Come, and we promise the smell of the ocean lingering in the air, long sandy beaches, unique shops and friendly people to answer any questions. Whether you are visiting Halifax or on your way to the Cabot Trail, experience our unique vacation experience. We are the Seacoast in the heart of Nova Scotia, an oasis of seaside communities and encounters.

E-Newsletter Sign Up Prize Winner

Aldona Gerrior, Owner/Manager of Days Gone By Bakery was the lucky prize winner for the Nova Scotia Seacoast E-Newsletter contest. In Guysborough to present the prize were Lynn Hayne and Jamie Anderson from Sherbrooke Village.
 
The website is sponsored by the Antigonish, Eastern Shore Tourism Association through Nova Scotia Tourism, Culture and Heritage.
 
The prize of crafted items was donated by Sherbrooke Village and includes a bean crock from the pottery studio, a cookbook from the print shop containing traditional recipes including that for homemade beans and a new reproduction spoon being made by the wood turner. The tasting spoon has a large ladle for stirring at one end and a trough to a smaller ladle on the opposite end for tasting. No double dipping required. Orders are coming in faster than they can be produced so Aldona is one of the few to have this product so soon.
 
Lynn Hayne says she and Jamie were more than happy to make the delivery. “We will just make sure we have time for lunch and perhaps a piece of that delicious coconut cream pie we hear so much about."


Featured Nova Scotia Seacoast Vacation Package Properties

Liscombe Lodge Resort and Conference Center
www.liscombelodge.com    

Whether you’re looking for a beautiful honeymoon retreat, a fun filled family vacation or simply a relaxing getaway from your hectic work schedule, Liscombe Lodge will provide your every need.


  The indoor pool.




                                  Chalet view from the river.

The exquisite dinning is also a winner among the guests at the Liscombe Lodge Resort, having a riverside dining area.
 



Tidal Bore Rafting Park & Cottages
www.tidalboreraftingpark.com

A unique way to spend your holiday yet it is the winner of the greatest tourist attraction of 2006! An interesting adventure for couples, or a family- with either 4 hour or 2 hour long rafting experiences available. The excitement never stops!

Gorgeous cabins for those staying by themselves or with a group or corporate! The rich woodwork adds to the atmosphere, making “camping” more comfortable. The 13 cabins have been rated 4 stars for Canada’s select housekeeping and won’t fail to impress.





You're never too old or too young to enjoy a little fun in the Shubenacadie River mud; just one of the little perks that come with each river rafting adventure. Mud sliding stop available upon request!
 

 

    One of the Authentic Seacoast™ Properties

At the head of the largest bay on the Atlantic coast in the charming seaside village of Guysborough. A collection of premier accommodations, dining, shopping, golf and recreation facilities in restored heritage buildings.

Oceanfront Vacation Resort With remarkable ocean views, Osprey Shores is one Atlantic Canada’s most picturesque golf resorts. Located on a 60 acre peninsula surrounded by the waters of the Atlantic, Osprey Shores Golf Resort reflects the simple, genuine friendliness for which the Eastern Shore is known. The comfortable ten room guest lodge is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of travel with deluxe amenities including robes, Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries, chiropractic mattresses, coffee makers and porches looking over Mussel Cove. Evening bonfires, exceptional recreation including swimming, golf, volleyball, badminton and horseshoes and complimentary continental breakfast and WiFi in the historic clubhouse get you into the East Coast spirit.

      

The hosts warmly invite you to experience Eastern Shore hospitality at the Marquis of Dufferin Seaside Inn. A hidden jewel for visitors to the area, The Inn is perfect for people in Truro, Metro Halifax, or northern Nova Scotia who want to get away for a quiet, relaxing weekend. When you arrive you will be warmly welcomed by the hosts along with Kit and Kaboodle, Buster, curious cats, and Shadow, a well behaved, people friendly chocolate Labrador.

Built in 1859 and supplying accommodations for over 50 years, the Marquis of Dufferin Seaside Inn provides restful-comfort and tranquil accommodations. With a superb view of the bay and fishing village, all their rooms are equipped with private balconies, four-piece baths, and satellite TV. Want unique pleasures for all the senses?

