As spring turns slowly to summer and with warmer, sunny days finally on the horizon (fingers crossed!), it’s time to start planning how you’ll spend your vacation this summer.

If you’re like many Canadians, you may be sticking close to home for your adventures. And that’s good news – more Nova Scotians staying and travelling in Nova Scotia means more economic benefit to local businesses.

It’s also an opportunity to discover some of the unique museums and cultural experiences that are available in your own backyard. There’s a plethora of intriguing places to discover, including living museums that let you experience the past first hand. Best of all, most spots are just a drive away, so there’s need to book a flight or plan an overnight stay.

Here are a few hidden gems to get you started.

Le Village historique acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse, Pubnico
Explore Nova Scotia’s rich Acadian history at Le Village historique acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse in Lower West Pubnico. Overlooking Pubnico Harbour, the picturesque 17-acre site brings to life an early 1900s seaside village, with a range of historic buildings, including a lobster fishing shed, original wooden homes and a lighthouse.

Visit the grounds, chat with costumed staff and learn about historic farming, boat building and fishing traditions. In the onsite café, try tasty local Acadian cuisine, such as a house-made fricot or rappie pie.

Black Loyalist Heritage Centre, Shelburne
Situated in Birchtown, home of the largest free Black settlement outside Africa in the 1780s, the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre showcases the history, culture and enduring resilience of one of Nova Scotia’s oldest Black communities. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the centre, which has become a community hub and a beacon for Black history in Canada. With interactive displays, artifacts and a guided tour, learn about the history of Black Loyalists who sought freedom by serving with the British army during the American Revolutionary War, and then settling in Nova Scotia. The two-acre property includes historic buildings and a burial ground, walking trail and national monument.

In August, the museum will host “Journey Back to Birchtown,” with special presentations on Black history, plus music, food, dancing and other events.

Hooked Rug Museum of North America, Queensland
Connect with Nova Scotia’s long and vibrant tradition of hand-hooked fibre arts at the Hooked Rug Museum of North America, known as the world’s largest rug hooking museum. You’ll find hooked rugs in several different styles, periods and fibres, including works by Indigenous and Acadian artists, showcased in curated exhibits, as well as the tools used to create the art. The museum also boasts a large fibre art market and hosts rug hooking workshops. (Fun fact: The museum’s 2025 Canadian Rug Hooking Artist of the Year is Dr. Halina Bienkowski, a retired family physician in Amherst)

Sherbrooke Village, Sherbrooke
At this living history museum, get a taste of rural Nova Scotia in the 1860s. Stroll the streets and visit the range of preserved 19^th century buildings in Sherbrooke Village, including a print shop, blacksmith, sawmill, weaving cottage and general store. Chat with costumed staff as they demonstrate the activities of everyday life, including book making, chairmaking, weaving and pottery. You can sample period meals at the hotel and purchase many of the items made at the village in the onsite gift shop.

Membertou Heritage Park, Membertou
Learn about Mi’kmaq culture and heritage at Membertou Heritage Park in Membertou First Nation, Cape Breton. Visit the interpretive centre, check out Canada’s largest ash basket, a traditional birch bark canoe and many more exhibits and crafts. You can also book a guided tour with an Elder and learn about Mi’kmaq medicine, drumming, games and other practices. Get hands-on instruction in how to make a dreamcatcher, weave an ash basket or make beaded earrings at one of the centre’s many workshops.

Highland Village/Baile nan Gàidheal, Iona
See what life was like for Scottish settlers from the mid-1700s through to the early 1900s in this living history museum. Situated on an expansive property overlooking the Bras d’Or Lake in Iona, Highland Village is dedicated to preserving and promoting Nova Scotia’s Scottish Gaelic language, culture and heritage. Visit 11 period buildings and interact with costumed staff demonstrating spinning, weaving, wool dying and other handcrafts, cooking over an open hearth, and tending livestock. The site also hosts special events and concerts throughout the year.

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