From sweeping coastline to captivating culture, wildlife to wonderful natural landscapes, there’s one place that really does have it all: Nova Scotia. If this Canadian province wasn’t on your must-visit list before, it will be after reading this – and you can fly there with WestJet and Glasgow Airport from April to October.
Jutting out into the Atlantic sea sits the rugged and windswept Canadian province of Nova Scotia. Its expansive coastline is dotted with rock-strewn inlets, beautiful beaches and charming villages. While the region boasts its own, unique culture, it remains rich in English, French and Scottish heritage. In fact, Nova Scotia is Latin for ‘New Scotland’ – and, rather aptly, Glasgow Airport operates flights to the region from April to October courtesy of WestJet.
Once-in-a-lifetime adventure
Gaze in awe at mighty mammals on a whale-watching tour; enjoy the scenic splendour on a road trip; and sample the finest, freshest seafood the North Atlantic has to offer, washed down with a glass or two of the region’s finest wine, grown in the Annapolis Valley. Here are some other things you can’t afford to miss…
First stop: Halifax
Nova Scotia’s capital, Halifax, is a great place to begin your Canadian adventure. The locals, known as Haligonians, will welcome you with open arms as you explore the city they are immensely proud to call home. Spend a day sauntering along the waterfront and visiting many a museum, before singing along to a live band at a quaint pub. If you’re a craft-beer aficionado, you won’t be disappointed with the choice on offer.
Pop down to Peggy’s Cove
From bustling capital to charming fishing town, Peggy’s Cove is home to a humble harbour full of lobster boats, bobbing gently in its waters. Join other travellers and cross the rocks straddling the shore to Peggy’s Point Lighthouse, an iconic Canadian image and one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world.
Explore lovely Lunenburg
Having gained UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1995, Old Town Lunenburg is a pretty port town awash with colourful buildings, which line its narrow streets. It’s small enough for a day trip and if you want to give your legs a rest, you can always hop into a kayak from Blue Rocks and paddle around the coastline. Just make sure you give an hour to visiting Bluenose II, a replica of the infamous Bluenose fishing schooner.
Cruise the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island
Cape Breton has made it onto many must-see islands lists, and it’s home to a route that’s gained worldwide recognition: the Cabot Trail. The highway is just shy of 200 miles and offers awe-inspiring coastal views. Stop off at one of the hiking trails, refuel at a restaurant, or enjoy some respite from the road by cosying up in a cottage for a couple of days.
Visit Cape Breton at the start of the October to catch the excitement of the Celtic Colours festival, a nine-day event jam-packed with concerts, dances, exhibitions and workshops. If it sounds familiar, that’s because a similar festival – Celtic Connections – is held in Glasgow each winter.
So, what are you waiting for? Give yourself something to look forward to and book your seats on a non-stop flight to Halifax, flying from Glasgow Airport from April.
Book your trip today with WestJet