Nova Scotia 5/26-5/31/05
Jan 19th, 2005, 09:55 PM
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Nova Scotia 5/26-5/31/05
I just booked my trip. I am flying into Halifax. I will arrive in the evening, so I have only 5 days to see as much as I can. I do not want to spend all of my time driving.
What are the must sees, must buys and must eats?
What are the must sees, must buys and must eats?
Jan 26th, 2005, 05:33 AM
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Dear Enjoylife, I would suggest to you yo spend at least 2 days in Halifax and areas peggys cove , mahones bay & lunenberg and drive to cape bretonmisland forthe next 3 days to enjoy the cabot trail The fortress of Louisbourg, The miners Museum And the town of baddeck . The suggestions on cape bretonisland are not to be missed. the same goes for Halifax and areas. This would give you a good over view of what Nova Scotia has to offer with such a limited time any way have fun and take care if you need any other questions answered please contact me it would be my pleause to give you all the info required
Feb 4th, 2005, 11:20 AM
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It sounds like I should get acommodations in Halifax for the first two nights and for the other three nights, where should I stay? Also, are they any good places to get local crafts/art, etc. at a decent/discounted price? Any restaurant suggestions?
Feb 5th, 2005, 03:33 PM
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You mention you do not want to spend all of your time driving. It is a 5 hour drive to Cape Breton from Halifax and to go around the Cabot Trail, visit Baddeck and visit Louisbourg will take up 2 to 3 nights but alot of driving involved. You could fly out of Sydney rather than driving back to Halifax. To enjoy historic Halifax, I would suggest two full days there but you could use one of those days to drive to Peggy's Cove, Chester, Mahone Bay and Lunenburg. On your way to Chester (on the old road) stop at Stafford's Lobster Pound in Fox Point for lunch. If you decide not to go to beautiful Cape Breton, stay overnight in Lunenburg area,and you can cut across to Annapolis Valley where there are many historic towns and also visit The Bay of Fundy. Hall's Harbour is a spot where you can enjoy lobster also. However, the Apple Blossom Festival is from May 25 to May 30 in Annapolis Valley so if you stay overnight you want to plan to book something the night of May 30th and next day head to airport. Suggest you view this site:
http://www.destination-ns.com/forms/guide.asp
and order the "Doers and Dreamers" Guide.
http://www.destination-ns.com/forms/guide.asp
and order the "Doers and Dreamers" Guide.
Feb 24th, 2005, 11:30 AM
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Hello, Enjoylife! While I agree that Cape Breton is not to be missed, one thing you shd keep in mind is that you will be in NS the last week in May: It can still be very, very chilly @ that time of year! You shd also check to see when certain Cape Breton Tourist Atractions open for the season. Just the thought of being in Louisbourg @ the end of May makes me cold!!! 
If you do decide to go to Cape Breton , The Inverary(sp?) Inn in Baddeck wld be a good "base" for your day trips. I have stated b/f on this site that I am partial to Keltic Lodge(Main Building not The Inn) in Ingonish so I wld stay there but it is not as central as Baddeck (in fact, it is not central at all! You will see what I mean when you look in your Doers' & Dreamers' guide from the Province of NS Dept of Tourism).
The suggestion to fly into Halifax & out of Sydney is a good one if you can arrange it as it will save you that long drive back to Halifax. Or, you cld reverse it. But, if you have a rental car to drop the "drop fee" may be prohibitive.
Where are you "flying from"??? Looks like you basically have only 4 days May 27, 28, 29, 30. What time do you fly out on the 31st?? Because of time constraints, you may want to restrict yourself to Halifax & the surrounding area. Otherwise, you will be doing a lot of driving & you said you did not want to do that.
If you do decide to go to Cape Breton , The Inverary(sp?) Inn in Baddeck wld be a good "base" for your day trips. I have stated b/f on this site that I am partial to Keltic Lodge(Main Building not The Inn) in Ingonish so I wld stay there but it is not as central as Baddeck (in fact, it is not central at all! You will see what I mean when you look in your Doers' & Dreamers' guide from the Province of NS Dept of Tourism).
