 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
Nova Scotia
AND CAPE BRETON ISLAND
Canada's Ocean Playground
Located on the Atlantic Coast of Canada, Nova Scotia is a
remarkably scenic province that is known for its friendly hospitality and
abounding maritime culture.
Nova Scotia is Latin for New Scotland, and the region's Celtic heritage makes
it an appealing destination for visitors from around the world.
The capital of Nova Scotia, Halifax, is a beautiful port city that boasts a
myriad of attractions, including the historic Citadel and Pier 21 - Canada's
tribute to its vibrant immigrant heritage.
Other Nova Scotian must-see destinations include Cape Breton Highlands
National Park which was a prominent port of entry for brave adventurers
arriving from Europe; the peaceful fishing community of Lunenburg; Peggy's
Cove which boasts one of the most famous lighthouses in Atlantic Canada; and
the Fortress of Louisbourg a National Historic Site that pays homage to an
early French settlement over 250 years ago.
Nova Scotia is the second-smallest province in Canada with an area of 55,284
square kilometres. Its population of 940,397 makes it the
fourth-least-populous province of the country, though second-most-densely
populated.
Parliament House in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Halifax
The Capital of Nova Scotia
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada is a modern port city teeming
with culture and heritage and the perfect place for your next holiday
vacation.
The entire Halifax region delights with its impressive array of entertainment,
attractions, fine restaurants, colourful gardens and lively nightlife. Through
our 188 communities, explore charming seaside towns, sun-drenched beaches,
sparkling coves and miles of rugged shoreline guarded by graceful lighthouses.
Imagine the vivacity of city living, the charms of small town life and the
pristine beauty of nature - all in one place!
Nature has blessed this area with sandy beaches, rugged shorelines and
colorful gardens. This fine location was the site of the first British town in
Canada, founded in 1749. Since then, the area has evolved to be home for a
diverse mix of people. Charming fishing villages, farming communities and
Atlantic Canada's largest city awaits you.
In the heart of the downtown you'll find art galleries, museums, historic
sites and churches, shopping, sidewalk cafe and friendly nightclubs. Lively
pubs and livelier entertainment and a nightlife that doesn't quit, spectacular
shows, first class sporting events, riveting live theatre on both sides of the
harbour.
Citadel Hill in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Attractions
Halifax Citadel National Historic
Site: This star-shaped citadel, a 19th century British
fortification, is one of the most visited National Historic Sites in Canada.
You'll first encounter the Citadel's pipers and drummers, along with the
Halifax Town Crier, as they greet all cruise ships dockside with an
award-winning cruise arrival program. Experience life as it was in the 1800s
or simply arrive in time for the noon gun, followed by lunch in the soldier's
library. The Citadel, atop a hill overlooking the city, is about a 20 minute
walk from the Halifax Cruise Pavilion.
Harborfront: refurbished as "Historic
Properties", an attractive pedestrian precinct containing restored 19th
Century stone warehouses and old wharf buildings made into bright shops and
artists' studios, restaurants and taverns with terraces overlooking the
harbor.
Liquor Dome: Anyone seeking nightlife
activities in the form of nightclubs in Halifax, Nova Scotia might want to
check out the Dome on Argyle Street (downtown Halifax). Inside there are 5
different bars (connected by holes in the original walls of several
buildings); a dance club, a country bar, a sports bar, a cheers type bar, and
a pizzeria. Everything you need under one roof.
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic: is the
oldest and largest Maritime Museum in Canada. The collection at the Halifax
museum includes artifacts, images, charts and plans relating to the marine
history of Nova Scotia, including the Halifax Explosion and the Halifax
connection to the Titanic.
Pier 21 National Historic Site: Steps away
from the cruise ship terminal was Canada's 'front door' to over one million
immigrants, wartime evacuees, refugees, troops, war brides and their children.
Experience the history of this national historic treasure which has been
transformed into a testament to Canada's profoundly emotional immigration
experience.
