ocean yachts nova scotia

Sea Ray 540

Welcome to Atlantic Yacht Sales

Atlantic Yacht Sales sells new and pre-owned power and sail boats. No matter what type or size of boat you are looking for, let our professional team research our network and find you the best boat that fits your needs. Atlantic Yacht Sales is a member of Boating Atlantic. We can can ship your boat worldwide. If you are looking to sell your boat, whether it is power or sail, we’re not only happy to help you determine the best possible selling price for your vessel, but we can market it through our worldwide network and advertising resources. We put our industry relationships to work for you.

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Featured boats.

2015 Sea Ray 510 Sundancer

Price: C$1,049,900

Saint Peters, Nova Scotia, Canada

2004 Sea Ray Sundancer 320

Price: C$119,000

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

1983 J Boats 29

Price: C$27,900

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada

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Ocean Yacht Sales

Founded in 1963, Ocean Yacht Sales is Atlantic Canada’s premier yacht and pleasure boat brokerage. In 2017, Ocean Yacht Sales was acquired by the well-known TriNav Group of Companies, which has been serving, through its diverse group of companies, the marine industry of Atlantic Canada and Eastern Seaboard of the U.S. for more than two decades.Ocean Yacht Sales takes pride in providing its customers with individualized and professional assistance in finding the perfect vessel for their needs. Ocean Yacht Sales’ extensive listings include new and pre-owned inventories of vessels, ranging from 20-feet to 120-feet.  And if Ocean Yacht Sales does not have the particular yacht or pleasure boat you are looking for in stock, our professional team of experienced brokers will find it.

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Featured Boats

2019 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer

Price: C$495,000

Cap-Pelé, New Brunswick, Canada

2000 Sea Ray 340 Sundancer

Price: C$109,000

Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada

2007 Sea Ray 290 Sun Sport

Price: C$99,900

Caraquet, New Brunswick, Canada

2005 Sea Ray 240 Sundeck

Price: C$42,000

Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada

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Trust. experience. sunnybrook..

Sunnybrook Yachts has been the regional leader in yacht sales and brokerage since the late 1990’s. We offer premier brands of new boats along with exclusive brokerage listings to our clients across North America.

The goal for our team members is to offer a complete and seamless experience from the moment of introduction to delivery. We work co-operatively with dealerships and brokerages throughout the continent to source the right boat for your lifestyle requirements.

Several of our t eam members  have been working within the industry for over 20 years . Our collective experiences are shared with our clients as we work together.

We represent new builds from Alerion , MJM , Island Packet , J/Boats , Jeanneau , Leopard , True North , and Tartan .

Each new build client is treated like a custom boat buyer. We strive to deliver the best possible outcome to meet your exact requirements.

Our services include Appraisals, Bilingual Service, Delivery, Documentation, Financing, Insurance, Insurance Surveys, Display and Storage Yards along Import and Export Expertise with a goal of both efficiency and value for our clients.

Contact us  and let us help you enjoy your time on the water .

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• Basic Brochure
• Full Brochure

2009 Fountaine Pajot

$330,000 usd, halifax , ns.

• Accommodations
• Sails & Rigging

Are you ready for a comfortable, easy sailing life?

Meet: 2009 Fountaine Pajot Orana 44 Maestro "Littles Hobo"

 “Maestro” is a popular Owner’s Version (“Maestro”) Catamaran from the well-respected French factory, Fountaine Pajot and the world-famous design team of Joubert – Nivelt.  The first thing you notice when you board this vessel is the curves. From the steps aft to the port holes forward, to cabinetry throughout you do not have to worry about stabbing a hip bone under way. Honestly, I don’t know why more builders don’t make this happen. So, that give you an idea about the build quality of this boat. Yes, it’s a production boat but they put lots of love into it, too.

The double lounging space greets you starboard and is a great reading spot in the shade with a friend. Wow! And room for the whole anchorage for sundowners in the spacious cockpit. The elevated semi-flybridge helm station seats two {maybe three) and allows for conversation with the party below. All the sail lines (except the halyards) lead to the helm for easy single-handed sailing.  There is plenty of elbow room for winching starboard of the helm for a helpful crew member. Visibility from the helm is excellent!

