Summary

  • Annapolis Royal is a charming town in Nova Scotia with the highest concentration of historic buildings in Canada. It has a quaint old-world charm and beautiful scenery.
  • Lunenburg is a small coastal town in Nova Scotia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It showcases well-preserved architecture and hosts various festivals throughout the year.
  • Peggy's Cove is a popular fishing village known for its picturesque rocky coastline. The highlight is Peggy's Point Lighthouse, offering incredible views of the ocean. Visitors can explore the beautiful shoreline and unique rock formations.

Nova Scotia, the beautiful province of Canada, is known for its rugged coastline, picturesque villages, and stunning natural beauty. From charming fishing villages to quaint seaside towns, these incredible coastal communities offer visitors a glimpse into the province's rich maritime heritage with incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean.

This article lists some of the prettiest towns in Nova Scotia that are sure to capture one's heart, making for a perfect peaceful getaway. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the enchanting gems of this incredible Canadian Province. Especially in the fall and winter, Nova Scotia proves to be a stunning, water-filled vacation destination.

UPDATE: 2023/09/13 17:35 EST BY NOAH STAATS

We Can't Get Enough Of Nova Scotia This Fall And Winter

Nova Scotia continues to be one of Canada's most beautiful coastal regions. With charming fishing villages, historic buildings, and year-round events, this is a must-see destination for those who love the water. Have fun!

Related: Discover Nova Scotia's Living Highland Village & Its Musical Heritage

11 Annapolis Royal

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Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Historic Town Center In Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, Canada
  • A small town known for having the highest concentration of historic buildings in Canada.

One stunning village in Nova Scotia to see this season is Annapolis Royal, known for its highest concentrations of historic buildings, specifically wooden frame buildings, in Canada. The town has an old-world charm to it, much like most of Nova Scotia, and is regarded highly for its nice residents and scenery. You'll find this town on the western side of Annapolis County.

10 Lunenburg

UNESCO-Listed Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada
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UNESCO-Listed Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada
  • The town boasts a historic district and is a National Historic Site/UNESCO World Heritage Site holder.

Founded in 1753, Lunenburg is a small coastal town in Nova Scotia, Canada, and is considered one of the best examples of a planned British colonial settlement in North America. The town's historic district is a National Historic Site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved architecture featuring a mix of British, German, and American styles. Some notable buildings in the city include the Lunenburg Academy, St. John's Anglican Church, and the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. The town also hosts a number of festivals throughout the year, exhibiting the traditional music and culture of the region.

9 Peggy's Cove

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Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Peggy's Cove is a small, quaint fishing village known for picture-perfect rocky coastlines.

Located on the eastern shore of St. Margarets Bay in Nova Scotia, Peggy's Cove is a small fishing village known for its picturesque rocky coastline, making it a popular tourist destination. The highlight of the village is Peggy's Point Lighthouse, built in 1915, elevated up to 49 ft, offering incredible views of the surrounding ocean and pristine coastline. The lighthouse is still in operation and is a navigational aid for boats entering the bay. Besides the lighthouse, the visitors can also explore the beautiful village shoreline, dotted with pools and large boulders known as Peggy's Cove Formation.

8 Mahone Bay

Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Mahone Bay is nestled in Nova Scotia's South Shore and is known for its charming architecture.

Nestled on the south shore of Nova Scotia, Canada, Mahone Bay is a small town on the eastern side of Mahone Bay. The town is a popular tourist destination for its charming architecture, rich maritime history, and a picturesque waterfront. The notable attraction of the place is the iconic three churches, namely, St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, St. James' Anglican Church, and Trinity United Church, that line the waterfront. The town is also home to a number of historic homes and buildings dating back to the 18th century.

Related: 10 Scenic Road Trips To Take In Nova Scotia

7 Chester

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Chester, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Chester, Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Another village on the South Shore, Chester, is a popular summer destination in Nova Scotia and boasts great sailing.

Nestled on the south shore of Nova Scotia, Canada, Chester is a popular summer destination for tourists and is known for its beautiful scenery, sailing opportunities, and historic architecture. The town was founded in the 18th century and had a rich maritime history. One of the most iconic landmarks in Chester is the Chester Yacht Club, founded in 1902 and one of Canada's oldest yacht clubs. The town is known for its beautiful architecture, featuring various streets lined with charming homes and buildings dating back to the 18th century. The Chester Heritage Society offers tourist walking tours of the town's historic district, showcasing its unique and beautiful architecture.

