Exploring Nova Scotia: Travel Options For Americans

Americans can travel to Nova Scotia, Canada, by plane, bus, train, car, or subway. The fastest way to get from the United States to Nova Scotia is by plane, which takes approximately 5 hours and costs between $170 and $600. The cheapest way to get to Nova Scotia is by night bus and train, which costs between $130 and $270 and takes approximately 33 hours.

If you are an American citizen, you may live in Canada. However, if your stay exceeds 180 days, you will likely need a visa. You will also need a visa or work permit if you plan to work in Canada. Nova Scotia has a relatively low cost of living compared to other Canadian provinces, with affordable housing outside of urban centres like Halifax.

Travel by land, sea, or air

Travel by Land

Americans can travel to Nova Scotia by road. There are several communities that you can enter Nova Scotia through. The road distance from the United States to Nova Scotia is 903.7 miles, and the drive will take approximately 15 hours.

Travel by Sea

You can also travel to Nova Scotia by sea. It is possible to get there by ferry, cruise ship, or boat.

Travel by Air

There are several ways to travel to Nova Scotia by air. The Halifax Robert L. Stanfield International Airport is the Atlantic Canadian hub for domestic, regional, and international services. The airport is served by several airlines, including Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines. There are direct flights to Halifax from New York, Boston, and other US cities. The flight time from the United States to Nova Scotia is approximately 5 hours.

Alternatively, you can fly to the JA Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport in Cape Breton Island, which is served by Air Canada and WestJet.

Travel time and costs

There are 10 ways to travel from the USA to Nova Scotia, including by plane, bus, train, car, subway, or night bus. The best option depends on your budget, time constraints, and preferences. Here is a breakdown of the different options:

• Flying: The fastest way to get to Nova Scotia is by plane, with a flight time of around 5 hours. The cost of a flight ranges from $170 to $600. Major airlines offering flights to Nova Scotia include Air Canada, American Airlines, and JetBlue Airways.
• Driving: If you prefer to drive, the distance between the USA and Nova Scotia is approximately 904 miles. The drive will take around 15 hours.
• Bus and Train: For a more affordable option, consider taking a bus and train. This method costs between $180 and $340 and takes about 33 hours.
• Night Bus and Train: The cheapest option is to take a night bus and train, which costs between $130 and $270. However, this option also takes the longest, at around 33 hours.

When planning your trip, keep in mind that the best time to visit Nova Scotia is typically from May to October, when the weather is pleasant, and the coastal landscapes are at their best. Summer, particularly July and August, is the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and more crowds during this period. The winter months are much quieter but can be extremely cold, with temperatures dropping as low as 5°F (-15°C).

Visa requirements

If you are an American citizen, you can travel to Nova Scotia, Canada, but there are certain requirements and procedures to follow. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about visa requirements for Americans travelling to Nova Scotia:

Yes, if you are an American citizen and your stay in Canada exceeds 180 days, you will most likely need a visa. You will also need a visa or work permit if you intend to work in Canada.

Nova Scotia has a Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP) with a Labour Market Priorities stream, which is considered one of the easiest Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) for overseas applicants to obtain Permanent Residency (PR). This stream often invites profiles without a connection to the province.

If you are nominated by a province as a US citizen, you will almost always receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Permanent Residence from the Canadian Government. This program is available to US citizens who want to immigrate to Canada and have the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the province's economy.

Yes, you can immigrate to Nova Scotia without a job offer through the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP). Having a job offer can, however, increase your chances of receiving a nomination from Nova Scotia.

Yes, US citizens can retire in Canada, especially if they already have family members living there, such as a child or grandchild. There are also other ways to retire in Canada even if you don't have any family connections.

American visitors to Canada can typically stay for up to six months. However, the border services officer at the port of entry may allow a shorter or longer stay depending on the specific circumstances.

There are no ownership restrictions for US citizens in Canada. Commercial and residential properties can be purchased without any restrictions. However, it is recommended to consult tax professionals specialising in cross-border transactions to understand the potential tax liabilities in both countries.

Healthcare access

Healthcare in Nova Scotia is provided through the provincial health insurance program, which is funded through the general revenues of the province. There are no premiums to pay, but it is important to carry a signed Nova Scotia Health Card at all times.

The YourHealthNS app provides Nova Scotians with access to their electronic health records, allowing them to view information about their hospital visits, medications, lab results, and diagnostic imaging scans. This service is part of a larger digital health transformation, aiming to empower individuals to take charge of their health and make informed decisions.

However, some American expats have expressed concerns about the accessibility of healthcare in Nova Scotia. There are reports of long wait times, difficulties in obtaining appointments with family doctors, and frequent closures of local ERs. These issues are not unique to Nova Scotia, but reflect a broader challenge within the Canadian healthcare system.

For Americans considering a move to Nova Scotia, particularly those with existing medical conditions or children with special healthcare needs, it is essential to carefully research and plan. While the province offers a tight-knit community and a relatively low cost of living, healthcare access is a critical factor to consider.

One option to mitigate this concern is to reside in Halifax, which is home to the IWK children's hospital, a regional centre known for its great healthcare services for children. Additionally, residing in Halifax provides easier access to other healthcare facilities and ensures that emergency medical care is more readily available.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Nova Scotia varies depending on the location. In Halifax, a family of four can expect to spend around $3,649.50 (or $5,235.10 CAD) per month, excluding rent. For a single person, the estimated monthly costs are $1,024.50 ($1,469.60 CAD) without rent. Rent in Halifax is, on average, 67% lower than in New York.

In comparison, the cost of living in Cape Breton is 11% lower than the Nova Scotia average and 19% lower than the national average. Housing in Cape Breton is significantly more affordable, with prices 79% lower than the national average. However, it is important to note that the general sales tax in Nova Scotia is 67% higher than the national average, and the state income tax is 4% higher.

When considering the cost of living in Nova Scotia, it is worth noting that healthcare access has been described as a significant issue by some residents and expats. There have been reports of difficulties in finding family doctors and long wait times for appointments and emergency services.

Overall, while Nova Scotia offers beautiful scenery and a laid-back lifestyle, prospective residents should carefully consider the cost of living, including housing, taxes, and healthcare access, before making the move.

Frequently asked questions