Your Nova Soctia Tour

Recently Blue Diamond Tours took several Japanese Student on a tour of P E I to see Anne of Green Gables.  They snapped a photo of moose and her calf just  before Confederation Bridge.

Harbour cruise offers abound on Halifax’s colourful, historic, waterfront.   Most do a reasonably average job, but tend, perhaps, to be pricey.

At Chebucto Landing, you may take the best harbour cruise or cruises.  One will cost you about $2.00 per person and two will cost about $4.–

The Halifax-Dartmouth Ferry – the oldest operating salt-water ferry in North America – since 1752 – will give you a great harbour cruise.

From Halifax ( Chebucto Landing ) to Alderney  be sure to tell the turn-sty operator you wish to come back on the same boat.

From Halifax ( Chebucto Landing ) to Woodside again, be sure to tell the turn-sty operator you wish to come back on the same boat

We get this question often, below are three main reasons why we do not post prices on the website.
Reason 1: We do not offer public tours.

All tours are private, customized and pre-arranged.
Reason 2: We do not have a standard tour.

Our tours are not standard tours in length or itinerary. We do not offer “cookie cutter“ excursions. Every excursion we modify to suit the needs and requirements of each individual client.
Reason 3: Our Prices are based on five factors

1. Time to complete the excursion
2. Number of persons that will touring
3. Entry fees to attractions or destination.
4. Customization of the tour
5. Special considerations

Since most of these factors are initially unknown, we post no pricing.

Looking for a price? Contact us today for a quote.

World’s Highest Tides – The Bay of Fundy

Five Islands Provincial Park

The Glooscap Trail of Nova Scotia , come and explore this special place, where the power of the world’s highest tides have shaped a landscape of unforgettable splendour.

Legends from the Mi’kmaq tell the story of the Maritime provinces with tales of the  Glooscap, who created the Bay of Fundy and taught them how to survive in this land we know as Nova Scotia.

At times it will be possible to walk on the ocean floor at low tide; and/or experience the thrill of whitewater rafting upriver on the tidal bore.  These experiences are subject to tide times.

Awhile ago, as part of a Nova Scotia Day Trip, we incorporated a part of Glooscap Trail into a Mystery Tour and still later as a trip for Nova Scotia tours, where there are endless views of the Bay of Fundy, at times from high atop towering sea cliffs.  Plus, the probability of discovering eagles and osprey soaring over-head, seeing a moose grazing in a quiet marsh and in the fall seeing/experiencing migrations of hundreds of thousands of shorebirds. This is a trip way back into time, a journey of unsurpassed scenic beauty, including an area rivalling the Cabot Trail: in the autumn the fall foliage is the equal of anywhere: history abounds – the Mi’kmaq creator Glooscap – the Acadians – the New England Planters – wild-blueberry fields – sugar maple stands – the powerful Bay of Fundy tides and Tidal Bores – WWII sites – semi-precious gemstones – dinosaur fossils – mastodons, plus fossils of other plants and animals: and Anne Murray.

This Nova Scotia Excursion, start from Halifax, but, can be started from any number of places. Leaving Halifax, our first stop is at Stewiacke, (Highway 102 ), Mastodon Ridge Showcase featuring a life-size replica of a mastodon, based on the 89,000-year-old mastodon bones discovered nearby at Carroll’s Corner, in a gypsum mining operation.

This trip by its very nature must include a visit to the Mi’kmaq Heritage Museum near Truro.   Kluskap (Glooscap) is an Abenaki word meaning “man from nothing”. Glooscap, the first human, was created out of a bolt of lightning in the sand and remains a figure that appears in many of the Mi’kmaw legends. These legends are stories that are passed down from generation to generation and tell of the Mi’kmaq culture. You’ll discover the intertwining of the Bay of Fundy with the Mi’kmaq peoples.

The next stop is Salmon River Tidal Bore Park, near Truro.  A “tidal bore“, is where a wave front of water “bores” its way up a river against its normal flow.  One of the best examples of a tidal bore can be viewed here at the Salmon River.  While visiting here you may also view a ten minute video that clearly explains and illustrate’s the who, what, when, where and why of the Bay of Fundy and its tides and bores.  Thus, the reason why it is one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.

As we travel along the northern coastlines of Cobequid Bay and Minas Basin (inlets of the Bay of Fundy), a reminder that there original European settlers were the Acadians, expelled from their lands starting in 1755.  The current occupants of these lush, rich farmland are descendents of a group called The New England Planters – to be clear – the original Planters did not expel the Acadians.

At Portaupique, you’ll see the remains of Acadian dykes can be seen in the created salt-marshes, a favourite feeding ground for shorebirds. At the watercolour studio in the village, you may wish to purchase a painting or merely view paintings in progress and/or browse through the gallery

Bass River was once home of the Dominion Chair Company factory, world-famous for its Bass River chairs, the original company store is still in operation. The Bass River Heritage Museum and the Interpretive Park highlights the history of the company as well as other local points of interest.  A local artist, a stone sculptress turns rough rock into pieces of art, some of which are displayed throughout her exquisite gardens.