The suggestion to fly into Halifax & out of Sydney is a good one if you can arrange it as it will save you that long drive back to Halifax. Or, you cld reverse it. But, if you have a rental car to drop the "drop fee" may be prohibitive.
Where are you "flying from"??? Looks like you basically have only 4 days May 27, 28, 29, 30. What time do you fly out on the 31st?? Because of time constraints, you may want to restrict yourself to Halifax & the surrounding area. Otherwise, you will be doing a lot of driving & you said you did not want to do that.
Feb 26th, 2005, 06:09 PM
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I fly into Halifax at 2:35 p.m. on 5/26 (from LAX) and out of Halifax on 5/31 at 8:00 p.m. It sounds like Cabot Trail is out for this trip due to the large amount of driving. Therefore, what quaint towns should I stay in and where can I buy local crafts at a good price? Some suggested that I go to garage sales to get crafts, but I wouldn't know the best way to find them nor in what cities. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
Feb 27th, 2005, 06:07 AM
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We were in Annapolis Royal in October 2003 and loved it. We stayed at The Queen Anne Inn http://www.queenanneinn.ns.ca/ and it was my favorite inn ever. We're a family of four and stayed 2 nights in their Room 12 in the carriage house, and one night in the wonderful Room 1. They serve a great breakfast every morning. They have a lovely grounds, and are within walking distance of the Historic Gardens and Fort Anne. Take a trip to see the Port Royal historic site.
We were in Halifax 3 years ago and stayed at the Waverely Inn http://www.waverleyinn.com/ . This was also a lovely inn - we stayed in their Deluxe Twin room and it was awesome. We liked the Citadel tour and the Maritime Musuem.
We saw the fundy tides from Blomidan Point, which was on the ?north (near new brunswick) shore. It's probably about 1.5 - 2 hrs from Annapolis royal.
Have fun - Atlantic Canada is my favorite vacation destination!
We were in Halifax 3 years ago and stayed at the Waverely Inn http://www.waverleyinn.com/ . This was also a lovely inn - we stayed in their Deluxe Twin room and it was awesome. We liked the Citadel tour and the Maritime Musuem.
We saw the fundy tides from Blomidan Point, which was on the ?north (near new brunswick) shore. It's probably about 1.5 - 2 hrs from Annapolis royal.
Have fun - Atlantic Canada is my favorite vacation destination!
Feb 27th, 2005, 07:17 PM
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The more I look at the map, the more I want to see.
Here's what I am considering: Staying in Halifax for two days with a day trip to Peggy's Cove, Mahone Bay and Lunenburg and spending three days in Digby or Annapolis Royal with a day trip to Yarmouth. Any other suggestions?
Here's what I am considering: Staying in Halifax for two days with a day trip to Peggy's Cove, Mahone Bay and Lunenburg and spending three days in Digby or Annapolis Royal with a day trip to Yarmouth. Any other suggestions?
Feb 28th, 2005, 05:43 AM
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Just my opinion, but I'm not sure Yarmouth is worth the day trip. I've been through there three times (from the ferry on my way somewhere else) and honestly couldn't see much there worth stopping for to see. It depends on what you like. If you're looking for vistas, I would again suggest Blomidan point which is north of Wolfville, or many other points along the Evangline Trail. Also, there is a wildlife area between Halifax and Annapolis Royal, Kejimkijuk National Park. I haven't yet been there but it seems like a good spot for hiking, etc.
Feb 28th, 2005, 05:50 PM
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enjoylife:
Don't tell me you're going to fabulous Nova Scotia with no intent to get to know the unparalleled tides in the Bay of Fundy.
In most of North America "tides" are merely something for fishermen and people who live on the water, or grade school field trip fodder. In Nova Scotia it is wise to try to recall all you learned in grade 5 and apply it to real life.
