The best museums in Nova Scotia in September 2025

These are the top 50 best museums in Nova Scotia, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Nova Scotia, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Nova Scotia.

Looking for the best museums in Nova Scotia? These are the best ones:

  1. Halifax Citadel National Historic Site1

    Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

     Halifax
    The Halifax Citadel, a large British fortification, is located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It was constructed between the years 1828 and 1856. This historic site served as a protective measure for one of the four most important naval bases of the British Empire. Today, it stands as a testament to the strategic importance of Halifax during this period.
  2. Maritime Museum of the Atlantic2

    Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

     Halifax
    The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, situated in downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia, holds the distinction of being the oldest and largest maritime museum in Canada. It boasts a vast collection of over 30,000 artifacts, providing a comprehensive insight into the maritime history of the region.
  3. Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 213

    Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

     Halifax
    The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, also known as Pier 21, is one of the nine national museums in Canada and is recognized as a national historic site. Located in Halifax, it holds a significant place in the country's history and culture. The museum offers a comprehensive insight into the immigration history of Canada, making it a worthwhile visit for those interested in understanding the country's diverse cultural heritage.
  4. Alexander Keith's4

    Alexander Keith's

     Halifax
  5. CSS Acadia5

    CSS Acadia

     Halifax
  6. HMCS6

    HMCS

     Halifax
    The HMCS Sackville (K181) is a significant piece of Canadian naval history. It served as a Flower-class corvette in the Royal Canadian Navy and later as a civilian research vessel. Today, it stands as a museum ship in Halifax, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past.
  7. Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site7

    Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site

     Baddeck
    The Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site is a significant 10-hectare property located in Baddeck, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada. It offers a picturesque view of the Bras d'Or Lakes. This site is a part of Parks Canada, the national park system, and is home to the largest collection of artifacts and documents from Bell's experimental years in Baddeck.
  8. Bedford Institute of Oceanography8

    Bedford Institute of Oceanography

     Dartmouth
  9. Museum of Natural History9

    Museum of Natural History

     Halifax
    The Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History, located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, is a museum dedicated to natural history and archaeology. It is part of the Nova Scotia Museum system and has a rich history dating back to 1868. The museum houses a variety of exhibits, including artifacts from the Mi’kmaq, scientific apparatus, fossils and minerals, animals, paintings, and prints.
  10. Naval Museum of Halifax10

    Naval Museum of Halifax

     Halifax
  11. Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame11

    Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame

     Halifax
  12. Sherbrooke Village12

    Sherbrooke Village

     Sherbrooke
  13. 13

    The SS Atlantic Heritage Interpretation Park

     Terence Bay
  14. Shearwater Aviation Museum14

    Shearwater Aviation Museum

     Shearwater
    The Shearwater Aviation Museum is situated at CFB Shearwater in Shearwater, Nova Scotia. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique insight into the history of Canadian maritime military aviation. The museum is dedicated to acquiring, conserving, organizing, researching, and interpreting artifacts and documents that exemplify this rich history, making it a fascinating destination for both Canadian Forces personnel and the general public.
  15. 15

    Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre

     Halifax
  16. Nova Scotia Archives16

    Nova Scotia Archives

     Halifax
  17. deGarthe Gallery17

    deGarthe Gallery

     Peggy's Cove
    The home of William Edward deGarthe in Peggy's Cove has been converted into the William E. deGarthe Gallery. This gallery houses a permanent exhibition of 65 of deGarthe's paintings and sculptures. The gallery is open to the public from May 1 until October 31 each year, offering visitors a chance to experience the artist's work firsthand.
  18. The Farmers’ Bank of Rustico & Doucet House Museums18

    The Farmers’ Bank of Rustico & Doucet House Museums

     New Glasgow
  19. 19

    Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum

     Bedford
  20. Wile Carding Mill20

    Wile Carding Mill

     Bridgewater
    The Wile Carding Mill, located in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, Canada, is a unique site that offers a glimpse into the past. Although it is no longer in regular operation, the mill is still functional. This provides an opportunity for visitors to see how a carding mill works, adding a hands-on, educational aspect to their visit.
  21. Prescott House Museum21

    Prescott House Museum

     Port Williams
    The Prescott House Museum is a historic house and gardens located at Starr's Point. It is part of the Museum of Nova Scotia, making it a significant part of the region's cultural heritage. The house was built between 1812 and 1816 by Charles Ramage Prescott, a wealthy Halifax merchant who used the estate, known as Acacia Grove, as a base for agricultural experiments.
  22. Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic22

    Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic

     Lunenburg
    The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, located in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada, operates seasonally from mid-May through mid-October. This timing is crucial for tourists planning their visit to the museum. The seasonal operation ensures that visitors get the best experience, with all the museum's features and attractions fully operational.
  23. Oaklawn Farm Zoo23

    Oaklawn Farm Zoo

     Millville
    The Oaklawn Farm Zoo, situated in Millville, Nova Scotia, Canada, is a family-owned and operated establishment that opened its doors to the public in 1984. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a unique opportunity to interact with a diverse range of animals in a rural setting.
  24. Bay of Fundy Geological Museum24

    Bay of Fundy Geological Museum

     Parrsboro
    The museum houses a variety of exhibits, including fossils of the prosauropod dinosaur, Plateosaurus engelhardti. In addition to this, the museum also showcases exhibits on local minerals and provides an explanation of the Bay of Fundy tides. These exhibits offer a comprehensive understanding of the geological history and natural phenomena of the region.
  25. 25

    Ottawa House Museum

     Parrsboro
  26. Joggins Fossil Centre26

    Joggins Fossil Centre

     Joggins
    Joggins is a quaint rural community nestled in the western part of Cumberland County in Nova Scotia, Canada. This location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it an interesting destination for tourists.
  27. 27

