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After an amazing time in New Brunswick, our road trip through the Maritimes continued as we headed into Nova Scotia. From the coastal charm of Lunenburg to the vibrant city of Halifax, each day in Nova Scotia brought something new and unforgettable. If you missed our earlier blog posts about PEI and New Brunswick, you can catch up on all the details by visiting this link for PEI or this link for New Brunswick.
With our early morning ferry from Saint John, New Brunswick, to Digby, Nova Scotia, we were excited for what lay ahead. Our week was packed with beautiful coastal landscapes, historical sites, and local charm—Nova Scotia was the perfect way to round out our Maritimes adventure.
Day 5: Ferry to Digby, Petite Passage Whale Watch, and Haunted Lunenburg Ghost Walk
We caught an early morning ferry to Digby, Nova Scotia, which was a beautiful and relaxing start to our Nova Scotia experience. The ferry ride gave us a moment to unwind and take in the seascape views as we crossed into the province.
Our first stop after arriving was Petite Passage Whale Watch, where we had an afternoon reservation. We also enjoyed a delicious lunch at Petite Passage, preparing us for the adventure to come. Once we were out on the water, the experience was beyond words—the whales came so close to our boat, it felt as though they were dancing with us! Seeing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, so close and interactive, was an experience we will never forget. The memory of the whales gliding and breaching beside us left us in awe and reminded us of the incredible beauty of the natural world.
After our incredible whale-watching experience, we continued on toward Lunenburg. The drive through central Nova Scotia was unlike any we’d experienced before—winding roads, remnants of old chariot routes, cut through the landscape. The twists and turns kept us on our toes, and Nick might have had to put a little lead on his foot to keep us on schedule! The route was scenic and filled with unique views, making the journey itself memorable.
Once we arrived in Lunenburg, we checked in at The Lunenburg Inn, a charming and cozy inn that added a personal touch to our stay. The inn has a quaint and welcoming atmosphere, with antique furnishings, cozy rooms, and a friendly staff who made us feel right at home (and the breakfast was to-die-for!). Located in a beautifully restored heritage building, it truly captures the historic charm of Lunenburg. After a long day of travel, the comfortable and warm ambiance of The Lunenburg Inn was the perfect place to relax before heading out for the evening.
With just enough time for a quick dinner, we stopped at Subway to grab something fast before joining the Haunted Lunenburg Ghost Walk—a thrilling way to dive into the town’s history and folklore.
Exploring the History and Hauntings of Lunenburg
Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture and maritime history. Founded in 1753 by the British, Lunenburg has a fascinating blend of European colonial and maritime heritage. The town became famous for shipbuilding, fishing, and rum-running during the Prohibition era, and is home to the iconic Bluenose schooner. Its colorful waterfront, wooden houses, and historic buildings give the town a distinct and picturesque charm.
The Haunted Lunenburg Ghost Walk led us through these historic streets under the cover of night. We visited several haunted locations, including a church, a crypt, and a cemetery, each with its own chilling tale. Our guide shared stories of long-lost sailors, tragic love affairs, and haunted buildings, adding an extra layer of mystery to the experience.
One of the most memorable stories was about The Grey Lady of Lunenburg. According to legend, she was a young woman who fell in love with a sailor. Tragically, he was lost at sea, and she spent the rest of her days waiting for his return, unable to move on. Locals say she can still be seen wandering the waterfront on foggy nights, her ghostly figure dressed in grey, forever searching for her lost love. Hearing the story while standing in Lunenburg’s misty streets gave us chills!
Walking through the darkened cemetery with only our guide’s lantern to light the way was an unforgettable experience. The headstones seemed to cast shadows that danced in the flickering light, making it easy to imagine the spirits of Lunenburg’s past residents still lingering. Visiting a crypt added to the spooky vibe, and stepping inside the dimly lit church at night gave us all goosebumps.
After our haunted tour, we returned to our room at The Lunenburg Inn to rest and recharge for another day of exploration in Nova Scotia.
