Check Our Our Top Dog Friendly Places to Visit in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is a province known as Canada’s ocean playground and for good reason. A province that boasts of over 13,000 kilometers of sandy shores, the ocean is never far away, allowing beach lovers to enjoy a stroll along the coast, a hunt for sea glass, or a dip in icy blue waters whenever the urge strikes. With Halifax as the metropolitan center of the province, Nova Scotia offers visitors an eclectic mix of rural and suburban pleasures. With a unique food culture indigenous the region, tourists can dine on some local favorites such as donairs, locally brewed craft beer, and seafood galore. From the scenic Cabot Trail to the Cape Breton Highlands National Park to the Bay of Fundy, Peggy’s Cove, the Fortress of Louisbourg, and much, much more, there’s lots to see and do in Nova Scotia. If you’re planning a vacation to Canada’s East Coast and hoping to bring Fido in tow, you might be wondering what there is to do in Nova Scotia with your dog. Here is our list of some of the top dog friendly places to visit during a trip to beautiful Nova Scotia, Canada’s ocean playground.
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Sherbrooke Village
Sherbrooke Village is a popular tourist attraction on mainland Nova Scotia. The area is designed to resemble a historic village from the period of 1860 up to just before World War I. There are over 80 buildings in this village with 25 of them available for the public to view and enjoy. Staff wander through the village in period costumes, enhancing the overall experience.
Sherbrooke Village is open only seasonally from June through September. Dogs are permitted to join their owners on their journey through the streets of this beloved tourist destination but are not permitted inside the buildings. There is a restaurant and a gift shop found on site… more
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Point Pleasant Park
Halifax’s Point Pleasant Park is the ideal spot for families with dogs looking to enjoy some time in the great outdoors. This popular hiking spot is located in the southern tip of the Halifax peninsula and consists of 75 hectares of wooded grounds. Whether you enjoy walking, running, hiking, biking, or just sitting and reflecting on the beauty of nature, you can do it all at Point Pleasant Park… more
This beloved wooded region consists of over 39 kilometers of intersecting trails as well as several areas where dogs are permitted to enjoy some time off lead. Also found in the park are some ruins from early settlements. On occasion, the Shakespeare by the Sea theatre group conducts performances on the grounds for all to enjoy.
Point Pleasant Park’s hours of operation are from 5 am to midnight daily.
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Rainbow Haven Beach
Also located in the Halifax Regional Municipality is Rainbow Haven Beach. This picturesque property is a great place to take your dog for a day of fun in the sun, sand, and surf. There is a boardwalk that leads you directly from the parking lot through rolling grass dunes and towards the immense white sand beach. From the shoreline, you can enjoy stunning views of nearby Cole Harbour… more
Though Rainbow Haven Beach is both beautiful and dog friendly, it is also very crowded. For owners of dogs that prefer their space, this may not be the ideal beach to visit while in the Halifax Region.
Off leash activity is allowed at Rainbow Haven Beach so long as you are able to maintain control over your dog, and your dog displays appropriate canine manners to people and other dogs visiting the property. For a quieter visit to this sandy seaside haven, stop by during the daytime on a weekday when traffic is far lower.
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Pollett’s Cove
For hiking enthusiasts with a dog in tow, Pollett’s Cove is not to be missed. Situated in Red River, Nova Scotia, Pollett’s Cove features a 13.2 kilometre hiking trail that is reserved for expert hikers only. Though this trail’s main use is hiking; camping, fishing, and backpacking are also popular activities here.
Because of Nova Scotia’s cold falls and snowy winters, it is recommended that you bring Fido to hike to Pollett’s Cove from May through October.
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Kejumkujik National Park
For one of the most scenic places Atlantic Canada has to offer, it’s well worth a trip to Kejumkujik National Park. This picturesque wonderland has something for all to enjoy including rolling hills and pristine waterfalls sure to take your breath away. With a wide array of hiking trails to choose from, you and Fido will be sure to have lots of place to log in some kilometers in one of the most beautiful places in the province.
It is recommended that you keep your dog on lead during your travels through this national park as there are some reptile species indigenous to this region that could be scared or harmed by pets. Overnight camping is permitted on the grounds.
Visitors should note that dogs are only permitted on the hiking trails and on Merrymakedge Beach… more
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Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a massive public wooded area that is found on the historic Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island. There are 27 beautiful hiking trails ranging in difficulty from novice to expert. All of the trails found within “the Highlands,” as the locals call it, are dog friendly with the exception of the Skyline Trail. The Skyline Trail is off limits to dogs because of the prevalence of moose seen in the region.
The scenery found in this monumental public park is bar none some of the most beautiful in all of the world. You can stop to enjoy a whale watching tour or climb to a breathtaking mountain vista to peer into the distance on the lookout for bald eagles.
Dogs must remain leashed in all hiking areas in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and owners are responsible to clean up their pet’s waste and dispose of it appropriately… more
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Conrad’s Beach
For a spot that offers the best of sun and surf just outside of the big city, you won’t want to miss the chance to visit Conrad’s Beach. Considered to be on the outskirts of Halifax Regional Municipality, this beach offers you the chance to enjoy the best of city life then take a leisurely stroll with your best canine pal when the sun begins to set at the end of a magnificent day.
It is important to note that this beach is very popular with animal lovers and is often frequented by families with dogs. There is no designated parking lot, and there are no bathrooms or concession stands, so you will need to come prepared with poop bags and snacks.
Because this beach is a little more remote and challenging to get to by car, it is often deserted, meaning you will have the place almost to yourself if you visit during the week in the daytime. Some areas of the beach allow for off-leash activity, but others are strictly on lead only… more
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Louisbourg Lighthouse Trail
The Louisbourg Lighthouse Trail, located in the quaint coastal village of Louisbourg, offers breathtakingly beautiful views of the north Atlantic Ocean and the historic Fortress of Louisbourg. A short trail, dogs are permitted to join their owners here. You can meander down the rocks for a better view of the vessels out to sea and the Fortress’ majestic spires, but take care as the rocks can be very slippery when wet.
As an added bonus, why not wander along Louisbourg’s Main Street taking in the quaint architecture, shops, and boutique eateries along the way? It’s a great way to enjoy an outing with your best canine pal in one of the most beautiful places in all of Atlantic Canada.
Unfortunately, entrance to the Fortress of Louisbourg is granted only to people. Pets are not permitted on the grounds.
Getting ready to plan your next East Coast adventure? There are many wonderful things to see and do with dogs in Nova Scotia. In fact, Nova Scotia recently passed a law allowing dogs to join their owners on outdoor patios in participating restaurants. Going on vacation with Fido has never been more fun. Plan a trip to Nova Scotia today! You’ll be glad you did.
