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A Taste of Nova Scotia

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Where is and what is Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia is one of Canada's 10 provinces and is the furthest east except for Newfoundland. If you are coming by car from the United States, you would leave Maine to enter New Brunswick and travel in a south-easterly direction to arrive in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia is Latin for New Scotland and was named because the highlands of Cape Breton are similar to the Scottish Highlands.

We are surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean except for a small stretch of land that connects us to New Brunswick. The Gulf Stream keeps our climate somewhat temperate - generally we do not go below 20F in winter and usually stay between 63F and 75F in summer.

Cape Breton Island, where you can travel the famous Cabot Trail, is connected to the mainland by the Canso Causeway. There you can also visit Fortress Louisbourg which is a historic recreation complete with soldiers, town folk and buildings of long ago.

The entire population is around 2 million and most live in the 2 cities - Halifax/Dartmouth and Sydney. This almost-island province is about 550 miles long (west to east) from Yarmouth at one end to Sydney at the other and is 60 miles wide (north to south).
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Nova Scotia

Welcome
to
New Scotland

Halifax

The Capital of Nova Scotia has a population of around 400,000 and was founded in the year 1749. In the centre of the ciy is the Citadel which was a fort that the English built to offset the strong French presence at Louisbourg. It is a large seaport which off-loads much of Canadian imports from overseas. Just like any other major city, there is lots to do here - live theatre, fine dining, concerts performed by world-famous bands (we have had the Rolling Stones, Kiss, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Cher, Paul McCartney to name a few).

Many of the victims of the Titanic are buried less than a 5 minute drive from our house. One of Canada's major naval bases is here and the Halifax Airport has won awards for the past few years as being the best medium-sized International Airport in the world. Renowned Peggy's Cove is a 40 minute drive from the city and the famous fishing town of Lunenburg is just about 1 hour away. Lunenburg is the home of the Bluenose which is depicted on the Canadian dime.

Ever been to Nova Scotia?

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Wildlife of Nova Scotia

Our province is home to many species of mammals and birds but don't come here looking for polar bears. You need to go to Churchill, Manitoba if you want a good chance of seeing one of them.

We have lots of white-tail deer, raccoons, porcupines, rabbits and squirrels. Bats can be easily encountered at night even in our towns and cities. Cape Breton boasts a healthy herd of moose, and seals can be seen anywhere along our coast, as can various types of whales. Bird-watchers can rest assured that they can see eagles, osprey, herons, woodpeckers, puffins and blue jays to name just a few.

Rarer, but still part of our natural balance, are black bear, coyotes, lynx, bobcat, owls and hawks. We have turtles but you need never fear alligators here.

Osprey Cam

2 Baby Ospreys Ready to Fly
Within a few days, these baby birds will take their first flight. They are revin' up their engines now so be ready ....

Port Royal

Port Royal was the first permanent European settlement in North America north of Florida. It was founded by Samuel de Champlain in the year 1605.

It was established as a fur-trading colony. For more than 150 years, France and England fought for control of Nova Scotia and indeed Canada. This conflict ended with two great French defeats - the taking of the Fortress Louisbourg and the capture of the fortified town of Quebec City. If you ever go to Quebec - do NOT miss visiting the old portion of Quebec City - it is amazing.

You can learn more about Port Royal (The Habitation) by checking out the link in the links module below.

The Halifax Explosion

What happened when two ships collided in Halifax Harbour on December 6, 1917?

You get the largest man-made explosion that ever occurred prior to the Atomic Bomb.

A Belgian relief ship, the Imo, and a French ammunition ship, the Mont-Blanc collided and complelety destroyed the north-end of the city and killed over 2,000 people.

Rescue and relief work came from all over Eastern Canada but mostly from Boston. Halifax and Boston remain friends to this day and every Christmas, Halifax sends a huge tree to Boston.

For more information, we have given you a link further down this page.

Oak Island Money Pit

The Long Lost Treasure of Captain Kidd?

Many years ago, two young lads found evidence of a recently dug hole on an island in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia.

Digging into the hole, they found strange things which caused them to think that something important and valuable lay somewhere in the depths below. Once they reached a certain depth, the Atlantic Ocean "roared" in to partially fill the pit and create obstacles for further digging.

