Nova Scotia is a haven for leisure and lifestyle activities. Its natural beauty, outstanding outdoor activities, and exciting nightlife attract more than 2 million visitors every year.
We are lucky to experience all four seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter. Enjoy swimming, boating, and walking in the warmer seasons and great hiking trails, ski hills, and skating facilities in the colder months.
There are also many campgrounds and charming towns with inviting accommodations, which are never more than a short drive from where you are.
Come with hobbies or find new ones. Here are some of the things to see and do in Nova Scotia:
Sports and Recreation
Participating in organized sports and recreational activities is a good way to meet new friends and maintain a healthy lifestyle. To find organizations throughout Nova Scotia that have sports and recreational programs for the whole family, visit Sport Nova Scotia and Recreation Nova Scotia.
National and Provincial Parks
Nova Scotia has two National Parks, the Cape Breton Highlands and Kejimkujik National Park. Both are considered among the most beautiful spots in Canada.
There are also many provincial parks. Visit Nova Scotia Provincial Parks for driving directions, pictures, and tips.
Nova Scotia has one Provincial Wildlife park called Shubenacadie Wildlife Park. It is home to 45 different wildlife exhibits, 33 species of mammals, and 65 species of birds.
Museums, Art, and Entertainment
Nova Scotia has a proud tradition of music, dance, live theatre, and house parties called ceilidhs (pronounced “kay-lees”, Scots Gaelic for “gathering”). We also have many wonderful painters, sculptors, and craftspeople. Museums, galleries, studios, nightclubs, pubs, festivals, and theatres located across the province showcase our heritage, our traditions and local, national, and international artists and performers.
Entertainment Resources:
Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
Astor Theatre
Centre 200
Crombie House
Dalhousie Art Gallery
Dalhousie Arts Centre – Music Events
deCoste Centre
Great Village Arts Centre
Glasgow Square Theatre
Highland Arts Theatre
King’s Theatre
Light House Arts Centre
Marigold Cultural Centre
Neptune Theatre
Nova Scotia Museum – Family of 25 Museums
Pier 21 – Canada’s Immigration Museum
Ross Creek Centre
Savoy Theatre
Ship Hector Society
Scotiabank Centre
Ship’s Company Theatre
Symphony Nova Scotia
Theatre Nova Scotia
Th’YARC
Public Libraries
Public libraries are funded by the provincial and municipal governments and are open to all. Explore this map of over 80 public libraries in Nova Scotia.
Everyone in Nova Scotia has free access to the Nova Scotia Public Library System. With a free library card, you can borrow books for a certain period of time from the library. Children under age 15 require signature of a parent or guardian to obtain a library card.