Things to Know Before Taking a Nova Scotia Road Trip

Where to Start Your Road Trip

We have an entire section on driving your own vehicle to Nova Scotia. So, if you're bringing your own van, trailer or RV read that first. If you are NOT driving in, the best play to start your road trip is in Halifax renting a car or RV from the Halifax International Airport.

Language

English is the official language of Nova Scotia, but there are many places that speak French, Mi'kmaq, and even Gaelic. So don't be surprised to see signs in multiple languages as you're exploring.

Nova Scotia is the ancestral homelands of the Mi'kmaq peoples (pronounced meeg-maw). Many of the sites you will visit on this trip are sacred to them, and still a safe place for them to celebrate cultural practices and ceremonies.

How long should you dedicate to this road trip?

We spent roughly 3.5 weeks RVing across Nova Scotia and felt like we only touched the surface. We know many don't have unlimited time to explore, so we recommend allocating at least two weeks to explore the entire peninsula. If you are sticking to a shorter route, you can see and enjoy a lot in 4 to 5 days.

Be a responsible visitor

It's important you take responsibility on your road trip + be a conscious, aware traveler. Here are a few reminders of how to visit this area responsibly:

• 🫗 Never bring glass to the beach. If it breaks it can be dangerous to others.

• 🚮 Leave no trace. Always take any trash, food, or other waste items with you.

• 🥾 Stay on trails

• 🔥 Don’t move firewood. Forests in Nova Scotia have been damaged by invasive beetles that bore in firewood. Moving it can kill entire forests.

• 🔇Be mindful of your noise level when exploring. Don’t play loud music on trails or at the springs.

Alcohol and Cannabis

Recreational cannabis and alcohol is controlled by the province and exclusively sold at Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC). There are several of these throughout the province, but not all will have dispensaries or the same alcohol for sale. You will need provide your license to purchase recreational cannabis.

Currency

The currency used in Nova Scotia is the Canadian Dollar. Most places you will visit on this road trip will accept debit or credit cards (just make sure to notify you're bank before traveling internationally).

There were a few places that were cash only. I recommend having around $200 CAD on you for the trip for those instances. We take money out of the ATM with our Revolut card, which charges no ATM fees. If you're traveling from the US, make sure you have a good travel credit card that doesn't charge international fees.

Tipping Culture

Tipping in Canada is similar to the United States where 15% to 20% is customary. Same for tours and activities.

Ideal season to visit

There is no “bad time” to visit Nova Scotia. Although summer is considered peak season for a Nova Scotia Road trip. Fall is a beautiful time to visit, also. The Cabot Trail is one of the most scenic drives in Canada for fall foliage.

Late June through late August is peak summer season in Nova Scotia and it's busiest time. Expect most campgrounds, hotels, vacation rentals and tour activities to be fully booked, especially on the weekend.

You can 100% "wing it" in smaller towns seeing what's available as you pass through, but campgrounds and hotels in like Cape Breton Island and Keji National Park, OR activities like whale watching and tidal bore rafting, should be booked at least two to three weeks in advance.

Average weather by season

Spring Averages (March – May) High: 48°F (13.3°C) Low: 33°F (0.5°C)
Summer Averages (June – Aug) High: 73°F (22.7°C) Low: 55°F (12.7°C)
Fall Averages (Sept – Nov) High: 59°F (15°C) Low: 42°F (5.5°C)
Winter Averages (Dec – Feb) High: 33°F (0.5°C) Low: 19°F (-7.2°C)

Cell connectivity

Nova Scotia has several remote areas, particularly Cape Breton Island. Download offline Google Maps so you can navigate these areas even if you don't have cell reception.

We relied on our US based phone carrier for service, which often includes coverage in Mexico and Canada at no extra charge. However, you may need an e-sim to get service if you're traveling from outside North America.