Episode 7 | Nova Scotia, Canada
Over the 2021 Christmas break, Adrienne and I had the opportunity to escape Ontario and check out the beautiful province of Nova Scotia with our Australian sister, Tanya, and my father. Over the course of three days, we traveled over 900 kilometers, visiting a variety of towns and cities across the region. Our journey took us to Wolfville, Grand Pré, Canning, Peggy's Cove, Mahone Bay, Lunenburg, and Halifax.
On the first day of our trip, we decided to explore the charming town of Wolfville. This university town had a lot to offer, from its cute storefronts to its beautiful natural surroundings. We spent the day walking around and taking in all that Wolfville had to offer.
After starting our day with a delicious cup of coffee at Charts Cafe, we were ready to continue our journey and explore the stunning landscape of Grand Pré. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its beautiful natural surroundings and rich cultural history, and we were excited to see it all for ourselves. As we walked around the site, we were struck by the beauty of the rolling hills and fields that surrounded us. The area is known for its rich agricultural heritage, and we could see why as we took in the breathtaking views.
We also had the chance to learn about the history of the region, including its important role in the Acadian Expulsion of the 18th century.
After taking in The View of Grand Pré, we were excited to continue our journey and explore Evangeline Beach.
As we arrived at the beach, we were struck by the beauty of the Bay of Fundy, which stretched out before us. The low tides of the day allowed us to see far out across the water, taking in the breathtaking views. We spent some time walking along the beach, taking in the fresh sea air and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. The area is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, and it was easy to see why as we explored.
After a wonderful visit to Evangeline Beach, we were ready to refuel and enjoy a delicious meal. We decided to head back to Wolfville and check out The Naked Crepe Bistro, a popular local spot known for its delicious food and cozy atmosphere.
The Naked Crepe Bistro did not disappoint, serving up some of the best crepes we had ever tasted. We enjoyed a variety of sweet and savory options, each one more delicious than the last. The friendly staff and cozy atmosphere only added to the experience, making it a perfect place to relax and recharge after a morning of exploring.
We left feeling satisfied and happy. We can't wait to come back and try more of their delicious crepes on our next visit!
After brunch, we were ready to hit the road and continue our journey through Nova Scotia. Our next destination was Halls Harbour, a charming fishing village located on the Atlantic Ocean.
As we arrived in Halls Harbour, we were struck by the beauty of the area. The ocean stretched out before us, and we could see the Bay of Fundy in the distance. The views were truly remarkable, and we spent some time taking it all in.
One of the standout moments of our visit to Halls Harbour was seeing the icicles forming along the cliffs. It was a truly unique and beautiful sight, and we couldn't believe our luck in getting to experience it.
The icicles were formed as a result of the freezing temperatures and the constant spray from the ocean, and they seemed to dance and shimmer in the sunlight. It was a truly magical moment, and we couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and awe as we looked out at them.
After a wonderful visit to Halls Harbour, we knew we had to make a stop at Lookout Point to take in the breathtaking views of the Annapolis Valley. This popular spot offered panoramic views of the valley below, and we were not disappointed by what we saw.
As we stood at the lookout, we could see for miles in every direction. The rolling hills and fields stretched out before us, dotted with charming towns and villages. The landscape was truly breathtaking, and we couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as we took it all in.
After a full day of exploring the beauty of the Annapolis Valley, it was time to sit down and enjoy a delicious dinner. We decided to head over to The Port Gastropub in Port Williams.
I was excited to try the Valley Pork Schnitzel, which did not disappoint. The schnitzel was perfectly cooked and served with a variety of tasty sides. To wash it all down, I opted for a local Blueberry Pale Ale, which was made with blueberry juice grown right in the Annapolis Valley. It was a perfect match for the schnitzel, and I thoroughly enjoyed every bite.
The next day of our adventure took us to Peggy's Cove, a charming fishing village located on the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia. We had heard so much about this special place, and we were excited to finally see it for ourselves.
As we arrived in Peggy's Cove, we were struck by the beauty of the area. The Atlantic Ocean stretched out before us, and we could see the charming lighthouse and colorful houses of the village in the distance.
Of course, we also took an excessive amount of photographs during our visit, trying to capture the beauty and charm of the village. From the colorful houses to the stunning natural surroundings, there was no shortage of subject matter to photograph.
After an unforgettable visit to Peggy's Cove, it was time to move on to our next stopover, the charming town of Mahone Bay. As we arrived in the town, we were struck by its picturesque setting along the shores.
We couldn't wait to explore the charming streets and local shops of the town, and we spent some time taking it all in. We were also impressed by the number of art galleries and studios that we found in the town, which seemed to be a hub of creativity and inspiration.
After our visit to Mahone Bay, it was time to continue our journey and explore the town of Lunenburg. During our visit to Lunenburg, we learned about the town's rich history and cultural significance.
It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered to be the best example of a planned British colonial settlement in North America. This designation is due in large part to the town's original appearance from the 1800s, which has been well preserved to this day. The core of the town is also considered a National Historical Site of Canada, further highlighting its importance.
One of the standout features of Lunenburg is its local wooden vernacular architecture, which is truly unique and charming.
As we walked around the town, we were struck by the beauty of the houses and buildings, which seemed to be a perfect blend of history and modernity. It was clear to see why Lunenburg has been designated as a World Heritage site, and we were truly inspired by the town's rich cultural and historical significance.
During our visit to Lunenburg, we had the chance to see the Bluenose II, a famous Canadian schooner, docked in the harbor.
The Bluenose II is a replica of the original Bluenose, a famous racing and fishing schooner that was launched in 1921 and became an iconic symbol of Canadian maritime history.
As we walked around the harbor, we were struck by the size and beauty of the Bluenose II. The schooner was truly a sight to behold, with its towering mast and sleek lines. It was a great reminder of the town's rich maritime history and culture.
After a full day of exploring the beautiful towns of Peggy's Cove, Mahone Bay, and Lunenburg, we were ready to sit down and relax with a refreshing drink. So, we headed back to our base in Wolfville and checked out the Annapolis Cider Company.
The ciders were delicious and perfectly refreshing, and we had a great time trying out a variety of flavors.
The staff at the Annapolis Cider Company were also incredibly friendly and welcoming, and we had a great time chatting with them and learning more about the cider-making process.
On our final day in Nova Scotia, we decided to explore the city of Halifax. This bustling city is the capital of the province and is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful natural surroundings. From the historic waterfront to the modern skyscrapers, there was so much to see and do. We spent some time exploring the city, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling streets and checking out the local shops and restaurants.
We also had the chance to visit some of the city's famous landmarks, including the Halifax Citadel, a historic fort that offers panoramic views of the city.
After a truly unforgettable visit to Nova Scotia, it was time to head back home to Ontario. We had packed a lot of adventure and exploration into our trip, and we were grateful for the opportunity to experience all that this beautiful province had to offer.
From the charming towns of Wolfville, Grand Pre, Canning, Peggy's Cove, Mahone Bay, and Lunenburg, to the bustling city of Halifax, we had seen and done so much. We had taken in the breathtaking natural beauty of the region, learned about its rich history and culture, and met some truly wonderful people along the way.
As we made our way to the airport, we knew that we would always have fond memories of our trip to Nova Scotia. We couldn't wait to come back and explore more of this beautiful and welcoming place in the future.