Transition from the cockpit to the saloon is seamless with no steps or obstructions but there is a hidden. covered well for sea splashes and mop water. The double-door to the saloon enlarges the outdoor living space. The galley is conveniently located starboard for easy prep, serving and being a part of the crowd. Ventilation is provided above the sink area but far enough away not to interfere with the stove top flame. Thank you, Jouber – Nivelt! There is also air available from two front port holes and corner fans. Lots of prep space, serving space and storage in this efficent u-shaped kitchen.

The owner’s side has an island style bed and two reading lights. This means you do not have to crawl all over the sheets just to make the bed or disturb your neighbor to turn on the light. The bathroom has a separate shower to keep things dry. Forward, is a well-organized storage area or workshop. The guest cabins have semi-island style beds meaning one side has easy access, which is not common in a lot of 44 ft. boats. Also, the heads have their own separate showers as well. The sleeping areas have so many cubby holes for stashing shoes, clothing, books or just keeping reading glasses within easy reach.

On deck, the windows are tapered to avoid trip traps when going forward to quickly grab a line or catch a mooring ball. There is a huge access point for the anchor windlass and lounging room on the trampoline (replaced in 2020!) to watch the stars at night. The sturdy coach roof holds the solar panels and gives you access to the main sail as needed.

"Littlest Hobo" has received loads of upgrades in recent years and is ready to explore to tropical beaches and coves the world over!

Contact Paul Gallant for more information! 

• Category sail
• Condition Used
• Model Year 2009
• Make Fountaine Pajot
• Model Orana 44
• Class Catamaran
• Boat Name Littlest Hobo
• Location Halifax, NS CA
• Hull Material Fiberglass

Measurements

• Overall Length 44'
• Length at Waterline 43'
• Beam 24' 1"
• Max Draft 3' 11"
• Displacement 30,370 lbs
• Material Aluminum
• Capacity 105 gal

Water Tanks

• Material Plastic
• Capacity 66 gal

Other Information

• Designer Joubert - Nivelt
• Model Penta D2-40F
• Drive Sail Drive
• Power 39 hp
• Fuel Diesel
• Location Port
• Propeller 2 Blade, Folding
• Location Starboard

Generator 1

• Make Cummins
• Capacity 9 kw

MDI units on engines replaced with analog gauges and keyed ignition

propspeed on saildrives legs and props

2 x Flex-o-Fold propellers

• Number of Cabins 3
• Number of Heads 3
• Number of Water Heaters 1
• Water Heater Capacity 10 gal

Additional Features

• Electric Head
• Refrigerator
• Propane Stove
• Propane Oven
• Cockpit Cushions
• Cockpit Table
• Fresh Water Pump
• Sea Water Pump

2 USB ports in Master Cabin

Stereo upgrade with 2 x 1600 w Rockville Amps (one for inside, one for outside)

Inside and outside speaker sets (Pyle) include 500w subwoofer

28' LED TV wall mounted

HDMI cable from TV to nav station

TV output to Stereo

WIFI Extender and internal boat wifi network

Fridge controller replaced with digital LED

Pressurized saltwater at the galley with seperate nozzle

cockpit table regelcoated in 2019

Multicolor LED underwater lights under transoms

Red LED in Saloon

3 electric heads

3 Holding tanks with pump out, y valve, macerator and overboard discharge for each head. 

Main head features seperate shower with sump pump

2 additional heads have intergrated showers with sump pumps

3 burner propane stove and oven 

1 x 20 lbs propane bottle

Isotherm refrigerator/ freezer

3 double cabins with Queen beds and hanging lockers

3 interior saloon cushions replaced 2019

Bedding for the 3 beds

Exterior Features

• Swim Ladder

Exterior Equipment Details

Lofrans Cayman 88 electric windlass with remote

44 lb Lewmar Delta anchor with 260 ft of chain and 300 ft of rope

2 additonal danforth anchors, one with 40' chain and 250' rope

up sized anchor bridle and shackle

Tillers rebuilt and cables replaced 2019

All interior lights LED

All exterior lights LED with exception of steaming and deck lights

Rad Reflector

Engine Spare Parts

Plumbing Spares

Storage Baskets

Extra Lines

• Shore Power Yes

Electronics

Electronic details.

