Nova Scotia

Population: 908,000  / Capital: Halifax

As is true in all of Canada, the Mi'kmaq were the first inhabitants of what we now know as Nova Scotia.

John Cabot, exploring the New World for England, sighted Cape Breton island in 1497.  French settlers claimed he region and created the first permanent European settlement, choosing the Mi'kmaq name, Acadie or Acadia, French for "peaceful land" in 1605.  But it wouldn't stay tranquil for long, due to a prolonged conflict between Britain and France for control of the territory.

King James I of England ordered the establishment of a "New Scotland" in the Maritime Provinces in 1621.  Scottish families later immigrated to Nova Scotia, and residents have remained loyal to their roots.

Numerous sites throughout the province remind visitors of its time as Acadia.  The founding of Port Royal in 1605 marked the beginning of French colonization.  Imagine fur-trading days at the reconstructed Port Royal National Historic Site, where steeply pitched roofs and fieldstone chimneys exemplify Norman-Style architecture.

Gran-Pre' National Historic Site, once an Acadian village, contains an exhibit detailing the 1755 deportation of Acadians from the area by the British.  Henry Wadsworth Longfellow memorialized the event with his now-famous epic poem "Evangeline".  Based on a true story, the poem which tells of a woman who becomes separated from her beloved during the exile, evolve into an Acadian myth.

Wherever you go in Nova Scotia, you are near water.  The seacoast of Nova Scotia is 4750 miles long, within that distance, lies some of the most amazing natural wonders and diverse landscapes in the world.  The farthest distance from water in the province is only 37 miles.  Although not an island, Nova Scotia is almost completely surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the Bay of Fundy, and the Minas Basin and Northumberland Strait along with several other bays off the Atlantic. The interior is speckled with lakes, rivers and streams making Nova Scotia a water wonderland.

Among the most wonderful sights in Nova Scotia are the changing tides of the Bay of Fundy.  One of the highest tides on earth occurs in the Minas Basin, where the average range is 40 to 50 feet each day.

Route Hopewell Cape to Noel, NS: 

        Hwy 114 to Dieppe (26miles);

        Hwy 2 to Amherst (Ft. Beausejour Nat'l Historic Park) (29 miles); 

        Hwy 2 to Wentwort (Truro) (70 miles).

        xxxx

Alternate Route to Noel: Glooscap Trail ( pg 107 Nova Scotia Book)

        Spring Hill

            Miner Museum

            Anne Murry Centre

        Parrboro

            Fundy Geological Museum

        Five Island Park

        Economy

            Cobegud Interpretation Centre

        Bass River

        Truro

        Maitland

        Noel

           
Noel, NS
    Burncoat Tide and Tidal Bore
 

Annapolis Royal, NS

Route Noel to Annapolis Royal: 

        Hwy 215 to Brooklyn(  xx miles); 

        Hwy 101 Brooklyn to Annapolis Royal (190 miles).

    Attractions & Heritage Sites

    'Gran Pre' National Park
    Tour at Annapolis Royal
    Port Royal Habitation
    Annapolis Royal Historic Botanical Gardens  
    Botanical Gardens covering 10 acres of land and include many theme gardens of extraordinary beauty.
    Fort Anne
    Rose Garden Lunch

            CAMP

Annapolis River Campground
Bridgetown, Central Evangeline Trail
Riverside camping, pay-showers, tent shelters, DS, shelter, propane station, RV supplies, firepits, wood. Playground, pool, CBTV, rec hall, laundromat, canoe rentals; swimming, fishing. Seasonal & caravans welcome. VS, AE, DD.
Rates starting at: $20 serviced, $15 unserviced, $35 Cabin
56 Queen St, Bridgetown NS
 

The Cove Oceanfront Campground

Parker's Cove, NS

We are located 5 miles (7 kilometers) outside the historic town of Annapolis Royal, the oldest European settlement in North America.This area of Southwestern Nova Scotia has a unique blend of history, culture, modern conveniences and stunning natural beauty.

From Northeastern Nova Scotia, follow Highway Route 101 to the Bridgetown exit (# 20) onto Route 1. Follow Route 1 west through the Annapolis Valley for 13 1/3 miles (21 Kms). See an Irving gas station on the right. Just before the station, turn right onto Parker Mountain Road, and follow up and over the hill. At the base of the hill - after you get done admiring the view - turn left at the STOP sign. The campground entrance is 400 feet ahead on your right.
 

Yarmouth

Route Annapolis Royal to Yarmouth:

    Hwy 101 to Yarmouth (73 Miles)

    Attractions

        CAMP
    Loomer's Camper's Haven

Lunenburg, NS

Route: Yarmouth to Lunenburg:

    Hwy 103 to Bridgewater (126 miles);    

    Hwy 3 to Lunenburg (~15 miles)
  

    Lunenburg Fisheries Museum - Bluenose Drive
    Bluenose Whale Tour

    Side Trips:

        Mahone Bay:
            Historic Churchs

            Settler's Museum and Cultural Centre

            Amos Pewter

                CAMP

Board of Trade Campground, 11 Blockhouse Hill Road,  902-634-3656

Halifax - Dartmouth, NS

Route:  Lunenburg to Halifax:  

    Hwy  xxx to Mahone Bay ( xx miles);     

    Hwy 103 to Halifax ( xx miles)
    Historic City Bus Tour

    Dartmouth Heritage Walk

    Halifax Historic Downtown Walk

    Eastern Shore Drive

    South Shore Drive ( Lighthouse Route)

    Other Exploring Drives
    Peggy's Cove Tour (lunch)
    Citadel National Historic Park Tour
    Harbour Dinner Tour
    Titanic Memorial & Burial Grounds
    Side Trips:

        Peggy's Cove - Old Fishing Village

        Chester - Old Fishing Village

                        CAMP

                Wood Haven RV Park

       
Baddeck, NS

Route: Halifax to Baddeck: 

    Hwy 102 to Truro (47 miles); 

    Hwy 104 to Westville (36 miles);

    Hwy 104 to Antigonish (38 miles);     

    Hwy 104 to Strait of Canso (32 Miles); 

    Hwy 105 to Daddeck (47 miles).

    Tour Alexander Graham Bell Museum
    Ceildh (Kaylee) Entertainment
    Cabot Trail Tour
    Joe's Scarecrow Theatre
    Village of Cheticamp

North Sydney, NS

Route:  Baddeck to North Sydney: 

    Hwy 105 to N. Sydney.

    Marconi National Historic Site
    Glace Bay Coal Mine Tour & Miners Museum
    North Sydney Dinner on Wharf