Nova Scotia

We left Grand Manan on an early ferry and had plenty of time to get to our first camp site in Nova Scotia. We decided to make a stop and visit the Fundy Trail Parkway in New Brunswick.
We parked the trailer in the first parking lot and did not regret it. The road is in great condition, but not only are there some steep grades, but the parking lots are not all designed for cars with trailer.

The Fundy Trail Parkway follows the Bay of Fundy high above the cliffs and drops down to the coast line. We found plenty of beautiful parking spots to snap a picture and enjoy the view. Several trails lead to more places like beaches, waterfalls, rivers and interpretive trails.
We didn't have enough time to enjoy all of the trails, but there is always a next time. It would take more than one day to explore more of the places along the parkway.

We left New Brunswick later that day and made it to Amherst Shore Provincial Park in Nova Scotia as planned.

We travelled Nova Scotia counter clock wise. From Amherst along the Bay of Fundy to the western end of the Province. Then back along the Atlantic ocean to our final destination on Cape Breton. We picked five Provincial Parks from where we planned our excursions in proximity. Looking back, Smileys PP and Dollar Lake PP were both too central, should have spread them more.

Our plans changed based on input from locals and the tourist information. The Balancing Rock and Digby Neck was partially recommended by locals. The Joggins Fossil Cliff on the other hand is a 'must-do'.

We had to take two attempts to visit Cape Split. The first day was just plain nasty. Hiking several klicks in the rain is not what we were looking for.
But a rainy day brings new opportunities. On our way we stopped in Canning at Crystany's Brasserie for a coffee. They know how to make good coffee and the dessert is something else. We asked for a winery recommendation there as well, speculating that they know good wines based on the quality of their coffee and desserts. And guess what, they did know their wines. We ended up at a vineyard and later regreted that we only bought two bottles.

A few minutes south of Canning is Port Williams the place with a brewery and a honey place. Need I say more?
But that's not all, my "intensive research" into hard liquor pointed me to a Nova Scotia Whiskey distillery. Top rated North American whiskey and a very interesting tour.

Even so we rarely visit cities, Halifax was on our list. We spent the day at the Waterfront and enjoyed the sights, the food and the music.
On our way we passed Peggy's Cove. Not on our list but almost impossible to miss. So we pulled into the parking lot. It is worth a stop, the scenery is amazing.
Same with Shelburne, the town was on the other side of the bay from our camp site. We could see the old buildings from afar. And of course, we did Lunenburg with the trailer. That's a Lunenburg-spirit-killer for sure.

Driving in Nova Scotia, you see the ever changing signs that follow a tour on a specific topic. There is the Evangeline Trail, Sunrise Trail, Lighthouse Route and of course the Cabot Trail.
We did the Cabot Trail and followed some of the Lighthouse Route. Along the way, we encountered some unexpected places.
Some places didn't need a sign, we just had to stop. We also noticed that there are a lot of churches in Nova Scotia. They spend a lot of time to keep them in good looking condition. They should have spent a few minutes picking a name, most of them were named after St. Peter.

Anyway, we made it safe around Nova Scotia. We met interesting people that gladly shared their experience. We've seen marine animals, went for a swim in the ocean, collected shells and rocks and brought back a lot of good memories.