Clams

I always thought Economy had something to do with Clams, however, it appears it was named by the Mi’kmaq word kenomee meaning “a piece of land jutting out into the water”. This is a great place
to “walk on the bottom of the sea” when vast red sand flats are laid bare at low tide. Yes, I was correct , Clam digging, rockhounding and bass fishing are popular activities. The nearby Cobequid Interpretation
Centre in Economy offers interpretive displays on the geology, history and culture of the area, as well as information on the 30- km (18-mi.) Economy River Wilderness Hiking Trail Network. Here at the Centre is a World War II Observation Tower, where you may climb to the top to enjoy the view of the bay, Acadian
dykes, and surrounding area.

Five Islands

Our Nova Scotia tour itinerary brings us to Five Islands.   Legend says that Glooscap created the
Five Islands—Moose, Diamond, Long, Egg and Pinnacle—when he threw handfuls of sod at Beaver. One of these islands is currently ( February 2011 ) for sale – asking price $5 M.

The Five Islands Provincial Park has campgrounds, a picnic park, a beach, and interpretive signs that relate the geology of the area. The park’s 13 km (8 mi.) of hiking trails feature look-offs that offer splendid
views of the islands and shore. Five Islands Lighthouse, located at Sand Point Campground, has interpretive panels and access to good swimming and clam-digging.  Yes, clams are popular.

Parrsboro

Parrsboro, the largest community along the north shore of the Minas Basin. From the late 1700s to the early 1900s Parrsboro was the busy mercantile centre of a vast shipbuilding industry that stretched up and down the coast. Today, this picturesque town is headquarters for rockhounds who come to the Minas Basin looking for zeolites and semi-precious stones, such as agate and amethyst, that are found on the
beaches and in the cliffs. A place we’ll visit, to learn about the minerals, fossils and fascinating geology of the region is at the Fundy geological Museum. The museum’s displays include a large collection of the
minerals that can be found locally, as well as dioramas that reconstruct the prehistoric world that existed along this shore millions of years ago. The most popular are the Jurassic-age dinosaur bones and fossilized footprints that were discovered at nearby Wasson’s Bluff in 1985.

Leaving Parrsboro, we head west passing through the communities of Port Greville, Spencer’s Island. Many of the small communities along this route made their names in the 19th century building some of the largest and fastest tall ships the world had ever seen.  At Port Greville, The Age of Sail Heritage Centre recalls the era when this shore was a beehive of shipbuilding activity. The museum features displays of shipwrights’ tools, a recreated chandlery shop and numerous marine artifacts. Multimedia displays relate what life was like for the builders, captains and crews of the world-trading windjammers that were launched along this shore Spencer’s Island, you’ll view a cairn on the waterfront commemorating the famous mystery ship Mary Celeste, which was built here in 1861. Photos of the shipbuilding era are ondisplay in a decommissioned lighthouse.

Just before Advocate Harbour, we take a marked side road leads to the very scenic rugged Cape d’Or, featuring the Cape d’Or Lighthouse, situated on a rocky projection of land that extends into the Minas
Channel with sheer cliffs rising 150 metres behind it, is one of the most spectacularly located lighthouses in Nova Scotia.  Built in 1922 and manned until 1989, the lighthouse now serves as a restaurant and bed-and-breakfast. You may walk down to the lighthouse, or ( more to my liking ) enjoy the hiking trails
along the cliff edge above it. The water just beyond the light, known as the Dory Rips, is always turbulent with the violent meeting of the currents from the Minas Basin and the Bay of Fundy.

Cape of Gold

Samuel de Champlain named this “Cape of Gold” in 1604. The rocks here actually contained glittering veins of high-quality copper, which was actively mined a century ago. At nearby Horseshoe Cove some people have found nuggets of almost pure copper on the beach, as well as jasper and other semi-precious stones.

Advocate Harbour is one of the oldest villages in Atlantic Canada. The Acadians who settled in the area built extensive dykes between the shore and the barrier beach to recover rich farmland from the sea. One
of the nicest beach walks in the province begins near the bridge in Advocate Harbour and follows along the top of an Acadian dyke to the beach, best known for its impressive tidecast piles of driftwood, Advocate Beach is a 5-km (3-mi.) natural barrier beach that extends from the rocky promontory of Cape Chignecto to the harbour entrance below the cliffs of Cape d’Or.

Cape Chignecto, Nova Scotia’s largest provincial park, covering over 4,000 hectares (10,000 acres). A 48-km (30-mi)hiking trail circumnavigates the cape along rugged cliffs that rise up to 200 metres (600 feet) above the Bay of Fundy. The first 8 km (5 mi.) of the park trail are well-developed , making a popular day-hiking destination. However, the rest of the trail may take up to three days to complete. This is an old-growth forest where deer, moose, and eagles are frequently seen.

Fossil Cliffs

Your itinerary travels along the shores of Chignecto Bay (upper Bay of Fundy) travelling through Apple River – Sand River – Shulie – before arriving at the Joggins area.  You’ll be able to tour the famous fossil cliffs at the Joggins Fossil Centre. The Joggins Fossil Cliffs are renowned for extensive deposits of 300-million-year-old fossils. With careful observation, you’ll see fossils including large fossilized tree trunks, and  sometimes ferns and animal tracks, in the multi-hued layers of the cliff. With correct timing you’ll be able to join the Joggins Fossil Centre guides who relate the story of the fossils’ formation while escorting regular interpretive tours of the fossil cliffs.

From Joggins your Nova Scotia tour leads you River Hebert, there is tidal bore park on the River Hebert, plus you may wish to visit the miniature version at Heritage Model Collection depicting of the town of River Hebert at this unique attraction. There are 43 miniature models in the museum. The models depict education, history, culture and heritage and industry of the surrounding community.