C'mon, the rivers in the Truro area of NS all turn around and run UPstream about 3 hours before high tide? You can go white water rafting UP river. (might not be available in May, but that isn't the point)
The ships at dock far into the bay sit on the ocean floor at low tide and 6 hours later they are high up in the water again. You can walk hundreds of feet out into the surf at low tide but the incoming tides have been known to swallow people whole.
Also, keep your ear on the weather if planning a day or two on Cape Breton. The relentless Nova Scotia fog can render the trip unrewarding.
As for "must eats", see if the Nova Scotia McDonalds' are serving their home grown specialty: "McLobster Sandwich" (served in season)... cuz you can't get that in Chula Vista!
Instincts tell me that were I in your shoes, I'd schedule the Peggy's Cove side trip for 5/27 (a Friday of U.S. Memorial Day weekend)... then stay IN Halifax to do touristy stuff on the Sat. and Sun. when perhaps more people will be on the roads.
If driving up north, I'd leave in the late afternoon on Sunday, staying somewhere of your choosing on Sunday night with Monday being your main sightseeing day outside of Halifax.
I caught the "LAX" in your other message, and can understand the urgency which suggests seeing all you can in NS.
Arriving 2:35pm Thursday
Departing 8:00pm Tuesday
Maybe you should make use of your Thursday, especially since 2:35 NS time is 10:35 in the morning LAX time.
Maybe make THAT your day to head off to "Peggy's Cove" for dinner at the place next to the lighthouse. It's a short hop, and can be gorgeous, or rainy and gloomy, which can be fun too.
Then Friday would be open for a trip inland to the Bay of Fundy.
Here is some reading:
http://www.company7.com/library/novascotiatidetrip.html
Somewhere online there must be a tide table for the area, (there was last time I went), and with that you could see when the greatest contrasts could be found, and then time your viewing accordingly.
Best spots to appreciate the tides in the area are either
A - not far from Wolfville, NS
B - not far from Truro, NS
C - although it is too far for you, at least look up "Hopewell Cape, New Brunswick" on the internet, for pictures or do a Google search for "Flower Pot Rocks"
The trick for such a one-day journey to get a sense of the tides, is to fill your time somehow between "high" and "low" (while hoping to see 2 consecutive ones (1 of each) both in daylight).
Then, if you can check off Peggy's Cove and the Bay of Fundy on Thursday and Friday, you can see what you will of Halifax on Sat. and Sun. and bits of Thurs. and Fri.... and this frees up your Sunday evening departure toward the northeastern areas of NS.
Halifax to Sydney is about 200 miles if you're game (but you cannot fly down the road as if driving to Vegas past Barstow).
FYI the Atlantic Coast drive north of Halifax takes its sweet time, and there is even a FERRY you have to take at one point to get across a small stretch of water (leaves once an hour, I fear).
The scenery on/off of Cape Breton can be awesome, and if the weather is bright and sunny you might just want to go for it.
Maybe on that Sunday you can dart off from Halifax near 6pm (sun sets at about 8:50pm) and put yourself in, maybe, "Antigonish" by nightfall. Then, on Monday morning, check the weather and if it is sunny then GO for the Cabot Trail loop.
Halifax is easily attainable by noon (or whenever) on Tuesday.
I'm tired of writing now, but I'll check back.
Don't tell me you're going to fabulous Nova Scotia with no intent to get to know the unparalleled tides in the Bay of Fundy.
In most of North America "tides" are merely something for fishermen and people who live on the water, or grade school field trip fodder. In Nova Scotia it is wise to try to recall all you learned in grade 5 and apply it to real life.
C'mon, the rivers in the Truro area of NS all turn around and run UPstream about 3 hours before high tide? You can go white water rafting UP river. (might not be available in May, but that isn't the point)
The ships at dock far into the bay sit on the ocean floor at low tide and 6 hours later they are high up in the water again. You can walk hundreds of feet out into the surf at low tide but the incoming tides have been known to swallow people whole.
Also, keep your ear on the weather if planning a day or two on Cape Breton. The relentless Nova Scotia fog can render the trip unrewarding.