New Raymarine wind and water instruments 2021 with three multifunction displays

Cluster of 8 USB ports on Starboard side of nav table

2 x 12 v ports on Starboard side of nav table

2 USB ports to port of Nav table

4 x 265 watt solar panels

2 x 100 watt solar panels

3 x solar controllers

New batteries 2021 (3 x house, 1 x generator starting, 1 x port engine starting)

Pro nautic charger

Navionics chart cards (1 x North America and 1 x South America including Caribbean)

Safety Details

Emergency tiller

Boat hooks 

1st aid kit

Sail Details

Full Baton Doyle Dacron Main sail with 3 reefing points

Lazy Jacks and Stack Pack

2 small spare jibs, one rigged as a #4 free fly from bow cleats

1 small X-35 Spinnaker

Rigging Features

• Wire Rigging

Rigging Details

1 x Harken 46 self tailing dinghy hoist

2 x Harken 44 self tailing winches

1 x Harken 48 12v self tailing electric winch

winch handles

Profurl roller furler

Aluminum Z-Spar double spreader mast with jumpers

Mainsail traveller on cabin top

Adjustable genoa car on tracks

New mainsail end 2019

New mainsheet, traveler lines, furling line and spinnaker halyard 2018

New Trampoline 2020

Listing Broker:

Print a brochure.

DISCLAIMER The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.

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Luxury Yacht Rental in Nova Scotia

Luxury yacht charter guide to nova scotia.

A servant to the sea, the shores of Nova Scotia straddle the line between quaint fishing village and thriving summer destination. With its beacon bright lighthouses, whale tails in the water, glowering russet cliffs, deep blue waters and locals waving from the trails that crisscross the coast, it's easy to be charmed. These Celtic heritage lands are bursting at the seams with secret coves, seafront restaurants for shucking oysters, specialist vineyards, and historical sites, boutiques and galleries that capture the bright and tapestried history.

Reasons to Charter a Yacht in Nova Scotia

Amazing islands.

Home to one of Canada’s best islands, the green and blue summer shores of Nova Scotia are all innocent fun for sailors. Drop anchor at Cape Breton Island for a glorious round of golf or to explore the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The islands that dot Nova Scotia offer some of the best outdoor adventure playgrounds in the world.

Seafood Central

Nova Scotia is the lobster capital of Canada and charter guests who love nothing more than cracking claws will be in their element. Sail to Barrington where the lobsters are so good they even become the star of their own summer festival during the month of June. Beyond the buttered lobster there’s always sublime scallops, wild blueberries, rapple pie, oatcakes and the Greek inspired local Donair to keep you satiated.

Sip and Swirl

In the far reaches of Canada it seems unlikely that you would find yourself sitting in a pretty vineyard sipping an award-winning glass of Riesling. Whether it's that gulp down fresh mountain air or the salt whipped wonder of the ocean, Nova Scotia has an impressive boutique winery scene. With eleven wineries to explore, start at L’Acadie to taste organic bliss before delving deep into the bottles of Gasperau.

Where to Visit in Nova Scotia

The hip and happening heart of Nova Scotia has to be Halifax. This seaside city has plenty to offer including a great glut of museums and galleries celebrating its artistic side and maritime history. Duck into the Halifax Citadel and see the clocktower to learn all about Halifax’s fascinating past. The vibrant harbor is a buzzing place to soak up the social delights of Halifax with its homely breweries, bright restaurants, and delightful shopping scene.

