An agent’s guide to Nova Scotia

An agent’s guide to Nova Scotia
By Tara Harrison


Moose, Maple Syrup, Mounties and Stunning Scenery all come to mind when you think of Canada.

And whilst we didn’t see any Moose, The Mounties, the food and the stunning scenery did not disappoint.

Having visited Canada’s West Coast previously, and utterly loving it, Visiting the East had been a long held dream. So when invited to Agent guide Nova Scotia by Canada Specialist Program and Destination Canada, I jumped at the opportunity.

Though, honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I actually made the trek half way around the world. Arriving into Halifax late in the night, and in the fog, there was little revealed until we hit the road the following day.

Nova Scotia, “New Scotland” in Latin, still has strong ties to it’s Scottish and French heritage and we were able to experience both throughout our trip. My favourite part of NS, was the Picturesque maritime villages that would reveal themselves unexpectedly through the fog.

We took the opportunity to Kayak North River, even in the soaking rain and were rewarded with a sighting of a whole family of bald eagles and their nest in incredibly pristine coastline. Then finally, the sun came out for our drive along the famous Cabot Trail in Cape Breton.

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Whilst the weather wasn’t always cooperative, the food was ALWAYS good. Fresh Lobster, Salmon, Halibut and other seafood was in abundance and always served with such hospitality and pride that you just knew it was prepared with care.

My most memorable meal was watching our chef catch a rainbow trout, teaching us to fillet it and then we enjoyed it as ceviche for lunch! It doesn’t get fresher than that! The Eat Local movement is alive and very active in Nova Scotia, and it was great to see.

Upon arriving back into Halifax to join all the other Provinces at the very special Marriott Harbourfront for the Mega fam, the Sun shone on us all. Halifax and Tourism Nova Scotia really turned it on and it was awesome.

Halifax is an incredibly interesting and vibrant city. From The Citadel on the hill, down to Pier 21 and the immigration museum. Halifax was THE landing point for most migrants arriving to North America and it was only once here, that I realised my own family members had passed through this very spot during their immigration to Quebec during the Second world war.

It was an incredibly moving experience.

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Our final night was an incredible lobster dinner – all the food was bought in by procession behind a Scottish Bag piper. A whole lobster on your plate, with a roll, potato salad and a pot of melted butter for dipping (a total revelation!) and a bib and bucket.

There was nothing else to do but get your hands, and arms and everything dirty! This dinner was not glamourous, but it was messy and so very fun! Then onto one of the cities many pub for dancing to traditional Celtic music – another nod to the Cities Scottish heritage.

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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