Nova Scotia's Scenic Trails

Nova Scotia is known throughout the world for being a land that combines rugged marine landscapes with proud heritage and urban sophistication. Nova Scotia is the second smallest province in Canada, but what it lacks in geographical area, it makes up for in rich history, abounding culture and maritime hospitality. The province is divided into 12 different tourism sections, which are easily navigated by following the primary scenic travelways, known as the region's 'Trail'. Each trail is distinct, shaped by its local culture and regional attractions, and yet each possesses a common characteristic: the promise of a world-class tourism experience.

For a map of Nova Scotia, click here.

	A United Church and Grave Site in Digby Photo Courtesy Bill Clarke

EVANGELINE TRAIL

The Evangeline Trail begins in Yarmouth and follows the Fundy shoreline all the way to Windsor, passing through more than a few lively Acadian villages along the way, which is not surprising considering that this unique French culture began here over 400 years ago.

The trail takes its name from the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow poem, Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie, about a pair of star-crossed lovers who become separated during the cruel deportation of the Acadians from early Nova Scotia. Unfortunately, fiction parallels reality in this case. In 1755, 10,000 Acadians living in this area were extradited from their homes by the British because they would not swear allegiance to England. The torrid history of the Acadians can be explored at the Grand Pré National Historic Site, which was the exact place where many Acadians received the brutal news that they would be expelled from their homeland. The interpretive site has a theatre, an exhibition hall and a gift shop for visitors to explore at their leisure.

Acadian Culture can also be explored at the Port Royal National Historic Site, which has the distinction of being one of the oldest settlements in North America. The colony was founded by famed explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1604, and nowadays visitors can go back in time by touring the restored village with guidance from costumed staff members.

GLOOSCAP TRAIL

	A Farmstead Near Truro Photo Courtesy Bill Clarke

Without a doubt, the Glooscap Trail is Nova Scotia's wilderness gem. The trail winds itself around the legendary Bay of Fundy, and it is here in the Minas Basin where the world's largest tides crash against the shore in an amazing display of natural force. In fact, the tides are so powerful, they cause the flowing waters in the Shubenacadie River to actually reverse directions and flow upstream. This phenomenon happens daily, especially around full moon periods.

The Glooscap trail derives its name from a legendary Mi'kmaq tale, in which a powerful God, Glooscap, creates Five Island with his magic and controls the mighty tides of the region. The five islands depicted in the legend, named Moose, Diamond, Long, Egg and Pinnacle, can be viewed from the shore of the aptly-named Five Island Provincial Park. The park has beaches, camping facilities and a network of exciting hiking trails.

Powerful tides and rich mineral deposits make this region of Nova Scotia one of the more geologically fascinating areas in Canada. The Bay of Fundy is lined with extensive cliffs that have been eroded by years of strong waves to reveal intricate sedimentary layers that can be seen with the naked eye. Near the head of the bay is a remarkable area called the Joggins Fossil Cliffs. It is here that scientists have found a plethora of ancient fossilized trees, dinosaur bones and marine species, not to mention the remains of some of the earliest known reptiles. Inquisitive minds can visit the Joggins Fossil Centre and the Fundy Geological Museum for more information.

The Glooscap trail is home to a number of other attractions, including the Anne Murray Centre in Springhill, dedicated to the international songbird who spent her early days in this coal-mining town, and the Ship's Company Theatre, which regularly puts on award-winning productions depicting maritime life.

SUNRISE TRAIL

The Sunrise Trail borders the Northumberland Strait, which offers some of the warmest ocean waters this side of the 49th parallel. These clear waters boast an abundance of Nova Scotia's signature crustacean, the lobster. Local lobster boats leave early in the morning and never return empty-handed. Visit a public wharf or a lobster pound for a fresher-than-fresh seafood delight.

	The Antigonish Highland Games Photo Courtesy Tourism Nova Scotia

Inland, visitors will find gently rolling farmland, winding country roads and warm, gracious people. Harvest time means visitors can pick up locally-grown goods, including maple sugar and syrup, wild blueberries, world-class wines and more. Or, enjoy the wildlife of the region, including rare ocean birds, at one of the many wildlife sanctuaries in the region.

History plays an important role on the Sunrise trail. Explore days gone by at one of the many museums, including the Nova Scotia Museum of Industry, Atlantic Canada's largest museum; the Intercolonial Railway Station in Tatamagouche, one of Canada's oldest train stations; the Balmoral Grist Mill Museum, one of the oldest operating Mills in the province; plus much more. Residents also value the arts, and as such, a number of galleries, theatres and studios can be found throughout the region.

Celebrate Nova Scotia's Scottish heritage in this region, which plays host to the Antigonish Highland Games, the oldest event of its kind in North America, and Pugwash's Gathering of the Clans, both held annually in July.