Cape Breton

Beaches, vantage points, waterfalls and no less than 26 trails mark Cape Breton as being one of the best islands in Canada for the active charter traveler. Be sure to rent a car and take The Cabot Trail, said to be one of the most scenic drives in the world as it tapers along the sapphire blue coast and serves up mind boggling vistas. 18th century seaports, golf courses, and lush lodges also await.

Bay of Fundy

The beautiful Bay of Fundy is a yacht charter dream. Boasting one of the world's highest tides you can soak up endless sea centric vibes. These waters are home to no less than twelve different species of whale. Whether hiking, watching from your charter deck with champagne in hand, or kayaking alongside the magnificent giants of the sea, the Bay of Fundy serves up unsurpassed natural beauty drenched in salt.

When to Charter a Yacht in Nova Scotia

The summer months are the best time to set sail for Nova Scotia especially if you want to make the most of the scenic hikes, the whale rich waters, and the best seafood suppers imaginable. While the direct summer months serve the most consistent weather and balmy temperatures, as long as you steer clear of winter, it should be smooth sailing. May through October also serve up the shoulder season months and there are plenty of festivals to be had in the spring and autumn.

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Sailing Nova Scotia: Jagged coastline makes for a unique cruising experience

• June 11, 2019

Nova Scotia’s intricate coastline has wilderness, history and civilisation in abundance. Tom Zydler explores it

All photos: Tom Zydler

As soon as the sun began to disperse the fog that had settled at night over Pubnico Harbour we weighed anchor. Cape Sable was about 15 miles away and the wind, light and contrary, made it slow going.

Three hours later a sheen in the veil of wet haze changed into a low, sandy shore. My wife, Nancy, spotted the first buoy, a red dot bobbing in and out of sight among the waves. We noticed the current was still running with us to the east. The visibility wasn’t too bad. We now motored less than a third of a mile from land.

To starboard, swells grew higher and higher on scattered shoals only 150m away. On the shallowest spots of Horse Race, a wall of swelling sea thundered and collapsed before reaching our channel. Soon a tall lighthouse came into sight and then vanished behind as our Mason 44, Frances B , popped out into much smoother waters.

Molly’s Cove on Shelter Island, a gem of the Eastern Shore

This inshore shortcut close by Cape Sable made rounding the southernmost tip of Nova Scotia a fast and exciting jaunt. Earlier, from the west, we crossed the famed Bay of Fundy with its extreme tides to Brier Island – the boyhood home of Joshua Slocum, the first of the great single-handers. The red cedar shake boot shop of the Slocum family still overlooks the harbour.

Every summer currents filled with plankton and krill bring hundreds of whales to the overfalls off Brier Island, yet in June 2017 we failed to spot any. It was an unusual year when most of the right whales in search of food moved instead into the Gulf of St Lawrence.

South of the tiny, remote Brier Island and over on the mainland of Nova Scotia lies the port of Yarmouth. Entirely protected from winter gales it was once a major centre of shipping and shipbuilders. Today the wharves built near and over the old launching ways serve countless fishing vessels of all types. Up the harbour and downtown yachts pick up moorings or tie up at a small marina.

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It didn’t take long to get a sample of Bay of Fundy currents. Fog, thick enough to chop with a hatchet, took a long time to lift over Yarmouth Harbour. As it thinned we left, a few hours too late to carry a fair current all the way. Schooner Passage through Tusket Islands offers a shortcut safe from tidal overfalls and open ocean swells but the currents, in half flood, had already turned contrary when Frances B pointed her nose between ghostly islets in the thickening fog.

We revved the engine to speed up. Instead of the usual six plus knots the GPS registered about a knot and half. At least in the lee of the island the sea flattened, broken only by eddies and swirls of tide. Finally, out of the Passage, the wider waters diluted the fierce stream. The course change towards Pubnico, our staging anchorage for rounding Cape Sable, brought clearing afternoon airs and fair current.

East of Cape Sable tides diminish, the seas calm down. Ahead stretch 250 miles of Nova Scotia, its coast shredded into inlets, sounds, bays and coves, all easily accessible in day trips. A long inlet a few hours from Cape Sable hides Shelburne. Every boat sailing Nova Scotia will sooner or later show up here to refit, relax and socialise.

