Guest Blog: Road Trip to Nova Scotia by Terry Lynn Johnson
A few years ago my husband and I did a hiking trip in Newfoundland’s Gros Morne National Park. It rained for nine out of ten days, but we still had a fabulous time and hiked over sixty km of trails!
Since that trip, we’ve wanted to go back to the Eastern Provinces. We love the scenery, the relaxed vibe, the SEAFOOD, the maintained hiking trails, but mostly the PEOPLE. To our delight, we discovered the maritime hospitality continued in Nova Scotia.
This time we drove because we wanted to bring our new dog, Lady Bird. She was welcomed in most shops and restaurant patios – even served bowls of ice-water! At one point, I asked a shop owner in Yarmouth which restaurant we should try for good seafood and with a patio for the dog. She offered to look after our dog while we ate! Seriously. Generous. People.
After a first day of hiking Fundy Park and the compulsory visit to Hopewell Rocks, we quickly crossed the border to Nova Scotia and settled in for serious adventure. We started by a day of sea kayaking with Nova Shores Adventures out of Advocate Harbour. We toured around Cape Chignecto to the Three Sisters rocks.
Gentle swells and salt water air, echoing rock chambers and stunning spikes thrusting straight into the sky.
We camped, hiked, and ate our way around Cape Breton. This was my favourite part of Nova Scotia. Magical.
This included a moose encounter on Skyline trail
The road in to Meat Cove was tricky, but worth it. (The dog only threw up once) Hiking to the top of the island – fresh ocean winds nearly knocked me off the mountain. Exhilarating.
We were disappointed we couldn’t see the ocean along the eastern section, so we stopped for a hike at Taylor Head, and then continued on to the more scenic southern shores.
All good things must come to an end. We ran out of time and didn’t get a chance to see Digby Neck. But the charming town of Digby was a find, and our campsite included a Bunkie so we didn’t have to take down a wet tent before catching the ferry to Saint John in the morning.
Fall is a great time of year to do a trip. No bugs, few people, crisp air makes for good hiking and cozy tenting. Next year we’re thinking YUKON.
Terry Lynn Johnson shares her outdoor adventures on her blog. When she’s not playing in the outdoors, she’s working in it as a Conservation Officer.
