Hi - I've vacationed in NS a number of times, planning another next year and determining which locations to target. Usually pick about 3 bases. Have spent considerable time in Cape Breton, Halifax, Lighthouse Route. Last trip stayed several days near Parrsboro. But have spent less, or no time, in some of the following - and am interested in opinions:

- Digby: stayed a couple of nights in area some years ago but spent most of the day driving out to Brier Island and back.
- Wolfville: have never made it here. Is it worth a night or 2?
- Pictou area: spent a couple of nights near here many years ago, details are fuzzy. Other Sunrise Trail destinations (e.g. New Glascow, Antigonish)?
- Marine Drive: did a day-trip from Halifax as far as Taylor Head Park. More worth exploring?
Tell me what you think of these destinations, sights and activities etc. We like quiet spots for contemplating nature, live Celtic music, scenic drives, photography, hiking, wildlife and bird-watching, interesting little shops and villages, and sitting on a patio overlooking a water vista while enjoying a cold beer or a nice meal.

I'm not an expert but since you haven't had any replies, I'll add something - at least it will top it for you.

If you haven't already done so, you should get the "Doers & Dreamers" travel guide from the official NS tourism website. It's full of great maps, history, place to go, things to do and it's free. Their website is quite good as well.

I've stayed at Brier Island Resort and it might be something enjoyable for you: lots of walks to do of course surrounded by nature and sea animals on the rocks. Some interesting shops in town too, I bought a great pottery piece at "Roses". On you're way there, stop to check out the Balancing Rock. In Digby, the Boardwalk Cafe has spectacular scallops, local of course!

Wolfville has Acadia University and if you're into history there's some local tours. It's never appealed to me as an overnite destination tho.

Depending on when you are going to Antigonish, it might line up with the Highland Games, with competitions/displays in traditional sporting events, Highland dancing, and pipe & marching bands, evening tattoo. Great fun and I think Antigonish is very charming. There's also a scenic drive there, that locals have told me is the "mini Cabot Trail". If you rent a cottage in this area for a few days, you'll certainly enjoy vistas.

My favorite spot is the Eastern Shore, down by Taylor Head. Some nice kayaking, camping and great solitude. Not many services in this part of the province. When we've needed some replenishing, the drive to the Keltic Lodge's restaurant was worth it.

Miscellaneous things: a great hike is Cape Split, and if you like watching tides we've very much enjoyed our stays at Cape D'Or, where the Dory rip tides churn with the tides. During low tide, one can walk for miles along the deserted foot of the cliffs. Be sure to turn back in plenty of time tho - no tourist rescue services here! The inexpensive 4-room lodge is basic but comfortable and the restaurant there is surprisingly excellent too.

Hope this helps a bit. Enjoy-la!

Thank you Klam Chowder. I do have Doers & Dreamers guide, this will be 5th vacacation in NS. Spent most of a day on Brier's Island once but thought it might be worth more time. We stayed near Cape D'Or a couple of years ago and enjoyed the area. Haven't made it to Cape Split and your comments on Antigonish are intriguing. This is what we're looking for - wondering if there are any experiences we've missed that we should make a point of seeing/doing this trip. We'll probably also spend a little time in PEI, and just starting to think about an itinerary. The Eastern Shore above Halifax, which you mention, is also intriguing but I did have the impression of few services. Other than Taylor Head, what would you recommend for hiking/sightseeing along this shore?
Can anyone else add anything about Pictou, Antigonish, etc? Thanks!

In Pictou, I recommend the Braeside Inn for dinner. The lodging there was ok, but the dinner was amazing. Last year, I got a piece of halibut that was the best piece of fish I'd ever eaten in my life (not even exaggerating a bit on that), and didn't know if they could do it again. Last week, their fresh catch was haddock, and it was melt-in-your-mouth good.

Murphy's on the water (I think that's what it was called) also had excellent seafood...couldn't tell if it was a chain restaurant or not, but we really enjoyed our meal, and the staff was super friendly.