CAPE BRETON ISLAND

Cape Breton Island is known throughout Canada for its natural splendour and its Gaelic charm. Connected to mainland Nova Scotia by the Canso Causeway, the region is too rich in culture and beauty to be classified in one scenic trail, so the Island has no less than six trails, each with an unmistakable character.

	A Sunset over Cheticamp Photo Courtesy Mirrorlock Photography

Ceilidh Trail
Pronounced Kay-Lee, this trail is a core of Gaelic culture and activity. Traditional parties and gatherings are frequent, and the region is often buzzing with the sweet sound of fiddles and bagpipes playing tunes from the old country.

It was here that many Scottish settlers came to homestead in Nova Scotia's early days (mid-1700s to the early 1800s). As such, many of the communities in this area are named after longed-for hometowns. Along with their place names, the settlers also brought with them their lively musical spirit. Renowned Celtic Canadian music acts like the Rankin Family and Natalie McMaster come from this area. As well, square dances are frequently held in this part of the province, so grab a partner a join in on a set — it won't be regretted.

The significant attractions of the area also reflect a strong Scottish heritage. The Glenora Distillery, Canada's only distiller of single-malt whiskey, not to mention dark, white and amber rums, is open for tours and also offers a casual dining facility and a lively pub that features live Gaelic entertainment. The Cape Breton Celtic Music Interpretive Centre has an impressive collection of music memorabilia from the Celtic tradition, and is also the site of the annual Kintyre Farm Scottish Concert, held each year on the third Sunday in August. Also, be sure to visit the Inverness Miner's Museum, which reproduces the days of coal mining with a variety of interesting and informative displays and artifacts.

The natural attractions of the Ceilidh Trail are also worth mentioning. This region is characterized by craggy cliffs and lush, rolling highlands. The Cape Mabou Highlands offer stunning vistas and a network of hiking trails that meander through rolling countryside, eventually leading to scenic look-off points near the coast.

Cabot Trail
The Cabot Trail is a land of majestic and mighty highlands, one-of-a-kind vistas and wildlife encounters, and rich Celtic history. The area is named after John Cabot, the famous explorer who, in 1497, landed in this region while searching for a shortcut to Asia. Visitors can explore this monumental landing at the Cabot's Landing Historic Site & Provincial Park, near Dingwall.

	Beulach Ban Waterfall in Cape Breton Highlands Park Photo Courtesy Mirrorlock Photography

Another famous resident of this region is Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone and the Silver Dart, the aircraft which made the first gas powered flight in Canada. Bell often remarked that Cape Breton Island was the most stunning of all the lands he had travelled to. He loved it so much, in fact, that he built his estate, Benin Bhreagh, on the shores of the Bras d'Or Lake. Visitors today can tour Bell's estate and learn about his important scientific and humanitarian contributions through several hands-on displays, interpretive programs and audio-visual presentations at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site.

Cape Breton is also well-known for its stunning natural beauty. The Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a prime example of the spectacular work of Mother Nature. Explore close to 1,000 km˛ (621 mi˛) of untapped, pristine wilderness that is filled with hiking trails, wildlife sanctuaries and unforgettable vistas. Whales have also fallen in love with this area — shoreline explorers and boat tours often have candid encounters with these gentle giants.

Bras d'Or Scenic Drive
In Cape Breton's centre is the stunning, yet vast, Bras d'Or Lakes, which can be fully appreciated by taking the Bras d'Or scenic drive, which winds itself through villages, along shorelines and over green pastures.

	A Squirrel in Cape Breton Photo Courtesy Mirrorlock Photography

The Bras d'Or lakes are a haven for bald eagles, so be sure to bring a pair of binoculars. Look for them everywhere - from tree tops to house tops and beyond. This scenic trail is also a haven for another type of windborne creature - sailors. The gentle, fog-free waters and slight breezes of the lakes make it a safe and leisurely place to boat. Several types of boat tours are available, including specific excursions, such as birdwatching tours, as well as adventure tours and relaxing cruises.

History and culture also abound here. In 1854, work started on a waterway that would link the Bras d'Or to the Atlantic Ocean. St. Peter's Canal was completed in 1969 and is now also a National Historic Site offering interpretive displays and picnic facilities. Furthermore, the Highland Village Museum in Iona offers a look into the lives and times of the area's Scottish settlers, and has the distinction of being North America's only living history museum commemorating Gaelic culture.

Marconi Trail
The Marconi Trail follows rugged coastal cliffs around mighty bays, over white sand beaches and in and out of congenial fishing villages. The route begins with Glace Bay and winds itself over to Louisbourg before becoming the Fleur-de-lis Trail.