A ‘Redcoat’ guards the Shelburne home of a loyalist who escaped the 1776 American Revolution

At the yacht club docks we spotted the bluewater ketch Kantala . Michael and Sheila Donnan built her in British Columbia more than 20 years ago before setting off to make ‘a Guinness World Record for the slowest circumnavigation’.

The 20m schooner Wolfhound was quite a sight too. Artist Steven Dews and his wife, Louise, have allowed for about ten years of cruising to reach their home base in New Zealand. Steven is a maritime artist famous for spectacular canvasses of sailing ships and classic yachts.

The waterfront near the yacht club shows preserved evidence of maritime history. The cooper shop dates back to the 19th Century, and the schooners bound for offshore banks once stopped in Shelburne to buy boats made in the Dory Shop – its doors are still open.

Among Canadian yachtsmen, starved of sandy, sunny beaches, Port Mouton counts as an irresistible summer destination. On this coast, summer morning south-westerly airs may, by the late afternoon, due to hot air rising over the land, muscle up to a really strong breeze. After midday we had already reefed the main and rolled some of the genoa.

Gybing into Western Channel brought the rising chop right astern, the wind 20 knots. Steering by hand we raced by the buoys, rolled up the genoa and screamed within spitting distance of a red beacon. A long beach backed by high dunes opened up to view, and the forest at the background cut the wind to a breeze while the anchor splashed into Caribbean blue water. The setting sun threw long shadows on the sand.

Port Mouton isn’t all about lolling in the sun. Out of sight behind a massive breakwater hums a busy fishing fleet. After the collapse of cod stocks Canada introduced very strict conservation policies; an open season for some species may last only few days. One autumn evening we counted 57 longliners leaving port at high speed.

Bluenose II , the pride of Nova Scotia, sails off Lunenburg harbour

Of all the port towns with maritime heritage, Lunenburg is the most irresistible. As we reached from the outer waters into Lunenburg Bay a hilly skyline of steeples rose ahead. The waterfront resembled a 19th Century etching complete with masts of schooners and square riggers.

With luck you can tie up at the exquisite Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic next to the Bluenose II , a schooner that beat the best of the American competition from Gloucester. Beloved by Canadians, Bluenose II often ventures out – a thrilling sight in the bay. The town has managed to hold back developers’ bulldozers and lovingly maintained timber architecture lines the streets. No wonder Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Labrador Current from the Arctic bathes the coast of Nova Scotia, but the Gulf Stream flows north a bit farther offshore, its warmth serving as a hurricane path. Now and then an odd tropical storm pummels the coast. Come September it pays to listen to the weather coming from the East Coast of the US.

Fortunately, Lunenburg is surrounded by a choice of escape anchorages. Twice we sought refuge in La Have River just around the corner to the south-west.

To the north-east opens Mahone Bay. A vast body of water, scores of Islands, bays, yacht clubs, marinas and boatyards add to the busy summer sailing scene. In search of tranquility we sailed into Deep Cove, a cleft on the Bay’s high, cliffy east shore. A narrow channel, precipitous on one side and densely forested on the other, culminated in a pond. A necklace of moorings for local yachts kindly left the middle for visitors to anchor.

Halifax, with a population of 400,000 plus, naturally offers everything your yachting heart may desire plus a culturally thriving city. The great peninsula in the western approaches, a 20-mile stretch punctured by eight inlets that themselves branch into side arms, is the local yachtsmen’s fabled playground.

Considering the numbers of boats in Halifax we made sure to sample these coves on weekdays. Entering Prospect Bay and heading into Rogue’s Roost was a bit hairy since the high tide covered even the tips of the kelp fronds, an early warning of the rocks under. As novices in this maze of rocks and islets we motored gingerly in.

The chart promised a tight, deep pool to starboard, good enough for one boat of our size in this wonderfully wild place, despite Halifax throbbing around the corner. On Friday afternoon yachts began flocking in but by then we were secure in our bowl among hills.

