The Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival is a springtime celebration of the traditions and agricultural heritage of the region. Celebrate with concerts, barbecues, art shows and a grand street parade from May 31 to June 5. For further information, visit www.appleblossom.com.
Come see The CAT, North America’s fastest car ferry and experience the unique culture of Nova Scotia and her neighbors with Maritime Celtic music, Mounties, kilted Highlanders and more.
May 19-21, Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston National Historical Park, next to USS Constitution.
Free Admission. Adults must show photo ID.
The Casino Nova Scotia Hotel has been reintroduced as the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel.
Construction has begun on Halifax’s newest property, the Courtyard by Marriott. This 163-room facility is scheduled to open in spring 2007, in the heart of downtown Halifax.
Bay Ferries Limited is introducing service on The CAT between Portland, Maine and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and the continuation of service between Bar Harbor and Yarmouth on Sunday evening and Monday to Thursday. From Portland, it’s less than six hours to Yarmouth, and from Bar Harbor it’s less than three. www.catferry.com
United Airlines will introduce daily non-stop service from Halifax International Airport to Washington, Dulles beginning June 8th onboard their regional partner Shuttle America’s 70-seat Embraer 170 regional jet.
WestJet is introducing new seasonal daily non-stop service between Halifax and Edmonton, effective June 24 - October 28.
Sunwing Airlines will begin offering non-stop flights from Halifax to Toronto, London (ON) and Vancouver, June - September.
Experience Easterly Class onboard VIA Rail Canada’s “The Ocean” rail service between Montreal and Halifax. By combining the many comforts of train travel and the thrill of discovery, the Easterly Class offers more than a ticket to the Maritimes - through the guidance and companionship of a Learning Coordinator, passengers will be treated to a fun educational experience including geographical interpretation, music, authentic Atlantic cuisine and more. www.viarail.ca
Halifax continues to be a Marquee Port of Call on the Canada New England itinerary. The season starts May 9, with a call of the Maasdam, Holland America Line and ends Nov. 1 with the Sea Princess, Princess Cruises. The top five North American lines continue to call on Halifax: Carnival Cruises; Holland America; Princess Cruises; Royal Caribbean Cruises International and Norwegian Cruise Line. This year, for the first time, passengers can embark and disembark in Halifax, as the Hanseatic, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will be making two full turnaround cruises.
Vineland Motorcycle Tours now have a supply of Harley Davidson motorcycles for rent. Package tours are designed to provide a two to three day exceptional motorcycling experience.
One of Nova Scotia’s best known icons, Peggy’s Cove, has undergone a number of changes to enhance the visitor experience including: new interpretive program (materials such as brochures, interpretive panels and signage); infrastructure development such as benches, expansion of the visitor information centre; and expansion of the existing parking lot to provide additional parking including a redesign to provide a turnaround for larger vehicles such as motorcoaches and RV’s.
An ECONOMUSEUM® is a craft or agri-foods business showcasing artisans and crafts trades by offering an area for interpreting its production and by opening its doors to the public. Artifacts in Clay, Domaine de Grand Pré, Spruce Top Rug Hooking Studio and Sugar Moon Farm have joined existing Nova Scotia ECONOMUSEUMS, Amos Pewter and raspberry bay stone.
Artifacts in Clay is a production pottery studio specializing in functional stoneware sculpture. The studio and boutique are located near the seaside village of Chester.
Visitors to Domaine de Grand Pré can discover the secrets of wine-making. Explore the lush vineyards, visit the on-site boutique to taste their estate wines and view fine Nova Scotian artwork. Domaine de Gand Pré also features world-class cuisine at Restaurant Le Caveau.
Spruce Top Rug Hooking Studio showcases the largest collection of hooked rugs in Atlantic Canada. Visitors can watch talented artisans at work or learn how to hook their own masterpiece in lovely Mahone Bay.
Sugar Moon Farm is Nova Scotia’s award-winning year-round maple syrup farm and dining experience. Visitors can learn about the history and craft of maple sugaring in the sugar camp; hike, ski or snowshoe up to the sugar woods or enjoy their Maple Brunch all day in the log pancake house.
Registration is now open for Atlantic Canada Showcase 2006. The region’s premier travel trade marketplace will be held October 3-5, 2006 in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Pre and post marketplace fam tours will be available to all four Atlantic provinces. www.atlanticcanadashowcase.com