Nova Scotia Vacation Rentals Blog

Pomegranate Phone - Nova Scotia Marketing At It's Best

noreply@blogger.com (Sean) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 23:00:00 +0000

I was simply amazed when I first came across the Pomegranate Phone. This all-in-one device has everything you expect from a new smart phone and more. It has a built in projector, GPS, global voice translator and more. I have to get one.

But seriously this is one of the best examples of viral marketing I have ever seen. The province of Nova Scotia has done a really good job on this project. According to Stacey Jones-Oxner, Nova Scotia Come to Life spokeswoman “We want to get business people and others looking at us as a place to invest, work, live and do business.”

Have a look at this...

http://www.pomegranatephone.com/

You will want one too!

Free Concert To Feature Hedley

noreply@blogger.com (Sean) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The Province of Nova Scotia has announced a free public concert to be held in Halifax's Grand Parade on Saturday September 27, 2008. For more details see the province's press release below.

Plans Announced for Highlight Celebrations
Democracy 250
September 10, 2008 12:09 PM
A fabulous showcase of musical talent for a free public concert, an 18th century costume ball and a national youth symposium involving 100 young Canadians were among the events Democracy 250 highlighted today, Sept. 10, in the countdown to Oct. 2.

Nikki Balch, Z103.5 morning host and D250 youth ambassador, kicked of a news conference at the World Trade and Convention Centre by announcing Hedley will be the headline act at D250's Rockin in the Free World concert. The concert will be held from 2 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Sat. Sept. 27 in Halifax's Grand Parade. Other performers include ill Scarlett, Chad Hatcher, Blueberry Grunt, Samantha Robichaud, Lone Cloud and D250 youth ambassadors Jordan Croucher, Stephanie Hardy and Dwight d'Eon.

Ms. Balch said, "Hedley is one of the most popular rock bands in the country. They are a multiple-platinum selling, multiple-Juno nominated and a multi-Much Music Video Award recipient. Their new song, Old School, is at the top of the charts. Throw in a long list of other talented performers and the fact that the concert is free, and you know Grande Parade is going to be rocking."

Democracy 250 co-chair Russell MacLellan also announced a national youth symposium on youth engagement at Dalhousie University. The symposium will kick off D250's five-stop university Roller Coaster Tour from Sept. 20 to 24, with performers ill Scarlett, JSB, The Tom Fun Orchestra and Alert the Medic.

"A key objective of Democracy 250 is to reach youth with the message about the importance of getting involved in their communities and voting," said Mr. MacLellan. "The Rockin in the Free World concert, the National Youth Symposium and the university concert tour enable us to reach our target audience, to bring them into the celebrations and to encourage them to vote in coming elections."

Plans were also released for celebrations Thursday, Oct. 2, the date Canada's first parliamentary assembly met in Halifax 250 years ago.

Events planned include a traditional Mi'kmaq smudging ceremony, a special ceremonial session of the legislature, a salute and musical tribute to veterans, a Roots of Democracy art display at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, a sail past along Halifax Harbour led by the Bluenose II, an 18th century costume ball and a fireworks display.

Nova Scotians will also be encouraged to visit Province House to sign a giant thank you card that will be sent to Canada's military serving overseas as a show of support.

Democracy 250 co-chair John Hamm said proceeds from ticket sales for the ball will go to support the Mi'kmaq Maliseet Youth Council.

"The Mi'kmaq are the fastest growing population in our province," said Dr. Hamm. "This is a small but important gesture. Democracy 250 hopes it will acknowledge history has not always been kind to the Mi'kmaq. It is a way of showing Democracy 250 supports greater inclusiveness and greater opportunity for a segment of our population that continues to face many struggles."

For more information on these and other events, visit www.democracy250.ca or www.D250.ca .