Public Gardens: One of the finest original
formal Victorian Public Gardens in North America, and an excellent spot for
Halifax sightseeing. Enjoy sparkling fountains, historic statuary, a natural
pond system teaming with bird life, and concerts in the red roofed gazebo.
Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia.
Cape Breton Island
Cape North, Glace Bay, Inverness, Louisbourg, Port Hawkesbury, Sydney, Sydney Mines
Voted One of the World's Most Beautiful Islands, Cape
Breton Boasts top-notch golf, hiking and adventure!
Cape Breton Island is for its dramatic natural beauty and Scottish heritage.
When visiting Cape Breton, go salmon fishing, golf Nova Scotia courses with
magnificent scenery, take in glorious autumn foliage, or have a sip at Glenora
Distillery, Canada's only single malt whisky distillery.
Drive or hike the Cabot Trail to explore the rocky splendor of Cape Breton's
northern shore, ascending to the incredible plateaus of Cape Breton Highlands
National Park, voted one of the most scenic drives in the world. Spot whales
off Cape Breton's rugged coastline, watch eagles soar and immerse yourself in
Scottish dance and music at the annual Celtic Colours festival. The only
things more beautiful than the scenery and events are the people.
White Point, Cape Breton.
Attractions
Baddeck: is one of the
most beautiful villages in Nova Scotia. Its name means "where an island is
nearby". Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, had a summer
residence here.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park: This
national park with numerous footpaths extends over 985 sq.km in the north of
the island between the St Lawrence River and the Atlantic. The varied animal
life is particularly impressive and includes beaver, deer, wild-cats, parrots,
wild duck and eagles.
Cape Breton Miners' Museum: shows how coal
originated, as well as demonstrating old and new coal mining methods. A tour
of a mine is particularly impressive. Old miners graphically illustrate life
at the coal seams. Next to the museum is a reconstruction of miners' quarters
in the second half of the 19th Century. The coal company's shop impressively
illustrates how dependent the miners were.
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site:
is Canada's most famous historical reconstruction, the prototype of a "Living
History Museum" offering visitors an opportunity to experience at first hand
the rigors of mid 18th Century. life on the far from hospitable, frequently
mist-shrouded, east coast of Canada. Throughout the main tourist season
appropriately costumed "townspeople" - servants, soldiers, merchants, maids
and fishermen - re-enact the arduous daily round of those times.
Low Tide at Hall's Harbour fishing village.
Fundy / Annapolis Valley
Amherst, Annapolis Royal, Digby, Maitland, Springhill, Stewiacke, Truro
With tides that reach up to 16.5 metres (54 feet), it is a
spectacular natural phenomenon that occurs nowhere else on the planet. The
power of nature is everywhere around the Bay of Fundy and Annapolis Valley,
with rocky shores, broad mud flats, and populations of whales, migrating shore
birds and other marine life.
The Bay of Fundy area is also rich in Canadian history. Some 400 years ago,
early settlers established their forts, farms and fishing villages along this
picturesque coast and in the fertile Annapolis Valley.
Nova Scotia is famous for it's many species of whales that can be seen not far
off the coast. In this region you can take several whale watching tours off
Digby Neck, kayak the Nova Scotia coastline, try some world famous Digby
Scallops or simply enjoy watching the high tides along Canada's famous Bay of
Fundy.
The Annapolis Valley is home to the Nova Scotia wine region, famous apple
orchards, farmers markets and hosts some of the most popular Nova Scotia food
and wine festivals. Wine tasting tours are popular in this area and several of
Canada's award winning wines are made locally.
Whale watching near Digby
Attractions
Anne Murray Center: is
a tribute to Anne Murray who grew up in the small town of Springfield. On
display at the centre are awards, wardrobe items, photographs, and other Anne
Murray memorabilia. The Centre is a tribute to the Anne's amazing career. Rows
of gold and platinum albums, and glittering trophies of all shapes and sizes
fill every inch of the room. (Springhill)
Digby: outdoor patios on stilts. See the
tides from 4 stories or 1`story high depending on the time of day. Also, Digby
Museum, one of the oldest structures in the Town of Digby and is named in
honor of Rear Admiral Robert Digby, although he never lived in the building.