Touring through the communities of Mccann, Athol, Southhampton , we will arrive at the Town of Springhill, famed for many different things including being the home town of Anne Murray.  The Anne Murray Centre is a worthwhile stop.  Springhill is noted as well for coal (no longer mined here) and has some major industrial manufacturing still being carried on here.

This itinerary can be done in a single day or you might wish to have a more in-depth and leisurely  pace and do it over two days. Depending on your circumstances, your tour could return to the Halifax area or take you further afield with your Nova Scotia excursion.  One route will lead to Amherst, then to New Brunswick and/or Prince Edward Island.  Another might take you along the Sunrise Trail of Nova Scotia and/or the Trans Canada Highway could take you to Cape Breton Island and the Cabot Trail.

You will have discovered an interesting and sometimes forgotten area of Nova Scotia, one that I believe you will agree, that is worth the time and effort to tour in Nova Scotia

A hidden part of Nova Scotia

Hector Heritage Quay

There’s a special feeling of welcome all along the Sunrise Trail. It’s a part of everything, from the warmth of the gentle surf that caresses broad sand beaches to the friendly people you’ll meet everywhere you go.

Truly an area of Nova Scotia that is somewhat unknown and hidden, a place of gently rolling farmlands with emerald green fields located on the sparkling blue waters of the Northumberland Strait, that separates Nova Scotia from Prince Edward Island.

Old country roads winding their way along a sandy shoreline , broken at times, by bright red bluffs and tidal salt-marshes that are vibrant with life. A place, where generations have harvested the bounty of land and sea, and now wait to be explored by you.

Briefly, we explore/tour this hidden gem of Nova Scotia in two separate ways. First, as part of an excursion that includes touring Prince Edward Island, where we cross into Nova Scotia from New Brunswick on the coastal route following along the edge of the Amherst Marsh, a part of the vast Tantramar Marsh. Covering over 123,500 acres, the Tantramar is an endless network of tidal waterways, grassy wetlands and low farmlands recovered from the marsh by 18th-century Acadians. The original Acadian name for this marsh, “Tintamarre”, refers to the din raised by huge flocks of waterfowl, particularly Canada Geese, who use the marsh as a stopover as they migrate along the North American Flyway.

We tour along Route 6, passing numerous small communities such as Northport and Heather Beach before arriving at Pugwash, a quaint village located on a scenic harbour at the mouth of the Pugwash River.

A popular holiday area, Pugwash offers visitors a unique gallery, craft shops, award-winning golf courses, and saltwater bathing on fine sandy beaches that feature some of the warmest waters in Nova Scotia. At one time, years ago the salt water of the Northumberland Strait were the warmest north of Florida, today they are merely the warmest salt water north of Virginia.
We should add, just outside the village, is a great diner, where you may enjoy a lunch of freshly caught local seafood, something else more to your liking, home-cooked – home-made meals.

For many, Pugwash gained world attention in 1957, when millionaire industrialist and humanitarian Cyrus Eaton convened the first Thinkers’ Conference at Pineo Lodge. The “Pugwash Movement” became synonymous with the themes of global cooperation and nuclear disarmament, and in 1995 shared the Nobel Peace Prize with Joseph Rotblat.

The town’s strong Scottish heritage is reflected in the street signs, which are in both Gaelic and English. Each July 1, Pugwash hosts the colourful Gathering of the Clans, which attracts thousands of visitors who come to enjoy the festival’s traditional music, dances and highland games.

As well, Pugwash is the home of a long-established producer of decorative pewter giftware , and the site of a major salt mine that produces over one million tonnes annually of some of the world’s purest salt. Sometimes we have been able to watch the salt being loaded into large bulk carriers destined for a world-wide market.

Our routing along this hidden treasure of Nova Scotia takes us to the village of Wallace, situated on the shore of Wallace Bay.

Originally settled by Acadians in the 18th century, (Acadians Expelled starting in 1755) and later resettled by New England Planters after the deportation of the Acadians, Wallace was a thriving commercial centre in the 1800s.

Wallace is also known for Wallace sandstone that has been quarried and finished for the last 150 years. Used widely in new buildings, restoration and landscaping. Known as one of the most durable sandstones in the world this Nova Scotia sandstone has long been the first choice for architects, stone carvers, and homeowners. Gracing buildings like the Canadian Parliament, churches, universities, government buildings and private homes across North America with its classic olive grey colour.

The area is also noted for agriculture and fishing plus due to its locale, it is a some-time home to over 168 species of birds which have been recorded in and around Wallace Bay. A great place to see them and enjoy the quiet tidal beauty of the region is the Wallace Bay National Wildlife Area located 2.5 km (1.5 mi.) west of Wallace on the old Bidou Road. This 1450-acre wildlife area is a popular breeding and staging area for a wide variety of waterfowl. Nature trails wind throughout the site’s tidal and freshwater wetlands, woodlands and open fields.

On this trip from P E I to Halifax, we sometimes drive east of Wallace to the area of Malagash a community located in on the Malagash Peninsula and is best known as the location of Canada’s first rock salt mine, (the deposit was accidentally discovered by a local farmer, trying to dig a well )which operated from 1918 through 1959. Despite there being a large amount of unmined salt left under Malagash, the mine was closed due to the shallow Malagash Harbour. A better harbour and rail spur existed at Pugwash , where a new shaft was sunk in 1956. We visit the Malagash Salt Museum.

