Page 73 - 2024-25 Travel Guide to Canada

marked by loch-like inlets and rocky
highlands that drop dramatically to the sea.
Inland, the geography is equally varied,
which is why A-type vacationers can explore
the orderly vineyards of the agricultural
heartland and the wondrous wilds of the
Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve within a
single day.
A STORIED PAST
Like its scenery, Nova Scotia’s man-made
attractions cover a broad range, from
museums to parks, art galleries to golf
courses. Historic ones, however, are
especially plentiful here because the region
once played a crucial role in the imperial
plans of both British and French forces.
The star-shaped Halifax Citadel National
Historic Site, for example, is a literal
highlight of any visit to the capital city, and
the meticulously recreated Fortress of
Louisbourg National Historic Site lures
history lovers north to Cape Breton
(www.parkscanada.gc.ca/halifaxcitadel;
www.parkscanada.gc.ca/louisbourg).
The Annapolis Valley, which contains
some of the continent’s oldest European
settlements, has even more in store. Visit Port
Royal National Historic Site, founded by the
French in 1605, three years before they
established their base at Québec City
(www.parkscanada.gc.ca/portroyal); Fort
Anne National Historic Site is of national
historic significance because of the site's role
in early European colonization, settlement
and government in Acadie and Nova Scotia in
the 17th and 18th centuries (www.parks
canada.gc.ca/fortanne); and the gorgeous
Grand-Pré National Historic Site, located
within the Landscape of Grand Pré, one of
three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the
province, commemorates the area as a centre
of Acadian settlement from 1682 to 1755 and
the Deportation of the Acadians, which
began in 1755 and continued until 1762
(www.parkscanada.gc.ca/grandpre).
THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
Since Mother Nature and Father Time
happily coexist here, there are many places
where you can get a fresh perspective on the
past while inhaling fresh air. The Fundy
Geological Museum, for instance, has a tour
that combines an overnight horseback
riding tour with an actual fossil dig
(fundygeological.novascotia.ca). And
perhaps that’s Nova Scotia’s biggest asset: it
offers the best of both worlds.
WHAT’S NEW?
In Halifax, visit Georges Island National
Historic Site. It’s just a quick boat ride to the
island, where you can explore outside the
fort or join a guided tour to walk through the
tunnels. The initial role of Georges Island
was to protect the new settlement of Halifax
from a sea attack. It was also used as a prison
in early years and, during the years of the
Acadian Deportation (1755-1763), it became a
holding area for large numbers of Acadians
(www.parkscanada.gc.ca/georgesisland).
Experience eco fun with the only land sailing
experience of its kind in Canada featuring
Blokarts with Tidekite ReWIND Adventures
on Mavillette Beach (www.tidekite.ca).
Learn about the heritage of clam digging on
the Eastern Shore by visiting Memory Lane
Heritage Village and then accompanying a
fourth generation professional clam digger to
dig your own clams at Clam Harbour Beach.
The best part is that you get to return to the
Village for a “feed” of clams, along with a
traditional lumber camp meal, in the Village
Cookhouse (www.visitmemorylane.ca).
Peggy’s Cove is one of Nova Scotia’s most
iconic attractions. The expansive granite
rocks, rugged coastline, crashing waves and
historic lighthouse exemplify quintessential
Nova Scotia. It is also a living community, an
active fishing village, and home to year-
round residents. The new viewing platform
honours the cove’s unique location while
making it accessible to all (www.visitpeggys
cove.ca).
And visitors can now take in an intimate,
interactive and uniquely Nova Scotian
cultural experience at the Schoolhouse
Ceilidhs. Experience traditional Cape Breton
fiddle music as it was meant to be heard…
and pick up a few dance steps and Gaelic
words along the way! The Ceilidhs are
30-minute performances held three times
daily from May to October (www.theschool
housens.ca).
CITY LIGHTS
If you need an urban fix, Halifax is the place
to go. Although this is Atlantic Canada’s
largest, most cosmopolitan city, its tourist
centre is conveniently compact, and most
major attractions—the Halifax Citadel, the
Historic Properties, the Maritime Museum of
the Atlantic and the Canadian Museum of
Immigration at Pier 21 among them—are all
within blocks of its huge natural harbour.
Tempting shopping, dining, and nightlife
options are close at hand as well. After
strolling around the bustling waterfront
boardwalk, you can take a leisurely harbour
cruise or follow the locals’ lead and hop a
commuter ferry for a quick cross-harbour
trip (www.discoverhalifaxns.com).
Sydney, technically part of the Cape
Breton Regional Municipality, is Nova
Scotia’s only other urban centre. Located on
the Island’s east coast, it has its own
waterfront boardwalk and a smattering of
heritage buildings. Moreover, it makes a
handy base for exploring attractions in
nearby Glace Bay, including the Marconi
National Historic Site, which is dedicated
to the Italian radio pioneer who established
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CAPE BRETON HIGHLANDS NATIONAL PARK • PARKS CANADA