Modern Travel - Rediscovering Nova Scotia

Pictures via Nova Scotia Tourism - full photo gallery at the end of this article.

As travel slowly becomes reintegrated into our lives, there’s certainly no shortage of Canadian destinations to experience, or perhaps re-experience.
Nova Scotia is one of my favourite places and I’m eager to rediscover it sooner than later.
Blending adventure, history, culture, food & drink, creating memories, excitement, you can go at your own pace, follow the local crowd or carve your own path blending both - there’s something for everyone here.
There have been some exciting changes and there are still the timeless pieces of Canada’s ocean playground that will always be anchored to entice you to visit.

What’s new
Let’s start with lodging as there’s quite a bit to cover.
The all-new, bespoke MUIR at The Queen’s Marque in Halifax, which is also Nova Scotia’s first Marriott Autograph Collection hotel.
Recently opened, this 5-star hotel has it all. From 109 rooms, custom designed furniture, a speakeasy, a private guest-only art gallery and hydrotherapy pool, plus more, this gem offers stunning waterfront views and ocean access.
The redevelopment now has The Queen’s Marque area at nearly 100,000 square feet and nearly $200 million in private investment.
Centrally and conveniently located at the edge of the Halifax Harbour, the craftsmanship and sheer elegance make this an attraction onto itself.

If you fancy wine, the Inn at Grand Pré Winery in the Annapolis Valley should be on your list.
As Atlantic Canada’s oldest farm winery, it’s beside a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the building was built in 1828 and has been modernized, and they make over a dozen types of wine.

Blending an outdoor atmosphere with modern amenities is easily done via glamping, geodesic domes and yes, even treehouses!
Quickly growing in popularity, these alternative accommodations can be as luxurious as you want, with some including Queen beds, full kitchenette, skylights, dining/living rooms, hot tubs, private decks, all while giving you breathtaking water views.
These serene spots are scattered throughout the province, from Pleasant Bay to Grand Pre, to Maitland, to Tusket, and many more in between.
As a bonus, White Point Beach Resort has treehouses that are on the edge of the ocean for a truly memorable experience.

At Kejimkujik National Park & Historic site is  where you’ll find Ôasis Pods, which is a tear drop-shaped lodging with a bed/table on the lower floor and a hammock in the loft. The cool part is you’ll sleep with a view of the stars beneath a natural tree canopy.

o’TENTiks at the Grand Pre National Historic Site combines a tent and a cabin for a special experience, with eight available and as with the aforementioned, the views and memories will be spectacular.

Add in the option for wilderness cabins (including a converted 1974 Boler trailer) and you’ve got options aplenty for lodging.

Attractions

On the attractions side, iconic Peggy’s Cove isn’t new but now boasts a new viewing deck which doesn’t compromise the views while being accessible and safer as you capture those gorgeous pictures.

In the Terence Bay Provincial Wilderness Area, an hour south of Halifax, you’ll find Georges Island National Historic Site, which holds high importance. You’ll learn about its history as a prison, internment camp for Acadians, how it helped shape Nova Scotia and importantly, how it helped the overall defence of our country.

Enjoy being in the water? Then Splashifax is a must! Its the city’s first floating waterpark, only 30 minutes north of Halifax. Enjoy the outdoors, a floating playground and obstacle park and impressively, it has the world’s largest inflatable unicorn at 50 feet!

Once you’re back on solid ground, Kejimkujik National Park’s Uk’me’k Trail has a beautiful 6.3 km trail to explore with various terrains, along with rock crossings and the beauty of its natural features.

If you love to drive as much as I do, your short list should include the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark and its 165 km drive from the Bay of Funds shoreline from Derbert to Apple River. More than that, there are museums, lighthouses, beaches, hiking trails and provincial parks.
While you’re there, Local Guy Adventures offers fat biking within the Cliffs of Fundy that allows you to bike along the ocean floor and old-growth forest trails.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, the Bay of Fundy Scene Lobster Boat Tour to become educated about the local lobster fishing industry, haul some lobster traps and soak in sweet scenic attractions.
It’s easy to spend a whole day there and love every minute.

Yarmouth is where you’ll find Cape Forchu Lighthouse, where you can climb 77 steps to the lantern room and load up your social media feed with gorgeous pictures. Plus, you’ll learn about a light keepers bright life!

An hour north of Halifax is Port Williams, home to Gourmet By Nature, which offers an outdoor Wild Kitchen on their farm property and serves up unique wild food experiences, wood fired cooking and is open year round.

Must-see hot spots
I’ll outline this starting in Halifax and move clockwise.

As Nova Scotia’s largest and capital city, Halifax is one of my favourite places to visit. There’s an almost four-kilometre boardwalk that blends entertainment, restaurants, cafes and culture.
There’s something for nearly everyone here, plus the Historic site is closely, Dartmouth is across the harbour and the feeling of being welcomed by this city is warm and engaging.
An hour west is the colourful South Shore, featuring Lunenburg, the Bluenose II, quaint and cheerful atmosphere, a plethora of lighthouses, including Peggy’s Cove, an abundance of restaurants and white sandy beaches.

Two and a half hours away on the far western side is Yarmouth, home of North America’s first starlight destination where the dark sky experience is astonishing. Experience Acadian food, traditions and culture first-hand and immerse yourself in this historical gem.

