Nova Scotia
Description: for generations, the rugged coastline with its countless bays and inlets, has provided shelter for small fishing villages, especially along the southern shores. It was here that the first settlers and pirates came, followed by Loyalists and immigrants from Europe. Summer and autumn are generally warm, although the eastern areas and Cape Breton are often windy. The capital, Halifax, is a compact city with an attractive harbourfront that has many reminders of its rich seafaring past and strong English and Celtic backgrounds.
Activities: guided sea kayaking, bird watching, especially around the Bay of Fundy and Hertford and Ciboux islands, tidal bore rafting in the Minas Basin, hiking and biking in several national parks, whalewatching, fishing and horse trail rides.
Attractions: mostly in Halifax, which this year is celebrating its 250th anniversary with many events. Top places include the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic with a 15min 3D video presentation of the sinking of the Titanic; Citadel National Historic Site; the new Pier 21 centre featuring Canada’s mass-immigration period and involvement in World War Two; Harbourside Market for inexpensive yet excellent fish and seafood meals. Also Peggy’s Cove, the picturesque fishing village of Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, Dartmouth, Cape Breton Island, the Lightouse Route and various scenic trails, including the Evangeline, Glooscap and Sunrise routes.
Tours: Cabot Trail tour, following the steps of navigator and explorer John Cabot; Cape Breton Highlands National Park; Bras d’Or Lakes sailing adventure tour; golf by the seas of Cape Breton; the Titanic story and graves tour of Halifax.
Accommodation: first-class hotels in Halifax to rustic B&Bs and historic Victorian properties.
Sample product: Globespan offers two 14-day self-drive itineraries round-trip from Halifax which include car and accommodation only. Prices in mid-September from £434. Also a choice of five hotels in Halifax from £27 per person per night twinshare. Vacation Canada offers a Maritimes Discovery flydrive out of Halifax from £1,069. Includes flights, car and accommodation.
Comment: “We have 6,000km of scenic isolated beaches, but we don’t sell them as we are a touring destination. We have a lot of English history and culture, and Halifax has a strong Victorian flavour. Nova Scotia has been traditionally sold as a long-haul destination, but people don’t realise how close it is to the UK.”
Ron Comeau, head of marketing, Europe, Nova Scotia Economic Development and Tourism.
Contact: Nova Scotia Marketing Agency. Tel: 001 902 424 5000.
Internet site: www.explore.gov.ns.ca