Hit the Road: 10 Scenic Drives in Nova Scotia That Will Leave You Breathless

1. Bras d’Or Lakes Scenic Drive

The Bras d’Or Lakes Scenic Drive is a 300-kilometre route that winds its way around the beautiful Bras d’Or Lakes on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. The drive offers breathtaking views of the lakes, as well as the rolling hills and forests of the island.

One of the highlights of the Bras d’Or Lakes Scenic Drive is the Bras d’Or Lake itself, which is a saltwater lake surrounded by picturesque fishing villages and small towns. Visitors can take a boat tour of the lake, go kayaking or fishing, or simply relax and take in the stunning views.

Other scenic highlights of the route include the beautiful Margaree River Valley, the charming town of Baddeck, and the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, which offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the province.

To make the most of the Bras d’Or Lakes Scenic Drive, it’s best to visit between June and September when the weather is warm and sunny. It’s also important to plan for frequent stops along the way to take in the enchanting scenery and explore the local communities. Some recommended stops include the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, the Gaelic College in St. Ann’s, and the Inverary Resort in Baddeck.

When it comes to food and lodging, visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and local cuisine at restaurants such as the Bite House and the Red Barn Restaurant. There are also plenty of accommodation options along the route, including cozy bed and breakfasts and lakeside cottages.

2. Cabot Trail

The Cabot Trail is a 298-kilometre scenic drive located on Cape Breton Island, known for its spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, rugged coastline, and lush forests. The highlight of the trail is undoubtedly the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, which covers a large portion of the island’s interior and offers visitors an array of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.

Along the trail, visitors can also explore charming coastal villages such as Chéticamp and Ingonish, where they can experience the region’s vibrant Acadian and Scottish cultures through local music, cuisine, and festivals. The trail also passes through the Margaree Valley, which is renowned for its fly-fishing opportunities and scenic beauty.

For those planning to drive the Cabot Trail, it’s best to visit between May and October when the weather is mild and the roads are clear. It’s also important to plan for frequent stops along the way to take in the stunning scenery and explore the local communities. Some recommended stops include the Skyline Trail, the Chéticamp Visitor Centre, and the Ingonish Beach.

When it comes to food and lodging, there are plenty of options along the trail ranging from cozy bed and breakfasts to upscale resorts. Visitors can also enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Acadian dishes at local restaurants such as Le Gabriel Restaurant and Lounge or The Dancing Moose Café.

5. Fleur de Lis Trail/Marconi Trail

The Fleur de Lis Trail and the Marconi Trail are two scenic routes that wind their way through Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. The Fleur de Lis Trail runs along the eastern shore of Cape Breton, while the Marconi Trail follows the western coast.

The Fleur de Lis Trail is known for its stunning coastal scenery, charming fishing villages, and historic landmarks such as the Fortress of Louisbourg. The route also offers opportunities for hiking, beachcombing, and wildlife watching.

Meanwhile, the Marconi Trail is named after the famous inventor Guglielmo Marconi, who conducted some of his first experiments in wireless communication from Cape Breton Island. The trail offers stunning views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the rugged coastline, as well as access to some of the island’s most beautiful beaches and hiking trails.

To make the most of these scenic routes, it’s best to visit between June and September when the weather is warm and sunny. Visitors should plan for frequent stops along the way to take in the stunning scenery and explore the local communities. Some recommended stops on the Fleur de Lis Trail include the Louisbourg Lighthouse, the Glace Bay Heritage Museum, and the beautiful beach at Dominion.

On the Marconi Trail, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from the Cabot Trail Lookoff, explore the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site. There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.

When it comes to food and lodging, visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and local cuisine at restaurants such as the Lobster Pound and Moore’s Famous Fish & Chips. There are also plenty of accommodation options along the routes, including cozy bed and breakfasts and beachfront cottages.

6. Glooscap Trail

The Glooscap Trail is a scenic drive that winds its way along Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy, starting in Amherst winding along the Bay of Fundy through Truro and ending in Windsor. The route takes its name from Glooscap, a legendary figure from Mi’kmaq mythology who is said to have created the Bay of Fundy with his great powers.

The Glooscap Trail is known for its stunning coastal scenery, including towering cliffs, rocky shorelines, and picturesque fishing villages. Highlights of the route include the Five Islands Provincial Park, where visitors can explore the world-famous sea caves and enjoy spectacular views of the Bay of Fundy, and the Burntcoat Head Park, home to the highest tides in the world.

Other must-see stops on the Glooscap Trail include the historic town of Parrsboro, where visitors can learn about the area’s rich history and culture at the Parrsboro Shore Historical Society Museum, and the Joggins Fossil Cliffs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a glimpse into the area’s prehistoric past.

To make the most of the Glooscap Trail, it’s best to visit between May and October when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most beautiful. Visitors should plan for frequent stops along the way to take in the stunning views and explore the local communities.

When it comes to food and lodging, visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and local cuisine at restaurants such as the Wild Caraway Restaurant & Cafe and the Fundy Restaurant. There are also plenty of accommodation options along the route, including cozy bed and breakfasts and waterfront cottages.

9. Marine Drive

Marine Drive is a picturesque coastal drive that runs along Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore, stretching over 300 kilometres from the town of Halifax to the Canso Causeway. The route is known for its stunning coastal vistas, charming fishing villages, and rugged natural beauty.

One of the highlights of Marine Drive is the Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park, a popular spot for surfing and beachcombing. Visitors can also explore the quaint fishing villages of Musquodoboit Harbour and Sheet Harbour, where they can sample fresh seafood and learn about the region’s fishing heritage.

Further along the route, travellers can take in breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and visit the Port Bickerton Lighthouse, which dates back to 1901. Visitors can also hike along the coastal trails of Taylor Head Provincial Park and visit the Memory Lane Heritage Village, a living history museum that showcases rural life in Nova Scotia during the 1940s and 1950s.

To make the most of the Marine Drive, it’s best to visit between June and September when the weather is warm and sunny. It’s also important to plan for frequent stops along the way to take in the stunning scenery and explore the local communities. Some recommended stops include the Fisherman’s Cove in Eastern Passage, the Liscombe Lodge Resort, and the Sherbrooke Village Museum.

When it comes to food and lodging, visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and local cuisine at restaurants such as the Harbour Fish n’ Fries and the Seaside Shanty Restaurant. There are also plenty of accommodation options along the route, including cozy bed and breakfasts and seaside cottages.

10. Sunrise Trail

The Sunrise Trail is a breathtaking scenic drive that runs along Nova Scotia’s Northumberland Shore. The route stretches over 300 kilometres and is known for its stunning coastal vistas, sandy beaches, and charming coastal communities.

One of the highlights of the Sunrise Trail is the town of Pictou, which boasts beautiful beaches and rich maritime history. Visitors can explore the Hector Heritage Quay and learn about the town’s Scottish roots, or relax on the sandy shores of Caribou and Melmerby beaches.

Another highlight of the route is the Northumberland Strait, a body of water that separates Nova Scotia from Prince Edward Island. Visitors can take in stunning views of the strait and the surrounding landscape, including the rugged coastline and rolling hills.

To make the most of the Sunrise Trail, it’s best to visit between June and September when the weather is warm and sunny. It’s also important to plan for frequent stops along the way to take in the stunning scenery and explore the local communities. Some recommended stops include the Seafoam Lavender Farm, the Jost Vineyards Winery, and the Northumberland Fisheries Museum.

When it comes to food and lodging, visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and local cuisine at restaurants such as Pictou Lodge Beach Resort and The Chowder House. There are also plenty of accommodation options along the route, including cozy bed and breakfasts and seaside cottages.