What It’s Really Like to Ride Your Motorcycle In Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is one of Canada’s three Maritime provinces, is located almost exactly halfway between the Equator and the North Pole.

Nova Scotia is located on the eastern side of Canada, with an array of amazing things to see & do, you will be captivated by natural beauty. It is appropriate that Nova Scotia is named Canada’s Ocean Playground as it has 1500 miles of coastline. When in Nova Scotia you have an opportunity to enjoy whale and seal watching, deep sea fishing, sailing and put on a lot of miles exploring Nova Scotia on 2 wheels.

map of nova scotia

Ride Details

  • Speed Limits & Laws Find out about NS Laws, more than just speed limits
  • Border Crossing: Different ways to arrive in Nova Scotia
  • NS Roads: What are the roads really like?
  • Biker Friendly Accommodation: What sort of options are there for clean cheap motels?
  • Must Do Rides: Super rides you will want to do over and over
  • Riding Conditions Different views through out the province
  • Attractions Outdoors adventures await

Top Rides in Nova Scotia

The Cabot Trail

The Cabot Trail is one of the best rides in North America. Not only is the scenery amazing, so are the people. You will be rewarded

Planning a Ride to Nova Scotia?

Read the rest of this page for trip planning details. You’ll be glad you did. If you find it useful, please share it

Riding around Nova Scotia

Riding Conditions in the 7 areas of Nova Scotia

Riding in Nova Scotia you will experience amazing roads, culture and views, each region has lots to offer.

NS has 7 regions, each of them having their own beauty and uniqueness to them.
riding conditions in NS

Bay of Fundy & Annapolis Valley
Known for it’s highest tides of the world, a must do!
Cape Breton Island
Infamous Cabot Trail, a double must do
Eastern Shore
Riding along the coast then stop and surf!
Halifax Metro
So much to explore for history all day and take in the night life for their cuisine and pubs
Northumberland Shore
Best & freshest Lobster, bag pipes, beaches and warm Atlantic summers
Yarmouth & Acadian Shores
Light houses, real fishermen, fresh seafood after a great day of riding

Good Information for Riding in Nova Scotia

While riding in Nova Scotia you will find that it is a laid back, super friendly place to hang out, ride the roads, take in all the scenery and enjoy an amazing fresh seafood feast when you return.

Driver’s License/Insurance – Nova Scotia promotes Motorcycle Awareness all year. You must have valid insurance to ride in NS, along with a valid drivers license.

Once you are in Nova Scotia there are fuel stations to gas up at, buy snacks and have air available, the Price of fuel is in Litres, gas stations sell snacks and hot food, the drinking age is 19 in Nova Scotia.

Check our friend Daniel Ross from the Cabot Trail Biker, he will make your experience on the Cabot Trail so amazing you won’t want to leave.

What Are The Roads Like in Nova Scotia?

riding conditions in NS
With Nova Scotia having a land mass of over 55,000 square kilometres and with a population close to 940,000 (2014) stats, it is Canada’s 2nd smallest province. Nova Scotia is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, with 13 major highways and 18 secondary roads that are all maintained year round. The secondary roads that are less traveled, that will take you through some pretty neat small towns who love seeing motorcyclist.

Nova Scotia Laws

DOT Approved Helmet
It is the law for riders and passengers to wear a DOT approved helmet, you must have a valid driver’s license and insurance is also mandatory. Safety is important while riding, being alert and aware of your surroundings is key to a fun safe ride, signage is very good in most areas.
Construction Zone
Spring, Summer and Fall there is a lot of construction to rebuild all these millions of kilometres of roads, it is the law to slow down to the posted speed limit through a construction zone, fines are STEEP!
Passing Emergency Vehicles
At any time you pass an emergency vehicle (Police, Ambulance, Tow Truck, etc) on the shoulder of the road or in a lane, it is the law to slow down to 70km/hr

Wildlife in Nova Scotia

With Nova Scotia surrounded by the Atlantic ocean there are less 4 legged animals but a good chance to see some marine life. Any of these animals that you see along your ride are magnificent and we all know not to get close to these animals, feed them or get off your bike to take a picture.

Animals you may see:

  • Moose, Deer, Black Bear
  • Wolves, Coyotes, Foxes,
  • Raccoons, Badgers, skunks, Atlantic Puffin and all kinds of birds
  • Killer Whales, Greenland Sharks, Harp Seals

NEVER STOP WHEN WILDLIFE IS NEAR