	Cape Breton Wildflowers in the Harbour Photo Courtesy Hank Hareema

The modern day communications industry owes a lot to this little area, since it was here that the first transatlantic wireless message was transmitted to England. The trail was named after communications pioneer Guglielmo Marconi, who spent years in this region establishing three transatlantic wireless messaging stations in Glace Bay, Marconi Towers and Louisbourg. The site of this monumental transmission at Glace Bay is now a national historic site, where visitors can enjoy interactive displays in the Wireless Hall of Fame and take an interpretive walk to the transmission station.

Glace Bay also boasts the popular Miner's Museum, which offers the chance to visit an actual underground coal mine, Oceans Deep Colliery, with retired miners for tour guides. The above-ground museum has an insightful interpretive museum, which outlines the history coal mining in Nova Scotia and the world.

Fleur-de-lis Trail
This scenic stretch is known to Nova Scotians for its particularly beautiful expanse of Atlantic coastline, as well as the picturesque Isle Madame, a network of coves, inlets and ponds that were once prime fishing spots. The Isle Madame is best explored by canoe or kayak, but landlubbers can also enjoy the area by checking out the provincial parks in the area, Lennox Passage and Pondville. But no matter how the Isle is explored, bring a camera, since the views are unparalleled.

	The Fortress at Louisbourg Photo Courtesy Tourism Nova Scotia

This region is also known around the world for its major attraction: The Fortress of Louisbourg. The site covers nearly 6700 ha (16549 acres), making it one of the largest historic reconstructions in North America. This fortified town was inhabited by the French in 1713, and was one of France's primary military and political centres during the 18th century, in addition to being one of the busiest harbours in the new world during its heyday. Today, this attraction is a working community, with costumed men, women and children entertaining and informing visitors with stories, music, dancing, cooking, sewing, gardening and more. Guests can also enjoy a meal in old fashion by dining at one of Louisbourg's three facilities.

The town of Louisbourg, separate from the town contained within the fortress, also boasts some must-see attractions. Be sure to check out some live theatre and Cape Breton-style musical performances at the Louisbourg Playhouse, a unique entertainment venue that was built as a replica of Shakespeare's globe for use in a motion picture. The Louisbourg Lighthouse is also worthy of a peek, since it lies adjacent to ruins of the oldest lighthouse in Canada, which dates back to 1734.

Cape Breton Metro
At the heart of the Cape Breton Metropolitan Region is Sydney, Nova Scotia's second largest city and a true hub of activity. The city was founded in 1785 by Col. J.F.W. DesBarres, a loyalist from New England, but it was soon taken over by settlers from Scotland who arrived in rapid succession. Nowadays, Sydney is periodically taken over again, this time by masses of tourists who have sailed in via the various cruise lines that frequent the surrounding seas.

	Tall Ships in Nova Scotian Waters Photo Courtesy Mirrorlock Photography

The City's history is documented in its two famous museums, The Cossit and Jost Houses. Both Houses were built around 1787, yet they both exhibit very unique architectural design. Today, each are decorated in period furnishings and have impressive collections of memorabilia and artifacts pertinent to the time.

Other notable Sydney attractions include Sydney River, a vibrant shopping district located southwest of downtown; St. Patrick's Church, the oldest Catholic Church on Cape Breton Island; and the Cape Breton Centre for Heritage and Science, which illustrates in detail the history of this dynamic city.

MARINE DRIVE

Marine Drive is located on the Eastern Shore of the province and is known for its rugged coastline, which sometimes gives way to sandy oases. A hit among nature enthusiasts, the region also boasts world-class hiking trails, bountiful wildlife and vast inland wilderness reserves, complete with fish-filled lakes and rivers that have thrilled anglers and paddlers the world over.

	Sherbrooke Village Photo Courtesy Tourism Nova Scotia

Tourist attractions on Marine Drive offer the unique opportunity to experience life as an early maritime settler would have. Fisherman's Life Museum in Jeddore Oyster Pond is a re-created fisherman's homestead that gives visitors the chance to participate in traditional chores, including hooking rugs and cooking on a wood stove. Of course, there was no television then, so the only source of entertainment is to listen to tales of the sea from the early 1900s. Memory Lane Heritage Village, located nearby in Lake Charlotte, is a living memory museum that transports visitors to the olden days. The staff, dressed in period costumes, show tourists around the town, which has a one-room schoolhouse, a church, stores, a cookhouse, a homestead with barn and more. A bit farther away is Sherbrooke Village, a former ship-building and lumber-producing village that, in addition to the sights and sounds of the village itself, boasts several industry-related displays from days gone by, plus the grand estate of a former resident.

