Mosquitoes
 

We're planning on 2 weeks in Aug for Cape Breton and the Halifax area. How bad are mosquitoes likely to be? Thanks.

I live in Ontario but have travelled quite a bit in NB. Probably mosquitoes shouldn't be a big issue when right in Halifax, or other urban centers but if you are out of town especially in the woods they will be annoying especially in the evening. A lot depends on the weather. They are more numerous when it is cool and damp, less so if it is hot and dry. Insect repellant usually works quite well, antihistamines if you are sensitive.

In general mosquito populations tend to be lower in late summer compared to early summer. We've visited Cape Breton and Halifax in the last half of August a number of times and I don't remember mosquitoes being a big issue. In shaded damp woodlands or around dusk near wetlands you might get some, but as mosquito populations tend to vary considerably year to year, it's always safe to have some spray handy just in case.

Mosquitos aren't as big a problem in August, but in Cape Breton be prepared for some other biting insects. Horse flies can be especially annoying in some parts of the island. There may still be some mosquitos as well around dusk.