Day 6: Sailing the Bluenose II and Exploring the South Shore
Our next day in Nova Scotia began with an unforgettable sailing trip on the Bluenose II. Known as a proud icon of Canadian history, the Bluenose II is a replica of the original schooner that graces Canada’s dimes. Sailing on this iconic vessel was a highlight of the day, and it gave us a deeper connection to the region’s maritime heritage.
After our sailing adventure, we visited The Ovens Park and Sand Dollar Beach. The natural beauty of these locations was amazing, with rugged coastlines, sea caves, and expansive ocean views. At The Ovens, we explored Thunder Cave, where the powerful waves crashing into the cave created a roaring sound like constant thunder. Standing there, listening to the thunderous echoes, was a truly awe-inspiring experience that reminded us of the raw force of nature.
The Ovens Park was a unique experience, with sea caves shaped by the relentless power of the ocean over thousands of years. Afterward, we enjoyed some time at Sand Dollar Beach, where we took in the views and relaxed by the ocean.
In the afternoon, we drove to Peggy’s Cove, a must-see spot in Nova Scotia. The famous Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse and the charming village nearby were as picturesque as we’d imagined. The waves crashing on the rocks and the quaint coastal houses made Peggy’s Cove feel like a step back in time.
After exploring Peggy’s Cove, we continued on to Middle Sackville to visit our best friend Pam, who moved to Halifax in 2018 with her partner Jacob. We were so elated to see them, explore their beautiful new house, and spend time with our adopted nephew and niece. Ending the day with a homemade dinner at Pam’s made for a warm, relaxing evening filled with laughter and good company—a perfect way to close out the day.
Day 7: Halifax Tour, Tall Ship Silva Cruise, and Checking Into The Prince George Hotel
Our next day was dedicated to exploring Halifax. We began with the Halifax Hop On, Hop Off City Tour, which was a great way to get an overview of the city’s history and landmarks. Some of our favorite stops included the Government House, the serene Halifax Public Gardens, and the Citadel National Historic Site. We also visited Fairview Lawn Cemetery, where we paid our respects at the Titanic Cemetery, a site that holds a poignant piece of history.
In the afternoon, we drove to Cable Wharf to embark on a cruise aboard the Tall Ship Silva. Pam and Jacob joined us for the cruise, making it even more special. Being out on the water with friends, enjoying the views of the Halifax skyline from a traditional-style tall ship, was an experience to remember.
For dinner, we went to Sea Smoke, where the food was absolutely amazing. Every dish was crafted to perfection, and the flavors were unforgettable—this restaurant was truly a highlight of our culinary experiences in Nova Scotia. We capped off the meal with great conversation and laughter, celebrating our time together in the Maritimes.
After dinner, we checked into The Prince George Hotel for the night. At this point, Jean-Luc’s tonsil was really hurting, and we were starting to worry about our next flight. Despite the discomfort, we tried to rest up, hoping it would improve by morning.
Day 8: Emergency Room Visit, Friends, and Farewell
The next morning, it was clear that Jean-Luc’s tonsil was getting worse, so we made the decision to visit the hospital. We headed to the Emergency Department at QEII Halifax Infirmary, where the doctors (who, to be honest, were very attractive!) examined Jean-Luc and quickly took steps to drain the infection (yes, gross!). Thanks to their swift help, we were out by lunchtime, and Jean-Luc was feeling some relief.
Afterward, we met up with friends Karen Anne and Richie for one last visit, with Pam tagging along. It was wonderful to see them and spend some time catching up before we had to leave.
Our final stop in Nova Scotia was back at Pam’s house for a last, tearful goodbye. We shared a few more laughs and memories, not quite ready to say goodbye but knowing we’d be back someday. From there, we headed to the airport for our flight back to Toronto, ending an incredible journey through the Maritimes.
Reflecting on Our Maritimes Journey
Each province offered its own unique experiences, from PEI’s scenic beaches to New Brunswick’s rugged cliffs and Nova Scotia’s rich maritime heritage. We were thrilled to share this adventure, and we hope it inspires others to explore the beauty and history of the Maritimes.
Jean-Luc and Nick ❤️
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