Central Nova & North Shore

The Three Sisters rock formation in Cape Chignecto Provincial Park. According to Mi’kmaw legend, the rocks represent three mischievous sisters turned to stone.

The adventure is just beginning

If you seek high tides, higher cliffs, the warmest waters north of the Carolinas and festivals and museums galore, head over to Central Nova and the North Shore. The simple joy of discovery is around every bend

By Alec Bruce

What’s hot this summer

Summer typically heralds event season in Central Nova & The North Shore. Of course, this year is special. After two years under a pandemic gloom, the season’s events will make a triumphant return. Take in Festival Antigonish, one of Atlantic Canada’s premier summer repertory theatres, with its production of The Hobbit (premiering in August). The Antigonish Highland Society also welcomes all to its Scottish heavy throws, piping, drumming, dancing and tugs-of-war pull at Antigonish Highland Games (July 8–10). In addition to watching Hobbits and tossing cabers, head over to the Pictou Lobster Carnival (July 8–10) for tasty, traditional fare. For the best Canadian music the East Coast has to offer, pop in to the New Glasgow Riverfront Jubilee (July 29–31) and the Nova Scotia Summerfest in Antigonish (Aug. 19). With several prime viewing locations of the world’s highest tides, visit the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark, located along the north shore of the Minas Basin of the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia, stretching from Lower Truro in the east to Apple River in the west, a distance of 165 km. The Mi’kmaq were the first geologists of the Geopark, selecting rocks for their points and tools, and for ceremonial use in sweat lodges.

In Pictou, see a full-sized replica of the Hector, the ship that began large-scale Scottish immigration to North America.

Communications Nova Scotia / Len Wagg

The Cliffs of Fundy honours the historical space of the Mi’kmaq people and their oral traditions of cultural geo-heritage. Here, the Debert ‘Paleo-Indian’ site, more properly referred to as Mi’kmawey Debert, is one of the most significant indigenous archaeological sites in North America, representing the earliest human settlement in eastern North America dating back approximately 11,000 years.

Not far from there, you can stand at the foot of a 12-metre statue of Glooscap at the Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre in Millbrook First Nation near Truro. Also, discover Nova Scotia’s rich Mi’Kmaw history at Bayside Travel Centre Paqtnkek First Nation outside Antigonish heading towards Cape Breton.

To dip into more recent history, check out the Hector Heritage Quay in Pictou, where a stem-to-stern re-creation of the Hector (the ship that began largescale Scottish immigration to North America) is berthed. Then head over to the Museum of Industry in Stellarton for a journey through Nova Scotia’s past to discover how different life once was for working men and women, and how technology has changed. The Colchester Historeum in Truro is a state-of-the-art museum and archives within a downtown heritage building that provides a fascinating glimpse into the past and the perfect intro into what makes the area special.

The Museum of Industry in Stellarton offers a journey through Nova Scotia’s past.

Communications Nova Scotia / Len Wagg

Old friends and new favourites

Scrumptious food and drink abound in the province and Central Nova and the North Shore are no exception. For 30 years, Taste of Nova Scotia has been inspiring you to eat, drink and explore the province. From local road-trips to discover Nova Scotia’s wine country, to out-of-province visitors on the search for the perfect seafood chowder, culinary adventures await. Now, the mobile app makes that so much easier (get it here: tasteofnovascotia.com/taste-of-nova-scotiamobile-app). While you’re there, check out the rest of the website! This year’s Culinary Trails will once again feature a physical paper passport that can be stamped, and new digital stamps via the app at participating locations. For more details, visit the Nova Scotia Culinary Trails sites, Good Cheer Trail, Chowder Trail and Lobster Trail.

That Dutchman’s Cheese Farm is located high on a hill overlooking the Bay of Fundy. It’s where you will find Nova Scotia’s original artisan cheesemakers. In addition to great cheese, enjoy the onsite animal and nature park. There’s also Balmoral Grist Mill in Balmoral and Sutherland Steam Mill in Denmark, where both a 19th century water-powered grist mill and a steam-powered woodworking factory will transport you into the past. These places preserve a time when our forebears were far more self-reliant than we are nowadays.

That Dutchman’s Cheese Farm is where you’ll find Nova Scotia’s original artisan cheesemakers.

Tourism Nova Scotia / Acorn Art & Photography

Step back in time at the Balmoral Grist Mill, a 19th century water-powered grist mill.

@daveyandsky

Visit Tatamagouche Creamery Square for four attractions in one. Here you will find an award-winning waterfront heritage centre and archives, farmers’ market with large deck and picnic area, as well an a performing art centre and gallery. All are conveniently located just off the Trans-Canada Trail.

Visit Tatamagouche Creamery Square and fi nd an award-winning waterfront heritage centre.

Tourism Nova Scotia / Acorn Art & Photography

Hike The Great Trail, previously known as the Trans Canada Trail, knowing you are on one of the longest recreational footpaths in the world. Pictou, Guysborough and Halifax counties are all part of this system that stretches nearly 24,000 km from the west coast to the east coast of Canada. Meanwhile, the Cobequid Trail is a 16-km walking and cycling trail that follows along the former railway through Acadian dykelands, farmland, forests, along brooks and the scenic Salmon River.

Victoria Park, located in the heart of Truro, boasts incredible natural features, including this beautiful cascading waterfall.

Photo: Tourism Nova Scotia / Acorn Art & Photography

The 40-hectare Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park includes an interpretive centre, hiking trails and a picnic area.

Photo: Dennis Jarvis

Speaking of the great outdoors, don’t forget the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia’s premier wildlife destination. The park features a variety of mammals and birds: eagles and owls to moose, bears, cougars and wolves. There’s also Keppoch Mountain in Antigonish, a year-round outdoor destination full of fun and activity. And you won’t soon forget Truro’s Victoria Park, a 3,000-acre paradise featuring brookside trails, scenic waterfalls, 175-step Jacob’s Ladder, outdoor pool, splash pad and playground.

Ride the tides on the world-famous tidal bore on the Shubenacadie River or discover how they work from the river’s edge at the Fundy Tidal Interpretive Centre. Plan your visit around the tidal times that work best for you. For rafting and white-water adventures visit novascotia.com/things-to-do/outdooractivities-tours/tidal-bore-rafting?f=gk YF5W8Aoi

Hit the beach and plunge into some of the warmest ocean waters north of the Carolinas on the Northumberland Shore — up to 22 °C in the summer. There’s Melmerby Beach, and many, many more. For information about public beaches in the area, visit: novascotia.com/ trip-ideas/stories/check-out-our-warmestocean-beaches.

Melmerby Beach in Little Harbour, on the Northumberland Shore, is known for its warm water.

Photo: Tourism Nova Scotia / Adam Cornick