Destination holidays may be cancelled this year, but there are still so many potential vacation spots to choose from right here in Nova Scotia.
Whether they be a five-minute, 50-minute or five-hour drive away, this province offers no shortage of spots to choose from. It may be less than 600 kilometres long and under 150 kilometres wide, but Tourism Nova Scotia media relations specialist Pam Wamback says this strip of land offers a huge diversity of options for people to choose from.
“What I love about our home here is that it’s easy to get around, but there is so much geographical and cultural diversity from one end to the other,” Wamback says. “No matter what you’re looking for, you can definitely find it here.”
Wamback says that while it may take convincing for some, Nova Scotia should become known as a beach destination, whether it be for surfing in Lawrencetown’s incredible waves, or swimming in the warm waters of the Northumberland Strait. Some beaches even boast crystal-clear waters, like those on Cape Sable Island, which encircle almost the entire island.
“We have an incredible array of fantastic beaches to access, but people don’t yet think of us as a beach destination. Some of our waters are so clear that you’d swear you’re in the Caribbean,” she says.
And for those looking to book accommodations during their staycations, Wamback says people should consider booking a geo-dome experience in Cape Breton, where options include True North Destinations in Pleasant Bay, Archer’s Edge Luxury Camping in Judique and the Blue Bayou Resort in South Harbour.
For those in search of other unique accommodations, and particularly those with kids, Wamback recommends the Train Station Inn in Tatamagouche, where guests spend the night in decommissioned train cars that still sit right on the train tracks.
“There is no other property like this in the entire country. And it’s the perfect place to teach your kids about trains, especially if they’ve never been on one before, with a very hands-on experience,” she says.
Wamback says this province also offers a great combination of city and small-town experiences, all at a relatively short driving distance. Anyone looking to experience a couple nights of city living can pack a suitcase and visit Halifax, whereas anyone looking to escape the city can drive to any number of more rural towns to reconnect with local markets, produce and other farming experiences.
She says wherever people choose to go, the food they connect with is sure to be yet another reminder of the countless offerings this province presents.
“We’re seen as fishing and seafood, but we produce so much more than seafood. We have farmers markets, u-picks and so many other food experiences accessible at our fingertips,” she says.
With so many options to choose from, Wamback says the sky’s the limit this summer in Nova Scotia, where she is confident that any option chosen will delight visitors, whether they’ve visited before or are checking it out for their first time.
“We’re incredibly fortunate at the abundance of our local offerings. The list goes on: seafood, produce, tourism operators, distilleries, beer and wine, crafters and artisans. All of these people are just waiting to share their experience with you.”