Another stop is Jost Vineyards, situated on the Northumberland shores of Malagash Harbour/Bay. The Jost Vineyards history begins with Hans Wilhelm Jost and family in the Rhine region of Germany. The Christinenhof was a successful family-run vineyard and cellar, highly praised for its wine quality.

In 1970, in search of vast lands and new freedoms, the Jost family, Hans, Erna and children, Hans Christian and Ellen, immigrated to Nova Scotia. It wasn’t until 1978 that the Jost’s returned to the family tradition and began experimenting with grapes. With the success of these grapevines, more vineyards were planted and a use for the resulting harvest required. Jost Vineyards became a licensed winery in November 1983 and the first cellar was built in 1984.

With this excursion (from PEI), we return to Wallace to turn south to tour through the scenic Wentworth Valley (sugar maple trees, wild-blueberry fields and cattle and sheep farms) to reach the Trans Canada Highway and our routing back to Halifax.

Another way we explore/tour this hidden gem of Nova Scotia :

Departing Halifax, we drive to The historic harbour town of Pictou, one of the largest communities on the Northumberland Shore.

The town’s charm stems partly from the wealth of historic architecture that dates to the town’s earliest years. On September 15, 1773, Nova Scotia’s first boatload of Scottish Highlanders—33 families and 25 unmarried men—arrived on the ship Hector; thus began the wave of Scottish migration that has had such an impact on the development of the province.

On the Pictou waterfront, you will see a full-scale replica of the immigrants’ ship built at the Hector Heritage Quay. The quay’s colourful displays and costumed guides bring to life the history of the Scottish immigrants, the voyage of the Hector and the early years of their pioneer life. You might also tour the restored blacksmith and traditional carpentry shops. The Hector Exhibit and Research Centre features local historical exhibits and is a centre for genealogical research.

While in Pictou, you may wish to tour Grohmann Knives, makers of the world-famous Russell Belt Knife.

Handy the Hector Heritage, is the deCoste Entertainment Centre that hosts a wide variety of events featuring top entertainment,including lively ceilidhs in July and August.

Leaving Pictou, we pick up Route 6 West, a very scenic and interesting drive, mainly along the coastline of the Northumberland Strait , touring through communities suck as River John,whose local economy is based on the seasonal industries of fishing, agriculture, and tourism. The area is a popular summer cottage location for residents of Halifax.

Another popular summer cottage area we pass by is Brule, on the scenic shores of Tatamagouche Bay and is noted for its parks, campgrounds, golf course and sandy beaches. The Brule Fossil Centre displays conifers and footprints preserved fossil discoveries (circa 1994) dating to 290 mya, in the late Triassic or early Jurassic Period. The Brule Fossil Museum contains examples of local finds. The Brule fossil forest is composed of the ancient tree species: Walchia sp. The forest contains fallen logs, as well as about 90 in-situ-(standing) tree trunks, and leaflets or branch fossils. The ‘Brule Forest’ is the only example of standing trees, or in-situ tree-trunks.

Soon we arrive at Tatamagouche ( a name from the native Mi’kmaq term Takumegooch, roughly translated as ‘meeting of the waters.’ ) a charming village situated where the French and Waugh rivers flow into Tatamagouche Bay. Tatamagouche (also known from the TV series “The Week the Women Left “) has become a popular travel destination, partly for its bright craft and gift shops, restaurants, museums and marina, and partly for the beauty of the surrounding countryside and unspoiled coastline. The Trans Canada Trail (not to be confused with the Trans Canada Highway) offers a great opportunity for hiking or biking along the coast.
It is here you will find the Sunrise Trail Museum displays highlight the region’s history from Mi’kmaq and Acadian settlements, to 19th-century agriculture, shipbuilding and pioneer lifestyles. The Fraser Cultural Centre has exhibits of local artists’ works.The Tatamagouche Creamery is home for community festivals and events, a Saturday morning farmers’ market, the North Shore Archives, and an interpretive centre on the famed giantess Anna Swan.

From Tatamagouche, we continue westwards to Wallace where we again turn south to the Wentworth. Occasionally, we will tour the Sunrise Trail into New Brunswick. This coastal area of northern Nova Scotia is a hidden treasure and is worth the time and effort to explore.

Not all are created equal

Cruise ship docked at Peir 21, Halifax, Nova Scotia

By way of introduction, the author, is a tour operator who creates custom, private shore excursions for three ports in the Maritime Provinces. His career started in 1995 when for the first six years he was working as a tour guide for a firm conducting cruise ship shore excursions at Halifax.

Cruise lines offer organized shore excursions on all ships for profit, they are one of their “profit centres ” along with selling liquor, gambling, selling merchandise and taking pictures). These tours can be booked onboard at the excursions desk or before you depart on your trip.

The benefits of these, some say are many. No worries about making arrangements, the tour provider and the ship will wait even if your excursion gets back late. Most cruise ships prominently feature this fact – if you book privately and get back late — your ship will not wait. In my fourteen plus years escorting cruise excursions – the only late tours I am aware of were ship’s tours. Another added benefit is meeting other shipmates whose company you’ll enjoy back on the ship. Sometimes a ship excursion is a bus ride with stops at souvenir shops. But, you do know the cost, where & when you are to meet your guide (just follow the other 50 people) and you have been given a somewhat detailed outline of your tour, plus, you will never miss your ship but you pay for letting the cruise line make your arrangements.

