Nova Scotia has never been more accessible, especially for British visitors. Starting summer 2024, the region sees two new seasonal transatlantic non-stop services resume. Additionally, a new flight route on WestJet adds more choice as well as a further choice via a connecting flight with Icelandair. WesJet will offer a seasonal direct flight to Nova Scotia's capital Halifax from London, Dublin and Edinburgh. The route will be served by the airline's Boeing 737 Max fleet. The London and Dublin service will operate four times a week from 29 April and 20 June 2024 respectively. The Edinburgh service – a new route not previously operated – will fly three times a week from 20 June 2024. May 2024 will also see the return of Icelandair to Halifax Stanfield International Airport. This is another option for UK travellers to get to Nova Scotia from the UK, with the added bonus of free Iceland stopovers en route. Icelandair's new three times a week seasonal service operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from May 31 through to October 14. It marks Icelandair's return to Halifax after a five-year absence. Flights are already on sale. Emma Cashmore, Tourism Nova Scotia's UK Account Director, of Axis Travel Marketing Ltd. said: "We are thrilled to see the return of these vital transatlantic connections as well as the introduction of a new route from Edinburgh.” This opens up the options for UK travellers to access the province and indeed all of Atlantic Canada". Nova Scotia has more than 13,000 km of coastline, diverse cultures and rich heritage It boasts six UNESCO designated sites and is noted for its scenic beaches.

  Only a six-hour flight from the UK, Nova Scotia is filled to the brim with stunning natural beauty, diverse cultures, rich heritage, and warm, friendly people.  This Atlantic Canada province is home to three national parks. From helping to share Mi'kmaw heritage to showcasing and carrying out modern day conservation efforts, Nova Scotia’s national parks offer cultural experiences, exciting outdoor adventure and special places to stay. Here is why they are a bucket list-worthy destination:   Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site: Discover the historic waterways, wooded multi-use trails, incredible night sky, and unique camping accommodations at Nova Scotia’s only inland national park. Explore Mi'kmaw petroglyphs and connect with Mi'kmaw culture, experience some of the darkest (and most starry) night skies in North America. You can also explore the park by renting a bicycle or canoe onsite to explore trails and lakes, and spend the night in a yurt, rustic cabin, oTENTik, or tear-drop Ôasis “duplex”, several feet in the air.   Kejimkujik National Park Seaside: Located along the rugged Atlantic coast and a little over one hour from the inland Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, visitors here will be rewarded with incredible coastal views and wide white sand beaches after a 2.8 kilometre (one way) hike on Harbour Rocks Trail. Along the way, check out the viewing platform with views of St. Catherine’s River Beach and keep an eye out for local wildlife and birds. Pick up a Perfect Picnic in nearby Liverpool before hitting the trail and enjoy it later at the beach. Be sure to snap a photo sitting on the iconic Parks Canada red chairs.     Cape Breton Highlands National Park: An undisputed “must do” when visiting Nova Scotia is exploring the Cabot Trail. The trail winds its way through Cape Breton Highlands National Park making it easy to see the whole park. Featuring 26 hiking trails, 12 breathtaking look-offs, 8 campgrounds, and 6 beaches, this national park is the ideal destination for the outdoor enthusiast. Whether you prefer roughing it in the back country, taking in the incredible fall colours on a hike, or picking up a Perfect Picnic to enjoy during a beach day, a visit to Cape Breton Highlands National Park is likely to be a highlight of your trip to Nova Scotia.

 

 

Exclusive webinar with the winners of Race Across the World – Cathie and Tricia. We will hear first hand on their experience on the show and particularly their time in Nova Scotia. By registering you can also find out how you could be in with a chance to win a 4 night stay in Halifax with return flights for two from London.

  Michelle Bourgeoise talks to Graham Mckenzie about the diverse, authetic and vibrant nature of the City.   [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHqFDnUx4bY[/embed]

