Nova Scotia is the ideal location for the budding historian and keen traveller. Bursting with fascinating maritime history and a lively hub of activity, the Atlantic Ocean port of Halifax is a unique but fantastic Canada holiday destination for those with a keen eye for natural beauty and a fun break. Not only is Nova Scotia renowned as one of the most beautiful provinces in the whole of the country, Halifax, at its centre, is known equally for its vast range of pubs, excellent quality beer and phenomenal history.
Dive right in with any of the excellent package tours led by expert guides who will help you get to know the wonders and beauty of Halifax. These tours are often set up to allow you to explore four areas of the city, and they also schedule time for independent adventuring – perfect for the natural-born solo traveller interested in a Canada holiday with a difference!
Visiting the Sites
Prepare to be blown away when you first set foot in Halifax: it is truly a wonder of the world. The first day of your tour will allow you to explore independently from the group, so let yourself be taken by whatever catches your eye and be sure to save time to take a wander through the exquisite Victorian public gardens or along the calm waterfront. Next, head to the country’s oldest and largest Maritime Museum, which boasts a rich and complete collection telling the amazing history of Nova Scotia. This museum has a monumental number of exhibits which can overwhelm the first-time visitor. As part of your tour you should take advantage of the expert local guide who will show you round the museum and surrounding area.
Exploring Peggy’s Cove
An iconic aspect of this tour will be your mini-excursion to Nova Scotia’s prize landmark – Peggy’s Cove. Only an hour away from Halifax, you will have the pleasure of spending a large portion of your day here. Have a quiet solo wander to take in the scenery and snap as many photos as you can. However, you’re unlikely to forget the sights you will see here. This location has been an inspiration to artists for over 100 years, and you too will be astounded by its breath-taking sunsets, calm sea and serenity.
UNESCO Site Lunenburg and Mahone Bay
Another day will be dedicated to visiting UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lunenburg and its sister Mahone Bay. Get intimate with the endlessly interesting maritime heritage of Nova Scotia’s South Shore, as you become familiar with the all-important history of fishing and boat construction. The tales of the pirates of ‘Oak Island’ will be revealed to you as you hear about their triumphs and mishaps. After thoroughly exploring the coastline of Lunenburg, you will have the opportunity to take a gentle stroll around the peaceful, quaint town of Mahone Bay – you will want your camera for this trip, too!
For a Canada holiday that will take you off the beaten path, a guided city break to Halifax is the ideal vacation for you.
John Dixon is the Chairman and Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For almost a decade his award-winning team has been crafting bespoke Canada holiday packages for their clients. John is an experienced world traveller and tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of the properties he recommends, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.
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