Exhibits include pioneer furnishings, photographs and marine artifacts.
Fort Anne: As the focal point for French
and British settlement and as the seat of government of Acadia and then Nova
Scotia, Fort Anne National Historic Site played an important role in Canadian
history. The site was the scene of numerous battles as France and England
fought for control of North America in the 17th and 18th centuries. (Annapolis
Royal)
Habitation Port-Royal: Outside Annapolis
Royal, about 10km (6mi) to the north on the north bank of the Annapolis River,
stands the Habitation Port-Royal settlement of Sieur des Monts, which has been
faithfully restored. The whole complex is now an historic monument.
Springhill Miners' Museum : Springhill
flourished in the 1830s with the discovery of coal here. Today visitors can
tour a mine and learn of the history of mining in this town. A washhouse, lamp
cabin and mine are features of the exhibits at the Springhill Miners' Museum.
(Springhill)
Tidal Power Station: Outside Annapolis
Royal, about 10km (6mi) to the north on the north bank of the tidal power
station at Annapolis is the first of its kind in North America. It started up
in 1985 and utilizes the hydro-energy released by the tidal rise, which is the
highest in the world. It is also a pilot scheme for a much larger power
station based on the same principle, which is expected to produce 6000
megawatts of electricity.
Fundy / Annapolis Valley Tourism
Halifax Harbour boardwalk.
Halifax / Dartmouth
Bedford, Dartmouth, Halifax, Sambro
Old world charm, new world pulse, Halifax, Nova Scotia's
capital city, was founded in 1749, and is brimming with history. Halifax, Nova
Scotia is home to an historic waterfront, galleries, museums, theatres,
restaurants, pubs, shopping and entertainment of all descriptions.
Take a Halifax tour of 18th and 19th century architecture, the massive
star-shaped Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada, or the bustling
harbour featuring the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and Pier 21 National
Historic Site.
Dartmouth is connected to the city of Halifax by
two suspension bridges and by ferry. Although Dartmouth is today part of the
Halifax Regional Municipality, the town has a long history and has its own
unique character.
Halifax Citadel
Attractions
Alderney Landing:
houses a professional, fully-equipped 285 seat theatre and an abundant indoor
Market - all overlooking Halifax Harbour from the beautiful Dartmouth
waterfront. Alderney Landing also features a huge open air event plaza where
Canada Day and many outdoor festivals are celebrated every summer with
staggering energy and fun. (Dartmouth)
Black Cultural Center for Nova Scotia : in
Dartmouth deals with the history and culture of blacks in Nova Scotia. Topics
include the Migration, Slavery, the Underground Railway, the Maroons, and
Black Inventors. (Dartmouth)
Halifax: see The Capital of Nova Scotia top of page.
Peggy's Cove: 43km
south-west of Halifax lies Peggy's Cove, a particularly delightful little bay
on the rugged Atlantic coast. Colorful houses and an old lighthouse give the
pretty spot a special atmosphere.
Quaker House: built (c 1785) as a
merchants' home, features period furnishings and a hand decorated entrance way
plus construction phase interpretation panels in each room. The House is
associated with the Nantucket Quaker Whalers who operated a whaling business
in Dartmouth for a period of years. Herb gardens are located to the rear.
(Dartmouth)
Royal Canadian Legion Military Museum:
Displays at the Royal Canadian Legion Military Museum in Dartmouth include
uniforms and items from the Boer War, World War I, World War II, and the
Korean War. Exhibits on the second floor include navy, army, air force,
merchant navy and a hospital room. (Dartmouth)
Peggy's Cove outside of Halifax.
