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Nova Scotia

Looking for the best chillin in Nova Scotia? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Nova Scotia. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Chillin Spots in and near Nova Scotia

  • Canning, Nova Scotia

    Hike Cape Split Trail

    5.0
    9.9 mi
    This is a Nova Scotia classic and a well-known hike. The trailhead has been recently upgraded by the province so parking is no longer a major concern. There is a nice picnic area at the parking lot, but I recommend hauling your lunch to the point - it is a much more scenic picnic spot!The trail s...
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  • Peggys Cove, Nova Scotia

    Explore Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia

    4.8
    Peggy's Cove is 43 kilometers (26 miles) southwest of Downtown Halifax and comprises one of the numerous small fishing communities located around the perimeter of the Chebucto Peninsula. The community is named after the cove of the same name, a name also shared with Peggy's Point, immediately to ...
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  • Pleasant Bay, Nova Scotia

    Camping at Meat Cove

    Some friends and I recently rode our motorcycles up to Cape Breton where our final destination was Meat Cove. It's the northern most point accessible by motor vehicle. In the morning we hiked to a scenic cliff side and were welcomed warmly by friendly staff. We spent the day at the private beach ...
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  • Pleasant Bay, Nova Scotia

    Skyline Trail

    4.6
    4.74 mi / 679 ft gain
    About 1,330 feet atop the French Mountain along Nova Scotia's Cabot Trail lies the Skyline Trail, a secluded and serene hiking trail which will lead you to jaw-dropping views of both the Cabot Trail itself as well as the Gulf of St. Lawrence. What begins as a seemingly benign, well-manicured trai...
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  • Neils Harbour, Nova Scotia

    Black Brooke Beach

    On the Cabot trail there are many beautiful spots. This beach offers less people than some of the larger beaches. It also has a little waterfall to explore!! To get here just turn off the Cabot Trail and park your car down by the beach, then you're good to go. 
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  • Baddeck, Nova Scotia

    Motorcycling the Cabot Trail

    The Cabot Trail weaves among four different bodies of water, including the Atlantic, making for incredibly scenic riding. Be very cautious of wildlife and holding your line. Some turns have gravely inside corners, but are otherwise beautiful.There are minimal gas stations along this route, some o...
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  • Halifax, Nova Scotia

    Drive the Scenic Lighthouse Route in Nova Scotia

    5.0
    Drive from Halifax to Lunenburg on the scenic Highway and you'll see several beautiful and historic lighthouses, the pricturesque town of Mahone Bay with its 3 churches, and Lunenbourg a Unesco World Heritage site with many older houses and churches. The views driving along the bay are spectacular!
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  • Halifax, Nova Scotia

    Halifax Public Gardens

    5.0
    Halifax Public Gardens was first established by the Nova Scotia Horticultural Society in 1836, and grew to its present size and layout in 1875. It was recognized as a National Historic Site in 1984. The gardens are a perfect display of a Victorian garden, carefully laid out and well-tended for p...
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  • Pleasant Bay, Nova Scotia

    Benjies Lake Trail

    5.0
    1.79 mi / 52 ft gain
    Head out on Benjies Lake Trail early and you can have the whole place to yourself. So worth the short hike because at the end, you’re rewarded with a serene lake. We had the place all to ourselves! It was heaven!  Moose have been known to frequent here, but unfortunately on our trip, we did not ...
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  • Pleasant Bay, Nova Scotia

    Lone Shieling Trail

    5.0
    0.39 mi / 89 ft gain
    Where else but the Lone Shieling Trail can you see 350 year old sugar maple trees! This area has is one of the largest old growth hardwood forests in the Maritimes. One of the most protected areas of the park, access is restricted to this short loop trail. You can find a replica of a Scottish cr...
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  • Englishtown, Nova Scotia

    Zzzz Moosehouse

    5.0
    Beautiful set of cabins, designed and built by the owner, Ton. Originally from the Netherlands, super nice and happy to share local hikes and adventures. Cabins are affordable and come with your own “comfort station”: a separate building, with your own toilet, sink, and shower. Book your cabin h...
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  • Halifax, Nova Scotia

    Fort Needham Playground

    5.0
    A kid’s park of all parks! Talk about a poster child of parks! The US could take a lesson! A special beautiful spot, with plenty to do for kids small and big kids like us. Plenty of grassy and shaded spaces, far away from roads, and wonderful gardens to explore in.  This is definitely one of the...
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  • Halifax, Nova Scotia

    Explore Georges Island National Historic Site

    Georges Island is a historical site with tunnels, a lighthouse, and plenty of Halifax History.  It is located in the Halifax Harbor, and there are multiple ferries going to and from the island.  Once on the island, you can enjoy self guided tours and scenic views.  Remember to bring hiking or stu...
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  • East Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia

    Conrad’s Beach

    5.0
    A part of the Nova Scotia Coastal Heritage Park System, Conrad's Beach is a jewel. The system is made up of three beach's - Lawrencetown Beach, Stoney Beach, and Conrad's Beach. Most of the beaches around are made up of rocks and cobblestones. But Conrad's is one of the nicest sand beaches around...
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  • Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

    Ferry Terminal Park

    4.0
    If you're looking to hang out in downtown Dartmouth in green space with a view and no hills, Ferry Terminal Park is the spot! The locals say the best view of Halifax can be seen from there. A great farmers market in the terminal and a nice playground park for kids to explore and play. Great spot...
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  • Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia

    Salt Marsh Trail to Lawrencetown Beach

    5.0
    12.4 mi / 220 ft gain
    The Salt Marsh Trail is absolutely one of our favourites in the Cole Harbour/Lawrencetown region of Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore. The trail is a former railway line, now converted to a level, fine gravel trail which is part of the rails to trails system. We biked the trail in the Fall and the leav...
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