Another significant attraction in this region is the Canso Islands National Historic Site, or more specifically, the Grassy Island Fort. Accessible by a short boat ride, the island was a location of early settlement and remained a thriving community for many years. A visitor interpretive centre features interactive presentations on the history of the island, as well as life-sized dioramas depicting early life, while an interpretive trail links eight different historically significant spots.

And finally, a trip to Nova Scotia wouldn't be complete without learning about their token symbol, the lighthouse. Experience Atlantic Canada's lightkeeping history at the Nova Scotia Lighthouse Interpretive Centre in Port Bickerton, and don't forget to take in the view from atop the light tower.

HALIFAX REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY

Halifax is a city that has everything a city dweller could hope for — Urban elegance, rich history and eclectic flair. The Halifax Regional Municipality consists of several communities, including Halifax, Dartmouth, Cole Harbour, Bedford and Sackville, an amalgamation that became official in 1990. Central Halifax is ideal for exploring on foot, as most major attractions are within walking distance of each other.

	Historic Properties Near the Halifax Waterfront Photo Courtesy Bill Clarke

Halifax, initially called Chebucto, meaning biggest harbour, was originally settled in 1749 by Governor Edward Cornwallis and his group of 2500 followers. It subsequently became one of the British Empire's prided cities, and the monarchy spared no expense in protecting the harbour. Halifax's intricate defence network can be seen at notable sites like the Prince of Wales Tower, the York Redoubt fortification, and the Halifax Citadel, a unique, star-shaped fort overlooking the city.

The stories behind Nova Scotia's layered past are readily accessible here. Experience the lives of early immigrants at Pier 21 National Historic site, which is an interactive museum dedicated to honouring these pioneers, situated in Canada's last remaining immigration shed. Or, spend the day learning about naval history of Atlantic Canada at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which recounts marine disasters like the sinking of the Titanic and the Halifax Explosion, which occurred in 1917 when two ships collided, killing 1687 people in total.

Although Halifax is an urban centre, it is not without its natural charm. Enjoy the Halifax Public Gardens, an authentic Victorian park that has been delighting visitors with acres of fresh, landscaped gardens, complete with ornamental statues and fountains since 1867. Also check out Point Pleasant Park, which has extensive nature paths with several points of interest along the way, most notably the fortifacation ruins. Bedford's Hemlock Ravine park was designed by Queen Victoria's father, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, and to this day, visitors can stop by the heart-shaped pond the prince constructed for the object of his affection, his mistress, Julie.

Sadly, many of Halifax's parks and attractions were badly damaged by Hurricane Juan in 2003, but the municipal government has been working at repairing the city day-by-day.

LIGHTHOUSE ROUTE

Maritime culture really comes alive along the Lighthouse Route, which links idyllic fishing villages with craggy sea-carved shoreline, and quiet rural lanes with expansive sand dunes. And of course, there are lighthouses here, over 20 to be precise, including the world's most photographed lighthouse, located in the quiet fishing hamlet of Peggy's Cove. The cove is the most frequently visited tourist attraction in all of Atlantic Canada, partly because of its proximity to downtown Halifax and partly because of its almost surreal maritime charm and quaintness. While in Peggy's Cove, be sure to check out the William E. deGarthe Memorial Provincial Park, which has an intricate granite mural depicting the lives of fisherman in Nova Scotia.

	The Dock in Lunenburg Photo Courtesy Jeremy Nielsen

Another must-see village on the Lighthouse Route is Lunenburg, a town so rich in heritage and beauty, it has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in 1753, the old town in Lunenburg is one of the best existing archetypes of a British Colonial town. Throughout its 250-year run, the residents have preserved the original wooden architecture, making it a truly unique destination.

Museum and other interpretive centres abound on the lighthouse route. Country & Western lovers must make their way to the Hank Snow Music Centre, situated near Snow's childhood home in Liverpool. The museum commemorates Snow and others with interactive displays, memorabilia, artifacts and live music tributes. Visit a restored Acadian village at Le Village Historique Acadien, which has a blacksmith shop, fishing sheds, a cemetery and a lighthouse from the 1800s. And finally, see Samuel Champlain's original 1604 map at the adjacent Queens County and Perkins House museums, located in Liverpool.

Explore the natural beauty of this region at the Kejimkujik National Park and Historic Site of Canada, which is famous for its abundant lakes and rivers, its bountiful wildlife and its scenic nature trail network. Ideal for paddlers, the park has a variety of canoe and kayak routes, as well as backcountry camping facilities. In the summer, Parks Canada offers a number of interpretive learning programs and exhibits, as well as guided walks and paddles. Don't leave the Lighthouse Route without taking a dip in the Atlantic. Queensland Beach, Beach Meadows and Bayswater Beach are just some of the beaches that offer sandy shorelines and change and picnic facilities.