Head round the bend for two hours and go north to the wonderful wine region of the Annapolis Valley, home to a plethora of award-winning wineries.
Equally as impressive is the wonderful whale watching locations, with these being among the best in the world. Interestingly, some of North America’s earliest settlements were here.

I’ve touched on the Bay of Fundy earlier and have to add that it’s here you’ll find the highest recorded ties in the world, you can dine on the ocean floor, climb 300-foot cliffs and know that you’re sharing ground with where Canada’s oldest dinosaurs were!
Next up and a three hour drive east is the birthplace of New Scotland, a warm-water beach destination, Nova Scotia’s largest and oldest winery in Jost Vineyards plus more; the Northumberland Shore.

Stunning and award-winning Cape Breton Island brings you the world-famous Cabot Trail, picture-perfect views and scenery, an exciting music scene and Celtic culture.

Last but not least, we wrap up with the Eastern Shore, with their protected coastal wilderness area, boreal rainforests, terrific cold-water surfing, and more. 

Explore the regions authentic fishing communities and step back in time to the 1800’s via Sherbrooke Village.

A trio of trails 

Known for their fresh and delicious seafood, wonderful wines and beer, plus many local food growers, Nova Scotia has put together three “trails” that showcase several of these.
Each trail has a variety of locations around the province blended with several places to enjoy their offerings.
For each trail stop you make, you’ll receive a stamp after enjoying the theme (lobster/chowder/drinks) and as you keep collecting, you’ll be eligible for prizes.
The Lobster Trail, expectedly, is world-renowned and has oh-so many stops and is an ideal way to taste the freshest lobsters around.
The Chowder Trail features this classic dish and you won’t get the same one twice but you will get consistency in enjoying the best chowder around.
The Good Cheer Trail is a first for Canada by mixing wineries, craft breweries, cideries and distilleries on an extensive trail map all across the province.

What’s unique

Yes, Nova Scotia has amazing attractions that are known around the world. However, there are some cool and unique offerings only found here that are certainly worth experiencing.
Ever been on a roller coaster? Tidal Bore Rafting allows you to experience up to 13 foot waves in a Zodiac boat in the famous Bay of Fundy is like a roller coaster but on water and of course, it’s safe and exhilarating!

Ocean floor dining is as remarkable as it sounds and it’s in Burntcoat Head. Dine on delicious local food and drink and take a guided tour while you’re there. Add that and then cross it off your bucket list.

A picturesque picnic is made better on an island via helicopter, and that’s what you’ll experience via Heli-picnic Island Escape. Fly from Halifax to Sambro Island to experience a private beach, secluded cove and of course, lovely local food and drink.

Ever learn how to log roll, tree climb, throw an axe and crosscut from seven-time World Champion Darren Hudson? You should via the Lumberjack AXEperience in Barringon, which also happens to be the lobster capital of Canada as lobsters caught here account for around 40% what’s caught in the country.

Travel back in time and become a Soldier For A Day at the historic Halifax Citadel.
You’ll be set up in an authentic uniform, take in firearms training (drum training for those under 16) and you’ll get to fire a true Snider-Enfield rifle. 

As someone who loves to drive, the Cabot Trail is one of the worlds best scenic drives that takes you nearly 300 km through twists and turns with unmatched views through Highlands National Park. 

Being Canada’s ocean playground, it’s only fitting that there’s an opportunity for a two-day two-night sailing adventure to sail on the Atlantic Ocean and Bras d’Or Lake, including a night on St.Peter’s Canal and navigating a lock system. Cape Breton’s Stay & Sail experience should be on your list.

Fox Harb’r Resort can give you a spectacular experience via their SPA to Sable Island program. This all-inclusive three night stay blends a day at the well-equipped resort and a second day to Sable Island via a 1.5 hour helicopter flight to Sable Island where you’ll have this majestic island in near privacy and explore its beauty with a guide.

Stargazing goes luxurious via the Starlight Culinary Experience in Kemptville. Trout Point Lodge, the world’s first starlight hotel, blends a luxury wilderness adventure, a gourmet dinner complete with sommelier and at night, you’ll gaze upon millions of stars from the Tusket Rivers edge. 

If you’re a golfer, you’ll love Nova Scotia as there are award-winning golf courses, elegant views and the serenity of the water.

Lodging
Aside from the splendid selection of hotels around the province, there are some really interesting lodging options that are worth a look.
There are oceanside yurts in Guysborough, Parks Canada blends camping without the hassle via their O’tentiks, New Albany’s The Old Ten Spot has a restored 1974 Boler on a lakeside, go small and quaint with Cabot Trail Tiny House Rentals on the Margaree Harbour, or, and my favourite, get some rest at the River Nest Wilderness Cabin for that cool camping feeling.

There are also great glamping options, from the Deep Sky Observatory to the Natura Wilderness Resort to a campervan to channel your inner nomad.
Back to the water theme, you can sleep on floating cottages, a wooden schooner or La Boatique, the east coasts first floating B&B.
(I’d do all of them, personally!)

Add in the nearly 200 lighthouses across the province, fantastically fresh seafood and, well, all their food and drinks, small town charm scattered throughout and each city/town/village offering a unique experience and piece of history, and Nova Scotia is woven together with fabulous fabrics of history, charm, community, excitement and one of Canada’s premier destinations.

I’ve been before and will certainly go again and again to rediscover all that Nova Scotia has to offer.
To plan your adventure, visit novascotia.com