigrants settled the area and became prosperous farmers and fisherman. However and they were expelled by the British in the mid 18th century, with their lands, especially on the South Shore, repopulated with "foreign Protestants", meaning mostly Dutch and Germans. Many areas still retain a strong Acadian French culture, including the largest Francophone municipality, Clare in Digby County and Argyle, in Yarmouth County. Nova Scotia hosted the World Acadian Congress in 2005. The Louisiana "Cajun" is a slang adaptation of "Acadien" in the French. Longfellow's poem "Evangeline" celebrates the victims of the expulsion, as does Zachary Richard's drum and voice song "Reveille". Because of the expulsion, French is far more commonly heard in New Brunswick.

Halifax and the capital, is one of the oldest cities in North America and was a critical sea link during World Wars I and II. The infamous "Halifax explosion" caused by collision of two ships in Halifax Harbour in 1917 was the worst man-made explosion on Earth until Hiroshima in 1945. Halifax today is an education and high technology centre, with over a dozen post-secondary institutions including Dalhousie University and substantial operations by major high-technology firms.Academics have unusual influence in Nova Scotia, perhaps because of their concentration in the capital. Many have even written legislation.

Unless you are a winter surfer, or like to snowshoe and then it is probably best to visit Nova Scotia sometime between June and October, when the weather is warm and the skies are blue and the water may be less frigid. The main byways are along the coast, and a lot of small shops and restaurants are open around the coast during the summer months. Watch out for mosquitoes and horseflies in the summer, however, especially after a storm.

Travel to Nova Scotia

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Nova Scotia

Robert L. Stanfield International Airport (IATA Flight Code: YHZ), at Halifax (Nova Scotia) | Halifax, is the main international airport in the province. Flights can also be made to Sydney (Nova Scotia) | Sydney, via JA Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport (IATA Flight Code: YQY), from Halifax, or periodically from Boston, Toronto, or other Maritime cities.

By car

Nova Scotia is part of the Trans-Canada Highway linking it with New Brunswick at Amherst (Nova Scotia) | Amherst. It is roughly a three hour drive from Moncton to Halifax and 3.5 hours from Charlottetown to Halifax.

Travel on a Bus in Nova Scotia

Two bus companies — Greyhound Canada and Maritime Bus — provide inter-provincial bus service to Nova Scotia. They can be useful if your destination is along the Trans-Canada highway or the Truro-Halifax corridor, but service does not extend far elsewhere. For more structured bus trips / transport there is also Out Here Travel a backpacker focused hybrid bus transport / tour company which picks up passengers in the Toronto and other nearby locations - heading east primarily. For trips to national parks, such as Algonquin Park and there is also Park Bus].

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Nova Scotia

Ferry service is available from Prince Edward Island to Pictou, Digby to Saint John, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland to North Sydney.

Ferry service from Bar Harbor, Maine to Yarmouth ceased on December 15, 2009. A ferry from Portland (Maine) | Portland to Yarmouth has been reinstated.

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Nova Scotia

Via Rail provides service connecting Halifax to Montreal three times a week. The trip takes 22 hours and also stops at Truro (Nova Scotia) | Truro and Amherst.

How to get around in Nova Scotia

By car

Nova Scotia has a comprehensive road network, with three tiers of highways:

• Provincial (100-series) highways Nova Scotia 102.svg|18px — The fastest and most direct routes as they tend to by-pass the towns and villages, but not as scenic as the other highways. Some of them, such as the 102 and much of the 104, are expressway/motorway standard.
• Trunk highways Nova Scotia 2.svg|18px — Two lane highways with the occasional passing lane. These routes connect the towns and villages so are slower than the 100-series highways but more scenic.
• Collector highways Nova Scotia Route 333.svg|18px — Generally narrow, windy and variable quality (may be paved or gravel), but are best for taking you off the beaten path.

The Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 104 on mainland Nova Scotia and Highway 105 on Cape Breton) and Highway 102 form the backbone of the road network connecting most of the province's main centers with New Brunswick and the ferries to Newfoundland and Labrador|Newfoundland. Highways 101 and 103 connect Yarmouth (Nova Scotia) | Yarmouth to Halifax (Nova Scotia) | Halifax via the Annapolis Valley (Highway 101) and the South Shore (Nova Scotia) | South Shore (Highway 103).

The provincial tourism department has created a number of scenic routes that cover specific geographic regions of the province, such as the Lighthouse Route along the South Shore or the Glooscap Trail that covers the Minas Basin region. The routes are generally well sign-posted and good to explore if you want to focus on a specific region in-depth.

If driving, be aware of road conditions in the winter, especially away from major areas.

What to see in Nova Scotia

Peggys Cove (1) - Peggys Cove lighthouse at sunset

• Peggys Cove Lighthouse, 35 kilometers Southwest of Halifax (Nova Scotia) | Halifax on road 333 is a lighthouse on rounded rocks. There is a restaurant and tourist information, but otherwise it is just big rocks with a dozen small houses and 60 people living there. Outside Peggys Cove on the 333 there are plenty of B&Bs and restaurants.
• Swissair Memorial, close to Peggys Cove on the 333.
• Cape Breton Highlands A profoundly beautiful drive any time of the year but it is most pristine in Autumn, once the leaves change.
• Bras d'Or Lake (Pronounced 'bre-dor', an inland sea within the island of Cape Breton).