Can't say much about activities in the area, all the times I've been to Pictou, it's either been on the way to Cape Breton, or to the PEI ferry, so only time to sleep and eat! Cute little town though...

Enjoy Nova Scotia!

As for the Eastern Passage area, I don't know the names of any specific trails, just explored. We rented kayaks - it's a very sheltered area so if you're comfortable kayaking no need to join a tour. There are lots of places to pull up onto a beach and hike over the ridge lines for some great views.

Not sure when your trip is but one spectacular event is Celtic Colours in October, including the Cdn Thanksgiving Day W/end. Amazing array of musicians and the full spectrum of Celtic from folk to world versions.

If you like geology/history, the Geological Museum out Parrsboro way has curator-led walks on the beaches. You meet at the museum and follow his truck to the site not too far away. Often times there are only a handful of people who attend. We've been on one where we were the only ones - what a treat having the curator, who is involved in spearheading the area to be recognized as a UNESCO Heritage site, give what amounts to a personal tour of historic finds.

If this is your 5th visit, then I take it you've been to Lunenburg - a pretty town with interesting shops. We've gone across the water to the golf course and taken fab photos back towards the town. A visit to The Ovens when out that way is fun too - a bit kitsch but the zodiac to see the caves gave a different perspective.

Liverpool is a beautiful area as well. Their Privateer Days was fun and festive. Lots of quaint houses and interesting stories of the haunted past during their tours.

Have a great trip - enjoy-la!

Why not explore the Eastern Shore. Spend a night or two in Liscomb. Liscomb Lodge is lovely or there is a small 2-bedroom cottage just down from it you can rent. Directly on the water. Lovely spot. Liscomb you can hike up to the trout ladder, kayak, etc. Explore the area - lots of neat beaches, etc. Sherbrooke Village is worthy of an afternoon. Antigonish is about 25 minutes away - university town so always lots happening. Go towards Canso and check out Guysborough - beautiful village on the water.

From Antigonish you can take the mini Cabot Trail (Sunrise Trail route). Spend a couple of days in Pictou area. Here the beaches are spectacular. Check out Melmerby or even better, Sinclair's Island. Although it isn't a provincial beach, you'll think you landed on your own private beach.

From Pictou, travel up the Sunrise Trail towards Tatamagouche. Lots to see and do.

mat106,

You were very helpful as I was researching our NS trip last month. Thanks. I just wanted to coment on Tanya's suggestion regarding Liscombe Lodge. We stayed in a chalet cabin and it was very uncomfortable. OLD-dirty furniture-rundown--overpriced. However, the dining room provided the best meal we had on our entire trip. Maybe the rooms in the lodge would be Ok but I don't know.

Some great ideas, thanks. Yes, we've visited Lunenburg and other Lighthouse Route sights about 3 times. Will probably still do at least a day trip down that way.

Liscomb Lodge area I have considered in past. Thanks for your thoughts - I will look into it for this trip, investigate the lodge rooms. Unfortunately spouse is a big, tall, non-swimmer and feels unstable and uncomfortable in canoes or kayaks so probably won't do much of that.

Have visited Geology Museum in Parrsboro although didn't take the tour, but did visit several sites on our own. Interesting area.

Guysborough and Antigonish area are also intriguing. More recommendations on places to stay would be welcome - we like rooms (or cabins) with a view!

Thanks again!

Liscomb - check out a small cottage just a mile down the road. Very clean - call 902 752-7665 and ask for David. http://www.cottagesincanada.com/liscombharbourcottage/ It says $450/week, but I know you can rent for a couple of days

In Guysborough, stay at DesBarres Manor Inn.

In Antigonish, check out Gabrieus for lunch or dinner or stay at the Silver Glen just on the outskirts of Antigonish. Have lunch at the wharf (Cribbon's Point) - great fish and chips!