TASTE OF the wild
Historic hikes, astronomic marvels and world-famous lobster await on Nova Scotia, the scenic, sea-swept peninsular province of eastern Canada
Framed by the rugged Atlantic coast and a mosaic of forests, Nova Scotia is emblematic of unspoiled, natural splendour, interwoven with a fascinating history and culinary heritage like no other. Here, the road trip is all part of the adventure. The Cabot Trail snakes through 298km of Nova Scotia’s most scenic sites – make a stop at Cape Breton’s headland cliffs for moose encounters and jaw-dropping ocean views. Lace up your hiking boots and take a walk on the wild side through woods and rocky coves in Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, or park up and head to the water, kayaking between towering pinnacles and historic waterfronts. Further east, the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark – Nova Scotia’s sixth Unesco-listed site – tells the story of the Pangea era, its expansive beaches teeming with fossils and shaped by the highest tides in the world, with the opportunity to tour what was once the ocean floor by foot or on horseback. Then settle down to enjoy a night of stargazing. Celestial wonders are best admired from Trout Point Lodge troutpoint.com which is nestled in the Tobeatic Wilderness Area of the Southwest Nova Scotia Biosphere Reserve, where private stargazing decks, talks from astronomy experts and astrophotography workshops take the experience up a notch. Prefer to go solo? Try glamping under the stars – Acadian Skies and Mi’kmaq Lands make up the continent’s first designated dark sky destination, after all. A visit to Nova Scotia wouldn’t be complete without a taste of the morning’s catch. Lobster harvest is as abundant as the myriad of ways it can be served – lobster poutine, creamed lobster and lobster pizza don’t even begin to cover it. Immerse yourself in local culture as you join a working fishing boat in the rural village of Lower Prospect, opt for award-winning lobster rolls in Barrington Passage or head to Burntcoat Head Park for an intimate, alfresco feast of local delicacies served atop red cliffs. Don’t miss the succulent oysters, rich dulse and renowned Digby scallops, caught just off the Bay of Fundy, paired with crisp Tidal Bay, the province’s first appellation wine. Its home in the Annapolis Valley was one of the first areas to cultivate grapes in North America, with traditions dating back to the 1600s, and it shows – from sparkling whites to fruity reds, expect top-quality pours from wineries worth stopping for. Whether you’re dreaming of an authentic culinary jaunt, a new culture-rich destination or a place to switch off, you’ll find it just a six-hour flight from London. novascotia.com