Tourism in Nova Scotia Halifax, the capital, offers an international airport with connections to Europe, Central and South America, and Mexico. But Nova Scotia is worlds away from the traffic jammed streets, pollution, and problems of a major city. Serene. Scenic. Safe. These are the most common words used to describe Nova Scotia by the many visitors who enjoy our beaches, parks, and resorts. Nova Scotia offers: *a quality of life second to none in the world - the United Nations has named Canada as the best place to live in the world. *a safe, clean environment and affordable cost of living. *a choice of rural, urban, and suburban lifestyles with all the cultural amenities. *a health care system that is among the best in the world. *a state-of-the-art telecommunications system, with more Internet users per capita than anywhere else in Canada. General Information About Nova Scotia Geographically, we're centrally located: next to the northeastern United States, less than two hours' flight from Boston and New York, or from Toronto and Montreal. Nova Scotia is an ideal place in which to live and the perfect location to learn and grow. A Nova Scotian education is a North American education. It is a wonderful and safe immersion in the language, music, art, and lifestyle of North America. And an ideal way to develop social and business connections for a lifetime. •The communities range from the urban capital region of the province, Halifax; the industrial area of Sydney, Cape Breton; the commercial centers of Truro, Bridgewater, Yarmouth, Kentville, Antigonish, and Amherst; to the rural areas of Oxford, Barrington Passage, Stellarton, and Bridgetown. The rural areas vary from fishing communities found along the Atlantic coast to farming communities and small regional centers of northern Nova Scotia and the Annapolis Valley. •Language concerns are well looked after in Nova Scotia. We are a leader in language training, especially in the area of English or French as a second language. . •more universities per capita than anywhere else in Canada, offering superior education in all programs including science and technology, all the professions, fine arts, and music Touring In Nova Scotia Indulge yourself in Nova Scotia's great Touring Experience. Savour the salty ocean breezes. Catch the sparkle of the sun on the sea. Hear the muffled thump of your footsteps on a spruce-scented path, and revel in the knowledge that you can enjoy these delights every season of the year. Culture And Heritage Long recognized for its natural beauty and vast territory, Canada is increasingly being recognized internationally as a center of artistic and cultural achievements. This issue of Tourism Insights summarizes the industry's record performance in 1997, with more detailed statistics to be published shortly in the 1997 Tourism Statistical Review. As noted in previous issues of Tourism Insights, overall tourism numbers were up significantly from previous years, and the rate of growth is the best in a quarter century. A number of factors contributed to the increase in tourism activity, including new festivals and events, a more aggressive regional advertising program and initiatives designed to keep Nova Scotia open year round. Also, for the first time, Nova Scotia partnered with Prince of Fundy Cruises and the Canadian Tourism Commission to create an integrated television and newspaper advertising campaign aimed at the New England market. Festivals, events and weather a major boost The Cabot celebrations in both Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, the opening of Confederation Bridge, increased overseas air access to Nova Scotia, and sporting events, such as the World Canoe Championships in Dartmouth, helped boost activity in the province. Celebrate our Music events such as Celtic Colors and the Stan Rogers Festival also struck a chord with tourists, as did activities surrounding the 150th anniversary of the writing of the poem "Evangeline." Of course all of these events were coupled with great weather this year. History A trip to a Canadian museum or gallery means a lot more than just staying behind the velvet ropes, it means an unforgettable vacation experience. As home to 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and nearly 850 National Historic Sites, Canada is the perfect place to explore our shared past. Historic Properties is the city's entertainment hot spot with its harbor views, home to The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, waterfront casino, charming restaurants and trendy pubs. Every summer jugglers and magicians perform at the Halifax International Busker Fest and theatre lovers enjoy performances year-round at Neptune Theatre, the Cohen Auditorium, various dinner theatres and Shakespeare in the Park (at Point Pleasant Park). Sports Volleyball Volleyball Nova Scotia exists to provide athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers with opportunities and support for participation, development and advancement within the sport of volleyball. Athletics The purpose of the Association is to develop, coordinate and promote track & field, road running and cross country running in Nova Scotia as outlined in our constitution. Entertainment There are many festivals in Nova Scotia, Nova Scotians love to celebrate their culture and history. This is a centre for Celtic music and you can hear this throughout the province, along with the occasional sound of the bagpipes. Halifax has a lot to offer in entertainment, from excellent theatre to brew-pubs featuring local talent and some great seafood. Halifax and southern Nova Scotia has lots of things happening in the performing arts and the cinematic arenas. The