    Black Cultural Centre For Nova Scotia

     Halifax
    The Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia is situated in Cherry Brook, Nova Scotia, within the Halifax Regional Municipality. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of African Nova Scotians.
  28. Fort Point Museum28

    Fort Point Museum

     LaHave
    Fort Sainte-Marie-de-Grâce, once the capital of Acadia from 1632 to 1636, is now a national historic site located in LaHave, Nova Scotia, Canada. This site is a testament to the rich history of the region and offers visitors a glimpse into the past. The fort's strategic location and historical significance make it a fascinating destination for those interested in history and culture.
  29. Shand House Museum29

    Shand House Museum

     Windsor
    The Shand House Museum, a part of the Nova Scotia Museum, is situated in Windsor, Nova Scotia. This historic house was constructed between 1890 and 1891 for Clifford and Henrie Shand. It stands as a testament to the architectural style and social history of the late Victorian Era.
  30. Museum of Industry30

    Museum of Industry

     Stellarton
    The Nova Scotia Museum of Industry, situated in Stellarton, Nova Scotia, is a provincial museum that focuses on the history of work and workers in Nova Scotia. This museum is part of the Nova Scotia Museum system and aims to illustrate how the province was influenced by the opportunities and challenges that came with the Industrial Age.
  31. Fultz House Museum31

    Fultz House Museum

     Lower Sackville
    The Fultz House Museum is open to the public from 10am to 5pm every day during the months of July and August. This schedule allows visitors ample time to explore the museum and its exhibits, providing a comprehensive understanding of the region's history.
  32. Mcculloch House Museum & Genealogy Centre32

    Mcculloch House Museum & Genealogy Centre

     Pictou
    The McCulloch House Museum, located in Pictou, Nova Scotia, is a part of the Nova Scotia Museum. This affiliation provides the museum with a high level of credibility and ensures that the exhibits and artifacts are maintained to a high standard. Visitors can expect a well-curated and informative experience.
  33. Macdonald Museum33

    Macdonald Museum

     Middleton
  34. Ross Farm Museum34

    Ross Farm Museum

     New Ross
    The Ross Farm Museum is an agricultural museum situated in New Ross, Nova Scotia. It is conveniently located about an hour's drive from Halifax, making it easily accessible for tourists visiting the area. The museum offers a unique opportunity to explore Nova Scotia's rural heritage and learn about its agricultural history.
  35. Scott Manor House35

    Scott Manor House

     Bedford
    The Scott Manor House, constructed between 1769 and 1772, currently serves as a museum in Bedford, Nova Scotia. This historical building offers a glimpse into the past, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about the region's history and heritage.
  36. Greenwood Aviation Museum36

    Greenwood Aviation Museum

     Greenwood
    The Greenwood Military Aviation Museum is situated in Greenwood, Nova Scotia. This museum is dedicated to the preservation and display of military aviation history and artifacts. It provides an opportunity for visitors to explore the rich history of aviation in a unique and engaging environment.
  37. Fort Anne National Historic Site37

    Fort Anne National Historic Site

     Annapolis Royal
    Fort Anne, situated in the town of Annapolis Royal in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, holds a significant place in history. The first fort was constructed in 1636, marking the beginning of a long and eventful history that has shaped the region.
  38. St. Patrick's Church Museum38

    St. Patrick's Church Museum

     Sydney
  39. Haliburton House Museum39

    Haliburton House Museum

     Windsor
    The Haliburton House Museum is a significant part of the Nova Scotia Museum system. It is situated in Windsor, Nova Scotia. This location is known for its rich history and cultural significance, making it an interesting destination for tourists who are interested in learning more about Canada's past.
  40. Uniacke Estate Museum Park40

    Uniacke Estate Museum Park

     Mount Uniacke
    The Uniacke Estate Museum Park is a preserved historic home located at Mount Uniacke. It was the residence of Richard John Uniacke, who was Nova Scotia's Attorney-General during the War of 1812. The estate, which was built around 1813, offers a glimpse into the life and times of Uniacke and his family.
  41. 41

    Fisherman's Life Museum

     Musquodoboit Harbour
  42. 42

    SMRA Education & Interpretive Centre

     Guysborough
  43. 43

    Firefighters' Museum of Nova Scotia

     Yarmouth
  44. 44

    MacPhee House Community Museum

     Sheet Harbour
    The MacPhee House, located in Sheet Harbour, Nova Scotia, has a rich history that dates back to its construction around 1875. Originally built as a hotel, it now serves as a visitor information centre and is recognized on the Canadian Register of Historic Places for its significant heritage value. This recognition underscores the importance of the MacPhee House in the historical and cultural landscape of Nova Scotia.
  45. 45

    Acadian House Museum

     West Chezzetcook
    The Acadian House Museum, located in West Chezzetcook, Nova Scotia, Canada, is a unique blend of a living and interpretive museum. It was officially opened to the public in 1997, offering visitors a chance to experience and learn about the rich history and culture of the region.
  46. 46

    Fairbanks Centre

     Dartmouth
  47. 47

    Cumberland County Museum & Archives

     Amherst
  48. Churchill House48

    Churchill House

     Hantsport
    Churchill House, located in Hantsport, Nova Scotia, is a historic house and community centre. This well-preserved structure was built in 1860 and today serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. It's a significant part of the local history, having been built by the renowned shipbuilder Ezra Churchill for his son John Wiley Churchill.
  49. 49

    Oak Island Interpretive Center

     Martins Point
  50. 50

    The Cape Breton Centre for Heritage and Science

     Sydney

All museums in Nova Scotia