Autumn is a magical time in Nova Scotia, as nature sheds her lush summer greens for vivid fall colours. From striking red and orange maples and brilliant gold birch trees, to subtle yellow salt marshes and tawny brown chestnut trees, fall is a great time to experience the full beauty of Nova Scotia.
Some of the best fall foliage in North America can be found in the province between late September and late October. From Cape Breton to Yarmouth and Acadian Shores, there are plenty of great places to leaf watch.
Cape Breton’s famous Cabot Trail and the Cape Breton Highlands National Park come alive in a full palette of fall colours. The park’s many hiking trails and campsites also offer visitors the opportunity to be immersed in the incredible fall scenery. In fact, the entire island celebrates this beauty during the Celtic Colours International Festival – a week-long series of traditional musical performances held at the height of leaf watching season.
The Annapolis Valley is another key destination on any fall foliage tour. All along the Evangeline Trail, in places like Bear River and the Lookoff near Canning, you’ll see a breathtaking symphony of reds, yellows and oranges. Meanwhile, all along Nova Scotia’s south and eastern shores, the vibrant colours seem even more breathtaking in the light sparkling off the ocean waves. Both the Marine Drive and Lighthouse Route twist and turn their way past bustling towns and quaint fishing villages nestled in the fall foliage. Finally, no fall tour of Nova Scotia would be complete without a visit to the Glooscap and Sunrise Trails, with rivers and streams that cut through colourful valleys and hills that stand out in brilliant contrast to clear fall skies – a nature lover’s paradise!
For information on Nova Scotia’s fall colours, including the best dates and places to go leaf watching, be sure to visit the Nova Scotia fall foliage map and leaf watch forum.