• Visit provincial capital Halifax, which claims to be the second-largest natural harbour in the world (after Sydney in Australia) and has a long and distinguished history as a naval and military base. Harbour tours are available.

• Wonder at the Citadel, a star-shaped granite fortress built in 1749 and one of Canada's most visited National Historic Sites. Dominating Halifax, it is known for its kilted regiment, changing of the guard display and good views of the city and harbour.

• While in Halifax, see other highlights including: the historic Waterfront Area; Province House, the birthplace of Canadian democracy in 1819; St Paul's, Canada's oldest Protestant church; the Museum of Natural History; the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic (featuring Titanic exhibits); and the Victorian Halifax Public Gardens.

• Go to Peggy's Cove and see Canada's most photographed lighthouse, in an area known for its rugged and beautiful coastal scenery.

• Travel to Lunenburg, a German settlement established in 1753 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town's beautiful waterfront speaks of a rich history of fishing, shipbuilding and other maritime activities.

• Experience Nova Scotia's close ties with Scotland: street signs in Pugwash are in English and Gaelic and highland games are held annually in Antigonish.

• Nature lovers should head for Cape Breton Island. While there, visit Cape Breton Highlands National Park for spectacular scenery; the Fortress of Louisbourg, North America's largest historical restoration; and Baddeck, which is home to the Alexander Graham Bell Museum and Bell's final resting place.

• See some of the province's most characteristic wildlife in the Provincial Wildlife Park at Shubenacadie; amongst other creatures it shelters moose, bear, cougar, coyote and bald eagle (of which it has a particularly high population).

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.