Today, more than 200 years later, the mystery remains unsolved. Most people believe it is Captain Kidd's treasure. However, some people postulate that it might be gold that the Spaniards plundered from the Incas and the Aztecs and others believe it could be the resting place of the Holy Grail.

Go to the module entitled Nova Scotia Links if you'd like to read more about this fascinating moment in our history.

Peggy's Cove

Peggy's Cove is a fishing village famous throughout the world and can be easily reached from Halifax as it is only 30 miles away and a short 40 minute drive.

It has its own unique landscape that emcompasses the ocean, far-reaching barrens, huge rocks, small fishing boats and homes of the fisherfolk who live there.

In 1998, Swiss Air Flight 111 crashed nearby. The people of Peggy's Cove heard a huge bang in the middle of the night and were out in their boats in the wee hours of the morning but to no avail for their were no survivors.

Mary Celeste - Ship of Mystery

Built in Advocate Harbour, Nova Scotia, she was to become one of the strangest sea mysteries of all time.

In 1872, the Mary Celeste was found in the Mediterrean with no crew aboard. There were no signs of any struggle, sails were still intact and even the dishes and meals were still on the table in the cabin. Personal effects of the crew were still neatly stowed and essentials like pipes and liquid refreshment were left behind.

Seafood

Some of the best seafood in Canada (if not North America) comes from our small province. Lobster, mussels, and clams from Nova Scotia are all at the top of their game. If you be looking for cod tongues as well, they are not so easy to find these days but when you do ... they are delicious.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention Digby Scallops .. how could I forget to mention them ???

Cabot Trail

Found on the north-western side of Cape Breton Island, is one of the most scenic drives in North America. As you dip down and around the highlands that remind people of Scotland, you will be cooled off by breezes from the Atlantic Ocean.

In these highlands, you will find one of Canada's largest National Parks and a very large moose population. A visit to Nova Scotia is really not complete without a visit to this beautiful area.

Sable Island

Out in the Atlantic Ocean about 200 miles from Halifax, lies a small wind-swept island called Sable Island. It is famous for 2 reasons.

The first is that there are 350 recorded shipwrecks that have occurred on or near the island.

The second is the wild horses that live on the island. Though legend has it they were survivors of early shipwrecks, the most likely true version is that a Boston merchant purchased them from Acadians who were forced to abandon their livestock when expelled from Nova Scotia. He then put some of the horses to pasture on Sable Island where they still roam free today.

Nova Scotia Related Videos

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Nova Scotia Links

Halifax
Information on the capital city of Nova Scotia - Things to see and do, places to stay etc.
The Great Amherst Mystery
A True Ghost Story that took place in a small town in Nova Scotia in the late 1800's.
The Halifax Explosion
The greatest man-made explosion to ever have occurred prior to the A-Bomb dropped on Hiroshima.
The Oak Island Money Pit
What lies at the bottom of the Oak Island Money Pit - could it be Captain Kidd's treasure?
Mary Celeste - Ship of Mystery
One of the strangest sea mysteries of all time.
Fortress Louisbourg - A Living Museum
This is a real treat for history buffs - return to French Canada of the late 1700's.
Titanic
The ship that was said to be unsinkable. Many of the victims of the Titantic are buried in a Halifax graveyard.
Jerome - Mystery Man of Sandy Cove
What circumstances caused a mute man with newly-amputated legs to be abandoned on a beach in a remote area of Nova Scotia?

