BringFido's Guide to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island

Posted by Billy Francis

Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island on Canada’s North Atlantic Coast offer an abundance of pet-friendly places to visit with Fido. This region is famous for its fishing industry, serene lighthouses and gorgeous coastal parks, and is home to the world’s highest tides in the Bay of Fundy. Travel with your pup between the Maritime provinces on Northumberland Ferries and discover a pet-friendly “paw-radise” of sandy beaches, winding pet-friendly trails and more.

Things to Do

“The only thing better than a fisherman is a fiddling one.” Photo by Facebook.com/peggyscoveboattours

Leashed dogs are welcome to roam with their owners throughout the Nova Scotia park system and can even run free in designated areas, then join you to explore the waters with a fiddling fisherman on Prince Edward Island.

Boat Tours Galore

Spot sunbathing seals and get the best view of Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world, on an Atlantic expedition with Peggy’s Cove Boat Tours. Dogs are always welcome on board this fun tour on the eastern shore of St. Margarets Bay near Halifax. If you want to check out the waters surrounding Prince Edward Island instead, take a musical tour with The Fiddling Fisherman. This unique boat ceilidh, which is a Scottish social gathering, gives revelers a chance to see the red cliffs, listen to traditional music and sample a fresh lobster dinner on board.

Tour PEI by Bicycle

If you love geocaching with your dog, find treasures around every turn on the Confederation Trail. This 270-mile pathway built on a decommissioned railway line starts in Tignish and ends up in Elmira, crossing through Emerald, Royalty, Mt. Stewart, New Harmony, Cardigan and Wood Islands North along the way. Book a bike with a Burley Trailer from MacQueen’s Bike Shop & Island Tours and explore the trail on two wheels with your dog safely towed behind. Before you drop your bike back off in Charlottetown, catch a movie under the stars at Brackley Drive-In Theatre in nearby Brackley Beach.

“This park is more than just pleasant.” Photo by @trio_of_chihuahuas

A Walk in Halifax’s Parks

Nova Scotia’s capital city of Halifax is home to a selection of leafy parks that your furry travel companion will love. First, pay a visit to the city’s oldest dog park, Point Pleasant Park, with your pooch. Although it’s not fenced in, dogs with good recall can roam free in parts of the park during designated hours. For canines who need a fence, make your way to Mainland Common Park. Small and large dogs can have fun in their own sections at this fenced dog park. Afterwards, slip on Fido’s leash and go for a walk in the woods on the park’s Mainland Common Loop. Finish off your tour of Halifax’s recreation spaces on the pet-friendly trails at Long Lake Provincial Park.

A Glance to the Past

Sherbrooke Village will take you and your Terrier back to a time of penny-farthings and flat caps in the 19th century. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you for a wander through the streets of this heritage museum that’s brought to life by reenactments and costumed interpreters. Step even further back in time at Halifax Citadel National Historic Site in downtown Halifax to hear about the region’s military past and enjoy stunning views of Halifax Harbour from high above. If Fido wants to see one more fort before he leaves, York Redoubt National Historic Site has a different vantage point of Halifax Harbour and paved pet-friendly trails that wind around cannons and other relics.

Falling for Fido. Photo by @dogsofbilltown

Take on the Trails

Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site showcases the natural beauty of Nova Scotia and commemorates 4,000 years of aboriginal occupation. From easy to moderate trails like the Mersey River Trail and Liberty Lake Loop to the more difficult Channel Lake Loop, hikers and walkers of all levels will find something they love at this incredible park. The Mersey Meadow, Hemlocks and Hardwoods, and Gold Mines trails offer informative panels that provide details about this ancient land’s history and inhabitants.

Canada’s Most Scenic Drive

Considered one of the most scenic drives in the world, The Cabot Trail is the best way to see all of Nova Scotia. During your pet-friendly road trip along this 185-mile scenic road, you'll pass through a section of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, enjoy epic ocean vistas, meander through forests, and gaze across prehistoric rock formations. Make the most of the journey by spending several days stopping at beautiful coastal villages like Baddeck, Cheticamp and more.

Places to Stay

A dreamy spot for a pet-friendly vacay. Photo by Facebook.com/RoddCrowbush

From a relaxing resort to a striking home above the trees, an unforgettable stay is par for the course during your visit to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

Pristine PEI Resort

Fido will be greeted with a treat and pets during check-in at Rodd Crowbush Golf & Beach Resort on Prince Edward Island. Golfers can take their well-behaved canine caddy on the luscious course overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence for an unforgettable round. Then, return to five-star luxury in a spacious room with a view. Dog owners will also appreciate no additional pet fees and the grassy areas with waste stations for walking and potty breaks.

