Cabot Trail
What's Happening in 2010

Culinary

CulinaryNova Scotia has been chosen to host the inaugural World Culinary Tourism Through Leadership Summit & Consumer Marketplace being coordinated by the International Culinary Tourism Association (ICTA) in Halifax September 19-21. Its the first ever conference bringing together 300 - 500 leaders of the culinary tourism industry to discuss the state of the industry today as well as best practices for sustaining and developing the future of the culinary tourism industry.

The Seaport Farmers Market is an ecological and cultural showpiece on the Halifax Waterfront and will officially open in August. The new, expanded, multi-day market will allow visitors to see artisans creating many of their wares and provide an unique shopping experience.  There will be three market days - Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday.  The Market will also be open during cruise ship visits and the portion of the market featuring retail shops will be open full time Tuesdsay to Saturday.   

Pearl Seas Cruises has introduced luxury small ship cruising to Atlantic Canada in 2010 with 7-14 night itineraries on board the 210-passenger Pearl Mist. The ship offers luxurious oversized staterooms, all with private balconies.

Adventures in Taste is a new culinary trail around the province. Visitors are encouraged to experience the flavours of operators and award winning wineries and meet locals whose passion is a fundamental part of their success.

Annapolis Highland Vineyards is Nova Scotia’s newest licensed winery featuring four 2009 vintages: Pinot Gris, DeChaunac, Geisenheim Riesling and their specialty Highland Blue which blends wild blueberries with a hint of Cabernet Franc. Annapolis Highland Vineyards joins our 11 other wineries to create unique touring opportunities representing over 25 years award-winning wine making in Nova Scotia.

Glenora Distillery produces the only single malt whiskey in Canada ~ the Glen Breton - and their newest addition is Glen Breton Ice, an over-proof whiskey with undertones of maple, apple & honey.

LunenburIronworks Distillery Cranberryg’s newest attraction, Ironworks Distillery, is now open!  Using local produce such as Annapolis Valley apples, they are producing apple-based vodka and also feature Cranberry & Blueberry Liqueurs and Apple Brandy.  This fall, they will release their first bottles of their version of the “Lunenburg Rum” by fermenting Crosby’s molasses.

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Golf

GolfThe Lakes Golf Club in Ben Eoin is now open!  This Graham Cooke designed golf course is constructed on 3 plateaus where the maximum elevation of 150-feet above sea level will provide beautiful vistas of the rolling hills and waters of the Bras d’Or Lakes.

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Attractions & Authentic Experiences

Attractions & Authentic ExperiencesThe Joggins Fossil Cliffs along Nova Scotia's Bay of Fundy coastline have been designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. The cliffs are renowned for its extensive deposits of 300-million-year-old fossils. A new interpretive centre, The Joggins Fossil Centre, opened to the public in May 2008. This state-ofthe-art facility houses exhibits for visitors and acts as a departure point for guided tours.

The Fundy Geological Museum in Parrsboro has begun a million dollar renovation to its exhibit space - the Nova Scotia Museum site showcases the province’s rich geological heritage.

Join in an unforgettable, exhilarating, action packed two or four hour tidal bore and up-river white water rafting experience in versatile Zodiacs as you ride the roller coaster rapids of the Shubenacadie River.  Check out one of these operators for your adventure like no other:  Shubenacadie River Adventure Tours, Shubenacadie River Runners, Tidal Bore Rafting Park or Whitewater Adventures

Liven up your authentic Nova Scotia experience by participating in a Parks Canada special enhanced program!  Discover “A Taste of History - 18th Century Chocolate” or a wine pairing candlelight period dinner at Fortress Louisbourg. Or spend a day in the Victorian Army for the ultimate in historical experiences at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. This highly interactive program allows visitors to dress in period uniform, to experience 19th century military drill, discipline and accommodation and even get a taste of Victorian-era food.

One Life Surf School, located in Three Fathom Harbour, offers women’s-only surfing lessons.

Pier 21 is now Canada’s Official Immigration Museum … where over one million immigrants landed in Canada between 1928 and 1971.

A new Acadian Interpretive Centre, Rendez-vous de la Baie, opening 2010 on the Church Point campus of Université Saint-Anne, will include exhibits on the history of the Acadians, a multi-media exhibit, art gallery and information centre.

Hall’s Harbour Lobster Pound is the place for lobster lovers! Their “Lobster in the Rough” dining program allows you to tour the pound, pick out your very own lobster and then enjoy it dockside!

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Accommodations

Accommodations

Trout Point Lodge was of only 2 Canadian properties to be added as a “hotel de charme” for the prestigious Paris-based Relais & Chateaux, a collection of the world’s finest charming hotels and gourmet restaurants. 

New openings include the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Halifax-Dartmouth and the Best Western Liverpool Hotel and Conference Centre

Oak Island Resort is now offering new upscale residential condominiums in addition to their oceanfront hotel and chalets.

The re-branded Pictou Lodge Beachfront Resort has expanded to include two and three-bedroom chalets.

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Don't Miss Events

Don't Miss EventsHalifax is home to Canada’s East Coast Navy and will help celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2010. The theme is “ Bring the Navy to Canadians” and major events include: International Fleet Assemblies, local and national activities including parades, a musical revue, special exhibitions, naval art displays and much more.

Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the arrival of the New England Plantersin Nova Scotia. The first of the New England Planters settled the townships of Newport, Falmouth, Cornwallis and Horton in mid 1700’s. Many Planter descendants still live in the area, some on the original land grants

Membertou 400 is a celebration of the life and legacy of Grand Chief Membertou and the culture and contributions of the Mi’kmaq people.  Grand Chief Membertou was a man who shaped the faith of his people and the fate of a nation. Beloved by his followers, feared by his enemies and reverentially-admired by all who knew him, he was Grand Chief Henri Membertou, prophet, leader and legend. On June 24,1610, in the moon of good fishing, he became the first person to be baptized in the Dominion of Canada. This solemn act signaled the Mi’kmaq’s desire for peace with the European nations and established a holy alliance between the Mi’kmaq nation and the Catholic Church; a relationship that continues to thrive in Mi’kmaq communities four hundred years later. 

The Wharf Rat Rallyin Digby is Atlantic Canada's fastest growing weekend for motorcycle enthisiasts.  September 2-7, enjoy entertainment, competitions, a bike blessing, vendors, stunts, scenic sights, celebrities, food and more! 

With over 50 events celebrating our local wines, the Nova Scotia Fall Wine Festival has something for every palate.  September 16 - October 17, indulge your taste buds and get involved with one of the grape stomps, vineyard tours or exceptional wine dinners!  

Considered one of the top film festivals in the country, the Atlantic Film Festival features 10 action packed days in Halifax - September 16-25 - of screenings, industry panels, events, receptions, special presentations and award ceremonies.  

October is pumpkin month in the Annapolis Valley - a month of food, fun and family events to celebrate the harvest season.  The Valley Pumpkin Festivalhas it all including the popular Pumpkin People scratterd across lawns through the entire region!   

Cape Breton hosts the Celtic Colours International Festival, October 9-17. Sounds of fiddles, pipes and voices in song echo across the island in over 50 venues!

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