Than come dine with the Marquis of Dufferin for breakfast, lunch or dinner in their dinning room and bar. Their culinary team uses fresh ingredients from an extensive network of local farmers and fishers to create contemporary East Coast cuisine that is sure to impress anyone. Along with the Marquis of Dufferin’s great food, comes great activities.



Enjoy salt or fresh water fishing, hiking, beachcombing, and boating. Or you can enrol yourself in one of many workshops that the Inn has to offer.  You can learn new skills and techniques in photographing, painting, cooking, and short story writing from talented Nova Scotia artists, whose works are known internationally.


Surrounded by natural beauty and comfortable accommodation, the Marquis of Dufferin Seaside Inn is the prefect place to rejuvenate your soul in a home away from home.

Rose & Thistle Bed & Breakfast  -Antigonish, Nova Scotia.
www.roseandthistlebedandbreakfast.com 

Looking for a Bed and Breakfast with the most comfortable beds and the best breakfast? That’s what Jim and Marleen can offer you! The Nova Scotia natives share their love and knowledge of the Province and surrounding area through their beautiful bed and breakfast.  In the magnificent Antigonish County you will find this delightful and new Modern West-Coast style home. Boasting 8-foot windows, it offers a panoramic view of the stunning Antigonish Harbour and countryside. A great view from the forty-two foot deck makes it a great spot to relax after a busy day. 

A protected wildlife sanctuary gives you the opportunity to see wildlife in it’s own habitat. Take a stroll along the Antigonish Landing Walkway, or if you’re feeling adventurous, go by canoe or kayak.  There are numerous hiking trails available, beginner or intermediate you’ll find one to suit your needs.


The Rose & Thistle is perfectly located, close to all amenities yet quietly away from the hustle and bustle of the town.  Rose and Thistle has 4 modern decorated rooms each with a 3-piece en-suite bath.  The centrally located guest room is a perfect spot to relax, unwind, enjoy the view and maybe meet a couple of fellow travellers.

Have a cup of  “Tim Horton’s Coffee” or Tea. Fresh juice, a fruit bowl, eggs, local maple sausage and a selection of locally homemade bread and homemade jam are sure to satisfy.

After a delicious breakfast why not adventure out and take a day trip. Visit some of the local Antigonish sites or go a little further and travel the Guysborough, Cape George, or the Sherbrooke Loop. After an exciting day of sightseeing you’ll be happy to get back to the relaxed peaceful atmosphere of Rose & Thistle and into your, as promised, comfy bed.

The Rose & Thistle guarantees two great things; great beds and a great breakfast. And guests tell us, that they deliver. As promised, a great breakfast will help you start your  busy day. 

Experience more at the Rose and Thistle Bed and Breakfast. From exciting nature walks, to comfy beds, the Rose and Thistle will be a delightful part of your Nova Scotia memories.

Stonehame Lodge and Chalets  - Pictou, Nova Scotia
www.stonehamechalets.com

With a motto of “Stay. Relax. Enjoy.”, you are sure to find everything you are looking for in this four star mountain top retreat. Whether it is a romantic getaway in the log Rae Chalet, a dream wedding overlooking beautiful Pictou County, or reading next to the fireplace with the kids. Stonehame offers ten beautifully appointed Nova Scotia log chalets or cottages and 17 private guest rooms, Stonehame is the perfect location, for whatever your traveling soul requires.

Stonehame wants you to join them in giving you a wonderful Nova Scotia experience with a different perspective. Only a short drive from several wonderful beaches, offering the warmest waters north of the Carolinas and is also minutes from the historic waterfront of Pictou and the Northumberland Ferry to Prince Edward Island.

Stonehame is also great for business functions. The Mackenzie Room  is a perfect location for any Nova Scotia business meeting, corporate event, special function or group tour. This open bright room can accommodate up to 50 people for any type of banquet or meeting. The Mackenzie Room has a beautiful view through the patio doors that leads to a large outdoor deck.