In all of the Atlantic Provinces ports there are private tour operators not affiliated in any way with any cruise line who offer tours/excursions similar to ship offerings. As stated not all offerings are the same nor are the prices the same or similar.

Your first step is to plan ahead.

Learn about the ports your cruise ship will be visiting, borrow guidebook(s) on Atlantic Canada and/or the Maritime Provinces. The Internet, itself, can be a source of information. Make a list of sites – places – things you’d like to see and do for each port you will be visiting. Remember, you generally have about eight hours or less in any port. This means, you will be limited to traveling about 80 miles or less from the cruise ship dock area.

Next, check your ship’s offerings. Are sites, places, etc. on your list included in any of their offerings? At what price? Now, search for private tour operators - example www.HalifaxShoreExcursions.com look at what they offer. Are any of your list places, sites, items included in any of their tours/excursions?

Another determination you must make is, with any shore excursion, do you wish to travel with a group of 40 or so fellow ship-mates or would you rather be on your own? Each way has both pluses and minuses attached to them.

There are really only two types of shore excursions or tours

1.  “Cookie-cutter” excursions

For the lack of a better description the “cookie-cutter” trip: an excursion that takes a predetermined amount of time, including stops and returns to the ship’s docking area. Generally half-day (3 to 4 hour) trips or full day outings (5 to 7 hours). These are offered by both the ship’s themselves and by private tour operators. They will always give you a cost, in their on-line information. This the hallmark of ”cookie-cutter” tours, the price is included in any/all information. Another is no flexibility.

2. The custom tours and/or shore excursions:

The tour operator will change any of his ” suggested ” itineraries to meet your requests and requirements – to include your requested sites, places, things to do, trips really designed partly by you. The hallmark of these types of outings is a lack of a posted price, as there are numerous unknown variables involved. Additionally, these tours are noted for flexibility.

Some other things to consider:

• Is the tour operator or provider a full-time tour operator or are shore excursions merely a sideline to/for another business ie a taxi or limo business.
• Ask if you will be traveling with other people or will it be just you and yours. Public style excursions (where one or more “others” join you in touring) tend to slant towards a “cookie cutter “outing even if custom elements are included.
• Ask questions, learn as much as you can about the area, the attractions, the port itself, and the tour operator too. Also, ask about the level of activity involved with any excursion (whether of your design or not) how much walking, the terrain, hilly, level and how often you’ll be in and out of the tour vehicle. Stops, how many and rest stops – where and when — snacks – again where, when and for how long. Shopping or no shopping?
• What is most important to you? Quality or price? Generally many times it is one or the other. Have and set a realistic budget. Your ship’s tour prices are a good starting guide, but remember their prices are based on large numbers ie 40 to 45 persons.

The next step

Once you are satisfied and have made a decision . . . it is time to book your excursion, immediately. You may ask why, especially if it is February and your cruise is taking place in October. It is important especially if you have selected a private operator excursion. Most private operators have a limited capacity on any given day, and also operate on a first-come basis. By booking early you will be assured of taking your preferred excursion.

Early confirmed bookings are essential, for cruises arriving from late August through the end of October. In 2010, the Port of Halifax had about 114 cruise ship visits (in less than 70 days). The other ports of St John, Sydney and Charlottetown also saw a record number of cruise ship visits, in that time frame, too. This means, generally a shortage of tour capacity plus disappointment for many who wait to the last minute to book an excursion.

Recently, I was asked to evaluate a family’s proposed genealogical trip to “help us walk in the footsteps of my husband’s ancestors. This trip is to be an initial, introductory trip” they said.

This couple is booked on a cruise from Quebec City to New York, with stops at both Sydney and Halifax. The ancestral lands are located about mid-way between Sydney and Halifax. Too far from either port for a day-trip, plus they want to visit three ancestral sites/communities that are located off-the-beaten-track.

They had wisely concluded that their only option is to rent a car at Sydney and drive to the three communities. This is a feasible, if all goes according to plan.

I made a few suggestions regarding the itinerary: including visiting two of the three ancestral sites on the first day, rather than all three on day two. I also, advised them to stay over-night at a different location than they were suggesting, one much closer to site number three and closer to Halifax as well, where their ship will be departing – day two. As you are aware, cruise ships do not wait for tardy passengers.

The caveat, , the roads in this part of Nova Scotia are generally two lane, twisty, with lots of blind curves where your average speed will be less than 50 mph. One part of their routing is on route 7, a very scenic drive but, a roadway that has not been well maintained.

What they are considering, is driving an unfamiliar vehicle, on unknown, back roads; navigating with maps and a GPS, (which a friend’s – put him in a farmer’s field – miles from where he should have been).

Part of the experience will be, dead end roads, wrong turns, poor road directional signs, plus missed road signs too, and the inevitable “road construction”.

The last ingredient is traffic. In this they are blessed, where much of their route sees very little traffic. But, part of their itinerary, necessitates using the Trans Canada Highway, with heavy truck traffic traveling to and from the North Sydney, the ferry gateway to Newfoundland. For most of the distance they’ll be driving the TCH is only one lane in each direction – i.e. a two lane highway.

At Halifax, they will experience rush hour traffic (starts around 3 pm), must cross one of two harbour bridges, locate the car rental agency and arrive at the Cruise Ship Pavilion before their ship sails.

