10 things to love about Nova Scotia
If you haven’t heard of Nova Scotia, we won’t blame you. But after reading about it, you might regret not visiting… yet.
Nova Scotia is one of eastern Canada’s Maritime provinces on the Atlantic and is made up of a peninsula and offshore islands – plus it’s home to puffins and seals, and popular for water sports like kayaking.
The history:
Nova Scotia is one of Canada’s Maritime Provinces, and both its past and its present are tied closely to fishing, shipbuilding, and transatlantic shipping.
In 1605, the French established a fur-trading post at Port Royal, making the site of the first European settlement north of Florida. As a result, this place place is steeped in history from not only the early explorers, who named the area Acadia, but the native Mi’kmaq people, who had been hunters and gatherers in the area for centuries before.
The province’s present name also means “New Scotland” in Latin. How’s that for a fun fact?
The landscape:
We all know the Canadian landscape is one of the best around, but in Nova Scotia, it’s at a whole new level.
Experience the great outdoors like almost nowhere else: check out the world’s highest tides, rocky coves, remote lighthouses and rustic fishing villages with the warm hospitality of the locals.
What more could you want in a holiday?
Lunenburg:
Old Town Lunenburg is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but home to Nova Scotia’s sailing ambassador, the Bluenose II, a graceful, replicated ship of the original fishing boat – made famous as a racing schooner.
The town is famed for it’s distinctive waterfront with its colourful buildings, as well as just being super, super quaint.
Halifax:
The capital of Nova Scotia and pub capital of Canada, Halifax is a cosmopolitan city offering some of Canada’s most succulent seafood, mirco breweries and distilleries, as well as unique shops and resuarants to boot – all right beside a stunning waterfront.
This city has more pubs and clubs per capita than almost any city in Canada which makes it even more fitting that the city’s most famous brewmaster, Alexander Keith, was also the mayor. Three times. Which basically makes his original 1820 brewery (which is still open, BTW) a historical site.
Citadel National Historic Site:
Speaking of historical sites, the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site was set as up by British military in 1749, and is definitely worth a visit in between beers.
The present Citadel, completed in 1856, is officially called Fort George, named after Britain’s King George II, and actually never needed to be used for any wars or invasions.
Cabot Trail:
This beautiful coastal trail features amazing views, wildlife spotting opportunities and happens to be located on Cape Breton Island, which magazine Travel + Leisure dubbed as one of the world’s must see islands. And boy, do we believe them.
But, besides a stunning road trip, what is there to do? Well, the natural beauty of the highlands provides the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities like golfing, kayaking, hiking, cycling, and whale watching. And don’t forget about motorcycling!
You can hike and camp in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, play a round of golf at the famous Highlands Links, check out artisan shops along the trail, or just drive and stare as you experience this 300 kilometre (186 mile) highway. Only stare if you’re on a tour bus, though.
Brier Island:
This small island is home to whales, seabirds, flora, fauna, shipwrecks, lighthouses, hiking trails and about 200 people, and sits at the entrance to the Bay of Fundy, which has the highest tides in the world.
And whatever you do, don’t go past the whale watching. Picture Finback and Minkes, humpbacks or even the rare North Atlantic right whale!
Bay of Fundy:
This beautiful formation is one of the seven wonders of North America, and after visiting you’ll see why. It has the highest tides on earth, the rarest whales in the world, semi-precious minerals and dinosaur fossils – all in the one place.
Imagine breathtaking hiking trails, sea kayaking tours along sculpted coastline, cliffs and islands, boat tours and tidal rafting expeditions on the tidal rivers, all in a postcard-worthy location. Yeah, sign us up.
Roadtripping:
Canada is possibly one of the best locations in the world for self-driving itineraries, and Nova Scotia is no exception. How else are you supposed to stop every five minutes for photo breaks?
You can either rent a car and go your own way or choose from the plethora of company-provided itineraries.
The food:
Think lobster is an expensive meal? Not in Nova Scotia!
In fact, the seafood here is a force to be reckoned with – in taste, availability and price. And did we mention you can go on seafood trails, to restaurants and retail and fisheries experiences. Just get us here already.
Latest News
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!
Globally-renowned chefs gather for Vivid Food 2024
As a human, we agree that food is a fundamental part of the human experience. Some might say the most fundamental.
Air New Zealand returns to Hobart and Seoul
If you notice an uptick in Kiwis making their way through the Mona, you know why.
European Waterways targets multi-generational families with ‘floating villa’ deal
The jury is still out on whether spending a week on a 'floating villa' with family is a hell or a paradise.
Luxury Escapes launches ‘sail away’ sale
Rest assured, you'll be getting your 'sails' and 'sales' mixed up for the rest of the day.
Rex-owned National Jet Express adds weekly charter between Brisbane and Orange
This is for mining and civil contractors, so please, put your holiday attire away.
Let the games begin. Viking introduces eye-watering benefits for the industry’s top 10 advisors
Did someone say 'trip to Venice'? Hold my coat, this one is far too good to miss!
Best friends or frenemies? What is the REAL relationship between sales and marketing?
We can all stop fighting over the corner office because our mothers were right - we are all important in our own way.
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at global investment event
Now is the time to start looking at Saudi Arabia if you are not already. There's big things to come.
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Worried about Bali belly? Now you have something else to worry about.
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Everybody loves a bargain and you could do lot a lot worse than check out these deals from TTC!
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
Any initiative that gets more people visiting the delights of Fiji is a good initiative.
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a marketplace exclusively for agents
The cruise industry has surpassed pre-Covid levels so this isn't one to miss!
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours unwraps Christmas collection
Get the Christmas hols booked now and avoid spending it with that elderly relative with dubious political views.
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
If you get feelings of deep shame and regret when you see your screen time, don't worry - you're not alone.
Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
If you are a foodie and you are not currently on the Sun Princess, we really have to ask - what are you doing?
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
Two stories abut Sabre's growth in one week and its only Wednesday! Watchout world.
PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
I mean who hasn't dreamed of a road trip around the US?! Go with Adventure World and you're less likely to get lost.
Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
We were relieved to find out that having a "concierge in your pocket" referred to an app on your phone.
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
If you needed another sign that you should definitely head to Hawaii - this is it!
Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
Call the Avengers! Sabre continues its bid for world domination with latest hire.
Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
Air New Zealand makes huge step towards sustainable travel. We bet it recycles its rubbish properly too.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.
Budget carrier Scoot welcomes first of 9 E190-E2 aircrafts
Here at TW we would like to offer Embraer E190-E2 a warm welcome! It's not easy being the first of the fleet.