Welcome to Nova Scotia’s city by the sea. Halifax is the capital city of Nova Scotia and the perfect balance between relaxed coastal living and thriving city life. In this bustling waterfront city, you’re never far from trendy restaurants, world-class boutiques, exciting entertainment, and more. Just a short ferry ride away on the other side of the harbour is the city of Dartmouth, which offers affordable properties and award-winning restaurants in a beautiful and quickly developing area.

The Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) encompasses the cities of Halifax and Dartmouth and extends outside of the downtown core to many communities in close proximity such as Sambro, Clayton Park, Hammonds Plains, Bedford, and Fall River. There are over 130 schools in the HRM and six universities.

It is also home to the Halifax Stanfield International Airport, the largest air hub on the east coast of Canada.

The HRM offers plenty of natural beauty waiting to be explored with hiking, paddling, and more all right in your backyard. With the city a short drive away, the HRM is truly the best of all worlds.

Stroll along the Halifax waterfront, where you’ll find restaurants, artisans, museums, farmers’ markets, and more. The perfect way to spend a Saturday morning.

Halifax is home to some of the best restaurants in the country, with incredible local seafood as well as bold, exciting new flavours. Enjoy a truly accessible waterfront.

In the HRM, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors all year long, including Lake Banook in Dartmouth, one of the most popular lakes in the province for rowing in the summer and skating in the winter.

This aerial view of downtown Halifax shows the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site in the middle of the city, protecting the harbour.

The Emera Oval is open year-round, providing free public skates in the winter and biking and roller blading in spring and summer.

Halifax offers a truly accessible harbour with water sports, harbour cruises, dining, pubs, shopping and more.

Stroll along the colourful buildings of Old Town Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Bluenose II and amazing restaurants, distilleries, breweries, and unique shops.

The charming town of Liverpool is located in the Region of Queens and full of local shops and cafes, and just minutes away from some of Nova Scotia’s most beautiful white sandy beaches.

The village of Peggy’s Cove is home to Peggy’s Point lighthouse—the most photographed lighthouse in the world.

The historic town of Shelburne offers a low cost of living, a friendly and relaxed lifestyle, and opportunities for work and leisure.

Chester is a close-knit, safe community about an hour drive from Halifax, with a strong base of small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Mahone Bay is home to the world-famous three churches that sit at the water’s edge and form the iconic backdrop of one of Canada’s most picturesque towns.

The Acadian Skies & Mi’kmaq Lands is the first destination in North America to receive a Starlight certification by the Starlight Foundation.

Let us know if you can think of a better way to relax after work then a stroll at Port Maitland Beach Provincial Park. We’ll wait.

Touring the historic Tusket Islands is the perfect weekend adventure. Only accessible by boat, the islands are full of history on buried treasure and WWII spies.

The Town of Yarmouth is the regional centre of Southwest Nova Scotia. It is known for its rich Maritime lifestyle, local artists, and its food scene that ranges from locally-caught seafood to international cuisine.

Festival acadien de Clare Les Beaux Vendredis is a yearly celebration of this region’s Acadian roots and includes a parade, food, music and cultural events.

Sea captain houses are part of the stunning architecture you will find in this area of the province.

Kayaking is a perfect way to experience the dramatic coastline—from sea stacks and lava tubes, to coastal caves and waterfalls.

Once you’re here, you’ll have to witness the breathtaking beauty of whale watching—it’s a quintessential Nova Scotia experience.

Need to unwind at the end of the week? Try biking along the Harvest Moon Trail from Annapolis Royal to Grand-Pré.

Noggins Farm Market is just one of many farm markets in this region. Living in the Valley, you will never have a shortage of fresh produce and locally-made beverages to choose from.

Wolfville is a trendy little town, best known for its amazing restaurants, close proximity to many of the region’s wineries, and for being the home of Acadia University.

Truro is known as the hub of Nova Scotia, located in the middle of the province with over 12,000 residents and a thriving business community.