My conclusion, it is possible to make this odyssey, if all goes well.

In 2010, we were asked to take a lady and her three friends, from a cruise ship docked at Halifax, to visit the cemetery (plus grave-site) of her great-great-grandparents. She wanted to also visit their homestead in the community – located on Avon Street in Hantsport, and visit the local museum, where artifacts, papers and documents of/about her great-great-grandfather on display.

This we did, and also stopped for lunch, plus, returned them to the cruise ship well before it was to sail.

Hantsport, a compact sea-port community, is about an hour’s drive from Halifax, located just a mile or two off-of a modern four lane, twinned highway. We averaged over 55 miles per hour – on a straight modern highway, with no stopping as one would on have using older two lane roads.

Additionally, we utilized the services of Hantsport’s Historian, who located the exact site of the burial plot, plus, where the museum displays were and the homestead on Avon Street.

They were able to enjoy lunch followed by a leisurely drive back to their ship, arriving long before the ship was to sail.

In general, searching for ancestral homesteads in Nova Scotia will have geographical and road constraints. Like with the first example, the homestead communities are located on isolated back road and off-the-beaten-track sites. Where many of the roads will be unpaved and/or be poorly maintained secondary paved roads, where the idea of average speed will be mostly meaningless.

Thus even with your target ancestral site being mere 50 /60 miles from Halifax, it very likely will not be a simple two hour drive back and forth.

For cruise ship passengers contemplating a quick visit to great-grandfather’s place of birth may not be very feasible after all, where even, by the map, it his “PoB” appears to be very close to your ship’s port of call.

1.        Keep in mind, everything will take longer than you planned.

2.        Your target community, today, may well be, merely a name on a map, with very little else

3.        Many roads, are not modern highways – average speeds will be lower and times to and from, will always be longer than you plan.

In the end, much will depend on exactly where your ancestors had settled plus from where they migrated.

Conclusion, with searching for your Nova Scotia Roots, you need time, lots of time, and luck, and really it may be just a matter of luck, your luck.

September 5:

So, you and your husband Jim, your parents, Sally and Bob, plus your Aunt Mary and Uncle Harry have booked a five hour (+/-) private shore excursion for September 5th for Cruise Port.

Your final confirmation for this booking was April 15.

Your cruise ship, the new “Wonder of the Oceans” is due to dock at Cruise Port at 7:00 am local time the morning of September 5th.

The Tour Operator has agreed your excursion will begin at 8:00 am local time, and you and your driver/guide have agreed on when, where and how to meet.  Additionally, you and he/she have each other’s cell numbers, just in case.

September 4:

9:00 pm the night before you are to arrive in Cruise Port:

William, your driver/guide, calls the Port Authority of Cruise Port to confirm when “Wonder of the Oceans” is due to dock tomorrow and at what pier.  He is told Pier XY and 7:00 am.

September 5:

Cruise Ship Excursion Day

5:00 am:     Your driver/guide William gets up and follows his usual morning routine.

6:00 am:     William leaves his residence, drives to the local gasoline station and fills up the vehicle ($60.00).  He then uses the rapid car wash ($10.00), vacuums the vehicle ($2.00) and ensures the windows are clean, there is plenty of windshield washer fluid, checks the air pressure in the tires, etc.

6:45 am:     William arrives at the Cruise Ship Pavilion of Cruise Port.  He parks the vehicle in the public parking lot next the cruise ship docks ($5.00).  He goes to the “Wonder of the Oceans” security gangway area where he is informed that your ship will arrive late and is now expected to arrive at 7:30 am.  He goes for a coffee while he’s waiting.

7:50 am:    “Wonder of the Oceans” begins docking procedures.

8:10 am:     Border Security personnel board the ship to begin processing passengers.  As this is the first port of call in Canada, it will take a little bit longer to process passengers than if the ship had already visited another Canadian port.

8:45 am:     Passengers begin leaving the ship.  These are people who booked shore excursions from the ship, and they head to the tour buses parked outside the Cruise Ship Pavilion.  William uses this time to check with the ship’s Shore Staff to confirm what time passengers absolutely MUST BE back on board.

9:20 am:     You and Jim meet William (and yes, he did have the sign).

9:25 am:     Your parents, Sally and Bob, join you, but where is Aunt Mary and Uncle Harry?

9:40 am:     Along comes Aunt Mary with Uncle Harry limping along beside her and obviously having some difficulty walking.  It seems he tripped onboard the ship last night, and now his knee is sore making walking a bit hard.

9:50 am:     Despite Uncle Harry’s injury, the decision is made to continue with the tour.  Uncle Harry assures everyone he’ll be okay, but the group decides to have William bring the vehicle “closer to the Cruise Pavilion” rather than everyone walking to the vehicle.

10:05 am:   Now that everyone is comfortably seated in the vehicle, the excursion begins.

10:50 am:    The first stop consists of a bit of strolling / walking around the site, and also a rest room break.  Uncle Harry seems to be doing okay.

11:15 am:    Uncle Harry asks William if he could stop at a pharmacy so he can purchase some Advil, but assures William that his knee is just a little sore, and he’s sure the Advil is all he’ll need.

11: 45 am:   After a visit to a pharmacy, the excursion continues.