East of Halifax is the least populated part of maritime Nova Scotia. Rising ocean levels changed deep gorges sculpted by receding ice millennia ago into long forested bays which in turn fork into enticing arms. Miniature archipelagoes of islands and islets, the passages between them open to careful navigators, dot the coast.

Molly’s Cove on Shelter Island, part of Pope’s Harbour, is particularly memorable for its clear, blue waters, the forests reflecting in the mirror calm sea.

Aquaculture certainly is making its mark in many coves protected from ocean swells. However, there is always room to anchor or pass by. We swung into the well-marked channel into Whitehead Harbour, our mind on anchoring in Yankee Cove. As is often in these waters a large reef of rocks positioned itself smack in the middle.

A handy perch for an osprey on a yacht’s rigging

A bit of careful slaloming led in when a large installation of mostly submerged cages hove in sight leaving free space to anchor in a nicely protected indent in the shore.

The prevalent ocean swells on this coast come from south-east, a feature to remember when choosing an anchorage. Most of the prominent bays are cut into the mainland towards north-west. The exception is Liscomb Harbour, a four-mile long east-to-west slot. Three islands off the entrance effectively bar the ocean swells from intruding. As in other harbours of the Eastern Shore, less than a handful of houses stood among trees on the shore.

At the west end of the run rises Liscomb Lodge, large, but tastefully hidden on the cliff top. A floating dock, good for about one 15m boat, was taken but we found shelter in a narrow passage. Somewhere outside howled a strong gale yet only rare puffs moved the tree tops as we lounged near the bar to tunes delivered by two mature musicians.

When time comes to turn back to the south and home you become painfully aware of the prevalent south-west winds. Trying to wait this out till the next wind change led to other discoveries of secluded spots. One year coming back from a summer trip to Greenland, Labrador and Newfoundland we reached Canso.

Overlooking the easternmost peninsula of Nova Scotia the village was once thronged with fisher folk, mostly Basque, loading on cod. Centuries of vanishing fish stocks changed the town into a backwater, and the fisheries are now limited to lobster trapping in a short open season.

Spectacular fog banks rise over Cranberry Islands near Canso at the easternmost tip of Nova Scotia

We spent some time in Glasgow Harbour on the south side of Canso Peninsula, entertained by noisy seals that hauled out on a rocky reef nearby. With the dinghy roped to the end of a park boardwalk, we landed by a meadow filled with pitcher plants thriving on a mosquito diet and an easy trail continued to Canso town.

Once the south-west wind dropped to 15 knots we followed the buoys of Andrew Passage, a mere ribbon of deeper water winding through rocks towards the open coast. Beating southward in these moderate conditions should have been no problem.

But out there, away from the lee of the islands, the seas were stirred up wild. Short, steep, vicious. The bow would dig in and then had no time to rise before the next wave rolled right over it. Steering off wind to gain more speed didn’t help – on top of the underlying south-eastern swell the fresh wind created waves from south and south-west, seemingly from all over, and they were winning.

In three unpleasant hours we made about 7 miles. Abeam opened a gap in the coast with Port Howe at the end. An S-shaped course led in; serious breakers boiled white over shoals. The bay was uninhabited: one mildewed house was leaning ready to topple, its windows gaping hollow.

Behind a spur of rocks, out of sight, stood a wooden cabin, probably only rarely used. Above our boat at anchor, on a giant basket of twigs, an osprey peeped at high pitch. Its mate wheeled down from the clouds and joined – there must have been chicks in the nest.

Dinghy cruising through the north-east arm of the bay, to the rapids of a tawny stream, we tracked a weasel foraging in and out of water. Nancy joined him, looking for mussels and periwinkles between seaweeds. A massive bald eagle followed our progress, flitting between treetops.

Nova Scotia is a quite unique cruising ground combining access to urban locations with easy escapes to wilderness and nature. Its jagged coastline could make a lifetime of cruising.

About the author

After a lifetime as yacht skipper for pay, Tom Zydler and his wife, Nancy, now sail the northern waters of the Western Atlantic in their Mason 44, Frances B .