community has a wide range of facilities for both live theatre and movies Beaches And Waterfront Whether you are looking for a romantic retreat or a fun-filled holiday,we are located in the beautiful seaside community or New Edinburgh which is situated in the French Acadian Shores of Clare. Newly constructed in 2003, we have three themed 2 bedroom cottages fully equipped with washer and dryer, whirlpool tub,dishwasher, propane fireplace, satellite t.v., free in house movies,BBQ, fenced in playground,private deck over looking St. Mary's Bay. Some of the activities at our cottages are outside camp fires, hiking/biking,walk to quanite beach, board games,seal watching, bird watching just to mention a few. Come have your FUN FUN FUN time on the bay. Rated 4 1/2 stars from Canada select. We are located 25 minutes away from Digby and 35 minutes away from Yarmouth at exit 28 off HWY 101 turn west on #1 HWY follow sighs, your only 5 minutes away. The Waterfront Development Corporation Limited was established in 1976. Its fundamental purpose was to redevelop and revitalize sections of the waterfronts of Halifax and Dartmouth through carrying out the Halifax-Dartmouth Waterfront Development Project provided for by the Subsidiary Agreement between Canada and Nova Scotia. The corporation held considerable real estate in both waterfront areas, making sections available for high-quality private development, and providing public amenities such as green belts and pedways. In 2001 it absorbed the Bedford Waterfront Development Corporation Limited. The corporation's current mandate is property acquisition, management and development within designated areas in Bedford, Dartmouth and Halifax; marketing and promotion designed to stimulate public use of the waterfronts; and coordination and planning of the waterfronts of Bedford, Dartmouth and Halifax -- including the stewardship of harbourfront assets owned by the province. Cape Breton Cape Breton Island has lured visitors to her shores for thousands of years. It is an amazing place, where the sand and sea air have joined forces with the enchantment of our history to create an indescribable atmosphere. As you visit with us today, you’ll see what we mean! Interested in historic sites, cultural events, outdoor adventure or just sheer relaxation? Cape Breton Island’s five Scenic Trails can deliver. Pack a picnic for the splendor of sunsets over the Bras d’Or Lakes or photograph your way through a hike along the rugged coastline of the historic east. And the waters on our western "Sunset Side of the Island" are your perfect host for whale watching, sailing, kayaking and scuba diving. Out-doors Activities Camper's Haven! Nova Scotia is a camper's haven, offering everything from tent-and-trailer villages to wilderness campsites accessible only by canoe or on foot. You can camp in the woods, beside a stream, or on a hill overlooking the ocean. Campsites are available in both of the national parks, the 21 provincial parks, and about 130 privately operated campgrounds. All privately owned campgrounds in Nova Scotia have been inspected by government inspectors and have approved water and toilet facilities. Next Campsites are classified in two ways. An 'unserviced' site is an individual campsite of 110m² with a cap parking area and a picnic table, but no recreational vehicle hookups. A 'serviced' site has one or more hookups for recreational vehicles--electrical, water or sewer. For your safety, comfort and enjoyment. we encourage you to use our fine assortment of campgrounds. We ask you not to camp or park your camping vehicle overnight in any area that is not designated as a campground (e.g. parking lots, shopping malls and beach areas). It is illegal to camp indiscriminately Previous Museums When the Shand family built this ornate late-Victorian house in 1890-91, it was the latest thing. It had central heating, closets, electric lighting and even indoor plumbing. Climb the tower steps to get a panoramic view of the river where large vessels lay alongside the wharves, when Windsor was a major shipping and manufacturing town. Most of the things acquired and used by the Shand family since the house was built are still there. Among them are the furnishings chosen by Henrie Shand as a young bride, the carriage for her children, Errol and Gwendolyn, and the trophies won by Clifford for racing on his high-wheeled bicycle. Dining The Taste of Nova Scotia Society is a unique province-wide restaurant program which highlights Nova Scotia's finest harvests of both land and sea. Its member restaurants are committed to offering quality local food products and genuine hospitality. Nova Scotia is well-known by its sea-fisheries. For example: Salmon,crab,tuna. Restaurants If you're a food lover and enjoy dining out, the diversity of restaurants and pubs in Nova Scotia will astound you. Oriental, East Indian, Italian or fresh, fresh seafood-your tastebuds will be delighted in Nova Scotia. Enjoy your dining experiences in the area. Buskers And Parades Many jugglers who are buskers have visited Nova Scotia as part of the annual Halifax International Busker Festival that takes place in Nova Scotia. Some of them include some of the finest professional buskers, circus stars and cabaret performers from around the world, as well as rising stars. During the normal year the band may play at 30 events - 8 to 12 parades such as the big Ex and Halifax Natal Day, 14 to 16 concerts such as the concerts in Shipyards Landing each Wednesday at 7:00 PM during July and August, a Christmas special with the Riverport Choir, and specialty events such as the Shiner's fundraiser. Participation in these events is key to making the band successful.