South Shore
Barrington, Bridgewater, Liverpool, Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, Peggy's Cove, Shelburne
Tour Nova Scotia's South Shore, from vibrant Peggy's Cove
to historic Lunenburg and Shelburne to peaceful Cape Sable Island.
The South Shore is the historic centre of Nova Scotia's fishing industry, as
well as the home of the famous Bluenose Schooner. A tour along Nova Scotia's
South Shore vividly recalls the charm and richness of its fishing and sailing
past through authentic fishing villages, white sandy beaches, island-studded
bays and our famous lighthouses. You can also discover historic towns,
privateering legends and local artisans.
A tour of Peggy's Cove will introduce you to waves crashing upon the rugged
granite stones, and you can mail a postcard from the only post office located
inside a lighthouse.
Mahone Bay is known for its photogenic three churches, and Lunenburg, Nova
Scotia, is home to the famous Bluenose II and the Fisheries Museum of the
Atlantic. Further still, peaceful Cape Sable Island and Shelburne are favorite
tourist spots with wildlife and beautifully scenery.
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
Attractions
Hank Snow Country Music Centre:
World renowned country music legend Hank Snow was born just outside of
Liverpool, Nova Scotia. As a young teenager he occasionally slept in
Liverpool's historic CN Railway Station, now the home of the most unique
country music attraction northeast of Nashville, the Hank Snow Counrty Music
Centre. The museum contains interactive, educational displays, telling the
history of country music and its instruments, which are a delight for our
younger audiences. You are also invited to watch rare footage on various video
presentations. (Liverpool)
Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic: The
breath-taking Lunenburg waterfront is the home of the world-class Fisheries
Museum of the Atlantic. This Museum commemorates the fishing heritage of the
Atlantic Coast of Canada. Housed in brightly painted red buildings, with
floating vessels at wharfside, the Museum offers a host of attractions and
nautical Gift Shop. (Lunenburg)
Kejimkujik National Park: Kejimkujik, the
only inland national park of Canada in the Maritimes, features abundant lakes
and rivers ideal for canoeing. The lush woodlands and gently rolling
landscapes are home to a variety of wildlife. Visitors will find historic
canoe routes, portages and many beautiful hiking trails in the park. (Maitland
Bridge)
Clam Harbour Beach, Nova Scotia.
Eastern Shore
Canso, Melrose, Seal Habour, Sheet Harbour, Ship Harbour
A nature lover's paradise, this region's rugged coastline is a world-class destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and the seaside parks provide picnic spots and superb hiking trails at some of the province's finest sand beaches.
The pounding waves of Lawrencetown Beach have long made it
a mecca for surfers and windsurfers, while fishermen are drawn to the region's
lakes and rivers.
This area is also brimming with history. Sherbrooke Village lets you step back
in time to a 1860s lumbering and shipbuilding community, and museums at
Goldboro and Goldenville bring to life the history of gold mining in Nova
Scotia.
Attractions
Canso Islands National Historic
Site of Canada: Grassy Island features the ruins of 18th century
fortifications and the remains of a colonial New England fishing station that
are the reminders of a thriving community that was once the commercial heart
of Nova Scotia. Free boat service to the island is available from the Visitor
Centre on the mainland.
Fisherman's Cove: Only 20 minutes from
Downtown Halifax, Fishermans Cove is one of Nova Scotia's oldest and newest
tourist destinations. Enjoy the sounds of the ocean and views that'll have you
stopping for another roll of film. Watch the fishermen come in with their
daily catch; you can buy their fish right here! Take a boat ride and explore
McNabs Island. You can also learn the great history of Fishermans Cove by
enjoying a historic walk of the area.