Sleep in the Clouds with your Canine

Floating above the ocean, Shackup Tower offers guests the opportunity for a different perspective above the trees. This incredible Airbnb sits atop 30-foot steel legs and has the feel of an old ship’s cabin inside. Book this pet-friendly property to watch the sunrise from the hot tub on the east-facing alcove, share 360-degree views of the Atlantic and luscious forest from the wraparound deck, and cuddle up around the warm wood stove with your furry best friend after sunset.

Welcomed by a Four-Legged Ambassador

Continuing in the tradition of four-legged ambassadors, the Best Western Plus Chocolate Lake Hotel hired Aero as its new Welcome Ambassador after losing their longtime hotel dog, Cocoa. Aero, a lovely chocolate Lab, doles out a welcome gift of a treat and a roll of doggie bags when he is introduced to every four-legged guest that checks into the hotel. Aero’s special guests stay for free on the ground floor for easy access to the outdoor area.

Designer Living with your Dog

Gate House is one of the coolest pet-friendly vacation rentals around. Etched into the agricultural surroundings in Corten steel, this striking building at the entrance to Shobac Farm is as eye-catching as it is accommodating. Inside, you’ll find an open living area, a galley kitchen and a huge north-facing window with views of grazing sheep in the pasture. Beyond the front door, guests are free to explore the farm’s hiking trails and can hang out at the fire pit.

“There better be treats in that other suitcase.” Photo by Facebook.com/HolmanGrandHotel

Stay with your Shih Tzu

The Holman Grand Hotel welcomes dogs of all sizes to spend the night in Charlottetown. Located a short walk from MacQueen's Bike Shop, visitors can drop off their rentals and walk back to this clean and comfortable hotel to recuperate for the evening. Dogs and cats are given treat bags at check-in, are welcome for no additional pet fee, and have access to a lush park across the street for morning walks.

A Slice of Heaven

Cedar Peak offers the “ultimate Cape Breton experience” and is situated high on a hilltop that looks out over Grand Étang. Travelers who are exploring The Cabot Trail can stop here for a rest along the way. Wake up to a sunrise from the panoramic patio or stay warm indoors and view it through a large window instead. Outside, there’s a boardwalk to connect the patio to a panoramic viewing platform of Squirrel Mountain in the distance.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants

“Sun is shining, weather is sweet!” Photo by Facebook.com/TheBGHalifax

Book a table for you and your pooch and sample locally-sourced seafood, wine and more.

Take a Break in a Beer Garden

The Halifax Beer Garden, also known as the BG, invites “pawtrons” to kick back with a beer near the Halifax Citadel. The spacious pet-friendly patio is usually bustling with dogs and their people digging into poutine, chowder and more, and washing it down with a Canadian brew of choice.

“Whine” and Dine

Nova Scotia has been producing grapes in the region’s wine country, Eastern Annapolis Valley, since the 1600s. Benjamin Bridge is a picturesque stop along the Nova Scotia Wine Trail. Find a picnic table outside to sample a glass of wine while Fido sloshes down a bowl of water. Next, visit Avondale Sky Winery for a glass of wine and a walk through the vines with your leashed pooch.

“I’m always the catch of the day.” Photo by @bayleehound

The Freshest Catch

The Old Fish Factory Restaurant in Lunenburg is a welcome treat for guests at Shobac Farm. Find a table on the wharfside patio and watch the boats float by while you taste local Atlantic-caught seafood delights like the lobster roll or roasted halibut. Your pooch can cool off with a fresh bowl of water while you eat.

Hang Out at the Yard

Is your dog a social animal who loves to greet everybody who passes by? If so, Salt Yard Social is the community gathering place for her. This wonderful waterfront restaurant has a spacious outdoor deck that spreads out over two levels. Pick a shady spot, order a charcuterie board and watch your extroverted pooch make friends with the locals.

Photo by Facebook.com/BlackbushPEI

Dinner on the Beach

FiN Folk Food is a great place to stop and have dinner before movie night at nearby Brackley Drive-In. The menu includes mouthwatering options like fish tacos, a beach burger and more, which can all be enjoyed outside on the sunny patio. If the weather doesn’t permit al fresco dining, order fish and chips and enjoy it inside with your dog.

On the Waterfront

Located on the water's edge in the picturesque town of Mahone Bay, Rebecca's Restaurant proudly makes fresh food in-house and sources locally wherever possible. After a delicious fish cake, take a short walk to the nearby Saltbox Brewing Company. While you try a local brew, your pooch can sip on a Canine Pale Ale broth made just for him.

Sip, Stroll, Repeat

Visitors to Cape Breton Island can sample Canada’s first single-malt whisky at Glenora Inn & Distillery. Dogs are welcome to join you for a walk around the grounds before dinner, then keep you company on the pet-friendly patio while you enjoy a taste of Nova Scotia. There’s even a pet-friendly room at the inn you can reserve if one drink turns into a few.

What are your favorite dog-friendly things to do in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by TourismPEI.