As for "must eats", see if the Nova Scotia McDonalds' are serving their home grown specialty: "McLobster Sandwich" (served in season)... cuz you can't get that in Chula Vista!
Instincts tell me that were I in your shoes, I'd schedule the Peggy's Cove side trip for 5/27 (a Friday of U.S. Memorial Day weekend)... then stay IN Halifax to do touristy stuff on the Sat. and Sun. when perhaps more people will be on the roads.
If driving up north, I'd leave in the late afternoon on Sunday, staying somewhere of your choosing on Sunday night with Monday being your main sightseeing day outside of Halifax.
I caught the "LAX" in your other message, and can understand the urgency which suggests seeing all you can in NS.
Arriving 2:35pm Thursday
Departing 8:00pm Tuesday
Maybe you should make use of your Thursday, especially since 2:35 NS time is 10:35 in the morning LAX time.
Maybe make THAT your day to head off to "Peggy's Cove" for dinner at the place next to the lighthouse. It's a short hop, and can be gorgeous, or rainy and gloomy, which can be fun too.
Then Friday would be open for a trip inland to the Bay of Fundy.
Here is some reading:
http://www.company7.com/library/novascotiatidetrip.html
Somewhere online there must be a tide table for the area, (there was last time I went), and with that you could see when the greatest contrasts could be found, and then time your viewing accordingly.
Best spots to appreciate the tides in the area are either
A - not far from Wolfville, NS
B - not far from Truro, NS
C - although it is too far for you, at least look up "Hopewell Cape, New Brunswick" on the internet, for pictures or do a Google search for "Flower Pot Rocks"
The trick for such a one-day journey to get a sense of the tides, is to fill your time somehow between "high" and "low" (while hoping to see 2 consecutive ones (1 of each) both in daylight).
Then, if you can check off Peggy's Cove and the Bay of Fundy on Thursday and Friday, you can see what you will of Halifax on Sat. and Sun. and bits of Thurs. and Fri.... and this frees up your Sunday evening departure toward the northeastern areas of NS.
Halifax to Sydney is about 200 miles if you're game (but you cannot fly down the road as if driving to Vegas past Barstow).
FYI the Atlantic Coast drive north of Halifax takes its sweet time, and there is even a FERRY you have to take at one point to get across a small stretch of water (leaves once an hour, I fear).
The scenery on/off of Cape Breton can be awesome, and if the weather is bright and sunny you might just want to go for it.
Maybe on that Sunday you can dart off from Halifax near 6pm (sun sets at about 8:50pm) and put yourself in, maybe, "Antigonish" by nightfall. Then, on Monday morning, check the weather and if it is sunny then GO for the Cabot Trail loop.
Halifax is easily attainable by noon (or whenever) on Tuesday.
I'm tired of writing now, but I'll check back.
Mar 4th, 2005, 01:37 PM
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The area around Chester has wonderful artisans to check out. Chez Glass Lass makes some of the most beautiful glass pieces I've ever seen. There's also a potter in the area that adds a great sense of whimsy to her work. I brought home a lovely bean pot sort of thing in a zebra motif -- black and white stripes and an adorable whole-body zebra for the handle. Sorry I can't remember exactly where she's located, but her name is pronounced "Mickey" and her studio is out of the bed and breakfast that she runs with her husband.
We stayed at the Rosewood Cottages in Hubbards (very close to Chester) at the end of May two years ago. The delightful innkeeper provided us with a local map of unique shops in the area. There was also a farmer's market in Hubbards the Saturday we were there. You might find some treasures there as well.
Have a great trip. It's a wonderful place to visit.
We stayed at the Rosewood Cottages in Hubbards (very close to Chester) at the end of May two years ago. The delightful innkeeper provided us with a local map of unique shops in the area. There was also a farmer's market in Hubbards the Saturday we were there. You might find some treasures there as well.
Have a great trip. It's a wonderful place to visit.
Mar 20th, 2005, 09:24 AM
#16
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I finally booked all my accomodations. YAY!
