Overview
According to topschoolsintheusa, in Nova Scotia – a Canadian province that is only connected to the mainland by an isthmus – water plays the leading role. Nova Scotians are justifiably proud of their beautiful coastline, miles of sandy beaches, and many lakes and rivers. Dining highlights include the ubiquitous lobster (Nova Scotia is one of the world’s largest lobster exporters) and Digby scallops. Those who would rather watch sea creatures than eat them can watch whales swooping in and out gracefully off the coast. Other popular activities include canoeing and kayaking. Nova Scotia is a predominantly rural province.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
There are no direct flights to Nova Scotia from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Air Canada (AC) flies in cooperation with Lufthansa (LH) from Frankfurt/M. to Halifax, with Swiss (LX) from Zurich and with Austrian Airlines (OS) from Vienna. Condor (DE) flies to the east coast of Canada in summer. Icelandair (FI) flies to Halifax from Frankfurt am Main, Munich, Hamburg, Berlin and Zurich with a stopover in Reykjavik.
Flight times
Frankfurt – Halifax: 9 hours 20 minutes; Zurich – Halifax: 10 hrs 25 mins; Vienna – Halifax: 12 hours (pure flight time in each case, without intermediate stops)
Arrival by car
The Trans-Canada-Highway runs through New Brunswick to Nova Scotia and ends in North Sydney (northeast coast). Minor provincial roads branch off this highway and run along the coast. Ferries or causeways connect most of the islands to the mainland. Bus: Maritime Bus serves a variety of cities within the province and connects Nova Scotia with New Brunswick. Car Rentals: There are car rental agencies at Halifax and Sydney airports, as well as in other cities in the province. Tolls: The Cobequid Pass, a 45 km stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway between Oxford and Truro, is a toll road. Documents: The German national driving license is valid for 6 months in Canada. However, it is recommended carry the international driver’s license with you. All other nationalities require the International Driving Permit.
Arrival by train
The Ocean, a VIA Rail train, commutes several times a week between Montréal and Halifax; Connections from Halifax to Sydney by bus.
rail passes
The Canrail Pass and Canrail Pass – Corridor are also valid in Nova Scotia. For more information on Rail Passes, contact Via Rail Canada or CRD, or see Canada – Local Mobility.
Arrival by ship
Liners operate between Nova Scotia and other provinces and to the United States.
Cruise ships
Shipping companies such as Cunard, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Tui Cruises and AIDA call at Halifax as part of their North Atlantic route.
Ferry provider
Bay Ferries, Marine Atlantic and NFL Ferries operate services to Nova Scotia from Portland, Maine (USA), New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland. Bay Ferries operates the Yarmouth – Portland (Maine, USA) route. The fast ship The Cat connects Yarmouth and Bar Harbor in the United States (journey time: 2 hrs 45 mins). Various ferry and shipping companies operate within the province. details on site.
Passport and visa regulations
Entry with children
Since June 27, 2012, children need their own travel document (passport / children’s passport) for trips abroad (also within the EU). Entries of children in the parental passport are no longer possible.
Language
Overview
Mostly English.
Public Holidays
Overview
An additional holiday is usually given on the first Monday in August.
Contact addresses
Tourism Nova Scotia
8 Water Street, PO Box 667
Windsor, Nova Scotia
Canada
+1 (800) 565 00 00 (toll free in Canada/USA) or +1 (902) 742 05 11.
Website: http://tourismns.ca
Website: http:/ /tourismns.ca Nova Scotia Tourist Office
c/o TravelMarketing Romberg
Schwarzbachstraße 32
Mettmann/Düsseldorf
Germany
+49 (2104) 79 74 54. +1 (800) 565 00 00 (free information hotline in Canada).
Website: http://www.novascotia.com
Website: http://www.novascotia.com
Business
Business contacts
Atlantic Provinces Chamber of Commerce Suite 21, 236 St George Street, Moncton, New Brunswick E1C 1W1 Tel: (506) 857 39 80. Fax: (506) 859 61 31. Email: [email protected] Web: www.apcc.ca
Attractions
Outside the capital
The peninsula offers a number of intertwining itineraries, each offering a different view of a must-see shore. The Evangeline Trail is a rural road that winds through the beautiful Annapolis Valley, known for its orchards, forts and Victorian buildings. The Sunrise Trail follows the Northumberland Strait, which features 35 sandy beaches and the warmest water north of Carolina.
Across the harbor from Halifax is the modern industrial city of Dartmouth.
North of Liverpool is Kejimkujic National Park, which offers wildlife trails, canoeing and winter sports. After Yarmouth, the coast road heads north-east, passing through the French-speaking Acadian towns of Meteghan and Church Point on the Bay of Fundy.
