The tour begins with the highlights of Halifax, the largest city east of Montreal and the capital of Nova Scotia. Founded in 1749 to protect British interests in North America, Halifax is steeped in maritime history. Among the highlights on this portion of the tour is the Grand Parade Square, the central square of the original town. The Town Clock was built in 1803 at the request of Prince Edward who felt that Haligonians weren’t punctual enough. St. Paul’s church, situated in the square, is Canada’s oldest Anglican Church. You will also see the Halifax Citadel. The British began construction on this fortress in 1858 to protect the city and one of the main ports of entry into British North America. The hilltop location offers visitors a panoramic view of the harbor and the city.

Another highlight of the tour is West Dover. This small fishing community with a charming quaint setting has a population of around 275. From there the tour continues along the scenic coastal route to Peggy’s Cove. One of Canada’s most visited places, the lighthouse perched on the edge of the ocean and the quaint fishing village, attract thousands of visitors each year. The original village was settled in 1811 by six families. Today its year-round population numbers around forty-nine. Nestled on the rocky shoreline of St. Margaret’s Bay, the area offers spectacular, world-famous scenery.

You will also see the Devonian Granite Rock Formations. These huge 350 to 415 million-year-old boulders were scattered by retreating glaciers about 10,000 years ago at the end of the last ice age. Almost unreal, they appear to be growing out of the fields of moss and shrubs. Marine artist William E. DeGarthe sculpted a 100-foot granite monument depicting thirty-two fishermen, their wives and children on an outcropping behind his summer house. You will have the opportunity to visit this and two murals located in the Anglican Church while at Peggy’s Cove.