Welcome to Nova Scotia
If Nova Scotia were a film, its protagonists would be rugged yet kind-hearted, burnt by the wind and at one with the sea. It would be shot against a backdrop of rolling green fields and high sea-cliffs; its soundtrack would feature fiddles, drums and evocative piano scores; and its plot would be a spirited romp around themes of history, community and family.
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Nova Scotia activities
Peggy's Cove Day Trip from Halifax
Board a comfortable coach at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in the afternoon and relax on your scenic journey southwest to Peggy’s Cove, a small rural community on the eastern shore of St Margaret’s Bay located less than an hour away from Halifax. Along the way, your friendly, knowledgeable guide will offer an interesting and informative overview of this area. When you arrive, you’ll understand why this postcard-worthy fishing village is an artist’s paradise. This independent tour gives you the flexibility to create your own schedule and explore at your own pace, so the afternoon is yours to spend as you please. Soak up the quaint charm of the fishing village, settled by Germans in 1811, as you walk along the seawall and enjoy views of the rugged Atlantic coast. In the village, browse shops, wander down tucked-away side streets, and grab a bite to eat at one of the many fine restaurants or cafes (own expense).If you’re feeling adventurous, there are several activities to choose from: hiking, kayaking, fishing, golfing, whale watching (seasonal), bird watching and more (activities at own expense). Don’t miss the Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, one of the most recognizable lighthouses in the world! Walk along Lighthouse Trail and capture photos of the classic red and white lighthouse, situated on an extensive granite outcrop. This lighthouse is still operated by the Canadian Coast Guard.After your Peggy’s Cove day trip, relax on the drive back to Halifax.
Halifax Harbour Hopper Sightseeing Tour by Land and Sea
Your 1-hour tour begins at the Halifax Ferry Terminal, where you’ll board the Harbour Hopper, a refitted amphibious Vietnam War vehicle that formerly transported supplies from ships to shore. From your seat on the covered open deck, enjoy excellent vantage points of the city’s top attractions on and off dry land as you listen to your guide’s banter and engaging commentary. During the tour, pick up tips on where to eat, shop and find the best entertainment in town.First, stay on land and weave through Halifax’s historic district downtown. Pass St Paul’s Church, the city’s oldest building dating back to 1749, and the first Anglican cathedral built outside of England. Capture views of Citadel Hill, where Fort George sits on top as a landmark and tribute to Halifax’s key naval role during the British Empire. Drive by Halifax Public Gardens, a stunning example of a Victorian-era garden. Admire linden and elm trees and catch glimpses of wrought-iron gates, a bandstand, fountains and statues, as well as exotic and semitropical flowers. Then hold on as you plunge into the waters of Halifax Harbour for views of the waterfront and navy ships and submarines. Learn about the 1917 Halifax Explosion, the city’s naval fleet, and Halifax’s role during times of war and peace. Return to the departure point, ready to hit the town for further exploration on your own.
Peggy's Cove and Halifax Tour with Lobster Roll Lunch
This tour offers a wide variety of stops that will delight and amaze you and takes you to places off the beaten path! Enjoy great conversation in our tour van along the way to the first stop, the SS Atlantic Heritage Park, a place that is skipped over by other tour companies. Many do not realize that the sinking of this vessel in April 1873 was the worst single-vessel marine disaster to occur prior to the Titanic. You will have time to visit the interpretation centre to learn about the sinking and see artifacts from the ship and then walk out to the memorial and enjoy the peacefulness and picturesque scenery of the bay. (Only open from May 20- October 31. Tour will not include this in the off-season)Then it's onto Peggy's Cove, passing scenic fishing villages and gorgeous shorelines along the way. Once at Peggy's Cove, you'll be able to have time to browse the various gift shops and capture the waves as they crash on the rocks in front of the world's most photographed lighthouse. Included in the tour is a tasty lunch at The Finer Diner, overlooking beautiful Hackett’s Cove.Savour one of their delicious Lobster Rolls (other sandwiches are available if you're not a lobster lover) before heading back to Halifax. Once back in the city, you'll visit the Titanic Gravesite to learn about the disaster and the stories behind those lost in the sinking. Then you'll see another great sight that the larger tour buses cannot access - the Hydrostone neighbourhood! This area was built after the Halifax Explosion of 1917 and you'll learn just how disastrous this was to the city. It's another part of history that is overlooked by many! The tour concludes with drop off at your accommodations.
