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TravelTips24 : North America : Canada : Atlantic Provinces : Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia [1] is one of the Atlantic Provinces of Canada.

Regions

Cities

Other destinations

  • Tobeatic Wilderness & Southern Nova Scotia Biosphere. The largest protected wilderness area in Atlantic Canada. The Tobeatic is a large natural area that spans five counties and more than 104,000 hectares of central southwestern Nova Scotia. Nine major rivers flow from the Tobeatic and over 120 lakes are found within the wilderness area. The wilderness area is available to the public for canoeing, birding, and other outdoor pursuits for the enjoyment of nature. The Tobeatic features numerous species of interest including the last native population of moose, black bear, southern flying squirrel, Blanding's turtle, Eastern ribbon snake, Bald Eagle, brook trout, Lady Slipper orchids, and various carnivorous and non-chlorophytic flowering plants.
  • Brier Island in the Bay of Fundy.[2] Brier Island is a unique destination situated off the end of ancient basalt formation (Digby Neck) jutting out into the world famous Bay of Fundy. This area is rich in marine life (Whale Watching, Atlantic flyway for migrating birds and has a resident seal colony) The area has been long visited by naturalists who regularly spot rare and endangered plants. Rock hounds will be impressed with the many types of rock formations and can find quartz, agate jasper, amethyst and even zeolite. An area truly unspoiled, off the beaten track and deeply steeped in maritime tradition. (Home of the famous Joshua Slocum, the first person to sail solo around the world in 1895 on the Spay a 37’ sloop.) Brier Island offers many trails to explore both easy and challenging for hikers on short or extended visits. The island is accessible by two short ferry rides from the end of Digby Neck.

Culture and History

Nova Scotia has strong Scottish roots, but for a population of about a million it is remarkably diverse: with Mikmaq peoples, black Nova Scotians, French Acadians, Annapolis Valley farmers, lobster fishermen, and Haligonians all forming distinctive groups.

Unless you are a winter surfer, or like to snowshoe, then it is probably best to visit Nova Scotia sometime June-Oct when the weather is warm and the skies are blue. The main byways are along the coast, and a lot of small shops and restaurants are open around the coast during the summer months. Watch out for flies in the summer, however.

The province has lately begun celebrating its connection to Acadia. Nova Scotia hosted the World Acadian Congress in 2005. Champlain named Nova Scotia "Acadie" and claimed it for France in 1604. French immigrants settled the area and became prosperous farmers and fisherman until expelled by the British in the mid 18th century. Many areas still retain a strong Acadian French culture, including the largest francophone municipality, Clare in Digby County and Argyle, in Yarmouth County .

Travel to Nova Scotia & Visa Requirements

Halifax has the main international airport in the province. Flights can also be made to Sydney in Cape Breton from Halifax, or periodically from Boston, Toronto, or other Maritime cities. Ferry service is available from Prince Edward Island to Pictou, Newfoundland to North Sydney, or Portland and Bar Harbor, Maine to Yarmouth.

Tours & Getting around Nova Scotia

The Highway system in Nova Scotia is very simple. Starting at Yarmouth, The 101 and 103 Provincial highways (Notable by the flag on the top of the white sign) go around the shore, the 101 going along the Western shore through Digby and Windsor, while the 103 goes along the eastern shore. Both lead to Halifax/Dartmouth. Following out, the Provincial 102 goes to Truro. At Truro, one can opt to go to Ahmerst (To New Brunswick) or to New Glasgow via the Trans Canada 104. A ferry to Prince Edward Island can be found at Pictou. The Trans Canada leads all the way to the Canso Causeway, the one way to get to Cape Breton. The Trans Canada also leads to Sydney, and the Newfoundland Ferry at North Sydney. Be aware of road conditions in the winter, especially away from major areas. Special scenic routes are labeled by specific signs, (Cabot Trail, Sunrise Trail, etc.).

Nova Scotia attractions and sightseeing

  • Peggy's Cove Lighthouse, 35 km SW of Halifax on road 333 is a lighthouse on rounded rocks. The lighthouse is a post office, there is a restaurant and tourist information but otherwise it is just big rocks with a dozen small house and 60 people living there. Outside Peggys Cove on the 333 there are plenty of B&B's and restaurants.
  • Swissair Memorial, close to Peggys Cove on the 333.
  • Cape Breton highlands (especially in the Fall)
  • Citadel Hill, located in downtown Halifax.
  • The Southern Nova Scotia Biosphere, Tobeatic Wilderness Area, and Kejimikujik National Park in the southern half of the province--the largest protected wilderness area in Atlantic Canada

Nova Scotia city tours

  • Pedal and Sea Adventures [3] Bike tours along Cape Breton's The Cabot Trail, Lighthouse Route, and Evangeline Route, along with Best of Both Coasts tour, and a Lunenburg Adventure tour. Also offers one- and two-day biking and kayaking tours, and bike rentals in the HRM.
  • Scott's Walking Tours [4] Walking and hiking tours throughout Nova Scotia, including Cape Breton, Nova Scotia's four shores, and the Atlantic seacoast.
  • Tidal Bore Rafting [5] Experience the highest tides in the world by riding on the tidal bore wave in a raft. Exhilarating fun, even when the moon isn't full!
  • Rob's Rock Mineral & Rockhounding Shop, 677 West Main Street, Kentville(Take Hwy 101 West from Halifax), ☎ (902) 678-3194‎, [6]. Nova Scotia has some of the best rocks and minerals in the world. Rob's Shop is an excellent place to discover these treasures.The Bay of Fundy is an excellent place to rockhound. From Parrsboro down to Brier Island. There is a great online catalog for folks who can't visit the area edit

Nova Scotia Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

Donair, a pile of roasted, spiced beef (known as donair meat) with tomatoes and onions covered in a sweet, white sauce and wrapped in a pita. This variation on the doner is unique to the area and is available at almost every corner diner and pizza place in Nova Scotia. Folks from New England (and perhaps many other areas of the US) will compare a donair to a gyro - biggest difference is a sauce that is much sweeter than the sauce found on a gyro.