Media Contact: Moira MacLeod
Democracy 250
902-424-1122
E-mail: macleoml@gov.ns.ca

Nova Scotia Travel Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Sean) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000

By Mansi Aggarwal

The international tourists might not know it but Nova Scotia is the fast up coming destination for the avid travelers. Located in the main land of Canada, it offers never-ending expanses of greenery and lots of water inlets to make it the ultimate fishing ground. Since 1604 when John Cabot found it out it has been a teeming ground for fresh water fishing. This fits well the Canadian social culture. During the 17th century the Scottish and the French businessmen traded here in fur. The Scottish influence is evident from the name it self which means ‘New Scotland’.

The tradition of the place is highly influenced by the sea and the place is studded with museums and galleries singing the lore of the seafaring individuals form the land. The feeling one gets there is nostalgic and it takes one back into the annals of ancient mariner lifestyles. The ton of beaches in the place and the scenic beauty is good enough to attract people from all around the world. The place has taken due advantage of its proximity to the sea. The surfers have actually set up, in the place, the host for the major surfing events of the world. The life saving competitions is also held along its coast lines and that has made the place a lot more popular then other coastal destinations.

As a mark of respect to the discoverer of the place, the longest travel around Nova Scotia is called the ‘Cabot trail’. The approximately 180 mile long tour of the city covers many parts and is a trip worth taking. The natural structures and the golf courses en route the trip are a pleasure watching. An amazing fact about the place is that it is because of this place that the telephone technology has developed. The place is the home land of Graham Bell. He invented the telephone.

The capital city of Halifax is the witness of the people dead in the Titanic Disaster in 1912. The bodies were brought to Halifax and the place has numerous cemeteries resting the victims of the disaster. Apart from having the historical account of almost half-a-century the city is a growing hub of modernization and an upcoming destination for development. With the advancement of Canada the place is getting much required attention.

One of the most fascinating things to see in Nova Scotia is the lighthouses around the place. Standing as the custodians of rich marine history, they stand tall to help the lone ships that loose their path in the confusing seas. The light houses provide an extraordinary sight and most tourists are attracted by them. To keep them in good shape an organisation to maintain them has also been formed. A customized tour is also designed to take the tourists to all the major lighthouses. The tour is almost along the coast line and offers much thrill to the visitors.

The cultural influence of the French and the Scottish is evident around the place. A delicate balance between the two existed for a long time and keeping in view the rich heritage and the growth prospects it is no more there. Thus Nova Scotia is truly an out of the world experience to the tourists.

Mansi aggarwal writes about Nova Scotia travel. Learn more at http://www.novascotiatouring.com

Travel to Nova Scotia: Canada's New England

noreply@blogger.com (Sean) — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 22:18:00 +0000

by Phillip Townsend
If you're on a budget, tired of crowded beaches and packed hotels, love seafood, and have a 19th-century mindset, then Nova Scotia is for you.
Think New England, and vivid images come to mind: of lighthouses and fishing boats, charming coastal towns, lobster and crab, Victorian homes and rich history. It has always been an intriguing region, steeped in truth and in fiction by the novels of Stephen King. If you like New England, you'll love Nova Scotia, Canada's second smallest province.
Find Nova Scotia on a map — in the North Atlantic, east of the state of Maine — and "vacation hotspot" won't be the first thing that comes to mind. But don't let Nova Scotia's northern location fool. Summertime is comfortable and winters are milder and less snowy than in many northern states. Situated just two hours from New York City or Boston, Nova Scotia feels a world away...as if you've stepped back in time. Largely underdeveloped and rich in natural beauty, history and culture, this hidden has a lot to offer: pristine beaches, resort, spas, B&Bs and country inns, rustic lodges, world-class golf and whale watching.
Just picture England, Ireland or Scotland 100 years ago, and you get a idea of what Nova Scotia is like. Almost an island, it is best known for its picturesque coastline, sleepy fishing villages and friendly people. The province's gem is Cape Breton Island, an area deeply steeped in Scottish heritage. The island's breathtaking Cape Breton Highlands National Parkand the Bras d'Or Lake (pronounced "bra door") are popular with Canadian and foreign travelers alike.
Not only is Nova Scotia a prime tourist destination, but cheap real estate and a reasonable cost of living make it an attractive second home. 1-acre oceanfront lots sale for as little as $15,000, while a three-bedroom home on a few acres can be had for as little as $60,000. It's no wonder that Hollywood heavyweights such as Jack Nicholson and Demi Moore have snapped up summer homes here.
Considering its close proximity, not many Americans make it to Nova Scotia. Of those who do, few are disappointed.
Why not go see for yourself?
RESOURCES
If you go, stay at Stern's Mansion Victorian Bed & Breakfast. It's charming and conveniently located. See: www.sternsmansion.com
Nova Scotia's Best Private Guide
While a well-informed, open-minded guide can improve your trip by 100 percent, a bad one can completely ruin it. Mrs. Chiassaon is the kind of person you need at your side when traveling in Nova Scotia. She is one of the most competent tour guides in Nova Scotia. She is familiar with the entire province and offers guided tours tailored to your individual preferences and tastes. She may be contacted at: kjchiasson@eastlink.ca

