Frothy white waves butting up against rugged seaside cliffs, soft sandy beaches, lush forests and valleys, and then more ocean. . . You may want to spend all waking hours in Nova Scotia out of doors. And it\u2019s highly probable you will.<\/p>\n
Adventures<\/strong> Get the adrenaline rush of riding a tidal bore, the massive waves created when more than 100 billion tons of water flows into the Bay of Fundy at high tide. Perched on your Zodiac, you\u2019ll hear its primeval rumble before you see its crest, the liquid rollercoaster that will lift you skyward and then drop you, drenched and giddy, back down again. Tide comes in twice a day. After a day of river rafting, stay the night at \u00a0the super affordable\u00a0Tidal Bore Motel (starting at $49 per night), and get the best view of the bores, taking satisfaction in the waves you just conquered.<\/p>\n If \u201ctwo if by sea\u201d becomes too much, take to the land with hikes along the cliff footpaths, or a bike ride up and down the hilly and breathtaking Cabot Trail<\/a> on Cape Breton.<\/p>\n Wonders of Nature<\/strong> Yet another ideal place to connect with nature is Brier Island<\/a> in the Bay of Fundy. The small basalt island is the westernmost point of the province, situated where the Gulf of Maine and the Bay of Fundy meet. Life is slow and friendly on this rugged island, where fishing boats come and go, and whales swim, and seals sun themselves on the rocks at Seal Cove. Geology buffs will enjoy the rock formations, and a wealth of quartz, jasper, amethyst. The island is accessible by two short ferry rides from the end of Digby Neck, and well worth a few days of nature-communing and relaxing. You can find comfortable beds\u2014and ocean views\u2014at Brier Island Lodge (rooms start at $89). A word of warning: one look at this nature-lover\u2019s paradise and you may never want to return.<\/p>\n Relaxation<\/strong> Head out to the sleepy southern coast, with its granite boulders and busy fishermen, where you truly feel like you just might be at the edge of the world. Once prime territory for pirates, the area is dotted with small towns and a long, rich history\u2014and it\u2019s easy to navigate without a car. Take scenic strolls along white sand beaches and through wooded forests, visiting the historic towns along the way, mingling with the friendly, laid-back locals, and dining on the catch of the day.<\/p>\n Then get in a round or two of\u00a0golf at one of more than 60 courses in the region, or\u00a0cast your line in one of its 6,500-plus lakes or rivers. And don’t forget to save at least a day for lounging on one (or several) of the regions incredible beaches.<\/p>\n For a true treat, venture out to Cape d’Or. The “Cape of Gold” is not the easiest place to get to, but a peaceful retreat most certainly worth the trek. At the lighthouse is the view of all views: sharp cliffs, green forests on the gentle promontory, and the most adorable inn and restaurant, which was once the lighthouse keeper’s house. The\u00a0Lighthouse on Cape d’Or<\/a> is truly an experience, with basic rooms (starting at $80 per night) and unparalleled views. This is what they mean when they say “get away from it all.”<\/p>\n
\nIf you\u2019re a sailor, a surfer, or any sort of seafarer, you\u2019ll find no dearth of adventures in Nova Scotia. Take a boat out whale watching, or kayak out through misty coves to mysterious islands around Tangier or in search of shipwrecks.<\/p>\n
\nNature abounds and surrounds in Nova Scotia, but even here there are a couple of highlights. Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve<\/a> is the largest protected wilderness area in Atlantic Canada, spanning five counties. Its coastal area is populated by quiet fishing villages and some of the oldest French settlements of the New World. Inland you\u2019ll find Kejimkujik National Park<\/a>, the only inland national park of Canada in the Maritimes, with nine major rivers and more than 120 lakes canoe routes, and phenomenal hiking trails. The entire area was designated by UNESCO for its commitment to sustainable development and conservation\u2014it is home to a good many endangered species, including the southern flying squirrel.<\/p>\n
\nIt starts with a rocky bluff jutting out into the ocean and adorned by a postcard-perfect\u00a0lighthouse. And then there are surf-worthy waves and lounge-worthy sands, waters the warmest they get north of the Carolinas. The territory is almost completely surrounded by water, and that\u2019s not counting the placid lakes you\u2019ll encounter in its interior. So if it\u2019s seaside bliss you\u2019re looking for, let your search stop here.<\/p>\n