The secret's out about beautiful Nova Scotia. It is no accident that CNN Television recently picked Nova Scotia among the most perfect vacation spots in North America. The province's pristine environment and outstanding natural scenery are only a few of the reasons it earned the title "Canada's Ocean Playground."
And it is no surprise why Germany's national airline, Lufthansa, recently announced naming one of its
trans-Atlantic jets in honor of Halifax, the capitol of Nova Scotia. Lufthansa is honoring
"Bluenosers" who poured out their hearts and their hospitality to German travelers on
September 11, 2001 following terrorist attacks in the US.
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On that infamous day thousands of international travelers were grounded in Nova Scotia when the US abruptly closed all airports to incoming traffic from Europe for several days. True to their nature and their down-home reputation for hospitality, warmth and friendliness, Nova Scotians opened their hearts and their communities to help stranded European travelers in their time of need. And since than time, European travelers have been generous in their expressions of appreciation to this seaside province.
Until this year, Nova Scotia was one of the best-kept secrets outside of Canada- as the perfect tourist destination. Now the secret is out ... so here's the rest of the story: The jewel in the Nova Scotia tourism crown is the spectacular, less-traveled North Shore region of the province. It has captured the heart of increasing numbers of German travelers who seek out unique, unspoiled vacation destinations.
The thread that binds the North Shore of course is the beautiful Sunrise Trail. It winds its way along the shores of the Northumberland Strait, meandering in and out of quaint fishing villages that dot the shoreline. The sea defines the North Shore and fishing is at the heart of our community. Visitors can enjoy an abundance of fresh-from-the-sea food featuring scallops, lobster, clams, crab, oysters and muscles. And our best-kept secret of all is that the Northumberland Strait has absolutely the warmest salt water north of the Carolinas due to a freak of nature- or the unusual, natural ocean currents. We have the warmest salt water, the best swimming and the most spectacular beaches in Nova Scotia. Our scenery is second to none.
And we like to play! Our mainstay sport is golf and visitors to the North Shore can enjoy as many as a dozen local golf courses within easy driving distance. Wine lovers can enjoy a vineyard tour and learn how the Jost family makes their national and international award winning wines. Spend some leisure time at Jost and sample their finest wines. And at the local Austrian Smokhaus visitors can sample award-winning sausages that have earned acclaim in international competitions.
But what really distinguishes Northern Nova Scotia from the rest of the province is our rich ethic and cultural history, celebrated throughout the year with festivals and special events. Northern Nova Scotia boasts one of the fastest growing German immigrant communities in Nova Scotia and our annual Octoberfest celebrations are the largest in the Maritimes. Every community comes alive with theme activities each year drawing home our families and friends from throughout the world. Our artisan community, our arts and crafts and our numerous cottage industries define us.
Tourists to the North Shore can relax and enjoy the peace and tranquility of a laid-back, seaside vacation or experience one of our many inland destinations. Our network of B&Bs, country Inns and unique lodgings offer a range of comfort and value to the discriminating tourist. For those with a flair for a farm vacation, or who wish to include horseback riding in vacation, the North Shore has it all. Tourists can explore the diverse landscape, enjoy the flora and fauna and experience the warmth, charm and hospitality of the North Shore. The secret's out! Nova Scotia is IN this year, and the North Shore is leading the way.
Parks and Protected Areas
Caribou/Munroes Island Provincial Park
Location: Caribou, 11 km north of junction of Routes 106 and 376 through Pictou.
Caribou/Munroes Island Provincial Park offers a mile long sand beach with picnic area. Activities include camping, swimming, beachcombing. A walking trail leads to Munroe's Island. There is a 80-site campground.
Points of Interest
Balmoral Grist Mill Museum 
Location: 660 Matheson Brook Road, Balmoral Mills, Nova Scotia
Nestled in a deep gorge, this picturesque three-level grist mill still grinds wheat, oats and buckwheat the way it did in 1874. Milling demonstrations 10am-noon & 2-4pm; Sunday 2-4pm. This site is particularly appealing for visitors interested in water as a power source, rural community lifestyle and early industrial machinery.
For more information call 902-657-3016
Sutherland Steam Mill Museum
Location: 3196 Denmark, Denmark, Nova Scotia - Off Route 326
Explore the history and workings of a steam sawmill and discover why steam replaced water as the power of choice for mills in the late 1800s. The Sutherland Steam Mill, restored as it looked upon its completion in 1894, is a prime example of a busy sawmill which could turn out 3 to 4 times as its water-powered predecessors. Demonstrations 1pm - 3pm Wednesday - Saturday.
For more information call 902-657-3365
Museum of Industry
Location: 147 North Foord St, Stellarton, Nova Scotia - Exit 24 off Trans Canada Hwy.
A timecard is your ticket to experience the fascinating human story of industry in Nova Scotia - the story of people meeting the real challenges of a changing world. Visitors can work a steam engine, feel waterpower, print a book mark, hook a rug or build a model car on an assembly line. Special attention has been given to displays of interest to women, including a beauty salon of the 1930s, and women's work in the factories and mills of wartime Nova Scotia.
For more information call 902-755-5425
The Wild Blueberry and Maple Centre
Location: 105 Lower Main Street, Oxford, Nova Scotia
The Wild Blueberry and Maple Centre showcases the Wild Blueberry and Maple industry with an interpretive centre. Self-guided tours are available, covering the natural history, harvesting, processing and uses. Free samples available. Gift shop on premises.
For more information call (902) 447-2908
Loch Broom Log Church
Location: Near Loch Broom Bridge. Take Hwy 104, Exit 20, Rte 376 and follow signs.
Loch Broom Log Church is a Nova Scotia Historic Site marking a replica of the first church erected in Pictou Country in 1787. Admission is free.
For more information call (902) 755-2272
Festivals and Events
Wine Fest - Malagash, June
Antigonish Highland Games - Antigonish, July
Pictou Lobster Carnival - Pictou, July
Blueberry Festival - Tatamagouche, August
Eastern Nova Scotia Exhibition - Antigonish, August
Feast of the Acadians - Pomquet, August
Hector Festival - Pictou, August
Glasgow Square Festival - New Glasgow, September
Oktoberfest - Tatamagouche, September
This Travel Guide was kindley made available by Graham Johnston of Balmoral Farm Vacation in Balmoral.
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