Two nights at the Westin Nova Scotian ($40 US a night on Priceline)
One night at Greybeard's B&B in Lunenburg ($60 + tax with ensuite bath + special Greybeard's breakfast.)
Two nights at Olde Porte of Clements in Clementsport ($60 per night, no tax with ensuite bath, breakfast specialty of peach crepes +. the owner is an impressionist artist)
Now I need assistance with: 1) places to eat local fare (Stafford's sounds like a good place to start);
2) places to buy local crafts at a good price (it can be enroute to these places as well as in these towns),
3) attractions/sights which can't be missed; and 4) should I attend the Apple Blossom Festival?
Two nights at the Westin Nova Scotian ($40 US a night on Priceline)
One night at Greybeard's B&B in Lunenburg ($60 + tax with ensuite bath + special Greybeard's breakfast.)
Two nights at Olde Porte of Clements in Clementsport ($60 per night, no tax with ensuite bath, breakfast specialty of peach crepes +. the owner is an impressionist artist)
Now I need assistance with: 1) places to eat local fare (Stafford's sounds like a good place to start);
2) places to buy local crafts at a good price (it can be enroute to these places as well as in these towns),
3) attractions/sights which can't be missed; and 4) should I attend the Apple Blossom Festival?
Mar 20th, 2005, 10:08 AM
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Hi,
Glad to know that you're all booked.
I'm glad you're going to spend two nights in reasonably close proximity to the Bay of Fundy.
If you're up for a hike of roughly 2 1/2 hours EACH WAY, you could go to "Cape Split", which would put you on a bluff smack dab in the middle of the Bay of Fundy.
It is a popular hike and to get there you drive to the town of Wolfville (68 miles from Annapolis Royal, 60 miles from Halifax) and then as far to the 'north' as possible out on the cape, then you park and hike for 2 1/2 hours to reach the end. Type "Cape Split" into Google for more info.
As you're driving around, be sure to take the scenic path along the Bay whenever possible.
I'll leave it to others to offer ideas on arts, crafts and food.
Glad to know that you're all booked.
I'm glad you're going to spend two nights in reasonably close proximity to the Bay of Fundy.
If you're up for a hike of roughly 2 1/2 hours EACH WAY, you could go to "Cape Split", which would put you on a bluff smack dab in the middle of the Bay of Fundy.
It is a popular hike and to get there you drive to the town of Wolfville (68 miles from Annapolis Royal, 60 miles from Halifax) and then as far to the 'north' as possible out on the cape, then you park and hike for 2 1/2 hours to reach the end. Type "Cape Split" into Google for more info.
As you're driving around, be sure to take the scenic path along the Bay whenever possible.
I'll leave it to others to offer ideas on arts, crafts and food.
Mar 23rd, 2005, 05:35 AM
#18
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Hi - 5 days isn't much in N.S. especially if you want to limit your driving - so many great places spread out all around the province! Still, I can't imagine visiting N.S. for the first time and "not" seeing Cape Breton National Park. The Cabot Trail drive is truly one of the most spectacular in world. And the local Acadian folkart (sold in and around Cheticamp, and in more upscale stores elsewhere) is certainly "unique". Why not drive right up to, say, Baddeck from the airport the first day you arrive. You'll be there by early to mid evening in time for dinner. It's a very picturesque tourist town, yacht harbour, craft stores, several upscale Inns and small Resorts. And you can do a spectacular day trip drive around the whole Cabot Trail from here the second day. Stay over here the second night, or even a third night if you want for more exploring, then head back to Halifax for your last 2 or 3 nights. Do a day trip at least as far as Lunenburg, maybe stopping at Mahone Bay on the way there, and hitting Peggy's Cove on way back (it's a quick photo stop - popular at sunset, but good anytime). Spend the rest of your time enjoying the Halifax Harbour area - pubs, restaurants, shops, museums.
One thing to remember in N.S. - many of the drives, even if long, are pleasant and scenic making them considerably more relaxing than the typical "superhighways".
One thing to remember in N.S. - many of the drives, even if long, are pleasant and scenic making them considerably more relaxing than the typical "superhighways".
