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Rex_Roamer's avatar
Rex_Roamer
Explorer
May 26, 2013

Suggestions/Tips for Travel to Nova Scotia?

I see several of you are from Canada.

We are doing our first "family vacation" with just the two of us - our son is off in sunny California for a year. We decided instead of moping around about being two middle-age parents without our kid - we would go someplace totally new - and we picked Nova Scotia.

It's 1,100 miles one-way but we are stopping at family in Massachusetts the first night, and in Saint John, New Brunswick the second night on way up (and back.)

I'm pretty "detail oriented" (and a non-fiction writer and researcher by trade) so I've done a lot of research on the area. BUT... you know you can never get all the info you really need unless you talk to folks who live or have already traveled there.

To that end, if any of you have any tips about what I should plan for or see while there, please share them.
  • CloudDriver's avatar
    CloudDriver
    Explorer
    May 26, 2013
    IMO the Hopewell Rocks are the best place to experience the Fundy tides. We were lucky to arrive just at high tide to see that condition. After lunch and some time in the Visitor Center we were able to go down to walk around the teapot rocks as the tide receded.

    Fortress Louisborg on Cape Breton is a must see.

    We were disappointed in the scallops in Digby. We had much better in Camden ME on the way up.

    If you are interested in Celtic music, stop at the Celtic Music Interpretive Center in Judique. They should be able to tell you who is playing where.
  • Rex_Roamer's avatar
    Rex_Roamer
    Explorer
    May 26, 2013
    Thanks davehardy0101 and NCwriter. I have printed out your posts and included them in my "trip log."

    That Titanic idea is great, and the "scallop capital of the world" is a MUST for us - LOL.
  • NCWriter's avatar
    NCWriter
    Explorer
    May 26, 2013
    Halifax is well worth a visit, and Shubie Park Campground is convenient, inside the metro area. If you have any interest in Titanic history, head for the Atlantic Maritime Museum and also visit Fairview Lawn cemetery where many who perished were buried. Also be sure to go to The Citadel fort on top of the hill - wonderful military museum there.

    Major roads can run you over to Halifax very quickly, even if you spend more time elsewhere. We enjoyed Cape Breton Island a lot, including Louisbourg, the Cabot Trail and the Alexander Graham Bell museum in Baddeck.

    Hard to go wrong in NS. It's so scenic, people are friendly, and we found that visitor services were very efficient and well run.
  • davehardy0101's avatar
    davehardy0101
    Explorer
    May 26, 2013
    When are you going? Halifax has the International Tattoo from June 30-July 7. We have our tickets for the 7th. If you like scallops, Digby, NS is known as the scallop capitol of the world. Canso has the StanFest Folk Music Festival in July. Lunenburg has a winery. Try to see (or ride) the tidal bore. The tides on the Bay of Fundy are awesome. Lots of lighthouses. The people are friendly and the food is good. Lots of fiddlers, pipers and flutes and singers.

    We love going to NS and NB. Will be spending about a month this year. Are also doing a windjammer cruise out of Camden, ME. There are cruises out of Rockland also. A fun sail with a lobster dinner one night.
  • Rex_Roamer's avatar
    Rex_Roamer
    Explorer
    May 26, 2013
    drsolo - yep, we are getting written confirmation of rabies vaccination from vet, and have already applied for "passport card" so we can get back into the U.S. - LOL!

    tiger4X4rv - thanks very much for the travel tips, I will definitely jot them down. ALSO looking forward to seeing the "highest tides in the world" on the Bay of Fundy.
  • Tiger4x4RV's avatar
    Tiger4x4RV
    Nomad
    May 26, 2013
    Did your research turn up the world's largest sculpture of a semipalmated sandpiper? Hint: it's in New Brunswick.

    In St. John, a visit to the Irving Nature Park is enjoyable.

    Another nice break from driving in New Brunswick is to walk around the waterfowl park in downtown Sackville.

    In Nova Scotia, you've got to hear the music! We went to a community concert in Mabou and it was fantastic.

    The standard places that everyone will tell you about are great: Visit the fortress at Louisbourg, walk around in Lunenburg, go to Peggy's Cove.

    Have a great trip!
  • drsolo's avatar
    drsolo
    Nomad
    May 26, 2013
    If you got a dog you must have all vaccination records, and, I think you need a passport?

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