Photos help us remember life’s most memorable moments. Capturing a delicious plate of food, wiggling your toes in the sand of a beautiful beach, or clinking your glass with dear friends, taking a few seconds to snap the moment has always meant a lot, especially now more than ever.
Our friend and frequent Best Western Hotel & Resorts traveler Mike is sharing his favorite photo-worthy spots:
If we still used film in our cameras, I would say: “Before you visit Nova Scotia, be sure to stock up and bring as much film as possible because you are going to use it!” But since we are in the age of digital, I will say this instead: “Make sure your battery is fully charged and your photo cloud has lots of room because you are going to use it!”
Halifax and its bustling harbor are what initially attract visitors to Nova Scotia. But I find its winding coastal roads, which take you from small fishing villages to stunning white-sand beaches that have more lighthouses than you ever thought possible, is what keeps guests coming back for more.
Check-in at the Best Western Plus Liverpool Hotel & Conference Centre or the Best Western Plus Bridgewater Hotel & Convention Centre, fill up both on gas for the car and the complimentary breakfast they offer, and get ready for a genuinely unforgettable road trip!
There is something magical about this town. So magical that I went back a few weeks after my first visit because I wanted to see more of it! The historic buildings instantly transport you back hundreds of years ago to when the buildings were first built. Your pictures will look extra special because there are no power lines along the waterfront as a historical movie was filmed there in the 1990s that required the power lines to be buried. A great patio called The Seadog Saloon is as close to the water as you can get, making it a great place to have some delicious chowder and watch the boats come in and out of the harbor.
You may read about Petite Rivière and say, “Sounds neat, but let’s see what else there.” But I implore you to explore this incredibly beautiful area. It is one of the most memorable places in Nova Scotia. Soak up the sun at the Petite Rivère winery, pick up some new art at the Maritime Painted Saltbox, and be sure to leave plenty of time to shop in Mariners Craft. Then, drive down Drews Hill Road and find a secret little beach where you can snap some photos for your Instagram.
The Best Western Plus Liverpool Hotel & Conference Centre is located just off the highway and is only a minute drive into downtown Liverpool, one of Nova Scotia’s oldest cities. They have a great Farmers’ Market along the harbor on Saturday mornings, so try to schedule it in if you can. Initially, an important location for the Mi’kmaq people, the town of Liverpool was first founded in 1759. It is rich with history, great local shopping along Main Street, and beautiful trees that stretch high above historic colonial captains’ homes – it can’t be missed!
To choose which beach to take photos of is practically an impossible task, as there are so many to choose from in Nova Scotia. Some of my favorites include Carters, Summerville, Broad Cove, Cherry Hill, and Green Bay. When someone told me about Green Bay recently, they said, “Don’t write about it; we want to keep it a secret.” It is so beautiful that you need to see it for yourself. But shh, don’t tell my friend that you heard it from me!
Stunning sunsets
Love taking ocean sunset photos? You are in luck! On a clear evening, you can pretty much guarantee you will be treated to the incredible sunsets for which Nova Scotia is best known. One of my favorite places to catch a sunset is on the patio of Hell Bay Brewery, located directly across from Privateer Park. The calmness of the Mersey River provides the opportunity for nearly perfect reflections; it’s a peaceful place to wrap up the day. If watching the sunset from the patio of a brewery is your thing, Lightship Brewery overlooks all of Lunenburg and offers beautiful views throughout the day.
If you tell anyone that you are going to Nova Scotia’s south shore, they will immediately tell you to stop at LaHave Bakery. And that’s good advice! The food is delicious and packed with treasures for any foodie. Plus, the building is charming and hosts a gallery and bookshop. The whole area is one photo stop after another. LaHave also holds historical importance to the Mi’kmaq people as Samuel de Champlain first arrived on its shores in 1604. Overall, this region is rich with history, incredible seaside landscapes, and historical buildings, which sit precariously over the mighty Atlantic Ocean. You could spend the whole day here and still not take it all in.
Colorful buildings
Bright buildings are synonymous with the East Coast, and you will find plenty of colorful backdrops in Lunenburg, one of Nova Scotia’s most popular destinations. It seems no matter what street you walk down; you will be greeted by brightly decorated homes and buildings that will make your friends and followers incredibly jealous. Mahone Bay and Chester are not too far either and have equally beautiful homes to admire.
For more travel tips, visit the do’s and don’ts of road tripping and 8 tips for staying safe and healthy on the road.
Hit the Road with Best Western and travel with ease as our hotels are putting guests’ safety first by implementing our We Care Clean program. Book your next stay direct at bestwestern.com to get our lowest rates guaranteed.