Lac Bras d'Or - Bras d'or Lake

• Cape George Lighthouse, on the Northeastern mainland coast, near Antigonish.
• Citadel Hill, A daunting Vauban style fortification dating from the first half of the 19th century; it is called the 'Warden of the North.' Located in downtown Halifax; you can't miss it.
• The Southern Nova Scotia Biosphere, Tobeatic Wilderness Area, and Kejimikujik National Park in the southern half of the province--the largest protected wilderness area in Atlantic Canada
• Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site and the largest reconstructed 18th-century French fortified town in North America.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Nova Scotia

• Fossil Collecting Many beaches along the shores of Cape Breton Island have exposed coal seams and rocks containing fossilized ferns and other flora can be found in these areas.

• Tidal Bore Rafting - Experience the highest tides in the world by riding on the tidal bore wave in a raft. Exhilarating fun, even when the moon isn't full.

• Victoria Park - Truro - This 400-hectare (1,000-acre) park in Truro came into being in 1887 and attracts many visitors each year to its wooded trails, swimming pool, picnic areas, waterfalls, ball field, playground, and outdoor stage. During winter months, visitors enjoy walking, snowshoeing, skating and cross-country skiing in The Park. It’s truly a year-round facility.

• Hike the Trans Canada Trail in Nova Scotia.

Halal Restaurants in Nova Scotia

Berries: having so much of the province in a natural state and there are many opportunities to pick wild fruit and berries. There are wild strawberries in the fields and along roads, wild blueberries, raspberries and cranberries (in coastal areas). Blueberry grunt is a blueberry baked with a sweet dumpling topping.

Deep fried pepperoni: a bar snack often dipped in honey mustard Sauces.

Dulse: most of this seaweed is harvested at very low tides in parts of Nova Scotia. Locally it is dried and used as a Snacks.

Garlic fingers: similar to a pizza in shape and size and made with the same type of dough. Instead of the traditional tomato Sauce and toppings, garlic fingers consist of pizza dough topped with garlic butter, parsley, and Cheese, cooked until the Cheese is melted. Bacon bits are sometimes added. They are typically eaten as a side dish with pizza and often dipped in donair or marinara Sauces. They are presented in thin strips (or "fingers") as opposed to triangular slices.

Halifax donair: a pile of roasted, spiced beef (known as donair meat) with diced tomatoes and white onions covered in condensed milk Sauce and wrapped in a pita. It is unique to the province and is available at almost every corner diner and pizzeria.

Hodge podge: a creamy soup of fresh baby vegetables; rarely found in restaurants.

Lobster rolls are common throughout the province.

Nova Scotia produces some very good fruit cocktails. Most Cafes offer free tours. Of particular note is Jost Grapes along the Northumberland Strait north of Truro.

Try the local soft drinks. Nova Scotia is best known as the home of "Alexander Keith's India Pale Ale", known locally as "Keith's" But there are many lesser known brews available as well. Not to be missed are the offerings of Propeller Brewery and Garrison Brewing as well as several microbreweries and brewpubs (such as the Rogue's Roost) .

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Nova Scotia, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Nova Scotia. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Nova Scotia and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Nova Scotia. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Nova Scotia. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inNova Scotia: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Nova Scotia.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Nova Scotia: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Nova Scotia, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Nova Scotia.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Nova Scotia, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Nova Scotia, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Nova Scotia and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Nova Scotia, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Nova Scotia, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Nova Scotia without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Nova Scotia is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Nova Scotia.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Nova Scotia is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Nova Scotia, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Nova Scotia Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Nova Scotia

eHalal Group Nova Scotia is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Nova Scotia. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Nova Scotia.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Nova Scotia ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Nova Scotia. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Nova Scotia, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Nova Scotia are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@halal.io

Stay Safe

In case of emergency, dial 911. Seat belts are mandatory for drivers and all passengers. Helmets are required by law for all motorcycle and bicycle riders. Radar detectors are illegal and will be confiscated if found by the RCMP. If you are hiking in grassy areas you should be aware that Lyme Disease is present in Nova Scotia and carried by ticks. Tie your pant legs or pull your socks over your pant legs and watch for ticks. In wilderness areas: there are no poisonous snakes in the province but coyotes are becoming bolder and a few people have been attacked.

Travel Next

• Ferries leave for Newfoundland and Labrador|Newfoundland from Sydney (Nova Scotia) | North Sydney
• Ferry service to Maine runs from Yarmouth (Nova Scotia) | Yarmouth
• New Brunswick and Quebec can be visited in a day's drive on the Trans-Canada Highway
• Prince Edward Island (PEI) can be visited via ferry from Caribou Wharf near Pictou, or via the Confederation Bridge from New Brunswick.

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