12 Epic Places In Nova Scotia Even Locals Don't Know About

Nova Scotia is full of fascinating adventures and activities. From the Cape Breton Highlands to the bustling city of Halifax, there is something fun for everyone to explore. But what about something a little more off the beaten trail, something that even locals haven’t heard of? We’ve done the digging for you and found 12 epic hidden gems around the province.

Blue Rocks

This tiny fishing town in Nova Scotia’s South Shore region has drawn artists and photographers since the 1940s. However, it’s largely unknown for the most part and is overshadowed by neighbouring Lunenburg. Known as “Lunenburg’s Peggy’s Cove,” this tiny town is a true hidden gem and is a beautiful spot to get a true feel for Nova Scotia’s small town life.

100 Wild Islands

Kejimkujik National Park’s Back Country

Kejimkujik National Park is a popular spot for both tourists and locals, but a journey into the backwoods offers a more remote experience in the otherwise well-known park. Explore the back country by foot or by canoe and plan your own adventure.

Secret Beach, Gaff Point Trail

Follow the Gaff Point Trail out to the coast, and you’ll be rewarded with your own private beach! Located in the South Shore, this little area is still largely unknown to locals, but, thanks to Instagram, it might not be a secret spot for long!

Fresh Twenty One

A high end five-course meal for under $40? We almost don’t want to share this secret spot! It’s not actually a secret, but the student-run restaurant at the Nova Scotia Community College isn’t something most locals know about. Chefs in training practice their skills, and you get to benefit! Lunch buffets are offered Monday through Thursday, and dinner is offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

The Kauzmann Trail

While the Cape Breton Highlands are by no means a secret spot, one of its trails is. You won’t find the Kauzmann Trail in any guidebooks, but rumour has it its views rival that of the popular Skyline Trail! This 2 kilometre hike will take you out to the water’s edge where you’ll find yourself 1,000 feet above the sea!
Little foggy #kauzmanntrail
A post shared by Marlene Malkowicz (@mmalkowicz) on Sep 9, 2017 at 3:20pm PDT

Bear River

You’ve undoubtedly heard lots about Nova Scotia’s stunning small towns like Mahone Bay, Wolfville and Lunenburg, but little is said about Bear River. Located inland along one of the Bay of Fundy’s tidal rivers, this picturesque spot has been a hub for artists for years. Come explore the area’s galleries, shops, studios, and vineyards and discover the ‘tidal village on stilts’.

Bear River, Nova Scotia | © walknboston

North River Falls

If you’re up for an adventure, consider the 18 kilometre hike through Cape Breton’s North River Provincial Park to North River Falls. The remoteness of this area makes it truly off the beaten path, and adventurers will be rewarded with stunning scenery and a chance to really get away from it all.

Gypsum Quarry

With its turquoise waters and surrounding cliffs, you may just think you’re in British Columbia rather than Nova Scotia at the secluded Gypsum Quarry. Follow the hiking trail beginning along the Cheticamp Back Road, and it will take you to this stunning quarry, where the visitors enjoy swimming, sun tanning and swinging from the rope swing.
Swam in this crazy hidden gem today #gypsumquarry #capebreton #novascotia #explorecanada #parkscanada
A post shared by Melissa Hurteau (@misshurt17) on Aug 22, 2017 at 3:06pm PDT

Trout Point Lodge

With an impressive list of awards and accolades, Trout Point Lodge is the place to go for luxury ecotourism in the province. The lodge keeps an air of secrecy around itself, and, because it does very little advertising in the province, most locals have never heard of it.

Port Hood Island

This island is about as remote as it gets with only two year-round residents! Located in Cape Breton’s St. George Bay, it has a few more residents during the summer months and is a great spot to explore rural Nova Scotia life.
#porthoodisland is an amazing getaway like no other, when on #vacation to #capebretonisland we can set up a tour for you to visit, check out this #beach
A post shared by Celtic Keys Group of Companies (@celtic_keys) on Jan 4, 2017 at 6:11pm PST

Thomas Raddall Provincial Park

While most people head to Kejimkujik’s Seaside Adjunct, right across the harbour you’ll find the much less popular but equally stunning Thomas Raddal Provincial Park. Enjoy your own little getaway with the park’s camping sites, walking and biking trails and white sand beaches.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.