Memory Lane Heritage Village: blast from
the past. Cookhouse Chow is served buffet style in the 60 seat replica of a
1940s cookhouse (Lake Charlotte)
Sherbrooke Village: depicts a typical Nova
Scotian village from 1860 to pre-WW1. With approximately 80 buildings, over 25
of those open to the public, it is the largest Nova Scotia Museum site. Built
on an economy of ship building, lumbering and gold mining, Sherbrooke Village
reflects Nova Scotia as it was during its industrial boom in the late 1800s
and early 1900s. (Sherbrooke)
Small Light House on Sunrise Trail, NS.
Northumberland Shore
Antigonish, Mulgrave, New Glasgow, Pictou, Pugwash, Stellarton
Warm beaches and lobster dinners, the warm, sparkling blue
waters and wide sandy beaches of the Northumberland Strait are what make this
region truly unique and special.
Add some gently rolling farmland, fabulous golf, unique Nova Scotia festivals,
and local fare such as Nova Scotia lobster, maple syrup and blueberries and
you have an exceptional holiday destination.
Stop at Jost Vineyards in Malagash to sample wines and take a vineyard tour,
go for a swim at Melmerby Beach, and end a perfect day with a lobster supper.
Use the "best of" lists below to help plan your Nova Scotia vacation in the
Northumberland Shore region.
Attractions
Balmoral Grist Mill:
Discover this wonderful three-storey grist mill tucked away in wooded gorge on
Matheson's Brook near Tatamagouche. Wheat, oats, and buckwheat are ground and
sifted just as they have been since Alexander McKay opened the mill in 1874.
Feel the mill in action and hear the whir of wooden gear as shafts and pulleys
turn the mill's Scottish granite millstones. Sample the nutty flavour of oats
toasted and turned on the cast-iron floor of the kiln, heated by the maple
fire. (Balmoral Mills)
McCulloch House: he Reverend Thomas
McCulloch founded Pictou Academy, became the first president of Dalhousie
College, and is remembered as the father of liberal education in Nova Scotia.
McCulloch House, built about 1806, contains one room furnished as his
parlour/study and several pieces of his furniture are on display in the room.
(Pictou)
Nova Scotia Museum of Industry: the size
of seven hockey rinks and housing more than 37,000 artifacts, The Museum of
Industry in Stellarton is Atlantic Canada's largest museum. Experience the
fascinating story of Nova Scotia's industrial workers, including unique
machines, technology, and stories of sweat, grit, tears, tragedies and
triumphs. Have hands-on fun, find innovative ideas and electrifying exhibits.
(Stellarton)
Sutherland Steam Mill: was built in the
1890s. Powered by steam, it no longer needed a river or stream as an energy
source. If you love things mechanical and innovative, this is the place for
you. And the kids can find out all about pulleys and how they work at a
hands-on exhibit just for them. (Denmark)
Downtown Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.
Yarmouth / Acadian Shores
St. Mary's Bay, Yarmouth
Discover true Acadian history, the southwestern most tip
of Nova Scotia is renowned for its Acadian past, colourful fishing villages,
towering churches and the spectacular Cape Forchu lighthouse.
Yarmouth, which is about 3 hours from Halifax, is the hub of this region. Just
south of Yarmouth is Argyle Township Courthouse in Tusket, the oldest
courthouse in Canada, while to the north, tiny villages are overshadowed by
lofty churches, such as St. Mary's Church, the largest wooden church in North
America.
The Acadian shores have a history dating back over 400 years and contain
French-speaking villages like Pubnico, which make up the oldest Acadian
settlement in the province.
You can explore this rich history and genealogy at Le Village Historique
Acadien and Le Muse Acadien and Archives. The Festival Acadien de Clare is
also a great way to experience the rich Acadian music and culture.
Attractions
Firefighters' Museum of Nova
Scotia: in Yarmouth features a collection of vintage equipment: the
pumpers, hose wagons, and ladder trucks. The history of firefighting in the
province through photographs, recollections, and thousands of artifacts are
also featured.
Yarmouth County Museum: Award-winning
museum and archives, plus historic Pelton-Fuller House.
Yarmouth / Acadian Shores Tourism