A beautiful site to celebrate your wedding spring, summer, fall or winter.  Whether outside in the beautiful countryside, or indoors by the glow of the blazing fire.


Stonehame is a great place with great food! One of the many things Stonehame prides its self on. Their menu consists of “Home made country freshness”.

Along with great food, there are plenty of great activities. Take a trip on the wonderful woodland trails. If you’re looking for a little bit of action why not rent a mountain bike or in the winter go for a trek by snowshoe. Try your hand at horseshoes, play some basketball, check out a complimentary movie, visit the animals, play on the playground,  or take a sleigh or wagon ride. Go for a swim in the heated out-door pool or wind down and soak up the scenery in the outdoor hot tub.

Not only is it in a peaceful and serene environment with plenty of opportunities to relax, it is also close to many other attractions. Visit one of the many warm watered beaches, the beautiful Historic Pictou waterfront or travel  to  PEI via the Ferry. Stonehame Chalets offers the little things that many places do not with little touches here and there- bring the pets, they’re always welcome. Come anytime that’s right for you, Stonehame is open year round with always-friendly staff to welcome you. Close to home, yet Stonehame makes you feel like your on the perfect far away vacation getaway.
Your mountain top retreat awaits . . .

Elisabeth Measures is not your ordinary host, and the beautiful Whitman Wharf House Bed and Breakfast, is not your average either.

Whitman Wharf House Bed and Breakfast is located in beautiful and historic Canso. My guests have loved the entire drive up the Eastern Shore, explains Elizabeth, when we traveled to Canso to visit her B&B. Seeing all the small communities and the fact its so undeveloped and untouched – they love it! Visitors are only further impressed when arriving at Whitman Wharf House.

The stunning Victorian-style home, located on the historic waterfront of Canso will make you feel at home as soon as you pass through its doors. Originally, from the UK Elizabeth says, When I first saw the house, I knew it was ideal for a Bed and Breakfast. The house has three rooms all beautifully furnished with antique accents, artwork, and locally made items. However, the biggest surprise is the two-person whirlpool tub in the romantic bathroom.

If that is not enough Elizabeth hand makes all her own soaps and spa products. My guests are provided with luxurious terry robes, extra large bath sheets, and a variety of spa soaps and other spa products. Elizabeth has handmade her own range of goats milk soaps with essential oils such as lavender, and heart shaped soap with real rose petals. So Guests can enjoy a great soothing sleep, listening to the ocean in the distance, and awake to a full breakfast. Not only is Elizabeth famous for her spa products, she is famous for her breakfasts as well.

One thing I do not like is waiting Elizabeth tells us as we sit in her living room. I make sure my food is ready when they want it, and fresh. Not only does Elizabeth take her time to prepare a wonderful, multi-course breakfast with hand ground coffee, she also has a health and wellness menu, to make sure her guests are getting exactly what they need and want. People always enjoy my breakfasts, and she proved it by showing us her guest book. The scarce few that did not mention breakfast merely ran out of room raving about everything else.  In Whitman Wharf Houses dining room you can enjoy the view along with the food.

Whitman Wharf House overlooks the Canso Harbour, the wharf itself is literally in Elizabeths backyard. Its about combination Elizabeth explains as we stand along the shore watching the boats go buy.

You combine comfort, beauty, good food, good conversation and fun to give the guest what they are looking for. As I listen to Elizabeth tell us how she took a couple of guests on a boat tour of the harbour, and how she loves to have her guests connect to the sea, she leads me to believe that her guests find a lot more then they were looking for.

After saying goodbye to Elizabeth and leaving the Whitman Wharf House Bed and Breakfast, you come to realize why Elizabeth is not your ordinary host and what makes her Bed and Breakfast stand out from many. Because unlike most Bed and Breakfasts that give you a wonderful view, wonderful food, and wonderful stay. Its still just that, a wonderful stay.

However, with Elizabeth you leave with a wonderful memory, wonderful friend, and most importantly you leave with a wonderful unforgettable experience.

