Nova Scotia inexpensively
 

I'm considering a late winter/early spring 07 trip to NS specifically to photograph lighthouses and landscapes. I'll be traveling alone and don't require anything fancy as far as lodging. Usually out of my room before sunrise and back after dark.
What would you consider the cheapest way to get to NS and inexpensive lodging?
Bob Swanson

Cheapest way?

You'll probbly need a car to get to the lighthouses at the times of day you want, so it might be cheaper, in total, to drive from wherever you are instead of taking the highway bus (probably cheapest puiblic carrier)

Again, depending on wherre you are coming from, you'll grow to love Tim Hortons.

Warm, good soup, inexpensive, and full of local people who will tell you when the sun is shining the right way down at the Lighthouse Point. In Nova Scotia, they might even take you home for dinner, come to think of it.

BAK

What is "Tom Horton's"?
BS

It's a donut and coffee shop. They have soups and sandwiches too.

We've found b&bs (though you may not use the second b) to be among the most economical and enjoyable accommodations in NS, much less expensive than the states. An added perk is advice from locals who know the area.

The excellent "Doers and Dreamers"guide published by the NS tourist bureau each year offers full descriptions of places, including prices, and suggests scenic drives. There is an 800 number that will connect you with a helpful representative who will suggest places and itineraries, and even reserve lodging for free at certain, but not all, establishments.

I agree with BAK about needing a car. Whether you rent or drive your own will depend upon your means of getting to NS, which in turn depends on where you're coming from. You'll need to make some comparisons - fly and rent, drive, ferry if running and your own car, ferry and rent...

<<It's a donut and coffee shop>>

That's a bit like saying McDonald's is a hamburger joint.

Tim Hortons is a Canadian icon and can be found everywhere in Canada (and even with the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan).

Just ask any Canadian what "double-double" means.

Definitely B&B's would be the choice of accommodation - especially in the off season. Where are you travelling from?

Hi Tanya

Thank you. I'll be traveling from Norfolk, Va. In my past world travels I've actually traded photography for food and lodging. Up grade brochures and websites, etc. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. BS

Tim Horton's is a big deal on the east coast - it's known as "Timmy's" - some streets have one on each end of the block!

Strangely, people here seem pretty protective of it. Twice when I bought donut holes for my team, I was immediately rebuked, "They're called Tim Bits!". After the second time, I learned!

Every town has one so it's a good place to stop to use the facilities, and apart from the sandwiches, their chilli is surprisingly good!

Like others have said, B&B's are a good way to go. If want affordability in the Halifax area, I've stayed at the Autumn Leaves B&B (it's in Dartmouth a bridge across from Halifax city). Off-season rates would even be lower, and the hostess, Audrey, is a lovely lady. Breakfasts are full and good too!

As for lighthouses, here's one that a little off-beat...Cape D'or. It's one of our favourites and we sit out on the rocks to watch the Dory Rip Tides swirl with the changing tides. There's also a small (but again surprisingly good) restaurant there. The owner also runs a housekeeping unit (I think it's four bedrooms). We've stayed there before (basic and very affordable), and it was fun to stay on the lighthouse grounds. If you stay in one of the rooms in the front, you get the swirling light coming thru your window!

Enjoy-la!

thanks again Klam chowder. I'll keep this on file. BS

Bob:
I assume you are aware of this group and their website dedicated to lighthouses in Nova Scotia.

http://www.nslps.com

You may find the BBCanada website to be a useful resource for B & B's in NS. I like your idea of trading photography for rooms. esp off-season: this resource may allow you to send mass emailing for folks who want to go that route.

In the Halifax area, check out the Econolodge in Bedford-it is clean, attractive, well-located right on the water and has some rooms with mini-kitchens ( a big savings for those who don't mind a little effort.). It is not right downtown, but if you have a car it works very well and is well-positioned for getting down the South Shore to where the lighthouses are.

I also heartily endorse the Tim Horton's recco's. Great soup chili, chicken and egg sandwiches and NOW breakfast-although you may have to have your cholesterol checked when you get home!

I will be visiting Labrador, Newfoundland and will be doing so in a foldup camper. I have tried to secure DVD's for both but with success. Any suggestions???

Sorry ,with NO success