1:30 pm:     The group decides it’s time for a snack break and/or lunch, and while neither a snack break or lunch was included in the itinerary for the day, William knows a place to stop with good food and reasonable prices and not too ‘touristy’ – plus, no stairs for Uncle Harry to climb!

2:45 pm:     Even though taking a lunch break was not on the itinerary, everyone agreed “it was a great stop”.  The excursion continues.

3:15 pm:     Uncle Harry says he needs a rest room break.   William asks, “If we stop in ten minutes, will that be okay?”  Uncle Harry says yes.

3:26 pm:     The group stops for a rest room break.  As it turns out, there is also a gift shop at the same location.  You, your Mom and Aunt Mary look around as there are some unusual items.

4:05 pm:     Once again, you are underway and en route to the cruise dock and your ship “Wonder of the Oceans”.

4:55 pm:     You are back at the Cruise Port where William informs you that you have “another 15 minutes until you need to be back at the cruise Pavilion.”

5:15 pm:     You arrive back near the cruise dock where your excursion officially ends.  Everyone agrees “it was a good day, and William helped make it so.”.  William receives ‘a token of your appreciation’ and you and the rest of your party all make you way back on board your ship.

6:05 pm:     William arrives home; twelve hours has elapsed.  He calls the Tour Operator and briefly outlines how the day and the excursion unfolded.  He says all told him they were pleased with the tour and will be telling others about their day at Cruise Port.  His call ends at approximately 6:15 pm.

Months earlier..

November / December

• In November / December of the previous year, the Tour Operator begins the booking process for the following year.

• The booking process consists of answering e-mails, sending out information, answering phone calls and questions, and generally assisting clients such as your group in designing their tour excursion which will take place many months from now.

• Part of a Tour Operator’s time during this period is spent with his/her drivers / guides reviewing the highs and lows of the past season and assessing what went right, what went wrong, and what can be improved.

• The Tour Operator also reviews the client comments he/she has received; the good, the not so good and (hopefully not many!) the ugly. All comments are important.

• It is also during this time of year that the Tour Operator may create / design new excursions.  To do this, he/she will spend a considerable amount of time driving the proposed itinerary, checking the time it takes to complete the excursion, noting potential points of interest and stops along the way, and so forth.

• Later on and with his/her senior driver/guides along, they’ll drive the route again and review the itinerary looking for ways to improve the excursion to ensure it’s the best it can be and one that clients will enjoy.

January 28:

• After a few back and forth e-mails, you and your husband Jim confirm you want to book an excursion for four; you and Jim and your parents, Sally and Bob.  The Tour Operator explains the booking process.

March 3:

• Aunt Mary and Uncle Harry inform you they are taking the same cruise as you and want to join you on your shore excursion.  You agree and contact the Tour Operator to let him/her know to add two persons to the excursion.  The Tour Operator agrees to the additions and notes the changes (including the new price) in his/her schedule.

• The Tour Operator may (or may not) assign a driver / guide to escort your shore excursion at this time.

April 15:

• The Tour Operator e-mails you to let you know that your deposit has arrived.  He/she re-confirms your booking for September 5th for six persons arriving at 7:00 am on the “Wonder of the Oceans” at Pier XY with the excursion scheduled to begin at 8:00 am.

• The Tour Operator provides you with other necessary information as well such as your driver /  guide’s name, cell phone number, the exact location where you are to meet and that your driver/guide will be holding a sign saying XXXX.

April 16 to August 21:

• The Tour Operator tries to keep up-to-date about road conditions, road/bridge construction and so forth, in order to keep his/her driver/guides up-to-date about these and other conditions which may interfere (schedule/time-wise) with the booked excursions.

• During “the season”, the Tour Operator keeps driver/guides informed about improvements/changes in excursion itineraries plus strategies of how to cope with multi-ship days at Cruise Port utilizing such things as alternating the order in which busy sites are visited during an excursion, or reversing the entire itinerary of the tour/excursion entirely to avoid crowds and give clients the most enjoyable experience possible.

• Other strategies include such things as using alternate sites for the main visit and the over-crowded sites for secondary stops, and / or making shorter visits there.

• Over time, the Tour Operator will book a number of separate, private excursions for passengers from “Wonder of the Oceans”.

August 22:

• Prior to your arrival at Cruise Port, the Tour Operator reviews the excursions booked for the next eight to ten days, spends time confirming assignments with his/her driver/guides, and calls the Port Authority to re-confirm cruise ship arrivals and berth (pier) assignments.

• It is not uncommon for cruise ships to change (many at the last minute) the order in which they will visit ports of call and their arrival and departure times.  The Port Authority will also sometimes change the berth assignments at the last minute (i.e. your ship was scheduled to dock at pier ABD yesterday, but today it’s scheduled to dock at pier XY).

August 29:

• William and the Tour Operator meet for the better part of an hour where they review the details of your tour excursion, such as:

o    which specific excursion was booked

o    they review the itinerary

o    discuss if there is any road work scheduled to be taking place along the route / rest stops areas

o    if your group has requested a snack and / or lunch to be included, and what locations will be used for each

o    the number in your party

o    the names of all those in the party

o    your home contact information including address and cell phone number

o    any other relevant information and details regarding your party and the tour

• William is told your ship is the new “Wonder of the Oceans” and is due to dock at 7:00 am at Pier XY.
• The excursion is scheduled to begin at 8:00 am (+/-), however experience has taught William and the Tour Operator that touring groups will often leave the ship as soon as possible, and not necessarily when they say they will leave.