About the Author
Phillip Townsend is the author of Passport to Canada: The Complete Guide to Living and Retiring in Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia: Cheap Living and Retirement in Canada's Hidden Paradise

noreply@blogger.com (Sean) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 22:20:00 +0000

by Phillip Townsend
A beautiful and inexpensive place in North America where oceanfront and lakeside lots can be had for as little as $10,000 (or a charming 3-bedroom home on several acres can be yours for under $50,000). Sound like a dream? It's not. This slice of Heaven does exist. Nestled in the North Atlantic on Canada's east coast, Nova Scotia is a little-known paradise steeped in Scottish, Irish and English history. For the potential expatriate or retiree, Nova Scotia has a lot to offer...cheap real estate, a low cost of living, unspoiled natural environment, friendly people and lifestyle opportunities to suit virtually every taste. Coastal property prices are among the lowest in North America and with the local government rolling out the red carpet to newcomers, it has the potential to become North America’s next great retirement haven.
Nova Scotia has long been a favorite escape for savvy Canadians and Europeans, yet few Americans live or retire in this secretive outpost. Why? Well, perhaps it's because Nova Scotia isn't a destination you stumble across by accident. Almost completely surrounded by water, it lies hidden between the Atlantic Ocean, the Bay of Fundy, the Northumberland Strait, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Canada’s second-smallest province (21,425 square miles), Nova Scotia is about half the size of Pennsylvania with a population of just under 1 million people. Its craggy 4,600-mile coastline is dotted with quaint fishing villages, lighthouses and working seaports. Over 3,800 islands lie off its shores (some are for sale); the largest being Cape Breton, which is nearly a quarter size of mainland Nova Scotia. Most of Nova Scotia’s population is concentrated along the coast. The largest city is the capital, Halifax, in which about 40% of the province’s population lives (much of the interior is heavily forested and sparsely populated). The area's most famous part-time residents are Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Roger Moore, and Alan Arkin, all of whom have summer homes here.
Live the Good Life...stress free
Nova Scotia is one of those places that can seduce you through its sheer natural beauty. The seemingly endless stretches of picturesque coastline, a lush green countryside, the beautiful colors of autumn, and the friendliness of its people, make it one of the most livable places in North America. Nova Scotia has a bit of something for everyone: old-world European architecture, everything is close to the water, New England-style charm, great restaurants and leisure opportunities, and slow-paced towns that haven't changed much since the 19th Century, where fishing and enjoying the outdoors is a way of life.
The climate is another plus. Summer temperatures range from the mid 60s to the low 80s, with the winters being much milder (with less snow) that you'd expect to see north of the border. Like the United States, Canada has a fully democratic system that respects individual rights and freedoms. In fact, Canada has some of the strictest personal and financial privacy laws in the world.
Compared with many places in the United States, Nova Scotia enjoys a low crime rate, with incidents of violent being remarkably low. Americans don't need a visa to spend up to 180 days as a tourist in Canada and non-citizens may buy property without restrictions.
Live the good life on less than $25,000 a year. Besides the fact that there's no such thing as a rat race in Nova Scotia, you can legally enjoy perks that are forbidden at home (such as being able to smoke genuine Cuban cigars). Its biggest asset is its cost of living. You’ll pay $12 a month for cable TV and $28 a month for home telephone service (or use a public payphone for just 20¢)...you can have fresh lobster, potato salad, coleslaw, bread, and mouthwatering dessert at a charming local restaurant for $17, and that includes a good bottle of local wine!
Affordable Real Estate
To give you an example of the costs in U.S. Dollars, here are some properties on offer right now (late May 2005):
• A beautiful private 1-acre lakefront lot (only 35 minutes from the capital) for only $10,500, and a 3/4-acre lot with ocean views: asking price: $14,500 (just an hour from the capital), both perfect places to build your dream home.
• A 4-bedroom home overlooking the harbor in a charming private neighborhood for $53,750.
• A 5-acre lot to build your dream home on in a new development right on the Atlantic Ocean neat several country clubs for $36,400.
• A newly-renovated ocean-view 4-bedroom home within walking distance of a golden sand beach and the local general store (and only a 10-minute drive from one of Canada's most picturesque historic towns) can be yours for only $105,000.
• A secluded, yet accessible 340-acre parcel of land that includes a lake on the property (your own private fishing and hunting reserve). The cost: $101,000.
• A fully-furnished bachelor apartment in the city for $500 a month, which all utilities, indoor parking, TV, microwave, bed linens, dishes and eating utensils. Only a 10-minute walk to the ferry.
These deals and many more make this little-known place worth investigating. Right now is the perfect time to get into Nova Scotia on the ground floor, before the mainstream media lets everyone in on the secret and prices begin to soar.
For more information about living, retiring and investing in Nova Scotia, visit: www.nsliving.info.

