Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia, which is Latin for New Scotland, was the name chosen by the predominantly Scottish descendants for the colony. In the 1750s this displaced the Mi'Kmaq native name, Acadia, which the French colonists used prior to their forced removal from the British colony. This deportation occurred from 1755 to 1762 during which time the settlers were put into ships and sent to British colonies as far south as Georgia. An unknown number died during the process: some ships sank with their human cargo. Evangeline is Longfellow's fictional account of this real deportation.

A long and powerful history is not the only reason to visit this Canadian province, which is one of the founding colonies of Canada in 1867.

The capital of the province is Halifax, which is famous for many things. Halifax was founded in 1749 and fortified as a safeguard to the powerful French controlled Fortress of Louisbourg. Many of the dead from The Titanic were buried in Halifax; their graves have been preserved. A day to remember was 8:45 AM, December 6 1917. A Belgian relief vessel, Imo collided with the French munitions carrier Mont Blanc in Halifax harbour. 2766 metric tonnes of picric acid, TNT and guncotton were detonated, blowing the ship a mile high in the world's greatest pre-Hiroshima man-made explosion. And when you tire of dramatic history, you can enjoy a pub and great Celtic music.

Amherst is a town of 10,000 east of the New Brunswick border, known for its murals and Victorian architecture. The Cumberland County Museum on Church Street explores the history of the area.

Annapolis Royal was first permanent European settlement (established in 1605) in North America north of St. Augustine, Florida. Until 1749 Annapolis Royal was the military and administrative centre of Acadia/Nova Scotia. Two key sites to see are the Fort Anne National Historic Site and Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens

The name Antigonish is of Mi'Kmaq origin. Located in eastern Nova Scotia, Antigonish is the home to St. Francis Xavier University. The Antigonish Heritage museum preserves and promotes the cultural heritage of Antigonish Town and County and is housed in an old Canadian National Railway station.

Located in Lunenburg County, Bridgewater straddles the LaHave River. Key attractions are The DesBrisay Museum, which has displays of Lunenburg County's history, and The 1860 Wile Carding Mill is a provincial museum with original carding machines.

Cape Breton Island is about 175 km (109 mi.) long and 135 km (84 mi.) at its widest point. It is separated from main mass of Nova Scotia by the narrow Strait of Canso. Baddeck is famous for being the Canadian residence of Alexander Graham Bell; you can visit the historic site and learn more. Sydney Nova Scotia is the third largest city in Nova Scotia and famous (infamous?) for a coal mining and steel industries. Make sure to check out the Esplanade - opposite the Government Wharf - as well as St. Patrick's Church Museum, which is the oldest standing Roman Catholic Church.

Settled by United Empire Loyalists led by Sir Robert Digby in 1783, Digby now is a fishing and lumber community that is famous for its local scallops. There are spectacular views of The Annapolis Basin and incredible tides (28 to 35 ft.) in the harbour.

Prior to the Mi'Kmaq, the Kentville and Annapolis Valley area was settled by French Acadians. Kentville took its name in 1826 as an honour to Queen Elizabeth's grandfather, Prince Albert the Duke of Kent. Kentville celebrates the seasons with such popular fairs as the Apple Blossom festival.

Preceded by the Mi'Kmaq and Acadians, the town of Lunenburg was formally established in 1753: the first British settlement in Nova Scotia outside of Halifax. Lunenberg has recently restored the 250-year-old St. John's Anglican Church, the second oldest Anglican church in Canada, after fire nearly destroyed it in November 2001. It is also home to the Bluenose II, a replica of its famous predecessor; its image is on the back of Canadian dime coins.

New Glasgow is the biggest town in Pictou County. New Glasgow, Stellarton, Westville, Trenton, and Pictou comprises the fourth largest urban area in Nova Scotia. Enjoy trails, parks and festivals.

The town of Pictou on the Northumberland Shore stakes its claim as the birthplace of New Scotland because the first first Scottish immigrants landed in 1773.

Shelburne was settled by United Empire Loyalists in the 1780s and became a fishing and shipbuilding centre. The town has a number of older buildings from the original settlement era.

Yarmouth was established in the year 1890 and settled initially by the Acadian French and refugees from New England. Witness and marvel at the Bay of Fundy tides -- the largest in the world.