Nova Scotia is defined by the sea. It has 7,600km of coastline, the world’s highest tides and a maritime heritage that’s seen many cultures come, go and combine on its shores. The result is a diverse and vibrant province where you have the freedom to explore wide open spaces, dramatic cliff top drives, colourful fishing villages, historic forts and thriving harbours, where whales leap offshore, the seafood’s sublime and the people love to have a really good time!
So much to see
No matter if you’re a seafarer or a landlubber, Nova Scotia offers something to suit. Bustling capital Halifax is a great place to start: explore its Titanic connections and fascinating Pier 21 immigration museum.
Head east and you’ll find Cape Breton Island, home to the Cabot Trail, one of the world’s most scenic drives, plus a national park riddled with walking trails. To the north is the Bay of Fundy, where colossal tides provide all sorts of adventurous possibilities. Here, you can sea-kayak along ancient shores, investigate the 300 million-year-old relics at Joggins Fossil Cliffs or go whalewatching – 15 species frolic and feed in Nova Scotian waters. Then there’s the south, dotted with fishing villages – not least UNESCO-listed Lunenberg and pretty Peggy’s Cove.
It goes without saying that the seafood is delicious and fresh local food is a way of life. Stop off at a cosy café for succulent salmon, lobster and Digby scallops, all perfectly paired with a glass ofNova Scotian wine. Then join in the party: Nova Scotia holds 550 festivals and events each year.
Go now!
It’s always a great time to visit Nova Scotia – in particular, summers are warm and full of festivals, while autumn is spectacular, as the trees turn a rich collage of reds and yellows.
Also, 2013 celebrates the 300th anniversary of the founding of Ile Royale – modern day Cape Breton Island – with Louisbourg as its capital. The Fortress of Louisbourg is hosting a summer-long fête to celebrate (www.pc.gc.ca). It also sees the restored
Bluenose II, a legendary local schooner, resume a full sailing schedule (www.bluenose.
novascotia.ca). And be sure to visit historic Grand-Pré, Nova Scotia’s third UNESCO World Heritage site (grand-pre.com).
Getting there’s easy, too. It’s less than a six-hour flight from the UK to Halifax, with only
a four-hour time difference. Check out www.novascotia.com.
Nova Scotia’s top 9 must-dos
1. Sample super seafood
Dine on delicious lobster, Digby scallops, mussels and more.
2. Explore Halifax
Discover the sea-faring heritage of Atlantic Canada’s largest city.
3. Drive the Cabot Trail
Enjoy one of the world’s most scenic highways.
4. Take on the Bay of Fundy’s BIG tides
Walk on the ocean floor and kayak alongside giant cliffs.
5. Meet the locals
Learn about Nova Scotia’s Acadian, Mi’kmaq, Scottish and African roots.
6. Visit historic Lunenburg
Stroll the colourful waterfront of this UNESCO-listed town.
7. Paddle the past
Canoe the traditional trade routes of the indigenous Mi’kmaq.
8. Head to the lighthouse
Visit the pretty fishing village at Peggy’s Cove.
9. Go whale-watching
Spot a wealth of species, including humpback, minke, right, finback and pilot whales.
For more information, visit www.novascotia.com
