Since about 40% of the workforce can do their jobs from home, many remote workers are choosing to give up big city living, trading commutes for fresh air and incredible views.
[rebelmouse-image 26010335 photo_credit="Jay Beller | Dreamstime" expand=1 original_size="2162x1386"]
Jay Beller | Dreamstime
Picture this: instead of being confined to a downtown condo, you could close your laptop and head to the beach for a sunset picnic once the workday is done. On weekends, rather than going for a walk around the block, you could visit wineries and outdoor-adventure destinations or explore quaint towns.
If you work remotely, you can do all of that in Nova Scotia.
The east coast province is filled with surreal places and exciting things to do, so whether you live in bustling Halifax or beautiful Cape Breton Island, you're never far from a hiking trail, scenic viewpoint or breezy shoreline.
Your bucket list will continue to grow the longer you live there — and these top destinations are a great place to start.
The Cabot Trail
Price: Free
Address: Cape Breton Highlands National Park, NS
Why You Need To Go: Considered to be one of the world's most scenic drives, the Cabot Trail connects you to hiking trails, beaches, waterfalls, stunning vistas and charming villages.
The 298-kilometre trail winds through the Cape Breton Highlands and Cape Breton National Park, renowned for dramatic views of where the mountains kiss the ocean. This destination is ideal for cycling, motorbiking, and driving in a car with the windows down.
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Peggy's Cove
Price: Free
Address: Peggy's Cove, NS
Why You Need To Go: Just an hour outside Halifax, the fishing village of Peggy's Cove is famed for its typical East Coast flair: colourful houses dot the narrow, calm inlet and characteristic boulders line the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.
Home to one of Nova Scotia's most well-known lighthouses (there are about 150 in total), this picturesque cove is ideal for photo opportunities, climbing rocks and feeling the wind in your hair.
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Lunenburg
Price: Free
Address: Lunenburg, NS
Why You Need To Go: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Historic District, the town of Lunenburg is visited for its charming, vibrant architecture, historic attractions and seaside bars and restaurants.
Take your tastebuds for an adventure in Canada's oldest German settlement and pay a visit to the Grand Banker Bar & Grill, where you can sample their signature 'Lunenburger', or head to Ironworks Distillery, a micro-distillery inside a former old port blacksmith's shop.
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The Annapolis Valley Wineries
Price: Various
Address: Annapolis Valley, NS
Why You Need To Go: This idyllic area in the western part of the province is considered Atlantic Canada's richest agricultural region. As one of the first areas in North America to cultivate grapes, it’s currently the home of as many as 15 wineries. There, you can meet the award-winning vintners who are proud to uphold Nova Scotia's tradition of winemaking dating back to the 1600s.
In 2012, Nova Scotia celebrated its first wine appellation, Tidal Bay. This crisp, aromatic white wine was born from the distinctive grape varietals unique to the province.
Tastings start at around $12 per person, with each vineyard offering a unique atmosphere to enjoy your glass of wine. The red telephone booth at Luckett Vineyards, for example, makes for an iconic photo backdrop.
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Halifax Harbour Boardwalk
Price: Free
Address: Lower Water St., Halifax, NS
Why You Need To Go: One of the most-visited destinations in Nova Scotia, the boardwalk along the natural Halifax harbour spans almost four kilometres and is filled with things to do and eat.
Explore the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, shop at small boutiques, feast on seafood at waterfront patios, hop on the ferry to Dartmouth or rent a bicycle to cruise along the shore.
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Cape Split Provincial Park
Price: Free
Address: 999 Cape Split Rd., Scots Bay, NS
Why You Need To Go: Cape Split is a popular year-round hiking destination that ends with a spectacular view overlooking the Bay of Fundy. The moderate trail is just over six kilometres one way and takes about five hours from start to finish (including time for selfies).
The cliff viewpoint is an excellent spot to enjoy a picnic, look for wildlife and watch the wild tides do their thing. It's the perfect day trip.
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The Bay Of Fundy
Price: Free
Address: Bay of Fundy, NS
Why You Need To Go: There are several ways to experience Nova Scotia's iconic Bay of Fundy. As one of the Seven Wonders of North America, this body of water has the highest tides on Earth and is home to some of the world's rarest whales, as well as semi-precious minerals and dinosaur fossils.
Choose from adventures like tidal bore rafting, walking on the ocean floor at low tide, sea kayaking in the waves, whale watching and so much more.
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Kejimkujik National Park & Historic Site
Price: $5.90 for adults, free for youth and Discovery Pass holders
Address: 3005 Kejimkujik Main Parkway, Maitland Bridge, NS
Why You Need To Go: An adventure destination in all four seasons, Kejimkujik is a celebrated haven for connecting with nature and the local Mi'kmaq culture.
This protected wilderness area has a lot to offer. From water sports like canoeing, fishing and kayaking to unique wildlife sightings, thousands of wildflowers and rich lagoon systems, Kejimkujik has it all.
Plus, if you camp out at the park overnight, your eyes are in for a treat. Kejimkujik is home to the province's only Dark-Sky Preserve, where you can see the stars with unparalleled clarity.
Bring your telescope and binoculars or just stargaze with the naked eye to see for yourself the night sky that has inspired centuries of traditional storytelling.
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Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park
Price: Free
Address: 223 Sambro Creek Rd., Sambro Creek, NS
Why You Need To Go: This coastal park located about 40 minutes from Halifax features three white sand beaches accessible by boardwalk.
Whether you want to bask in the teal water, sunbathe, or walk the seaside trail, Crystal Crescent has something for every seaside lover.
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If you're looking to strengthen your bond with nature, moving to Nova Scotia could be just the thing for you.
With endless beaches, unique natural wonders, wineries and historic towns to explore, your adventure list is sure to remain full of must-sees.
To learn more about moving to Nova Scotia, check out Work from Nova Scotia's website or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Before you get going, check our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
