When to Go

Spring comes late in Nova Scotia: trees don’t get leafy until mid-May, and it takes until mid-June for temperatures to heat up. As a result, many find July and August to be the ideal months here, but even then, come prepared. Bring a raincoat for morning fog and showers, a sweater to keep the ocean breezes at bay at night, and your bathing suit for the blazing sun in between. Autumn has its own charm: September has warm days, refreshingly cool nights, and hot events like Halifax’s Atlantic Film and Atlantic Fringe festivals. Late September through October is peak time for foliage fans. The downside is that wildlife cruises, cycling tours, and kayaking outfitters generally only operate from mid-June through September. Keep in mind, too, that outside major tourist centers, many resorts, inns, and B&Bs close after Canadian Thanksgiving (Columbus Day in the United States) and don't reopen until Victoria Day in late May. Some shops, restaurants, and sites are also seasonal.