  Nova Scotia has a long and rich tradition of growing grapes for wine that dates back to the 1600s, when the province was one of the first areas to cultivate grapes in North America. The climate and soil conditions in the province favour unique and distinctive grape varietals.   If your dream holiday includes road-tripping from one perfect boutique winery to another and chatting with passionate vintners about their art, we have got you covered – check out our latest vineyard stays to help you plan and get inspired:     Planter's Ridge Winery @ Port Williams   Newly renovated this century old farmhouse which was built in 1864 now contains three luxurious bedrooms, each with their own spa-like bathroom. The owners have paid homage to the old farmhouse by showcasing its original features while adding modern flourishes and embellishments. Artisanal breakfast is included in your stay. For more information click here.       Inn at the Winery at Grand Pre   Located in the Annapolis Valley next to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Domaine de Grand Pré is Atlantic Canada’s oldest Farm Winery, owned and operated by the Stutz Family, since 1994. The Swiss born family quickly made its mark displaying a European sensibility for quality and passion for wine. Now they are applying those same principles to their new onsite accommodations.  The Inn at the Winery, is the family's former farm  home and consists of  6 spacious rooms spread out amongst three levels.   The ground level  is home to a Chef's Table Dining Experience for 8-10 guests where you can watch your 5 or 7 course, wine-paired meal being prepared. For more information click here.       Yurts in the Vineyard at Authentic Seacoast Company @ Guysborough   Idyllically located along a stunning peninsula on Chedabucto Bay on the Eastern Shore, and nestled within the pockets of an oceanside vineyard, you’ll find 10 one-of-a-kind yurts calling your name for a glamping adventure!   These traditional Mongolian style yurts come fully-furnished and equipped with an abundance of amenities to provide a more-than-comfortable stay.   The property also includes a seaside sauna, ready for you to sweat off any stress and unwind.  For more information click here.

  Only a six-hour flight from the UK, Nova Scotia is filled to the brim with stunning natural beauty, diverse cultures, rich heritage, and friendly people.  About the size of Scotland and home to just a million people, Nova Scotia is very much a road trip destination, with spectacular seaside and inland driving routes.   If you love the coast, this five day itinerary takes you through regions known for high tides, warm waters and scenic views which are sure to get some inspiration going!   Day 1 |Burntcoat Head Park to Shubenacadie: Come and walk, play and explore on the ocean floor at low tide at Burntcoat Head Park, home of the world's highest recorded tides where you can take a guided tour or explore the dramatic site on your own. Added bonus: experience the one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure - Tidal Bore Rafting: As 100 billion tons of water rushes into the Bay of Fundy, there is only so much space for it to travel and therefore the great tides actually reverse the flow of the river that would typically flow into the Bay. Nowhere else in the world can you find this kind of experience!   Day 2 | Advocate Harbour: Cape d’Or Lighthouse in the Cape d'Or Coastal Park is a great spot to witness the Bay of Fundy’s impressive tidal rips from the towering cliffs of this park. Here you can also enjoy a meal next to a lighthouse at the onsite restaurant known for their seafood and breathtaking views. For a unique overnight experience, visit the Lightkeepers Kitchen & Guest House, located just a few steps from the Cape d'Or Lighthouse in the converted Lightkeeper's residence. Outdoors enthusiast? explore Cape Chignecto Provincial Park, Nova Scotia’s largest provincial park featuring back-country and day-use trails, magnificent Bay of Fundy beaches, and camping; discover the Bay of Fundy by taking a sea kayaking tour with NovaShores Adventures where you will see impressive views of Cape Chignecto’s sea cliffs and famous “Three Sisters” rock formation; dine in one of Nova Scotia’s highest rated restaurants, Wild Caraway Restaurant & Café, offering an authentic taste of local Nova Scotia dining through the use of local and in season ingredients.   Day 3 | Wallace and Tatamagouche: Spend a day at the beautiful Fox Harb’r Resort, one of only five 5-star resorts in Canada, situated on the stunning Northumberland Shore where you can try out one of the many activities such as horseback riding, volleyball, or sea kayaking.  Explore the town of Tatamagouche and get a taste for the local craft beer, wine and cidery scene with a stop at Tatamagouche Brewing Co. or travel a few minutes north of Tatamagouche to Malagash to visit the award-winning Jost Vineyards or Malagash Cidery at Vista Bella Farm.   Day 4 | Liscomb: Make your way to Liscomb Mills where you can spend the night at Liscombe Lodge, go for a hike along a portion of the 9 km of hiking trails or simply relax and enjoy the solitude of the area overlooking the Liscomb River. Fancy taking a boat tour along the Liscomb River? A relaxing pontoon boat ride along the Liscomb River takes you into the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean with the Marina Supervisor and Captain. Top up the experience with a visit to the resort’s restaurant for a true maritime meal with a view of the river and the rugged Eastern Shore landscape.   Day 5 | Spry Bay to Lawrencetown: Hike the beautiful coastal trail system at Taylor Head Provincial Park, with pristine white sand beaches, rugged headlands, and sweeping views of the ocean and undeveloped coastline. Stop for lunch to refuel at the Henley House Pub & Restaurant or Sober Island Brewing Company before continuing along the Eastern Shore. Head to Lawrencetown and check-in at East Coast Surf School at Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park to learn to ride the waves. If surfing isn’t your thing check out Lawrencetown Beach, Clam Harbour, Martinique, Rainbow Haven or one of the other beautiful beaches along the Eastern Shore.

