For rocky cliff filled coastlines I would suggest Herring Cove – which is right outside Halifax. Of course the famous one is Peggy’s Cove, and it is famous for a reason. But at Herring Cove you will likely not run into as many people (better for photography), and it is also gorgeous.

I would recommend Cape Breton. The entire coastline is accessible by one giant loop, and it’s fantastic – gorgeous cliffs, bald eagle and puffins, and more.

Also, I’d recommend going to Kejimkujik National Park in the center of the island. It’s fantastic, lots of animals and fascinating history, beautiful hikes, and more.

Lunenburg was a favorite. It is seaside, however there is depth to it, you have the rocky coastline, the historic fishing village, and where there are boats there are birds!

Google it, and check out the pics!

I agree with the Subject Reader, everywhere is beautiful. If you have the time, I’d go see the tides at the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick.

Thank you all!!!

Wow, I have some research to do.

I cannot wait to get there and start taking pictures!

Cape Split (see photo, although I am no photographer) is great for photography lots of woodland on the hike to the cape… and coastline with cliff when you get there. That is in Scott’s Bay (Kings County)

I think the best place for whale watching in the south is the Brier Island Whale and Seabird Cruise.

I agree with realsupergirl if you get a chance to go that far north you should take the loop drive around Cape Breton.

My advice, come back late September/early October. Drive through the Annapolis Valley or Cape Breton while the leaves are turning. And if you absolutely must come in the summer… Bay of Fundy just because, Lunenburg and Mahone Bay. Go to the Ovens park. Check out the caves.

If you want a good time that is also close by some awesome nature photo ops go up to the Maitland area along the Shubie river. Tidal Bore rafting is a riot and there’s some nice scenery in the area. But that’s likely going to be later in the summer that they’d have that.

Peggy’s Cove, of course, is beautiful, though crowded. My best recommendation is Duncan’s Cove, which is about half an hour’s drive from Halifax. You will need some decent hiking shoes for the first little bit, then it opens on to expansive rocky outcroppings and rock beaches, ending in a long, uphill hike to a little shack at the top of a cliff, beautiful. Definitely my #1 Nova Scotia destination in terms of scenery.

You are gong to be in heaven!

I agree with all the recommendations.

I also know of a guest house called Pudding Pan Bay Cottage that would be a lovely place to stay – away from everything, quiet and secluded.

The owners are Jim and MaryLucia Blacksher. You can reach Jim via e-mail at

jblacksher@ns.sympatico.ca

The photo here was taken near Pudding Pan Bay Cottage.

Good luck and have a wonderful trip!

Thank you all for your help. This is great information.

Can anyone tell me what the weather is like in NS in June?

In june you are likely to be confronted with a mixxed bag of weather, the best time for weather here is late August, September and early November, unless you catch a rare hurricane. The weather doesn’t put any dampers on the place or the people. Good news comes in the rain, fog, and snow – it’s beautiful place. Great pubs, tons of charm, good food, plenty of smart hardworking people. It’s a honest place.