About the Author
Phillip Townsend is author of Passport to Canada: The Complete Guide to Living and Retiring in Nova Scotia.

Whale Watching – The Biggest Show on Earth

noreply@blogger.com (Sean) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 02:36:00 +0000

by Cliff Calderwood
Whale watching is a spellbinding, entertaining, and thought-provoking adventure trip. It’s a show with the largest mammals on earth as the star performers. Whales are majestic and graceful giants, who’s every move seems effortless, choreographed, and yet playful. In this article discover how to get the most out of your trip.
Imagine a lazy summer’s afternoon on a boat in a gentle rolling ocean. A good breeze softly massages your face where you sit, and you begin to close your eyes and drift away… the sound of the boat’s engine begins to fade and finally stops. The boat, like you, is drifting over the waves and following the breeze. It’s very peaceful and calm and after a stressful week you feel in harmony with the world.
Then something explodes… out of the water… and only a few feet from your nose! A 30-ton humpback… the length of a large house... it breaches… and in another second is gone. And you’re left in disbelief and wonder.
And it’s just the start of your whale watching!
While whales are scattered throughout the world there’s only a handful of accessible locations to view them in their natural environment. The coastal waters of New England and the west coast of North America are prime locations for whale watching. Hawaii and South Africa are also superb locations to spot whales, as are the ocean waters around New Zealand.
So if a vacation or trip takes you to any of these areas make sure you book a cruise and take in the largest show on earth.
Here’s some pointers to make sure you have an enjoyable whale watch.

PLAN YOUR WHALE WATCHING TRIP
In the summer months whale watching is popular and so book early – many tours suggest one week to avoid disappointment.
Whale watching cruises can last anywhere from 3 hours to 41/2 hours. If whales are just playing hard to find, then the captain will make every effort to stay out as long as they can to get a sighting.
While most boats are equipped with a place to buy food and drink they don’t usually mind you taking your own pack lunch or snacks. Because it can be a long ride until they find the whales and then back to port take a novel or your walkman and listen to your favorite music, or even whale song CD. If you’ve got young children take something to keep them entertained as well.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A WHALE WATCH CRUISE
Before you book on a whale watching cruise check into the cruise company. Check out their web site, you’ll usually find information about the fleet’s experience and staff.
Today most whale watch boats have sophisticated equipment and communications that help the captain find the whales. But if a company has been organizing whale watch trips for many years it’s a sign they’re doing something right and a safe bet for you.
My most rewarding trips have been when a naturalist or whale expert has been on board to provide information and narrate the tour.

