Back from NS
 

Just back from two weeks in Nova Scotia. I have visited Canada many times but first time to Atlantic Canada. Easy flight from Glasgow to Halifax (return was easy too).

Except for one horrible Friday (when the rain was horizontal), the weather was absolutely stunning - warm and sunny, cloudless blue skies.

I was based in Mahone Bay for the entire visit. Some days I had difficulty leaving the house because it was in a lovely location (over the sea) and I enjoyed watching the sunrise and sunset, the sailboats glide past, swimming, etc.

Highlights for me:

Mahone Bay:
- lovely town.
- loved the Scarecrow Festival and the Pumpkin Walk. (credit to Jo-Ann and her crew for their efforts with the Pumpkin Walk)
- looking in all the shops
- a wonderful scallop burger in the Inlet Cafe, sitting outside with a nice view of the bay and the 3 churches.
- Jo-Ann's deli, the chowder & lobster sandwich combo was great, followed by coconut cream pie to for.

Lunenburg:
- pretty town, loved the coloured buildings
- interesting music being played through the public pa system - couldn't fathom out where the sound of the bagpipes were coming from, until I realised it was above my head.
- nice gift shops
- Bluenose is a stunning looking ship both in port and in full sail.
- went to Lunenburg via Blue Rocks (a must see harbour), great wee gift shop with lots of coloured bouys hang out front.

Kejimkujik National Park:
- great outdoors and wished I could have spent longer.
- good trails and lovely scenery.

Peggys Cove:
- nice drive from Mahone Bay to Peggys Cove through lots of nice places like Chester and had lunch on a hot Queensland beach.
- it was relatively quiet when I was at Peggys Cove so I was able to take photos without too many heads popping in.
- the waves crashing on the rocks were spectacular, the sunset was reasonable but I was hoping for something better.
- one sales lady in the gift shop was rather grumpy and never smiled once at anyone (certainly not typical of NS)

Annaplois Royal/Digby:
- AR is a quaint place, interesting to see Fort Anne
- Digby was dead the day I was there, not a lot to see except the harbour.

Halifax:
- only ventured there once (the day of the bad weather) and can't say too much about it because I didn't see much.
- however, I did go and see Drum! and it was fantastic, best $44 I spent.

Due to the warm weather the foliage was slow in changing colour. There were signs but not a great deal. This week should be better.

I loved Nova Scotia and I will return to visit Cape Breton and other areas. To anyone thinking about going there I highly reccommend it. Easy driving on quiet roads, great food, stunning views and great weather (for me anyway).

Thanks Nova Scotia for a great two weeks :)

maple23, Thanks for your trip report. You lucked out with the weather!! I was in NS last week when Oct 3, 4 & 5 were unseasonably warm. Happy to hear that you enjoyed NS....you will love Cape Breton!

Please do come and visit Cape Breton. If you like scenery and wildlife head to the Cape Breton Highlands and Do the Cabot Trail. You cant beat this one. If you are looking for inside info. on Cape Breton be sure to check Trip Advisor as well.

I have every intention in visiting Cape Breton. It was in my plans for this year's visit but I got a wee bit sick and the thought of driving all the way up there and staying at a different place every night didn't enthrall me. So I decided to leave it for another time and give it the attention it deserves.

Great trip report about a part of Nova Scotia I love.Sorry you did not have chance to do more exploring of Halifax and Cape Breton, but I can tell you WILL return-Nova Scotia is like that...