Small-Group Annapolis Valley Wine and Food Tour from Halifax
You’ll be picked up from your downtown Halifax hotel in the morning and taken on a 1-hour drive by comfortable vehicle to Annapolis Valley, located in the western part of the Nova Scotia peninsula.Your guide will take you to three award-winning wineries for tours and wine tastings. Start at Planters Ridge Winery, a rustic winery in Port Williams that's housed in a 150-year-old restored barn. Soak up the beautiful countryside setting and tour the production rooms to learn about the winemaking process, from harvesting grapes to bottling wine.Around midday, head to Restaurant Le Caveau, named one of the world’s top 20 winery restaurants, for a two-course gourmet lunch. You can then take time to shop at the winery’s boutiques with your wine tote bag, a complimentary take-home gift. Head next to L’Acadie Vineyards, one of Nova Scotia’s only certified organic wineries. Taste their signature sparkling wines, which have won international fame, and learn all about organic farming. You’ll also visit whimsical Tangled Garden, where herbs and fruit are transformed into mouth-watering jams, jellies, mustards and chutneys. Enjoy some sumptuous tastings and feel free to purchase (own expense) any treats that catch your eye – they’re sure to enhance any meal!After your tour, you’ll be driven back to your Halifax hotel.
Spicers Cove to Three Sisters Sea Kayaking Day Tour with Lunch
Meeting times for this tour depend on the tide and range from 7 am to 2 pm. Checking in at our office in Advocate Harbour, you will get outfitted with a life jacket, a sprayskirt, dry bags and get directions to the launch spot. It is a 30 min drive into Cape Chignecto Park, and you will meet your guide on the beach in Spicer's Cove where everything will be ready to launch. After an introduction and safety talk by your guide, the double kayaks will be floated, and your guide will make sure that you are comfortable with the steering. Paddling next to the high cliffs of Cape Chignecto, your guide will explain more about the geology, the tides, the ecology and history of this magnificent park, that is truly a kayaker's playground. There are plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Key holes, archways, and sea stacks inspire the fantasy, and to no surprise the local legends connected to these places abound. Paddle into the bowl of the natural amphitheatre, where Black Guillemots nest in early summer, and marvel at the majestic Three Sisters, that can only be seen in their full glory from the water. After about 1.5 hrs of relaxed paddling, it's time for a stop for a picnic of homegrown salad, beer bread, fruit and muffins on a pristine beach. The adjoining tidal river mouth that was bustling with shipbuilding activities during the Age of Sail, and you could go for a walk and explore or just relax and enjoy the peace. While you sit on top of the beach, the tide changes immensely. The return paddle will have your jaws drop as you experience how quickly the water level changes - after all, you're looking at the biggest tides in the world. It is a joy as you look at the inter-tidal zone that is now exposed. After landing back in Spicer's Cove, you leave your gear with your guide and continue traveling or enjoy the beach some more at your own discretion.
Halifax Harbour Sightseeing Gourmet Buffet Dinner Cruise
When the sun goes down, Halifax’s waterfront and Northwest Arm provide the perfect setting for your dinner cruise. At the ferry terminal, step aboard the Harbour Queen I, an elegant Mississippi-style sternwheeler, for your 2-hour journey along Halifax Harbour.Take to your private table and indulge in a gourmet dinner buffet prepared with fresh and locally sourced ingredients, like Atlantic mussels and salmon. (See below for a sample menu.)Enjoy light commentary from your crew on the main attractions along the way. At the southern tip of the Halifax peninsula, hear about Point Pleasant Park, a historical 190-acre (77-hectare) wooded area, and find out how much Halifax pays the British government to lease this land. Admire stately homes situating along the waterfront, not easily visible from land. If you look below, you might spot a porpoise or seal riding the waters with you. The Harbour Queen I turns around near the Dingle, formally known as Sir Sandford Fleming Park. Catch sight of Dingle Tower on top of a grassy knoll and learn about the park’s history. When you’ve had your fill of dinner, purchase a cocktail from the fully equipped bar and head out with your family or friends to the open-air upper deck. Feel the sea breeze, listen to the music playing in the background and watch ships sail by.Sample buffet dinner menu (subject to change):First courses Garden greens house salad Creamy potato and vegetable salad Seafood chowder Atlantic mussels steamed in white wine, served with garlic butter Main courses Chicken breast wrapped in bacon glazed with barbeque sauce Poached Atlantic salmon filet served with dill hollandaise sauce Side dishes/accompaniments Oven-roasted potatoes Rice pilaf Fresh vegetable of the day Desserts Deep-dish baked apple crisp topped with whipped cream Drinks Coffee and tea Additional drinks available at the fully equipped bar (own expense)