Dulse, most of this seaweed is harvested in Nova Scotia. Locally it is dried and used as a snack.

  • Hala's Pizza and Doniar, 117 Kearney Lake Rd. Wedgewood Plaza, [7]. A charming and cozy pizza restaurant - takes pride in its homemade dishes.
  • Shaws Landing 6958 Highway 333, West Dover, tel: +1 902-823-1843, email:Ian@ShawsLanding.ca, [8]. Just a few km towards Halifax from Peggys Cove. The Scottish Swiss chef makes excellent seafood in a beautiful setting. Try the blueberry garlic shrimps. No liquor license.
  • Sutherland's Diner, 2808 Main St. Shubenacadie on the 102, Tel: +1 902-758-0114. Sandwiches, fish & chips, burgers at low prices.
  • The Chickenburger, Bedford Highway, [9]. Drive up and eat in malt, chickenburger and burger shop since 1940.
  • Captain Mark's Whale and Seal Cruise, Pleasant Bay, Nova Scotia, ☎ 1-888-754-5112, [10]. Whale watching edit
  • Atlantic School Of Skydiving, Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, ☎ 1-902-423-5867(JUMP), [11]. Sky Diving edit

Nova Scotia nightlife, bars, clubs & pubs

Nova Scotia produces some very good wines. Most wineries offer free tours. Of particular note is Jost Winery [12] along the Northumberland Strait north of Truro.

Try the local beers. Nova Scotia is best known for "Alexander Keith's India Pale Ale," known locally simply as "Keith's" [13]: Natives tend to get a kick out of outsiders trying it. Also sample the Propeller

Nova Scotia cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels & lodging

  • Brier Island Lodge(Brier Island - Bay of Fundy & Whale Watching Capitol of Nova Scotia), Westport, ☎ 800-662-8355, [14]. Welcome to Brier Island, Nova Scotia's Eco-Tourism destination. Situated at the outer edge of the Bay of Fundy, Brier Island offers visitors the opportunity to explore one of the richest marine habitats and coastal environments in the world. Brier Island Lodge offers you comfortable, ocean side accommodations along with a unique, regional dining experience. Certified for quality through the Bay of Fundy Recommended Experience program.  edit
  • Colwell's By The Sea - Exclusive Nova Scotia Cottages(Queesnland near Hubbards), 10 Colwell Road, Queensland, ☎ 902-857-9105, [15]. Exclusive Nova Scotia Oceanfront Cottages (Weekly & Monthly) Three acres of serenity overlooking Whynacht's Beach. We are just 30 minutes from Halifax and central to Peggy's Cove and Lunenburg, this tranquility offers year round comfort in four, distinctly appealing, personalized cottages surrounded by a panoramic view of St. Margaret's Bay. edit
  • Historic Hillsdale House Inn - Bed & Breakfast(Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia), 519 St. George Street, ☎ 877-839-2821, [16]. Hillsdale House is an authentic Nova Scotia Bed and Breakfast Inn located in historic Annapolis Royal, on the Bay of Fundy. Minutes from one of the oldest European settlements in the New World, Port Royal. Built in 1859 and an easy drive to Nova Scotia ferry connections. Hillsdale House Inn has catered to many famous persons, including King George V of England, delivering a tradition (over 100 years) of providing gracious accommodation set in idyllic surroundings. Pet Friendly accommodations for that important member of your family with the same care given to all our guests. edit
  • Nova Scotia Bed & Breakfast Association(Nova Scoctia Bed & Breakfast Association), [17]. Member properties across Nova Scotia edit
  • Heather Hotel, 130 Foord Street, Stellarton/New Glasgow., Tel: +1 800-565-4500, email: info@heatherhotel.com, [18]. Just off exit 24 at TCH 104. Rooms from $C 89.
  • Trout Point Lodge of Nova Scotia189 Trout Point Road, off East Branch Rd., Kemptville, Yarmouth County, (902) 482-8360, [19]. Luxury-level lodge adjacent to the Tobeatic Wilderness Reserve, 25 miles from Yarmouth ferry terminal.
  • Sea'Scape Cottage, 6 Seascape Cottage Lane, Pomquet, Antigonish County Tel: 902-386-2825 [20]. Sea'scape Oceanfront Cottages are adjacent to Pomquet Provincial Park on 160 acres of coastal beach property.There are two supervised beach locations, complete with beach-combing and unsurpassed bird watching opportunities. The surrounding waters are some of the warmest north of the Carolinas.

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This page was last edited at 16:15, on 14 November 2008 by Wikitravel user TRACYR. Based on work by David, Jim DeLaHunt, Friedel Grant, Zach Woods and Nick Roux, Wikitravel user(s) Morph and Episteme, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel and others.

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