Lying out in the Atlantic Ocean to the east of Canada, this maritime province resounds with the unusual history of the first French colonists and their British successors—the first European settlements in the New World—not to mention the superb landscapes found in the Southern Nova Scotia Biosphere Reserve.
Nova Scotia (New Scotland) is a natural haven, ideal for anyone who loves wide open spaces and colonial history. This remote place at the edge of the ocean was where the first French colonists landed in the early 17th century, Bretons who were so attracted by the well-stocked fishing waters that they decided to settle here and found what became known as Acadie, home to the Acadians, forbearers of Louisiana’s Cajuns. Coming to Nova Scotia means discovering hospitality unlike any other.
Nova Scotia also offers both superb seacoast and enchanting backwoods. The heart of local French culture today is the Yarmouth & Acadian Shores region, which offers a rich blend of heritage, culture and community spirit. Pass through the Pubnicos and be welcomed to the oldest Acadian settlement in the world. Travel along the scenic coastline of Argyle and the colourful French Acadian shore of Clare as the sea unfolds before you. Wander through the Town of Yarmouth and enjoy museums, restaurants and shopping in a truly historic port town. Take a drive down winding coastal roads and discover rum-runners’ hideouts, learn about privateer folklore, go whale watching, and uncover mariners’ treasurers. Famous and historical lighthouses, anchored on the rugged coasts have cautioned seafarers for centuries and offer a glimpse into the marine heritage.
Nova Scotia holds worldwide renown, too, for its seafood; from smoked salmon and Solomon Gundy, to world famous Digby Scallops and the world’s best quality lobster. In fact, Nova Scotia is home to North America’s oldest gastronomical society, The Order of Good Cheer (l’Ordre du bon temps) founded by Samuel de Champlain in 1606.
The superb coastline along the Bay of Fundy to the south, and above all the sheer immensity of the backwoods and rivers of the Tobeatic Wilderness in the peninsula’s center gives the visitor a uniquely Canadian experience. Spanning parts of 5 counties, the Tobeatic remains the largest wild area in the Maritimes. Unique barren and semi-barren landscapes with outstanding undisturbed glacial landforms characterize the area, including esker fields, moraines, kettles and outwash plains. It protects remote and undisturbed wildlife habitat, expansive wetlands, pockets of old-growth pine and hemlock forest, and the headwaters of 9 major river systems flowing to both the Atlantic and Fundy coasts.
