Summer trip to Nova Scotia advice
 

We are heading out from Ohio to Nova Scotia this summer, probably in July for about 1 week. Any advice on what city we should fly to and an itinerary from that point, as well as advice on restaurants and places to stay for a 1 week trip would be greatly appreciated.

Hi, I have written and responded to zillions of Nova Scotia threads on this forum over the years. If you click on my name and then scroll down page after page, you'll see many related threads.

If you had more specifics then I'd add more here, but you're really in the beginning planning stages.

At any rate, plan to spend some time experiencing the wild TIDES in the Bay of Fundy! (that's something you'd never think of unless you heard about if before going...)

Enjoy!

With one week, you're not going to be able to see it all, so if you can give us some ideas of your interests, the ages and interests of those traveling with you, etc., then we will be able to give you some ideas.

For example, Prince Edward Island might be something that a 10 year old girl would love (Anne of Green Gables), but maybe not a boy of 15.

We are 2 adults looking for a bit of adventure. We like hiking and sightseeing but no specifics in mind just yet. Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

I agree that one week is not enough to see all of Nova Scotia and I'd suggest you choose between Cape Breton Island and southern Nova Scotia....if you like hiking and adventure, CBI might be best. You can fly into Halifax...I suggest a couple of nights there because it is a charming city and then drive to CBI. In addition to hikes along the Cabot Trail, I'd suggest a boat ride to see the puffins (and perhaps whales)....we wanted to do that in early September but the puffins had migrated by then. I think it's Bird Island.

Agree that one week isn't enough to see all. Lots of sightseeing and hiking possibilities but spread around the province. Some ideas:
Awesome scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities along the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Undulating headlands, rugged coastlines, quiet coves and beaches, extensive forests and lots of very nice hiking trails short and long. For a visit to this area I personally would plan on 3 nights minimum. Places to stay include Ingonish (string of "seaside" villages offering accommodations in scenic settings), Baddeck (on a large inland lake, attractive small town with shops, inns, restaurants), or Cheticamp (Acadian Fishing Village which has developed into a tourism jumping off point for the park).
You'll likely fly into Halifax, a very pleasant small city with a vibrant Harbour area - shops, pubs, museums, boardwalk. Can be used as a base for several day trips e.g. Taylor Head Provincial Park (nice hiking trail) and exploring nearby section of Lighthouse Route (quaint historic towns and fishing villages e.g. Lunenburg and Mahone Bay). You could also spend a few nights somewhere farther down the Lighthouse Route to more thoroughly explore quaint towns and some lovely hidden beaches (beachcombing strolls away from crowds) including the Seaside Adjunct of Kejimkujik National Park (accessed by hiking trail). Farther afield beyond Digby is the Digby Neck Peninsula and Briar Island offering picturesque coastal hikes as well as excellent whale watching possibilities.
You can't do all of this in a week. Get the Doers and Dreamers Guide available free through Nova Scotia Tourism - you'll find it easily online as well as National and Provincial Park websites describing their hiking trails.

<b>Get the Doers and Dreamers Guide available free through Nova Scotia Tourism - you'll find it easily online as well as National and Provincial Park websites describing their hiking trails.</b>

I wanted to emphasize this from Mat54's post as it's very good advice.

Thanks for the suggestions. I have already asked for the Doers and Dreamers guide. Any suggestions about hotels/B &amp; Bs to stay or restaurants would also be appreciated.

I spent two weeks in Nova Scotia last summer, all except Cape Breton.

Hotels &amp; inns that I really enjoyed included The Prince George Hotel in Halifax, the Waverley Inn (also Halifax), Liscombe Lodge (Eastern Shore), and most especially Trout Point Lodge in the south.

One of my favorite areas was the Acadian shore between Yarmouth and Digby, as well as Keji Seaside Adjunct. At Trout Point, we also did some inland hiking.

In Lunenburg (Lighthouse Trail), I stayed at Atlantic View Motel &amp; Cottages. I booked one of the one-room cottages. It was wonderful. I was able to sit on my front porch and watch the sunrise coming up over the water and lighthouse.

I stayed at Brier Island Lodge on Brier Island and it was very nice also. Lots of hiking trails on the island, seal watching, whale watching, etc.

In Halifax I stayed at the Bluenose Inn (Howard Johnson). It requires driving or taking public transit into downtown Halifax, but was inexpensive. Best treat was the little pottery shop (Clayworks) across the street from the motel. When I drove into town, I parked at Pier 21 for $10 all day and used the FRED (Free Rides Every Day) bus to move around the sights.

My last place I stayed at was the Palliser Motel in Truro. It's not a real &quot;tourist&quot; town, but my family came from the area. The motel is right next to the Tidal Bore (where the incoming tide overwhelms the outgoing river and the water changes directions).

My decision in lodging was to keep it under or near $100, free parking, and a basic circular path around the middle section.

If you like to hike, may I suggest the Glooscap Trail from Truro heading towards Parrsboro and beyond. Past Parrsboro there is Cape D'Or, a long winding road up but at the top there is a lighthouse where you can stay for a night. Also is Cape Chignecto Park with hiking trails. Parrsboro itself is very charming. Spencers Island, Advocate - all very picturesque. Economy is known for its fresh clams - several small restaurants along the way that fry them up with their own special batter. The Cheese Man is also located in Economy. Lots of art studios along the drive. There is a small company theatre in Parrsboro, the Fundy Geological Museum. Towards Amherst check out the newest UNESCO designated site the Joggins Fossil Centre. In Parrsboro, the Gillespie House Inn is spectacular to stay - Lori is a great hostess. This area experiences the same low and high tides as you would see in New Brunswick. A beautiful part of Nova Scotia.
http://www.gillespiehouseinn.com
http://www.fundyshoreecotour.ns.ca/tour01.htm

Thanks to everyone for their advice.
I have also checked another website and gotten some other ideas. I will post a tentative itinerary once plans are more definite.

Cape Breton's Cabot Trail is highly rated by quite a few reputable souces. If scenery, wildlife, outdoor activities and truly good local artists are on your priority list, Cape Breton should be considered.

The top of Cape Breton is a good destination, since it's so central to all the really great outdoor attractions and activities.

The accommodations there are small and friendly, and very uncommercialized.

A good info source is www.northerncapebreton.com