Port Royal and Fort Anne are among the oldest French settlements in Canada.
The Grand-Pré National Park commemorates the expulsion of 2000 Acadians in 1755. The Grand-Pré Cultural Landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From Amherst, the gateway to the province, the coast road runs along the north coast over the causeway to Cape Breton Island.
Cape Breton Island attracts many anglers and bird watchers. The landscape in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park is particularly attractive. Bras D’Or Lake is ideal for sailing. Sydney is a shipping and industrial center as well as the capital of the island. Southeast of the city is the Fortress of Louisburgh, a restored castle. Baddeck on Cape Breton Island is home to the Alexander Graham Bell Museum.
Halifax
The provincial capital is also the most important business, administrative and port city in the entire Atlantic Canada region. The city sits at the head of the Bedford Basin and has one of the most beautiful natural harbors in the world. Harbor tours, deep sea fishing trips and trips on the schooner Bluenose II are offered. In the harbor area there are buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. Sights include the Province House, praised by Charles Dickens as early as 1842; St. Paul’s, Canada’s oldest Protestant church, and the museums in Halifax that are part of the Nova Scotia Museum , including the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. A historic attraction is the York Redoubt, an old harborside fort built in 1793. Halifax’s landmark is the Citadel, a star-shaped granite fortress built in 1749. The ramparts offer good views of the city and harbour.
Lighthouses on Nova Scotia’s coast
Beautiful lighthouses dot the entire coast of Nova Scotia, testament to the province’s long seafaring history. Traveling from lighthouse to lighthouse along the Lighthouse Route, those interested will encounter seafaring traditions and fishing in many forms. Lovers of delicious fish dishes can feast on this route through the restaurants and get to know the regional specialties.
Cabot Trail
The Cabot Trail describes a 180-mile (298 km) loop around the province’s northern highlands. It is one of the most scenic stretches along an ocean in North America. The trail leads through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and along other highlights such as the coastal village of St. Ann’s Bay. Gaelic and Celtic culture lives on in the village to this day, which is reflected in festivals, musical events, local art and cuisine. The Alexander Graham Bell Museumin Baddeck is dedicated to the inventions of the brilliant inventor. Top of the Island is the northeast tip of Cape Breton Island with the wildest and most remote section of the Cabot Trail. Here are the island’s northernmost settlements and uncrowded beaches from which numerous species of birds can be spotted and whales can be spotted. Dingwall’s white cliffs are a popular area attraction.
Picturesque coast road on the south coast
West of Halifax is a scenic coastal drive that connects the South Coast fishing villages. The road to Yarmouth Ferry Port passes the fishing village of Peggy’s Cove with Canada’s most photographed lighthouse, Mahone Bay and Lunenberg, a UNESCO World Heritage listed German town. Lunenburg is home to the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic maritime museum, which provides comprehensive information on the history of Canadian fisheries in the Atlantic.
Nightlife
Introduction
Most nightclubs can be found in Halifax. Scottish ballads and bagpipe music can be heard throughout the province in concerts, bars, hotels and restaurants. Theaters, including amateur drama groups, are very popular. Tourism Nova Scotia (see addresses) provides more information.
Culinary
Overview
Specialties include scallops, fried, baked or grilled and often served with tartar sauce, and of course salmon and lobster. Fish and clam (clam) soups and Solomon Gundy (a herring dish) are also very popular. The Lunenbergwurst also reflects the German influence. Hugger in Buff, Fish and Scrunchions, Dutch Mess and House Bunkin are names for fish and potato dishes with onions and salted pork in cream sauce. For dessert, there’s plenty of fruit and berries, including a dumpling compote called Grunt. Beverages: Beer and other alcoholic beverages are sold by the glass in restaurants (at meals) and hotel bars (11am-2pm). Bottled and draft beer are served in the pubs (10:00 a.m. until early morning). Sale of alcohol to persons aged 19 and over.
Accommodation
Hotels
There is a good selection of hotels, motels, inns, lodges and campgrounds. Book in advance, especially in summer. All accommodation is regularly inspected by Tourism Nova Scotia. There are also farmhouse rooms and plenty of other private accommodation available (April to November). Categories: 1-5 star hotels (see New Brunswick). from Nova Scotia’s Check-in and Reservation Service (tel: (902) 425 5781. Internet: www.checkinnovascotia.com or Website: http://novascotia.com), who also make reservations.
Camping
Most of Nova Scotia is lush countryside, so RVs, which are rented by various companies, are a great way to explore the province. More details are available from the Tourist Office (see addresses), which also publishes a comprehensive hotel guide.
Climate
Best travel time
Moderately cold winters, mild summers.
Country data
Area (sq km)
55284
Population
976,768
Population density (per square km)
17
Population statistics year
2019
