Canada / Nova Scotia
Campervan Rental Nova Scotia Cabot Trail, Lobster and Atlantic Coast
Nova Scotia is Canada's Atlantic playground. The Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island is one of the best coastal drives on the continent. Peggy's Cove has Canada's most photographed lighthouse. Lunenburg is a UNESCO-listed fishing town. The Bay of Fundy has tides that rise 16 meters — the highest on earth. And the lobster is $12 CAD at roadside shacks.
Nova Scotia Rental Options
| Platform | Pricing (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise Canada | $140-$350/night | Halifax depot, one-way from Toronto or Montreal |
| RVshare | $100-$280/night | Local owners, smaller selection |
| Outdoorsy | $110-$300/night | Growing Atlantic Canada inventory |
| Motorhome Republic | Aggregator | Compare all Halifax options in one search |
Best Road Trips in Nova Scotia
Cabot Trail (Cape Breton Island)
298 km loop. 3-5 days. One of the most scenic coastal drives in North America — dramatic cliff-edge roads with ocean views dropping away below. Cape Breton Highlands National Park covers the northern section with mountain-to-sea hiking. The Skyline Trail (7.5 km return) ends at a headland overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence — whale watching from the cliff edge at sunset. Moose are common on the trail. Ingonish Beach has a gorgeous freshwater/saltwater swimming combo. Broad Cove campground in the park ($28 CAD/night). Chéticamp on the west side has Acadian culture, whale watching boat tours and excellent seafood. Drive counterclockwise for the best ocean views from the driver's seat.
South Shore: Halifax to Yarmouth
370 km. 3-5 days along the coast. Peggy's Cove is 45 minutes from Halifax — the iconic lighthouse on granite boulders. Mahone Bay has three churches lined up on the waterfront. Lunenburg is UNESCO-listed — the Bluenose II schooner's home port, colorful waterfront buildings and the Fisheries Museum. Shelburne has historic loyalist architecture. Kejimkujik Seaside has wild, uncrowded Atlantic beaches. Provincial campgrounds along the coast $28-$38 CAD/night. Lobster pounds and fish shacks line Highway 3 — fresh lobster rolls for $12-$18 CAD.
Bay of Fundy
The Bay of Fundy has the highest tides on earth — 16 meters (53 feet) between low and high tide. At Burntcoat Head, you walk on the ocean floor at low tide and swim in the same spot 6 hours later. The Fundy Trail Parkway (30 km) has coastal viewpoints and waterfalls. Five Islands Provincial Park has sea stacks exposed at low tide. The tidal bore at Truro is a wave that travels upriver — check tide tables for timing. Whale watching from Digby Neck (right whales, humpbacks and finbacks). Campgrounds at Five Islands ($28 CAD) and along the Fundy coast.
Eastern Shore
Halifax east to Canso. 2-3 days. The least touristy coast in Nova Scotia. Fishing villages, white sand beaches (Taylor Head Provincial Park, Lawrencetown Beach) and working wharves. Sherbrooke Village is a restored 1860s town with costumed interpreters. Canso is the eastern tip — Grassy Island National Historic Site has fishing history. This route is about slowing down. No crowds, no tour buses, just Atlantic coastline and small-town Maritime life. Campgrounds $20-$35 CAD/night.
Nova Scotia Camping Tips
- → Short season. Nova Scotia's camping season runs June through September. Some parks open mid-May, most close mid-October. July-August is prime time. September has fewer crowds, lower prices and the start of fall colors. The Cabot Trail in early October with fall foliage is spectacular but campground options shrink as parks close.
- → Lobster is cheap here. Nova Scotia lobster at roadside pounds costs $12-$18 CAD for a full lobster roll or a 1-pound boiled lobster. The same lobster in Toronto costs $35+. Eat as much as you can while you're here. Lobster season varies by area — spring on the South Shore, summer on Cape Breton. Fresh is always available somewhere.
- → Fog is constant. Nova Scotia's coast gets fog regularly, especially June-July. Peggy's Cove in fog is either atmospheric or disappointing depending on your mindset. Carry warm layers for evening fog even in summer — temperatures drop to 12-15°C with fog. Interior areas are warmer and sunnier.
- → Check tide tables. If you're visiting Bay of Fundy or any tidal area, tide timing determines your experience. A 6-hour difference between high and low tide means you need to plan activities around the water. Parks Canada and tourist offices have printed tide charts. The Fundy tidal bore at Truro is tide-dependent — miss the timing and there's nothing to see.
- → One-way from Toronto or Montreal. Cruise Canada and CanaDream offer one-way to Halifax. The drive from Toronto is 1,800 km (2-3 driving days via Quebec and New Brunswick). One-way fees are $300-$600 CAD but you see Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia in one trip. Alternatively, fly into Halifax and pick up locally.
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