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On my first day, after arriving in Halifax on an Air Canada flight of approximately 6.5 hours, I explored the Halifax waterfront and visited the Citadel National Historic Site. It was incredibly interesting and I learned so much about Halifax’s history — from the fort and the lifestyle of the British military, to the Halifax Explosion (the second-largest man-made explosion in history) and the city’s connection to the Titanic disaster.
My next stop was Peggy’s Cove and its famous lighthouse, a truly stunning location.
I then visited Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage town known for its rich boat-building history and beautiful Gothic architecture. Founded by German and Swiss immigrants, it’s full of charm. The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic is definitely worth a visit, and watching the boats from the harbourfront is fantastic.
Kejimkujik National Park was another highlight — 381 square kilometres of waterways, wildlife and forest. The area is breathtakingly beautiful, and you can hire canoes and bikes to explore. I was fortunate to have a private tour to see the petroglyphs and learn about the local Mi’kmaq way of life. A truly memorable day.
Next on my journey was Annapolis Royal, settled in 1605 by some of the earliest European settlers. Fort Anne National Historic Site overlooks the Annapolis River, offering fabulous views.
Grand-Pré National Historic Site was another powerful and moving stop. It commemorates the history of the Acadian people, their deportation, and their way of life. A fascinating history lesson dating back to 1755.
If you love lobster, Nova Scotia is the place to be. I visited a lobster pound in Hall’s Harbour, a fishing village dating back to 1779, where I learned everything about lobster fishing and preparation. I enjoyed the freshest lobster I’ve ever tasted — highly recommended.
Wine lovers will also be in heaven. There are many wineries in the Grand-Pré region, with excellent restaurants and tasting experiences. I stayed in Wolfville, only about 20 minutes from a local winery, which made for a brilliant visit.
Before heading back to Halifax and my flight home, I visited Burntcoat Head Park for a tidal-reveal ocean-floor tour — walking on the seabed while the tide was out. This area has the world’s highest tides, so timing is everything. After a stop at the Bay of Fundy to watch a tidal bore, it was time to return to Halifax for my journey home.
What an amazing opportunity to visit such a special part of Canada. Stunning scenery, fascinating history, delicious food, and the loveliest people. I will definitely be returning to explore more of this fabulous country.
