How fast is Spring coming this year in Nova Scotia?
 

We are thinking about traveling to NS during last 2 weeks of May. Maybe just for 1 week and stick to area around Halifax? Don't mind cool weather, but wondering if things are starting to green up? This would be first trip there. Could possibly go in July (or perhaps in September), but we actually like traveling off-season.
Also, would we be able to travel without reservations in May? Thanks much.

I think you'd be comfortable in every way if traveling to NS during late May.

Of course the FOG could render some of your scenery invisible, but that's part of Nova Scotia's charm.

Just position yourself geographically with 2- or 3-day base camps (lodging) and then at the first sign of clear weather you do the most scenery-related stuff, saving the alternatives for the other days.

Be aware that Canada has a holiday weekend in late May, and that might strain reservations in some situations/spots. Other than that, you won't meet with much difficulty.

My DH is raking up the lawn in Lunenburg as we speak/type...snow is gone in all save the highest points-looks like an early spring. I will just say that late May is too late to just arrive without reservations in Halifax or Lunenburg. Unless you are willing to take just anything, book ahead. Do you have the Do'ers and Dreamers Guide?

Thanks for the advice. Using FF miles and need to book flights soon. Looks like Victoria Day is Monday, May 19 and we will be arriving right after that. We will be sure to get reservations in Halifax. Wondering about the smaller cities. Going so early in the season, should we just plan 7-10 days and stay in the south and save Cape Breton for another trip?

IMHO, you can do 7-10 days in Halifax, plus the South Shore and the Valley.

Pegy's Cove, Chester, Mahone Bay, Lunenburg, Bridgewater-The Lighthouse Route and Yarmouth, Acadia. Then back on up to the Annapolis Valley which will be in full bloom. Blomidon Park, Wolfville and the Farmers Market, the wineries and cheesemakers, et al.

Do get that Doers and Dreamers Guide or at least check out the Nova Scotia Tourism Website for a more accurate guide.

You definitely don't have to go up to the Cape to fill that amount of time (though Cape Breton is lovely and could eaily be your base for another week to 10 days!)