Nova Scotia

A vacation in Nova Scotia is guaranteed to be unlike any you’ve ever had before. The surrounding terrain has some of the greenest greens you’ll see this side of the Emerald Isle, the vineyards grow grapes that turn into the most unique vintages, and the array of events and entertainments feature an eclectic mix of culture and music specialized to the area. If you think you’ve “been there, done that” and haven’t been to Nova Scotia, then you’re in for a very rare treat.
Starting off at Amherst, the first thing you’ll notice is all the Victorian architecture. Most of these buildings and homes are on a historical tour of the area. The Amherst Point Bird Sanctuary is a must-see for bird watchers, as it spreads out across 80 square miles and is home to more than 200 different types of birds. The beaches at Amherst draw thousands of visitors each year, as the water here is some of the warmest you’ll find north of the mid-Atlantic coast.
Head southwest on Provincial Route 104 for 66 miles and you’ll find yourself in the town of Truro. Seek out Victoria Park, which is a beautiful place to pull out a picnic lunch and take in plenty of crisp, fresh air, and there are hiking trails that range in difficulty from easy to ambitious. The Salmon River is aptly named for the massive quantities of salmon that can be found in its waters; grab a fishing pole and reel ‘em in!
Moving southwest on the PR-102, a 59-mile drive leads you into the port city of Halifax. This is a busy city with plenty of opportunities for shopping, fine dining and entertainment; it also has ample opportunities to enjoy any of the many secluded coves and beaches that run along her shores. Take the lighthouse tour of Halifax which will show you some of the most graceful lighthouses ever designed.
Continuing west, take the PR-101 for 122 miles until you come to Granville Ferry. This area is filled with historic sites and friendly campsites, and one of the leading area attractions is the North Hills Museum, which features an impressive array of antiques, ceramics and Georgian glass. For those who wish to take some antiques home with them, there are several shops in the area featuring some truly one-of-a-kind items. Nearly fifty miles west on the PR-101, the township of Church Point awaits. As well as having great hiking trails and beautiful scenery, Church Point hosts the annual Buggy Festival during the first week of June. The festival highlights this quaint mode of transportation, and manages to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for local schools and charities each year.
The final stop of Yarmouth is 39 miles south on the PR-101. With seven beaches to choose from, nearly twenty lighthouses to tour, six museums, and world-class golf courses, this is a destination you’ll definitely want to spend some time exploring. Odds are, you’ll be back again next year. Nova Scotia has that effect on first-time travelers!