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Ideas For Making The Most Of Your Nova Scotia Vacation

Cruise into canada's ocean playground.

By Hayley Simpson | Published on March 19, 2024

Nova Scotia may be an underrated Canadian destination, but you shouldn't underestimate the experiences waiting for you when you visit on a cruise. Stroll through charming UNESCO World Heritage-listed towns, snack on fresh seafood, witness the world's highest tides, and soak up stunning coastal vistas.

Here's what else you can expect from a Nova Scotia vacation from New York City.

Cruise From Cape Liberty

There are four- and five-night cruises to Nova Scotia available from Cape Liberty , so in terms of weekend getaways, it's a perfect trip. The main advantage of cruising out of Cape Liberty is that you're just a stone's throw from the best of alluring New York City. Cape Liberty is located in Bayonne, New Jersey, which is across the Hudson River from New York City. From the cruise port, you can see Staten Island, Brooklyn, Governors Island, and the Statue of Liberty. It's also easily accessible via car, public transport and the Newark Airport.

If you have time before or after your trip to Nova Scotia, take advantage of your New York City playground. There are infinite things to do in New York City, but you can't miss the views from either the Empire State Building or the Rockefeller Center. You could also spend multiple days visiting the city's amazing museums and art galleries, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and the American Museum of Natural History. If you visit on a sunny day, do as the locals do and head directly to Central Park. Finally, is it even a visit to New York City without seeing a show on Broadway?

Trips To Nova Scotia = Lighthouses And Lobster

Once you've seen all the sparkling NYC sights, it's time to set sail on your Nova Scotia vacation. One of Canada's four maritime provinces, it consists of a mainland peninsula and Cape Breton Island. With over 8,000 miles of rugged windswept coastline, it's evident why it's nicknamed Canada's Ocean Playground. While in Nova Scotia , expect to witness the world's highest tides, picturesque lighthouses, endless golden shorelines and charming small coastal towns.

Peggy's Cove and its iconic lighthouse are highlights of Nova Scotia vacations and are fortunately located less than an hour's drive from the capital city, Halifax. Meanwhile, Halifax is known for its historic charm, natural landscapes, and waterfront location. Head directly to the 2.5-mile waterfront boardwalk downtown, which is home to a plethora of bars and restaurants as well as the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.

Another popular destination on Novia Scotia getaways is Lunenburg, which is home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. As North America's best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement, imagine a kaleidoscope of wooden waterfront buildings. At Nova Scotia's northeast tip, Cape Breton Island offers dramatic coastline views you'd expect to find across the pond in Ireland. This is appropriate, seeing as the island is known for its rich history and Celtic culture. Drive along the world-famous Cabot Trail, which hugs the coastline, play on world-class golf courses, and visit the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site.

Nova Scotia also produces over 40 million pounds of wild blueberries annually, with Oxford being Canada's wild blueberry capital. However, you can purchase wild blueberries and blueberry-themed goods (think: juice, soap, baked goods and more) across the province. Another fruitful crop taking over the Annapolis Valley is apples, with over 20 varieties available. Fertile Annapolis Valley is also home to a few wineries. Benjamin Bridge Vineyards produces Nova Scotia's most widely acclaimed wine: the multi-award-winning Nova 7 sparkling.

Other delicacies to try include Rappie Pie at Red Cap Restaurant — a traditional Acadian dish made from grated potatoes and meat. Then, there are delicious sweet-and-salty oatcakes, which originate in Scotland but can be scooped up at bakeries and cafés across the province. Finally, while docked in Halifax, it's only right to indulge in an iconic donair, the city's official food. The messy pita wrap is overloaded with spiced beef cooked on a spit that's covered in a sweet garlic sauce and garnished with fresh tomatoes and onion.

