11/27/2024
NOVA SCOTIA'S TOP 10 CLAIMS TO FAME
1. Peggy’s Cove: World's Most Visited Lighthouse
Peggy’s Cove is home to one of the most famous lighthouse on the planet. Surrounded by granite rocks and the unforgiving waters of the Atlantic, it’s a must-see for visitors to the province.
2. Barrington: The Lobster Capital of Canada
Barrington is known for its lobster fishing industry. The town celebrates its connection to lobster with events, festivals, and even constructs a Lobster Trap Christmas Tree during the holiday season.
3. Windsor: The Birthplace of Hockey
Hockey fans can thank Windsor for the origins of Canada’s favorite sport. Early games were played on Long Pond, and the town recognizes its role in hockey history with a plaque at the site. Hockey was influenced by the Mi'kmaq in Nova Scotia. They played a game resembling hockey using carved wooden sticks which contributed to the game's evolution.
4. The Bay of Fundy: The World’s Highest Tides
The Bay of Fundy is famous for its record-breaking tides. Every day, millions of tonnes of water move through the bay, creating unique experiences like tidal bore rafting and uncovering fossils along the shoreline.
5. Stewiacke: Halfway Between the North Pole and the Equator
Stewiacke marks its location halfway between the North Pole and the equator. Mastodon Ridge celebrates this with a life-sized mastodon model and highlights the area’s prehistoric past.
6. Halifax Explosion: Largest Man-made Explosion before the Nuclear Bomb
In 1917, Halifax was the site of a massive explosion caused by a collision of two ships in the harbour. It was the largest man-made explosion before the development of nuclear weapons.
7. Digby: The Scallop Capital of the World
Digby is known for its fresh and delicious scallops, which are enjoyed worldwide. The coastal town and its waterfront is a favorite spot for seafood lovers.
8. Annapolis Royal: One of North America’s Oldest Towns
Annapolis Royal is one of the oldest European settlements in North America. Visitors can explore its history at Fort Anne, Canada’s oldest national historic site.
9. Sydney: World's Largest Fiddle
Standing on the Sydney waterfront is the city's Big Fiddle. At 60 feet tall, it is the largest fiddle in the world. It celebrates the island’s traditional music enjoyed in Cape Breton kitchens, at ceilidhs and festivals.
10. Pictou: The Birthplace of New Scotland
Pictou is where Scottish settlers first arrived in 1773 aboard the Ship Hector. The town celebrates this history with a replica of the Ship Hector and the Hector Heritage Quay museum. The Ship Hector is currently undergoing a major refit and is set to be re-launched in July, 2025.
Honourable Mention - Tatamagouche: Sleep at the Unique Train Station Inn - Tatamagouche offers visitors a chance to stay in a historic train station's converted railway cars.