New Guestbook

  • Rosaquid Mar 31, 2012 @ 3:49 am | delete
    I'd love to visit sometime.
  • blackspanielgallery Feb 24, 2012 @ 10:37 pm | delete
    Nice lens.
  • poutine Feb 16, 2012 @ 3:20 pm | delete
    Came from Marsha's Spot.
  • JaguarJulie Feb 6, 2012 @ 10:40 am | delete
    Ah, my dear ... this is a lovely tribute to Nova Scotia! It's quite an incredible place way up there.
  • Zut_Moon Feb 6, 2012 @ 10:42 am | delete
    Yeah ...way up here in the Great White North where we all live in igloos ....
  • grannysage Feb 4, 2012 @ 2:57 pm | delete
    Very pretty, I'd love to go there. I love the picture of the black bear. They would come on our back porch when I was a kid and I had an infamous picnic with a bear when I was five. This is an outstanding lens.
  • Tipi Jan 28, 2012 @ 11:38 am | delete
    Angel dust sprinkled over your magical Nova Scotia...thank goodness no concern about the pesky alligators! I was wondering how many cod tongues it would take to make a meal, quite the delicacy. With all this wonder, still, my favorite part of Nova Scotia is you!
  • Zut_Moon Jan 28, 2012 @ 11:40 am | delete
    Cod tongues are delicious !!! Thanks for the blessing and the kind words.
  • Tipi Mar 15, 2012 @ 11:41 am | delete
    Cod tongues, huh? I do love the meat from the cheeks of Walleyes, what a meal when you can save up enough of them. - Hope you cruise is wonderful this month! :)
  • TravelingRae Jan 22, 2012 @ 11:58 pm | delete
    You just had to mention Digby scallops. :) Lovely lens; I found you through Pinterest.
  • Image_Girl Jan 20, 2012 @ 9:36 pm | delete
    Wonderful lens! Great photos too!
  • NAIZA Jan 20, 2012 @ 9:49 am | delete
    Terrific information lens about Nova Scotia! I would love to travel there someday.:)
  • cmoneyspinner Jan 15, 2012 @ 4:28 pm | delete
    I'm happy to follow you to Canada by way of a SQUIDOO lens cause with my restrictive travel budget that's about as close as I'm ever gonna get! Squidliked!
  • Zut_Moon Jan 15, 2012 @ 4:30 pm | delete
    Thanks for dropping by.
  • LadyelenaUK Jan 13, 2012 @ 5:50 pm | delete
    Lovely and interesting place. I would like to visit. Thanks.
  • aesta1 Jan 7, 2012 @ 7:41 am | delete
    I had been to Nova Scotia several times, once during an annual conference and the other one when the tall ships were there. Just love the place and the people.
  • Frischy Jan 4, 2012 @ 11:42 am | delete
    I have a tremendous desire to visit Nova Scotia. I am not sure when or how my enchantment with this place arose. It seems I have just always wanted to come, but have never had the opportunity to do so. I hope someday I can make it!
  • traveller27 Jan 2, 2012 @ 7:38 pm | delete
    I've visited this beautiful province once - a number of years ago.
  • Jack-in-the-Box Jan 2, 2012 @ 1:45 pm | delete
    Ok...I want to come visit now. Great lens on Nova Scotia.
  • crosscreations Jan 2, 2012 @ 12:37 pm | delete
    I've been to Canada, but only Ontario and Quebec, and that was many moons ago. Would love to visit Nova Scotia and also Vancouver, but in summertime... Canadian winters are FRIGID!
  • Philmac128 Jan 2, 2012 @ 10:42 am | delete
    A nice lens covering a place on my to do list
  • Zut_Moon Jan 2, 2012 @ 10:46 am | delete
    Let me know when you are coming so I can leave the country ... LOL
  • vallain Nov 7, 2011 @ 9:11 pm | delete
    I'm hoping to make a return visit to Nova Scotia this summer. What a lovely place it is!
  • Zut_Moon Nov 7, 2011 @ 9:14 pm | delete
    Ah ... U just say that cause I live here ... LOL

    Thanks and do revisit.
  • tokyonights7 Oct 29, 2011 @ 2:04 am | delete
    Does McDonald's still have lobster rolls in Halifax? Those were to die for!
  • Zut_Moon Oct 29, 2011 @ 5:05 am | delete
    I think they still put them on about once a year for a limited time ... Thanks for reading the lens.
  • TheVegetarian Oct 28, 2011 @ 11:50 am | delete
    I'm from the Old Scotland!
  • redflea13 Dec 10, 2010 @ 5:20 am | delete
    Halifax is one of my favorite places to visit. The people are friendly and there are lots to see and do.
  • Norma_Budden Dec 5, 2010 @ 9:13 pm | delete
    I've passed through Nova Scotia, on occasion, in my travels. However, 3 years ago, I had the opportunity to stay in New Minas for 16 days. I explored more than anything else and Peggy's Cove was a place I definitely wanted to visit.