CHECK FOR A WHALE SIGHTING GUARANTEE
Because of the very unpredictable nature of the whales, they’ll be rare occasions when you just don’t see any. So make sure you book on a cruise that offers a guarantee sighting or you get to cruise again for free.
Offering a guarantee is another good sign of a confident and experienced whale watch company. But remember if they spot one whale and you weren’t watching or somewhere else on the boat when they did – tough!

WHALE WATCHING IS DONE ON THE OPEN OCEAN.
Whale watching on the open ocean means if you suffer with motion sickness at all then take something about an hour before you board the cruise.
Experienced whale watch cruise captains do not go out in rough seas, but it’s not a harbor cruise and the whale feeding grounds are usually miles from land. The open sea can be a little choppy even in the summer months.

QUICK CHECK OF WHALE WATCHING EQUIPMENT.
Recommended things to bring on your whale watch are a camera and plenty of film or memory cards (if you’re digital). If you’ve got binoculars take them as whales sometimes surface yards from the boat, and having binoculars will give you spectacular views and close ups others without them just won’t get.
Wear sneakers or something rubber-soled for good traction on a wet and slippery deck. And take sunscreen, sunglasses, and if it’s got a tie strap – a hat.
Because of the breeze and open water there’s usually a 15-degree difference from land out in the ocean. So take a sweatshirt or windbreaker just in case, and especially for a late afternoon trip. Also the boats will go out in the rain and if you’ve got a poncho take it.
The whales are waiting for you. These mesmerizing animals have traveled thousands of miles so you can view them playing and feeding. It’s really the biggest show on earth. So go ahead and take the adventure - they don’t stay for long.

About the Author
Cliff Calderwood is the owner and contributing writer of www.new-england-vacations-guide.com . You can read other vacation articles and get a free travel report at his New England vacations online guide site.

Enjoy A Memorable Nova Scotia Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (Sean) — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 22:49:00 +0000

Nova Scotia can be found on Canada's eastern coast bordering the Atlantic Ocean. This Peninsula touts dense, rich forests to windswept, rocky shores and fertile inland orchards that make it a perfect vacation spot for scenic viewing and perfect relaxation.

The French first settled in Nova Scotia in 1605 - one of the oldest settlements in North America by Europeans. This is now home to a vibrant ethnic mix of cultures. Nova Scotia offers a unique combination of European history along with its cultural diversity.

On your vacation, visit historical landmarks such as the Halifax Citadel. Go back in time and view the Capital city, Halifax, from the Citadel, a fortress completed in 1856 and in use by British and Canadian Forces until the Second World War. Experience the Victorian age recreations of soldiers training in the courtyard - kilts and all! The Citadel also portrays soldier's wives and civilians in authentic recreations.

Nova Scotia's history also plays a role in of one of the largest sea tragedies in recorded history, the sinking of the Titanic, and is home to the graves of the largest concentration of the victims.
Do you enjoy the outdoors? Want to take an active vacation? there are several scenic trails that cut through Nova Scotia's inlands and coastal areas. There are also hiking, canoe, kayaking and biking routes and tours.

Spring ushers in the traditional festivities of the Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival in May where you can enjoy parades, celebrations and the breathtaking beauty of some of the loveliest apple orchards in full bloom. Fall is equally well admired with the landscape becoming a sea of brightly colored trees painting the hills and valleys with orange, yellow and red.

View the barren, rocky landscape of Peggy's Cove and visit the most photographed lighthouse in the world. You'll also be impressed with the awesome power and beauty of the ocean crashing and spraying over the rocks. Nova Scotia's Bay of Fundy is home to the world's highest tides - so be aware when enjoying the many beaches that dot the coastline.

There are quaint pubs, shops and the art shops of the historic properties in Halifax. Great high end shopping on Spring Garden Road or take a glimpse of works by up and coming artists at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design - a leading visual arts university in North America for more than a century.

Nova Scotia, a beautiful and diverse local, whatever your taste and enjoyment, there is always something for everyone!