Sherbrooke Rally - The rally that Gives!

August 28th -30th

August 25th-29th.  Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition is a celebration of the spirit of Nova Scotia.  For sixty-seven years, the Exhibition has offered urban and rural Nova Scotians a unique combination of competition, education and family fun. This year's lineup is coming together.  Come join us, and watch this space for information as it becomes available. http://www.nspe.ca/


The Nova Scotia Gem and Mineral Show & Rockhound Roundup!
http://museum.gov.ns.ca/fgm

The weekend of August 14 to 16 marks the 44th annual Nova Scotia Gem and Mineral Show and Sale, in Parrsboro on the Bay of Fundy. Parrsboro’s Rockhound Roundup is one of the oldest mineral shows in Canada and in terms of sheer enjoyableness, it’s considered to be the top! Exhibitors return each year from Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Maine ready to enjoy the Maritime hospitality and meet new and old friends.

More than thirty exhibitors offer a broad mix of earth treasures. You’ll see fine mineral specimens, jewellery and jeweller’s supplies and precious stones and gem cutting tools; beads and beading tools; fossils, tumbled stones and more.

It’s a learning show too, with geological field trips and interpretive walks plus demonstrations of gem cutting and jewellery making, gold panning, wire wrapping and more. The Nova Scotia Metal Arts Guild will be present showing the work of Nova Scotia silver and goldsmiths. Geologists and mineral collectors from the N.S. Department of Natural Resources, Atlantic GeoScience Society, N.S. Prospectors Association and the N.S. Gem and Mineral Society will be on hand to identify your mineral treasures. And, the Royal Ontario Museum is showing a traveling display of superlative Canadian minerals.

I have lived in on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia my whole life, and you begin to believe you have seen it all in that amount of time. However, in touring the Eastern Shore, visiting all the Beds and Breakfasts, Inns, restaurants and shops, I realized that I was very wrong. The Eastern Shore, known as the seacoast of Nova Scotia is home to many interesting and unique tourist destinations, but it is the geography that is totally captivating. The drive is going to be so long I told my friend that was traveling with me, I wish everything was closer. A university student myself, I had no interest in the scenery I had seen for years, the endless trees along the highway, and the occasional gas station. We are driving right along the shore, there will be a lot more to see my friend reassured me.

About twenty minutes into our trip I was surprised as I looked out on the water and saw a collection of sail boats, floating gently in the summer breeze. What surprised me even more was the multi-million dollar yacht anchored in the middle of the harbour. I didn't think nice boats like that came this far out of Halifax I thought, but we saw lots more after that. I hope its Jonny Depp said my friend.

From then on I was much more interested in the scenery. Taking the winding roads along the shore, passing gentle beaches, and some with crashing waves. Beautiful vistas with people hiking in the distance, and canoeing out to the litter of small islands that dotted the shore. Bizarre and unique folk art adorned the oddest and most unexpected places. Painted rocks and wood carvings jumped out along the sides of the road. We went over mountains and through valleys, pull over I kept telling my friend, so I could take a picture.

I could not believe the beauty of our own backyard. So simple and untouched. The architecture of nature, rocks carved by the sea, painted by the reflection of the sun.

We saw boats along the sides of the road which marked the end of a fishing season. Quirky little fishing shanties and old wharfs were trademarks of all the small fishing communities. Where buoys and fishing nets, driftwood and lobster traps, replaced fire hydrants, parking meters and lampposts.

I didn't want to start heading home I was enjoying the scenery so much, the smell of the salt air, and the sounds of the ocean. It was the first trip I hadn't used up my batteries on my mp3 player.  Of course all good things must come to an end, and we headed home. My trip was wonderful, but the driving itself was the best part.

I have come to realize why Nova Scotia is such an intriguing place to tourists, which before I never understood. Because in along Nova Scotias Seacoast, its not about arriving at you destination, its the journey getting there.

• Antigonish & Eastern Shore Festivals & Events
  
• Central Nova Scotia - Bay of Fundy & Northumberland Shore Festivals & Events
  
• Pictou County Festivals & Events