  Only a 6 hour flight from the UK and the gateway to Atlantic Canada, Nova Scotia is filled to the brim with stunning natural beauty, diverse cultures and rich heritage. From picturesque towns to red mud ocean floor wonders and breathtaking autumn foliage scenery, we round up three of the most colourful spots in the Atlantic Canadian province.   Multicolour Lunenburg: Seventy percent of the original colonial buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries continue to greet visitors with their colourful façades in Old Town Lunenburg, one of only two urban communities in North America designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander Old Town Lunenburg’s distinctive waterfront with its colourful buildings and listen for salty tales of seafaring and rum-running and discover a charming town filled with amazing restaurants, distilleries, breweries, artisans and unique shops. Find out more.   Cabot Trail: October is a special time of year in Nova Scotia. From the colourful changing leaves to the bountiful harvests, it's the perfect time to get out and explore as sweater weather sets in. As the air crisps up and the leaves begin to turn amber, scarlet and crimson, the province eases into a season of exploration and exhilarating views. From hiking through the colourful fall foliage, canoeing along quiet rivers and traipsing through family farms to tasting local wines at vineyards and visiting heritage sites, there are plenty of top fall experiences in Nova Scotia – our favourite, driving the Cabot Trail. Plan at least for two days to take in the breathtaking pathwork from the numerous look offs in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.   Fancy joining a cultural highlight during your visit? Experience foot-stomping energy and spectacular scenery set ablaze with fall foliage at Cape Breton’s annual International Music Festival, Celtic Colours. (October 7 - 15, 2022). Read more.   Burntcoat Head Park:  A visit to Nova Scotia is not complete without witnessing the incredible tides of the Bay of Fundy. Each day, twice a day, 160 billion tonnes of seawater flow in and out of the bay. Burntcoat Head Park is the site of the highest recorded tides in the world. At low tide you can easily make your way down the staircase to the seabed where you can explore. Look for fossils, carefully examine ocean life in the tidal pools, join a guided tour for expert insights, explore the caves, or simply marvel at the incredible scenery distinctive for its red mud colours. A mere 6 hours later the mudflats where you once stood will be covered in up to 42 feet of water. Walking trails, a replica lighthouse, picnic area and scenic viewpoint of Cobequid Bay round out the experience.   So, you’ve explored the seabed. Now what? How about enjoying a gourmet meal on the ocean floor? Yes, we mean a multi-course, white linen gourmet meal. Hosted at Burntcoat Head Park by Food Fantastique where guests can enjoy an intimate 3-course meal consisting of local lobster, cheeses and beef all paired with Nova Scotia produced beer and wine.

  Nova Scotia has a long and rich tradition of growing grapes for wine that dates back to the 1600s, when the province was one of the first areas to cultivate grapes in North America. The climate and soil conditions in Nova Scotia favour unique and distinctive grape varietals. If your dream holiday includes road-tripping from one perfect boutique winery to another and chatting with passionate vintners about their art, we have got you covered – check out our top five recommendations to help you plan:   Sit back and enjoy an amazing eat & drink tour: what better way to experience the best Nova Scotia has to offer than to take a guided tour from one of its friendly locals. From private seafood picnics on secluded beaches to backdoor access to some of Halifax's top restaurants and brewery tours at Nova Scotia’s most famous local brewery, Alexander Keith's. Find out more.   Be sure to sample Nova Scotia’s appellation wine: Tidal Bay - a wine that brilliantly reflects the terroir, coastal breezes and cooler climate of its birthplace and is the perfect pairing for our fresh seafood. L’Acadie Blanc, Seyval Blanc, Lucie Kuhlmann, New York Muscat, and Baco Noir are others to include firmly on the list to sample on a patio overlooking a vineyard.   Go on an incomparable wine adventure aboard a traditional British double-decker bus: Magic Winery Bus is a one of a kind in North America.  Go day tripping to memorable Annapolis Valley wineries and experience unforgettable views and unmatched hospitality – all abord a British Double-Decker Bus! Guests are offered a professional guided tour sharing the region’s historical connection with food production and the world-class wine culture. Each day, the bus makes multiple departures from downtown Wolfville and transports guests to the participating wineries to enjoy wine tastings, small culinary delights and abbreviated tours. At the end of the day, the bus brings guests back to Wolfville to experience its downtown amenities.   Check out Nova Scotia's newest boutique winery: 1365 Church Street Vineyard & Winery has recently began welcoming wine lovers with 10+ wines aged 3-5 years. Offering tastings while overlooking their vineyard, sample their whites, rosés, and reds while learning about the grape varietals grown onsite. Find out more.   Sample the province’s most widely-acclaimed wine: Benjamin Bridge’s Nova 7 sparkling by Benjamin Bridge Vineyards – available in UK – has been garnering accolades for years and is a fan favourite with the locals and internationally. Enjoy an intimate tasting or tour to see what the buzz is all about.