Outdoor Activities

Hiking, biking, and horseback riding routes make inland exploring a breeze; kayak and canoe routes let you splash out with ease; and there are snowmobile and cross-country skiing options, too. The province’s trail site (www.trails.gov.ns.ca) will put you on the right path.

Motorists can sample Nova Scotia’s sensational scenery by following any of the province’s 11 Scenic Travelways. There are five in Cape Breton and six on the mainland, all clearly identified by roadside signs with icons that correspond to route names. Nova Scotia Tourism’s encyclopedic Doers and Dreamers Guide has the lowdown (902/425–5781 or 800/565–0000 www.novascotia.com). The two best places for whale-watching are on the Bay of Fundy, from Digby down to Digby Neck, or in Cape Breton on Pleasant Bay. There are other spots to go whale-watching (Halifax, for instance) but the chances of sightings aren't as great.

In addition to the commercial outdoor-activities outfitters listed throughout the chapter, the following organizations are also valuable resources: Bicycle Nova Scotia (902/425–5450 Ext. 316 www.bicycle.ns.ca); Canoe Kayak Nova Scotia (902/425–5454 Ext. 316 www.ckns.ca); Golf Nova Scotia (www.golfnovascotia.com); Nova Scotia Golf Association (902/468–8844 www.nsga.ns.ca); Nova Scotia Trails Federation (902/425–5450 Ext. 325 www.novascotiatrails.com); Sail Nova Scotia (902/425–5450 Ext. 312 www.nsya.ns.ca); and Surfing Association of Nova Scotia (www.surfns.com).