Located between Nova Scotia and PEI, the beaches on this side of the province have the warmest waters north of the Carolinas, making the Northumberland Shore truly Beach Country. And with an abundance of history and Scottish culture, the province’s oldest and largest winery, and delicious local food, it’s the perfect place to relax and experience coastal life. 

The town of Pictou is renowned as the “Birthplace of New Scotland.” It was here the first wave of Scottish immigrants landed in 1773.

Other communities in the area include New Glasgow, Amherst, Trenton, Stelleraton, Westville, Pugwash, Tatamagouche, and Antigonish.  They offer period homes, tree-lined streets, and strong entrepreneurial spirit as residents enjoy a relaxed coastal lifestyle.

Perfect way to end the work day? With a sunset stroll along Rushtons Beach Provincial Park, in River John.

Downtown Amherst is full of unique architecture, local artisans, and delicious places to grab a bite to eat.

Your weekend just got an upgrade with a visit to Tatamagouche, where you’ll find artisan chocolatiers, a fantastic local brewery, and more.

Melmerby Beach Provincial Park is located in Pictou County, which is also home to the ferry route between Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

New Glasgow is a beautiful and charming town nestled on the banks of the East River, which flows into Pictou Harbour.

In the town of Pictou, old-world charm and culture meets modern facilities and friendly hospitality. View the town of Pictou’s welcome guide.

Pjila’si! One hundred thousand welcomes! Bienvenue! Ciad mille failte! These are the words of welcome you might hear when you arrive in Cape Breton Island—a place filled with rich Mi’kmaq, Gaelic, and Acadian heritage, outdoor adventure, scenic drives, breathtaking views, and the freshest seafood imaginable.

Voted the #1 Island in North America by Condé Nast Traveler readers, your backyard will include the world -renowned Cabot Trail with its dramatic coastal beauty and stunning highland scenery. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by history and culture, talented artisans, friendly locals, and new discoveries around every turn.

If you’re a golfer… well, chances are you already know all about our golf courses—Cabot Cliffs, Cabot Links, Highland Links to name a few. They’re famous, after all. Learn more.

Fall in Cape Breton Island is something you have to experience to believe. You haven’t seen fall colours until you’ve seen them here. This is the beautiful Mabou Valley.

Whether you’re hiking in summer and fall, or skiing and snow-shoeing in the winter, Cape Breton Island offers year-long outdoor adventure. Pictured here is the Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Chéticamp is a traditional Acadian fishing village situated along the picturesque Cabot Trail.

Set on the shores of the Bras d’Or Lake is Baddeck, a vibrant village in the heart of Cape Breton Island.

Inverness Beach can be found in Canada’s Musical Coast, which comprises the entire western coastline of Cape Breton Island.

Pristine wilderness, deep history, wild islands and beaches stretching as far as the eye can see. Just a few of the many reasons you’ll want to call the Eastern Shore home.

You could fill your weekends with some of the best cold-water surfing on the east coast of North America or explore the protected 100 Wild Islands with sheltered coves, turquoise waters, and unique boreal rainforests. Living in the Eastern Shore is truly an off-the-beaten path adventure like no other.

Communities in this region include Lawrencetown, known for its great surf and beautiful beaches, Guysborough, a community located on a quiet cove and known for its distillery and brewery, and Sherbrooke where you can step back in time in our largest museum.

The Eastern Shore the perfect place to live if you enjoy outdoor adventure, like kayaking and hiking.

You could also enjoy a peaceful bike ride along the Salt Marsh Trail, where you’ll be invigorated by the fresh, salty air.

Fisherman’s Cove is a quaint and charming village, where you’ll find shops, restaurants, and Fisherman’s Cove Gallery.

Guysborough offers fresh air, clean water, pristine wooded hillsides and tranquil beaches with rugged rocky shores.

If you choose to live on the coast near Lawrencetown, this could be your backyard.

Stoney Beach is just one of many gorgeous beaches that you could explore with your family on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia.