Getting here
By air
Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ), about 35 km from downtown Halifax, is the main gateway, with flights across Canada and seasonal or year-round service to the United States and Europe. J.A. Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport (YQY) serves Cape Breton.
By road
The Trans-Canada Highway enters from New Brunswick at Amherst. Halifax is about a two-hour drive from there. If you are arriving from Prince Edward Island, you can use the Confederation Bridge to New Brunswick or the seasonal ferry.
By ferry
| Route | Operator | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Digby – Saint John, New Brunswick | Bay Ferries | Runs most of the year |
| Yarmouth – Bar Harbor, Maine | Bay Ferries (The CAT) | Seasonal, about May to October |
| Caribou – Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island | Northumberland Ferries | Seasonal |
| North Sydney – Newfoundland | Marine Atlantic | Year-round to Port aux Basques; seasonal to Argentia |
Entry requirements
Nova Scotia follows Canada's federal entry rules. What you need depends on your citizenship and how you travel, and may include a passport, a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Check the requirements for your situation on the Government of Canada website before you book. Apply only through official government channels.
When to go
| Season | Typical temperatures | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | About 5 to 15 °C | Cool and changeable; apple blossom in late May; quieter roads |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | About 18 to 26 °C | Peak season; festivals and warm beaches; coastal fog at times |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | About 5 to 20 °C | Fall colours on Cape Breton in early to mid October; harvest; hurricane remnants possible |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | About −8 to 2 °C | Snow, rain and ice; skiing and quiet towns; some attractions closed |
Weather on the coast changes quickly, so pack layers and a rain jacket in any season. See Environment Canada for forecasts and official climate normals.
Getting around
Public transport outside Halifax is limited, so a car is the most practical choice for exploring. Canadians drive on the right, distances and speed limits are in kilometres, and seat belts are mandatory. Watch for deer and moose at dawn and dusk, particularly in rural areas and the highlands.
| To | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Peggys Cove | 45 km | 45 min |
| Wolfville | 95 km | 1 hr |
| Lunenburg | 100 km | 1 hr 15 min |
| Yarmouth | 300 km | 3 hr 15 min |
| Baddeck | 350 km | 3 hr 45 min |
| Sydney | 400 km | 4 hr 30 min |
Essentials
- Currency: Canadian dollar. Cards are widely accepted; carry some cash for small rural businesses.
- Sales tax: 14% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) on most goods and services, usually added at the till.
- Time zone: Atlantic Time (UTC−4; UTC−3 during daylight saving time).
- Electricity: 120 V, 60 Hz, North American plug types.
- Emergencies: Call 911 for police, fire or ambulance.
- Mobile coverage: Good in towns, but gaps exist in the highlands and rural shores. Download maps in advance.
- Insurance: Visitors are not covered by provincial health insurance, so arrange travel medical insurance.
Sources and official information
- Government of Canada: Visit Canada
- Halifax Stanfield International Airport
- Bay Ferries
- Marine Atlantic
- Canada Revenue Agency: GST/HST rates
- Nova Scotia tourism information
Last reviewed November 4, 2026. Details such as schedules and opening dates change; please confirm with the operator before you travel. External sites are not operated by us.