    We also had the opportunity to cross the passenger ferry from Dartmouth to Halifax and walked along the promenade/strip. The music was nice and the atmosphere friendly but, sadly, we didn't have as much time to linger as we would have liked.

    When in Nova Scotia, spend a little time on the Bay of Fundy. We spent about 6 hours in Hall's Harbour - not too far north from New Minas. When we arrived, we saw a long-liner docked at the shore with only dry land underneath. By the time we left, it was sitting in a few feet of water. We had lobster on the wharf and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

    I can't wait to return to Nova Scotia again.
  • ajgodinho Dec 4, 2010 @ 11:40 am | delete
    Beautiful lens on an amazingly beautiful province of Canada. I had the chance to visit Halifax and Stellarton a few years ago (on business) and enjoyed it. **Blessed by a Squid-Angel**
  • mbgphoto Oct 31, 2010 @ 9:50 am | delete
    I just returned from a cruise that had stops in both Halifax and Sydney. What a beautiful country! I especially loved Peggy's Cove.
  • reiseprofi Dec 26, 2009 @ 11:24 am | delete
    Hi, I love Nova, its one of my favourite and the best area for whale watching is Digby Neck at the Bay of Fundy. We had great tours with the zodiacs and the humpback dived right under our boat and they came up just 3 feet from us! Best to stay is at the Lake Midway cottage, see www.novascotia.cc
  • windowsot Jul 14, 2009 @ 6:54 pm | delete
    Any lens on your family history in Nova Scotia?
  • davidstillwagon Jul 14, 2009 @ 5:58 pm | delete
    looks like a wonderful place to live! good lens 5 *
  • Sojourn Jul 14, 2009 @ 2:26 am | delete
    It's too bad US schools don't teach more about Canadian history. I knew almost none of the facts you mentioned and I used to live in upstate NY - far enough away, but still! I've always been fascinated with the Titanic story, as well, and didn't remember the tie to Nova Scotia. You did a great job piquing my interest. Loved the historical details. :)
  • WindyWinters Jul 10, 2009 @ 6:55 pm | delete
    Nova Scotia is a beautiful province! I've been to Nova Scotia a couple of times to visit family. My grandpa was born in Nova Scotia,too. I especially love Nova Scotia Scallops! Please send me some....please! :)
  • mulberry Jul 10, 2009 @ 6:49 pm | delete
    Looks and sounds like a beautiful place. Nice tidbits for visitors. I've been to various parts of Canada, but not to Nova Scotia...YET. Great lens.
  • QueSea Jul 10, 2009 @ 6:20 am | delete
    I've wanted to visit for years. Now that I've seen the Cabot Trail photo, I'm sure I'll be dreaming about Nova Scotia
  • reneej3xs Jul 10, 2009 @ 5:45 am | delete
    Nova Scotia is beautiful...it's the first place that comes to mind when I think of peacefulness. I may end up living there one day.
  • sandyspider Jul 9, 2009 @ 10:36 pm | delete
    Nice lens and history on Nova Scotia.
  • 24websurf Jul 9, 2009 @ 9:28 pm | delete
    Zut, this a beautiful lens. I love the pictures and especially the stories. My parents did not adequately describe the beauty of Nova Scotia. I hope to visit someday.
  • Jeff Jul 9, 2009 @ 1:58 pm | delete
    Nice lens. To learn more about Nova Scotia visit http://www.novascotialife.com and for Tourism information check out http://www.novascotia.com
  • AuthenticSeacoast Jul 9, 2009 @ 10:09 am | delete
    Great lens! Come visit the Authentic Seacoast for information on Chedabucto Bay, the largest bay on the Nova Scotia Atlantic coast.
  • jaqinthemac Jul 9, 2009 @ 9:58 am | delete
    Great Lens!! I found you via Twitter! Keep up the great work!!
  • Roger_Hjulstrom Jul 8, 2009 @ 8:41 pm | delete
    Great lens! Makes me want to pay a visit there. I forgot Nova Scotia was home to the Captain Kidd treasure pit!
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Zut_Moon

I came to Squidoo in November, 2008. I started with jokes, funny stories and quizzes. Since then I have also gone on to helping others with psychology... more »

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