Travel to Nova Scotia

Judging by the name of this tour outfit, Kiwi Kaboodle, you have to believe that at least one of the people involved is from New Zealand. And you would be right. Greg Inglis is from the south seas and has brought his many years of travel expertise up here to Nova Scotia. He and his wife Trudi own and operate a tour, travel and event planning company based in Mahone Bay. It is seasonal, opeating in the summer but in the off-season by request.

In addition to all these activities the company also runs daily shuttles during the summer season connecting the South Shore as far as Lunenburg to Halifax and the airport. So for travelers to Nova Scotia this is a welcome relief from the cumbersome and not-so-user-friendly bus routes.

A custom tour operator  is a tough business in which to get a foothold but the Petersens have it covered in that they can do almost anything requested of them in the name of travel and events. They will even arrange a wedding for you if you need one! In addition, if you are relocating to Nova Scotia they will pick you up at the airport, arrange for an apartment and even help you get a mortgage! (I might use this service!)

Anyone can hang out a shingle and claim to be a tour guide. I’ve seen lots of people do it and then learn the job on someone else’s nickel. I know because I’ve done it, although I did have some prior knowledge from a friend who was a guide. However, Greg has not only traveled (You’d have to in order to get from the South Seas to here!) but truly far and wide. This includes a long stay Africa where he was a tour guide. Now, I’ve never been to Africa but anyone who can be a guide there can guide for anyone anywhere!

The point is that Kiwi Kaboodle has the experience. And this is necessary when people are putting their holidays and their very lives in your hands. People Spend a lot of money for vacations and don’t want to end up with a bush league driver with a rusty van. KK’s vans are licensed by the utility board and are well-maintained.

Their newest operation is a backpacker’s hostel just outside which keeps them busy the whole year round.

So on your next trip get hold of Greg or Trudi and let them help you plan the entire Nova Scotia vacation. Whether its a bus-load or just you I’m sure you’ll have a great time!

In 2007, Scott Walking Tours celebrated its 15^th Anniversary. And along for the ride, er walk, were many of their the diehard clients who continue to hike with them each year. IOne guests was on her 15^th trip with the hiking tours.

Scott Walking Tour offers memorable vacation experiences designed for travelers who want to see the world in a different way. And that is the old fashion way - on foot. These unique journeys combine a sense of exploration and adventure combines with the finest of comforts. Because at the end of each day you’ll rest at charming, cozy inns and enjoy excellent cuisine as you share stories from the day among friends.

Angela Chisholm, the president and owner of the company, is passionate about nature and dedicated to environmental preservation. Her bond with nature is an extension of Wendy Scott, the founder of the great company, and those ideals are reflected in everything they do. For example, “no-trace hiking” is always practiced and all of their journeys are designed and carried out with scrupulous attention to conserving resources and protecting the environment of the places they visit.

If you keep track of their calendar you’ll see that the walking tours extend far beyond Nova Scotia. This year takes the name to Tasmania, Iceland, snowshoeing in Quebec, walking through the Rockies and a great hike in the Yukon.

So grab your walking stick!

Here is the site: Scott’s Walking Tours

Lobster is one of Canada’s most valuable seafood export (certainly it is for Nova Scotia), contributing as much as $1 billion in export sales. Consumers in 55 countries from Australia to Vietnam and all points around the globe enjoy lobster from Canada. In Europe it is a traditional New Year’s feast and Nova Scotia ships tons of lobster in December.

Seasons

Lobster is harvested and processed throughout the Atlantic provinces (Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island) and Quebec. Landings peak twice a year, once in the period from April to June when the spring season opens, and then again in December after the winter fishery opens in southwestern Nova Scotia.

Licensed lobster fishers use small boats called “Cape Islanders” to fish with baited, wooden-frame or plastic-coated steel-mesh traps which are weighted and lowered to the sea bottom. The traps are hauled by ropes attached to brightly painted buoys which mark their location. Most of the lobster fishery takes place relatively close to shore, but there are eight vessels which fish the deep basins and outer banks off southwestern Nova Scotia.

Lobsters moult

Lobsters grow by moulting, or shedding their shell. After a moult (typically in summer), the lobster is soft-shelled and filled with the sea water it has absorbed in the process. Up to two months pass before the absorbed sea water is replaced by new lobster meat. As the shell hardens in the cold waters of the North Atlantic, the meat’s texture and taste improve and the lobster acquires a denser, fuller feel.

This is an entertaining and educational experience and an absolute must if you’re visiting Nova Scotia this summer.

Contact Lobsterman Tours in Lunenburg:

Whether it’s a hike to a remote coastal meadow or leisurely cycle access to ocean and harbour-side trails on Trek rental bikes, entry-level shorebird watching by kayak, or ski and snowshoe access to our incredible winter wilderness, a Sea Spray Outdoors Adventurers guided or self-guided trips and all inclusive packages will be the highlight of your trip to Cape Breton Island.

These fine outdoors people have over 25 years’ experience in year-round activities and use that experience to introduce our clients to the often-missed environmental opportunities awaiting them in Northern Cape Breton - one of the most beautiful areas in North America.

• Biking
• Hiking
• Whale Watching
• History
• Great food!

Family rates and many packages are available. These packages usually fill up early, so reserve now, using our secure encrypted booking
For more information email them at info@cabot-trail-outdoors.com

I first heard of Freewheeling Adventures at a Nova Scotia tourism conference in 1995. Since then owner Philip Guest has led to the happy rolling of thousands of travelers through Nova Scotia. In fact he has been doing this since 1987 and has branched out to other countries as well.

The idea is that the bicyclists pedal through areas and there is a van which accompanies them and makes sure the travelers get into their accommodations. As well the driver and guide fix any bikes that need repairs. Sometimes they have picnics which are are catered with extravagant meals. If the trips are broken up into regions the van loads up the bikes and the riders and transports them.

Every summer, from my entertainment perch below the moose head at White Point Beach Resort, I used to see the Freewheeling gang weekly.. Their guides would always bring them into the lounge for a sing-a-long.

Here are their trips by Geographic Area:

• Atlantic Canada
  • Nova Scotia: The Lighthouse Route - South Shore Secrets
  • Nova Scotia: Cabot Trail
  • Nova Scotia: Fundy Tidal Adventure
  • Nova Scotia: Evangeline Adventure Yarmouth to Wolfville New
  • Nova Scotia: Lighthouse Route Kayak, Bike, & Hike
  • Nova Scotia: Cape Breton Kayak, Bike & Hike New
  • Nova Scotia: Lighthouse Family Frolic
  • Nova Scotia: Annapolis Valley Family Frolic
  • Nova Scotia: Inn Based Kayaking.
  • Nova Scotia: Kayak and Luxury Camping
  • Nova Scotia: Biking and Yoga Getaway
  • Prince Edward Island: Cavendish to Cartigan New
  • Prince Edward Island: Indian River Mid-summer Magic & Cycling Adventure
  • Prince Edward Island: Western PEI Kayak, Bike & Hike
  • Prince Edward Island: The Confederation Trail from West to East New
  • Prince Edward Island: Prince Edward Island Family Frolic
  • Newfoundland:Viking Trail
  • Newfoundland: Avalon Peninsula