6 Baddeck

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A Light House In Baddeck, Nova Scotia, Canada
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A Light House In Baddeck, Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Baddeck is along the Bras d'Or Lake and sits right alongside the UNESCO-designated site known for being the largest saltwater lake in the world.

Located on the northern shore of Cape Breton Island, in the province of Nova Scotia, Canada, Baddeck is a small town alongside the Bras d'Or Lake, the UNESCO-designated site and one of the largest saltwater lakes in the world, known for its beautiful scenery, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities. Visitors can visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, featuring various exhibits on Bell's life and a collection of his inventions. Besides the various cultural attractions, the town is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, for sailing, kayaking, hiking, and fishing, with scenic drives in the area.

5 Shelburne

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Shelburne, Nova Scotia, Canada

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Ancient Houses In The Town Of Shelburne In Nova Scotia
  • Shelburne is a historic town tucked in the southwestern coast of Nova Scotia, known for its rich history and vibrant cultural opportunities.

Shelburne is a historic town on the southwestern coast of Nova Scotia, Canada, known for its well-preserved architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. Tourists can take a walking tour of the town to see the various historic buildings and true examples of Georgian, Federal, and Victorian architecture, reflecting the town's rich history. The town also features a number of cultural attractions, including the Osprey Arts Centre, and a number of festivals and events, including the Shelburne County Lobster Festival, celebrating the town's maritime heritage and local food.

Related: Tidal Bay: A Nova Scotia Must For Wine-Lovers

4 Digby

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Digby, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Little River, Digby, Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Digby is a hub for delicious seafood and hosts the Digby Scallop Fleet (the largest fleet of scallop boats in the world).

Located on the western shore of the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia, Canada, Digby is popular for its scenic beauty, rich history, and delicious seafood. One of the main attractions in the town is the Digby Scallop Fleet, the largest fleet of scallop boats in the world. Visitors can take a boat tour to see the scallop boats in action and enjoy traditional Nova Scotia cuisines at one of the many local restaurants. The town also features several historic sites, including the Point Prim Lighthouse and the Admiral Digby Museum exhibiting the town's history and culture. Visitors can explore the area on foot, by bike, or by car, taking in the scenic beauty of the rolling hills, pristine forests, and stunning coastline.

3 Margaretville

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Margaretsville, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Bay of Fundy, Margaretville, Nova Scotia

  • This town is known for shipbuilding and fishing, as well as one of the highest tides in the world.

Margaretsville is a small town in Nova Scotia situated on the Bay of Fundy. The town has a rich history as a center for shipbuilding and fishing. One of the main attractions of Margaretsville is the Bay of Fundy, the bay with the highest tides in the world. Visitors to the area can enjoy spectacular views of the tides and explore the many beaches, rocky outcroppings, and cliffs along the shore. The town also features several parks and trails, including the Margaretsville Waterfront Park and the Fundy Shore Ecotour, offering guided tours of the area's natural beauty.

2 Antigonish

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Cape George, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Cannada
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Cape George, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Cannada 
  • Antigonish is a small town on the northeastern coast, boasting a rich cultural scene and festivals throughout the year.

Antigonish is a small town on the northeastern coast of mainland Nova Scotia, known for its rich cultural scene and festivals throughout the year. One of the most popular events in the town is the Highland Games, a celebration of Scottish culture, including traditional games, music, and dance, drawing visitors from around the region. The town's natural surroundings are also a major attraction, with beautiful beaches, parks, and forests in the surrounding area. The nearby Keppoch Mountain Trail System offers hiking and mountain biking trails, with various scenic beach spots and lakes offering swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities.

Related: This Nova Scotia Island Is Free To Explore, But Not For The Faint-Hearted

1 Blue Rock

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 Blue Rock, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Fishing village of Blue Rock Nova Scotia NS Canada
  • Blue Rock boasts blue granite rocks scattered throughout the shoreline and is known to be one of the prettier areas within Nova Scotia.

Blue Rocks is a small fishing village located on the south shore of Nova Scotia, about 8 kilometers southeast of the town of Lunenburg. The village is named after the blue granite rocks scattered along the shoreline. The town is known for its picturesque scenery, with a mix of colorful fishing boats, quaint homes, and stunning coastal views. One of the popular attractions for visitors is the Blue Rocks Trail, offering a scenic hike along the coast with incredible views of the ocean and surrounding countryside, providing a great spot for birdwatching, with a variety of seabirds and shorebirds visible along the way.