In association with: Tourism Nova Scotia
Beautiful national parks and sensational beaches are ready to explore in a province that is brimming with adventure
Imagine a destination the size of Scotland that’s full of picturesque journeys, huge stretches of sand, stunning national parks, plus a host of adventurous activities from kayaking and rafting to hiking and stargazing. Welcome to Nova Scotia, the gateway to Atlantic Canada.
Nova Scotia is only six hours by plane from the UK, so your clients will be immersed in some of Canada’s most impressive natural beauty before they know it. The province is home to the Cabot Trail, which is on Cape Breton Island and one of the world’s most scenic drives.
Visitors can take in many of the province’s highlights when they embark on this 185-mile route, including the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Located on the northern tip of the island, the park is home to 26 hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty.
The Skyline Trail is one of the most popular, and it’s not hard to see why, with its unparalleled views over the Gulf of St Lawrence – you may even be lucky enough to spot whales from the footpaths. Look to the skies for a chance to spot bald eagles too!
For those who want to add some adventure to their trip, rafting is a must. The Bay of Fundy is home to some of the highest tides in the world, and this creates some incredible rapids along the Shubenacadie River, perfect for some tidal bore rafting.
Head to the south of Nova Scotia and to Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site for natural beauty. The park is part of the Southwest Nova Unesco Biosphere Reserve, one of six Unesco designated sites across Nova Scotia. And here, visitors can immerse themselves in their history and culture, as they learn about the way of life of the Mi’kmaq First Nations community, through petroglyphs and stone carvings.
The adventure doesn’t end when the sun sets. Kejimkujik National Park is a dark sky reserve and is one of the best places in North America for stargazing. Visitors can even camp under the stars here, to make the most of the views for even longer.
World-renowned wines
Nova Scotia’s location and climate lends itself to some exquisite winemaking. There are more than 20 wineries in the province alone, with wine production dating back as far as the 1600s.
The local wine pairs exceptionally well with seafood – a staple food in Nova Scotia. Mouth-watering cuisine can be found across the province, whether you’re trying out a fine-dining restaurant in the capital city of Halifax, or a small cafe on the Cabot Trail.
Tie in top-notch cuisine with some stargazing at Trout Point Lodge, the world’s first certified Starlight Hotel, where a flavourful four-course meal comes with an expert-led stargazing experience alongside Nova Scotian wine.
Book it
First Class Holidays offers an Atlantic Charm tour from £2,459 per person, based on a room share, travelling between September 27 – October 5. The price includes return flights from Gatwick to Halifax, 13 nights’ accommodation, 15 days of car hire, a whale watch cruise and ferry toll, and admission to 10 historic sights.
fcholidays.com / 0161 888 5606
North America Travel Service offers a Nova Scotia History & Natural Wonders fly-drive, from £1,339 per person based on two adults sharing on selected dates in September. The seven-night trip includes accommodation, flights with Air Canada, and care hire with full insurance.
northamericatravelservice.co.uk / 0333 323 9033
Online training
To find out more about Nova Scotia and how to sell the province to your clients, visit: novascotia.com/travel-trade/toolbox/elearning
PICTURES: janikrobichaud; Tourism Nova Scotia/Parks Canada; Destination Cape Breton Association; Tourism Nova Scotia/Acorn Art & Photography
