Page 79 - 2026-2027 Travel Guide to Canada

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).
Cape LaHave Adventures’ offers unforgettable
bioluminescent kayaking tours. Guided by
knowledgeable, friendly staff, it’s just the
right touch of maritime magic (www.cape
lahaveadventures.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).
Discover the vibrant heart of Peggy’s Cove
with a trio of new must-visit destinations.
Step into the new art gallery, where local
talent shines. Wander over to the whimsical
Holy Mackerel Gift Shop, brimming with
NS
77
unique maritime treasures and handcrafted
keepsakes. Relax and refuel at Margaret’s
Café, where warm hospitality pairs perfectly
with fresh fare and unforgettable ocean
views. (www.sixbytheseans.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 east side of Cape Breton Island, 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
a transatlantic messaging station there in
1902, and the Cape Breton Miners’ Museum
where you can don a hard hat and descend
into a coal mine. The Fortress of Louisbourg
National Historic Site is 45 minutes away by
car (www.cbisland.com).
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Nova Scotia has been dubbed “Canada’s
Ocean Playground,” and since you’re never
more than 67 km (42 mi.) from a coast,
enjoying on-the-water activities is easy.
Boating is a top draw, which is no surprise
considering options include sailing on
Bras d’Or Lake or paddling along ancient
Mi’kmaq canoe routes in Kejimkujik
National Park and National Historic Site.
Scuba diving and deepsea fishing are also
popular; ditto for surfing, a fun if somewhat
frigid alternative on the South and Eastern
Shores. Looking for something truly
unique? Experience the rush of rafting on
the Shubenacadie River, where a tidal bore
whips up big waves.
Landlubbers, of course, needn’t feel left
out. Choices for bikers and hikers abound.
The former love to pedal on the 119-km (74-
mi.) Rum Runners Trail connecting Halifax
and Lunenburg; while the latter lace-up
their boots in places like Cape Breton
Highlands National Park, which alone has
26 trails. If golf is your game, world-class
courses span the province. Standouts range
from traditional favourites like Highlands
Links and Fox Harb’r Golf Resort, to newer
stars like Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs,
acclaimed sister courses.
HERITAGE AND CULTURE
Nova Scotia is Latin for “New Scotland” and
descendants of its Scottish settlers make much
of that connection—particularly on Cape
Breton Island, where you can take a class or buy
a kilt at North America’s only Gaelic college
(www.gaeliccollege.edu), raise a glass at the
continent’s first single malt whisky distillery
(www.glenoradistillery.com), tour the Celtic
Music Interpretive Centre (www.celticmusic
centre.com), then dance your feet off at
one of the summer ceilidhs (traditional
Gaelic-inflected parties) held Island-wide.
The province, however, isn’t entirely draped
in tartan.
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