All that is left to do now is to wait for your arrival on September 5^th¼.

Yes, there is a quite a lot of work done behind the scenes that goes into creating a smooth and pleasurable shore excursion.  As they say, “much more than meets the eye!”

“Follow miles of pristine coastline, smell the salt in the air, explore post-card perfect sea-faring tours, roam the staggering Cabot Trail . . . there is always something to remember and savor with our arranged excursions.”

Nova Scotia, is Latin for, New Scotland. You’d like to visit, but, you’ve been unable to find a tour that just takes you to all the right places. Blue Diamond Tours can help!

We create by request, customized, private, escorted tours, for groups of one person or more, for the Maritime Provinces of Canada – ie. Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.

We do not conduct regularly scheduled public tours but each tour is private by request, excursion, traveling on the days selected by you, our client.

Tell us:

the destinations/sites,
your interests,
the number in your tour party,
your preferred type of accommodations and meals
and your preferred level of service: budget, moderate or upscale
plus your preferred dates.
Upon receipt of this information we will design your tour itinerary, which can be modified through discussions with you. The Tour List at the right is designed to help you with your design process. Consider each one modifiable suggestions.

There is so much to see, to do, to experience in Nova Scotia and the Maritimes.

Contact Blue Diamond Tours today!

Toll Free: 866 414 6883 | E-mail: info@bluediamondtours.com

Yes, more golden treasures of touring in Nova Scotia. We refer to the “The Ceilidh Trail“ (ceilidh is pronounced kay-lee and is a Gaelic word meaning party or gathering)

We begin by taking Nova Scotia Route 19 from Port Hastings to Dunvegan, and then Route 219 to Margaree Harbour.  This roadway clings to a rugged shoreline (Saint George’s Bay of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence which is Canada’s in-land sea) along the thickly-wooded, mountainous and rough terrain of central Cape Breton Island (Creignish, Big Ridge Mountains and Mabou Highlands).  The scenery here is spectacular year round, so one can visit during any season and be refreshed by the serenity, landscape and beauty that abounds in this unique area of Scottish Cape Breton.

You might venture along Colindale Road and follow the very scenic coastline from Port Hood to Mabou and marvel at the rolling countryside and stunning seascapes found around every turn in the road.

Port Hood, the second largest community on the Ceilidh Trail, is known as the ‘step-dancing capital of Cape Breton’ as well as it’s close proximity to the near-by ‘warm water’ sandy beaches.  It also marks the start of the Mabou Highlands which rise to approximately 1000 feet above sea level.  These highlands are somewhat reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands, which attracted many early Scottish settlers to this region in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s.

At the south end of the village of Mabou you will find Strathspey Place which is a beautiful, state-of-the-art Cape Breton Island theatre where concerts are held year-round.  North of the theatre and a right turn off Route 19 will lead you to the small but charming Mother of Sorrows Pioneer Shrine and Gift Shop.

On entering Mabou, you’ll notice the graceful spire of St. Mary’s Church.  Just across the bridge, you’ll find the Mabou Gaelic and Historical Society Museum, An Drochaid (The Bridge) which houses local genealogical and historic records as well as serving as a forum for local musicians, storytellers and poets.

Just north of Mabou is the Town of Glenville where you’ll find a true gem of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, namely, the Glen Breton Distillery, renowned for it’s Rare Canadian Single Malt Whisky which is the only single malt whisky produced in Canada.  It is produced using the traditional copper pot stills method and only three ingredients: barley, yeast and water.  It cannot be called ‘Scotch’ unless it is produced in Scotland, hence the name, Canadian Single Malt Whisky.  Glen Breton offers a guided tour of their operation, a fine restaurant, walking trails and even provides over-night accommodations.

Inverness is the largest community on the Ceilidh Trail.  This community offers harness racing, several hiking trails, and an extensive boardwalk alongside one of the most popular, sandy beaches on The Ceilidh Trail.  Built in 1901, the CN Railway Station is now the home of the Inverness Miner’s Museum which highlights the region’s rich coal-mining history and culture.  The works of local artists and artisans are displayed at the museum as well as at the art gallery in the Inverness County Centre for the Arts.

To get to the Town of Dunvegan along one of Cape Breton’s most magnificently scenic stretches of coastline, turn left at Broad Cove and follow a narrow, gravel road that clings to the edge of bluffs high above the sea (approximately nine kilometres / 5.5 miles).

Held the last Sunday in July, the open-air Broad Cove Concert is one of Cape Breton’s most popular Scottish music festivals.

Once at Dunvegan, continue along Route 219.  This country road follows the beautiful Cape Breton coastline through St. Rose and Chimney Corner, joining the Cabot Trail at Margaree Harbour. Watch for a road on the left leading to The Whale Cove Cemetery where the coastal bluffs offersuperb views of the dramatic rise of the Cape Breton Highlands, Margaree Island (a Canadian bird sanctuary) and Margaree’s three, warm water, sandy beaches.

Entering Margaree Harbour, the Ceilidh Trail crests presenting a panoramic view of this picturesque fishing community with its lighthouses, colourful homes, beaches and sparkling anchorages.  Just beyond the village is the junction of the Ceilidh and Cabot Trails.

From Shag Harbour to Cape North, the “Hidden Treasures of Nova Scotia” await your arrival.  Let us help with your trip of discovery!