Nova Scotia in 5 days

 Halifax is the largest city in Nova Scotia and the capital of the region. Founded by Edward Cornwallis in 1749 as a permanent British settlement and counterpart to Louisbourg, the French port at cape Breton. The land in Nova Scotia doesn’t lend itself to farming and other ports were used for fishing. The importance of Halifax was as military port for British and later Canadian navy base.  

Lunenburg stays steeped in history. The town of colourful houses is only about an hour from Halifax yet could hardly be more different. 

Let’s start with some facts: Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage listed town as the best example of British colonial settlement in North America. Seventy percent of its buildings are preserved as they were built in the 18thand 19th centuries when the town flourished as a fishing port.

Bay of Fundy is famous for its tides. No wonder, as these are the highest tides in the world. Based largely on the size (amount of water) and shape of the bay, the tides at the head of the bay near Truro and Maitland reach up to 16m. At Maitland on Shubenacadie River one can experience a particular phenomenon, the tidal bore. This occurs when the flow of the tide pushes against the flow of the river and makes it appear as flowing upstream. 

Back in Truro, visit Victoria Park formed around a natural gorge, or get better acquainted with the Mi’kmaw culture. 

Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island changed reign from Scottish to French and on to English rule. The local names reflect the various periods from the native Ingonish to Inverness, Englishtown and French Louisbourg. In 1784 Sydney was made the capital of Cape Breton Island. 

 In Louisburg you will be transported to French colonial times of the 18thcentury. In Sydney, the Island’s capital, enjoy a walk along the waterfront, Cape Breton Miners’ Museum, reminding the visitor of the coal mining history. At Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design select a local artwork as a unique reminder of the Canadian adventure.  

Cape Breton Island reaches into Gulf of St Lawrence, creating a natural breakwater separating the Gulf from the Atlantic Ocean. It is no surprise the seafood is superb in this remote Canadian region.

The Mi’kmaq culture is preserved to this day through legends, music and arts & crafts. They were among the first North American people to meet and trade with the European explorers. One of the first was John Cabot who visited the island in 1497. Today a scenic drive in the north of the island is dedicated to him as Cabot Trail.