Source: Free Articles

2008 Doers' and Dreamers' Guide Now Available

noreply@blogger.com (Sean) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 03:51:00 +0000

Well it's arrived. The Nova Scotia Tourism department has announced today that the bible for trave in Nova Scotia is now available. The text of the provinces press release is beolw.

Nova Scotia's 2008 Doers' and Dreamers' Guide is on its way to potential visitors around the world.
The 384-page guide, contains listings on about 3,000accommodations and campgrounds, restaurants, museums andattractions, outdoor operations and adventures, signaturefestivals and events, and tour operators. This year's coverfeatures beautiful Peggy's Cove.
"The 2008 travel guide features countless ways for people to experience Nova Scotia," said Bill Dooks, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. "It will help us to promote the province as a unique, year-round vacation destination that has something for everyone."
The guide features Nova Scotia's new tourism logo and refreshed tourism brand launched in November 2007. The brand highlights old world charm, new world pulse, seacoast culture and genuine, hospitable people.
This year, 350,000 English and 55,000 French guides will be distributed in response to inquiries generated through advertising campaigns, calls to the Nova Scotia Information and Reservation Service, and e-mail and website inquiries. French copies will be available in early April.
Guides are also distributed to travel agencies, tour operators, trade shows, travel media and Visitor Information Centres.
Visitors will have an easier time planning their vacations and finding unique experiences thanks to new tourism regions designated in the 2008 Doers and Dreamers Guide and other marketing materials. Nova Scotia's six regional tourism industry associations provided input into the new regions and how they are presented in the guide."
The new and enhanced Doers' and Dreamers' Guide features the best of what each region has to offer and now uses the regional names that Nova Scotian's use," said Madonna Spinazola, general manager of Destination South West Nova Scotia. "These redesigned elements will help connect our visitors with what there is to see and do and make it easier to get information on the places they want to visit."
Copies of the guide are available by calling 1-800-565-0000, online at www.novascotia.com and at provincial visitor information centres in Amherst, Halifax Stanfield International Airport and the Halifax Waterfront.

Contact: Tina Thibeau
Tourism, Culture and Heritage
902-424-4817
Cell: 902-483-6104
E-mail: thibeatd@gov.ns.cathibeatd@gov.ns.ca

Be sure to check out the web site and get your copy today.

Nova Scotia Tourism Showcased On Google Earth

noreply@blogger.com (Sean) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 23:07:00 +0000

What do you get when you combine Google Earth and the Nova Scotia Doers' & Dreamers' guide? Well you get the best virtual tourism experiance around. The Nova Scotia Department of Tourism has undertaken a project that uses Google Earth to offer a virtual tourism experiance. All you have to do is have Google Earth installed and then visit the Nova Scotia Google Earth page. From there follow the link for the Google Earth download. Once you download the data file you will be able to fly from attaraction to atraction. All aroind the province there are tartan placemarks noting places of interest. You can click on them to find out more information. This is a great tool to start planning you summer of fun in Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia Travel Guides - The key to planning a great trip

noreply@blogger.com (Sean) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 21:00:00 +0000

If you are planning a summer trip, or a trip any other time to Nova Scotia there is one must have, a Nova Scotia Travel Guide. For 2007 there were 4 different guides each with a specific theme and a scenic travelways map. There was the standard all around "Doers' & Dreamers' Travel Guide" available in both print and CD format. This is the bible for planning your trip in Nova Scotia and will prove an invaluable reference while on the road. The 2007 version was 424 pages packed with all kinds of information on food, accommodations and attractions from all over the province. The 2008 version should be out for distribution in March 2008. You can pre-order it from Nova Scotia's Tourism website.
The 3 other themed guides were "Golf Nova Scotia Travel Guide", "Motorcycle Tour Guide Nova Scotia" and "Festival & Events Guide". These guides offer very specific information that people are looking for when planning their trip to Nova Scotia.

Welcome to the www.SeaScotia.com blog

noreply@blogger.com (Sean) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 04:00:00 +0000

Well this is the first entry in the www.SeaScotia.com blog. Here we will try to post useful articles for both owners and renters.

Please check back from time to time to see the new articles.