Outdoor Adventures On Nova Scotia Getaways

Now that you know the top destinations and food to try on Nova Scotia getaways, let's focus on the natural landscape the province is famous for. Whatever outdoor adventure you seek, it's guaranteed you can enjoy it while on a weekend trip to Nova Scotia.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers 26 hiking trails, including the iconic Skyline trail. But trek the trail less traveled and climb to the top of Broad Cove Mountain or take in panoramic coastline views from the Acadian Trail. You can also tee up at Highland Links, one of the world's top 100 golf courses.

Kejimkujik National Park is the only Parks Canada site that's both a national park and a national historic site. Learn about its 10,000 rich years of Mi'kmaq history as you paddle along historic waterways (there are over 45 lakes and ponds) and spy Mi'kmaq petroglyphs on guided tours. If you'd prefer a seaside excursion, enjoy Kejimkujik Seaside's isolated sandy beaches, scenic trails and rocky secluded coves. The park is also a dark-sky preserve, so stargazing is basically a requirement.

Located in the Bay of Fundy, Burntcoat Head Park is where you'll find the world's highest tides — with 160 billion tonnes of water flowing into the basin every 13 hours, which is more than the combined flow of every single freshwater river in the world. It's worthwhile visiting at high and low tide. When the tides are out, you can walk for miles on the ocean floor and see what treasures the tide left behind.

Hiking and Nova Scotia vacations go hand in hand, so you can truly choose from hundreds of trails from Sydney to Shelburne. Climb 175 steps to the top of Jacob's Ladder in Victoria Park, which is home to cascading waterfalls, a winding river and a lush forest. Enjoy panoramic Bay of Fundy views from Cape Split Provincial Park's trails. Head along the Louisbourg Lighthouse Trail to see the fortress from an impressive angle. Then, see sweeping East River Bay vistas from Castle Rock Trail, and choose from multiple trailheads on the 57-mile Celtic Shores Coastal Trail. The fall foliage here, with trees turning vibrant shades of orange, gold, and red, is also positively breathtaking.

Making A Splash On Nova Scotia Vacations

Several seaside adventures are also awaiting you on weekend vacation in Nova Scotia. From June to October, join a whale watching tour to see some of the 12 whale species that visit the province's waters annually. There are tours available coast to coast, from Annapolis Valley to the Cabot Trail. You can also sail the high seas in Bluenose II from Lunenburg. It's a replica of the Bluenose, Canada's most famous fishing vessel that's now permanently idolized on the 10-cent coin.

Nova Scotia is also a globally recognized surfing destination. Check out the swells at Lawrencetown, Cherry Hill, Summerville, and Martinique Beach. The latter is home to the province's longest beach at 3 miles long. Other must-visit beaches include Carter's Beach, which looks like it was plucked directly from the Caribbean, with a sparkling white sandy shore and azure water. Alternatively, stroll along Inverness Beach's idyllic boardwalk and choose from three crescent-shaped beaches at Crystal Crescent.

For an adrenaline-pumping rush, nothing compares with riding the waves of the world's highest tides in a Zodiac boat. Reaching up to 13 feet high, the Shubenacadie River transforms into a water roller coaster for an experience you won't find anywhere else. Head to the small towns of South Maitland and Green Oaks for unforgettable tidal bore adventures, and complete the experience with a spot of mud-sliding.

If you'd prefer to leave the thrill-seeking to others, there are other options for a more romantic couple's weekend getaway to Nova Scotia. Try some tranquil kayaking available across the province. Kayak at multiple Cape Breton freshwater and seawater locations, from Baddeck to North River. Embrace the calm waters of Blue Rocks near Lunenburg, or kayak around the Bay of Fundy's Three Sisters' sea stacks in Cape Chignecto Provincial Park. As far as weekend vacations go, trips to Nova Scotia are certain to be epic.

Written By HAYLEY SIMPSON

A Bachelor of Journalism graduate hailing from Australia, Hayley is an experienced travel writer and the award-winning travel blogger behind Hayley on Holiday. Her travel writing has featured on Lonely Planet, Matador Network, and The Culture Trip. As for her travel experience, Hayley is a big advocate for solo travel and working holidays and has visited over 40 countries.

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