A holiday in Nova Scotia will take you to a maritime environment with a unique blend of Canadian and Scottish influences. Nova Scotia's blend of spectacular coastlines, picturesque landscapes, Celtic music and friendly people has shaped a society like no other. Think of it as Tassie with bagpipes.
An ideal extension to a visit to Canada’s eastern cities, a few days in this region will unfold spectacular scenery, centuries of history and a relaxed informal lifestyle, and it’s ideal for a self-drive escape. Kick off in Halifax, the provincial capital, and explore Citadel Hill with its unusual star-shaped fort and check out the harbour. Make some time to visit Fairview cemetery, the last resting place of more than 100 passengers on the ill-fated Titanic.
Don’t miss nearby Peggy’s Cove, a charming fishing village, with its cliff top lighthouse; it’s reportedly one of the most photographed places in Canada. Take the road north and cross the causeway to Cape Breton Island and travel Canada’s great ocean highway, The Cabot Trail. The trail winds nearly 300 km along the island’s rocky northern shore and gives magnificent views of the Gulf of St Lawrence. From hiking to biking, golfing to skiing, the Cabot Trail is a visitor’s paradise and Cape Breton Highlands National Park encompasses one of Canada’s most exceptional wilderness areas with landscapes very reminiscent of the Scottish coast.
Grab a ferry across to Prince Edward Island and its provincial capital, Charlottetown. Wander around its restored waterfront precinct and historic buildings and hotels on historic Great George Street. Naturally, you’ll pay a visit to Green Gables farm while you’re in the area. Head back to the mainland via the 13km Confederation Bridge and explore the fascinating rock formations at Hopewell and Flower Pot Rocks. Relax a while and watch the tides rushing through the spectacular Bay of Fundy, they’re the highest tides in the world and can rise at almost 3m per hour.
Nova Scotia fun facts
More Gaelic is spoken in Nova Scotia than in Scotland
Nova Scotia is Latin for “New Scotland”
Cats in Halifax have a very high probability of having six toes
Canada
Monday 13th October 2008
Travel Counsellor: Grace Cuciniello
Canada must be one of the most spectacular countries in the world, there is truly some very amazing scenery in this place including the famous Niagara Falls on the east coast that separates Canada and America, this water fall is absolutely amazing. But before doing the east coast you really should spend some time covering the Canadian west coast this place is great you can fly into Calgary visit Banff which is a small mountainous town, then the Jasper national park where you might even come across some black bears running in the wild forest. Another breathtaking spot to visit on the west coast is Lake Louise which is located in the Alberta Rockies, also is great for skiing and snowboarding. If you would like to do tour the Rocky mountains the easy way then the train is a nice option and the Rocky Mountaineer Train has this sorted, its got the gold or red leaf seats all with a great view as you zig zag though the rocky mountains, they also provide a fantastic breakfast and lunch service.... view full story
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