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
Arizona, Las Vegas, West Rim Grand Canyon
Wednesday 22nd April 2009
Travel Counsellor: Jane Rockliff
On arriving in the USA at LAX we then flew to Las Vegas, to pick up our hire car which we would have for the next 10 days. On arrival at Las Vegas, picked up our car and I drove down to Cottonwood in Arizona which ended up being quite a long 6hrs. Cottonwood is 20 miles south of Sedona, and our base for the next few days.
Day 2 we set off for our train trip which took us through the Verde Canyon.This rail line was built in 1911, at a cost of $1.3 million by 250 men, using 200 mules,picks, shovels and lots of Dupont black powder and constructed in 1 year. The railroad stretches from Clarksdale to Perkinsville a distance of 38 miles. The train is usually fully booked so it is advisable to book before you go. The scenery is quite beautiful with all the colours of the canyons.
Day 3 Another big day ahead of us driving up to the Four Corners ( a point where all 4 states meet) Arizona, Utah, New Mexico & Colorado, via Flagstaff ( complete with snow) & Tuba City & Kayenta. I had been past... view full story
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