Nova Scotia Rental Cars 

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   Nova Scotia Wonders

Latin for New Scotland, Nova Scotia is Canada's second smallest province and sits on the southeastern tip of Canada. The capital and main economic area is Halifax, which sits right on the Atlantic and hence is involved in the fishing industry. With a population of less than 1 million, Nova Scotia relies on the natural resources of its land, however, since the mid 20th century, it has developed other industries besides the agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining that has carried it through the years. With people traveling all over the world, many countries including Nova Scotia are becoming tourist oriented; it also has had growth in finance, film and music. When the first Europeans arrived in 1604, Micmacs already occupied much of the land, including parts of Maine, the Maritimes, the Gaspe Peninsula and Newfoundland. The French started the first encampment north of Florida at Port Royal, which later became Acadia. In the 18th century, the British forced their way in and began a new capital at Halifax in 1749, then when the Canadian Confederation was formed in 1867, Nova Scotia became a founding province with New Brunswick and the Canadian Province (and these eventually became Quebec and Ontario). Included in the province of Nova Scotia is the island of Cape Breton, which is a fair sized island to the northeast and Sable Island which is 110 miles from the southern coast; infamous for the ships that wreck along its shoals.

The province is almost completely surrounded by water, which helps to adjust the temperatures. The waters that surround most of the province are the Atlantic on the east and south, Bay of Fundy on the west and the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the north. Thus causing it to have warm summers and cold winters. Also the proximity of the waters cause fog to roll in quite often and Halifax averages 196 days of fog each year. The water also help Nova Scotia to be the warmest of Canada’s provinces. Since it does sit out in the ocean, it is susceptible to tropical storms and hurricanes coming up from the south, usually in the later summer and early autumn. They have had 33 storms since starting to keep records in 1871; with Hurricane Kyle in 2008 and Tropical Storm Noel in 2007, as Noel was downgraded before it hit the province.

About 11,000 years ago, the Paleo-Indians hunted and lived in the area, and the MicMacs are believed to have been their descendants. John Cabot was thought to be the first European to visit the area in 1497 and the French started their colony over 100 years later at Acadia. The Plymouth Council for New England decided that the entire shoreline of the east coast from Nova Scotia to the Chesapeake Bay would become New England in 1620. In 1621, King James VI gave William Alexander the charter for a Scottish settlement in Nova Scotia and the next year settlers left Scotland for the new land. The first group failed because they didn't have enough skilled people, so 2 years later, the king created the order of baronets. This order stated that each applicant must include 6 men skilled, with arms, clothes and supplies to live for 2 years in the new world. No one was interested, so the king ordered someone to do it.

Over the next 150 years, the province was the scene of upheaval as the English and French fought for control. Finally, around the time of the American Revolution, many English sympathists immigrated there to stay away from the conflict. Today, the province is a melting pot of ethnic groups including; German, French, Scot-Gaelic, Micmac, and African-Nova Scotian (freed slaves deposited to the province from ships caught by the Royal Navy). While it continues to try to get immigrants to come there, it has met with limited success; although large numbers of Arabs and Eastern Europeans have arrived to stay.

One of the best ways to view this beautiful province is to drive by car. This way you will be able to see the fantastic sights along the Cabot Trail as it curves around the rocky magnificence of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. This spectacular highway is carved out of the sides of mountains ascending from the brilliant blue waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Look out points along the way allow you to stop and gaze at the incredible coastline where whales can occasionally be seen off the shore and bald eagles rise high above the ocean's winds. The highlands are a mosaic of colors seen in the land, woods and bogs along the way; where, if you are lucky, you can see moose grazing in the distance by the serene lakes and streams. The park's 25 trails offer 20 minute walks to hard hikes through the awesome mountains and seaside scenery. These can be guided or self guided walks or hikes with the option of camping in some of the best areas in the country.

For the very best excitement of your life, try sea kayaking midst the tallest tides on the earth. You will paddle through the Bay of Fundy, explore Cape Chignecto Park and be amazed at the waterfall flowing down from the cliffs overlooking the bay, with sea stacks, arches and caves to come back and explore at length. A kayaker's dream come true.

At the Alexander Keith Brewery, you can enjoy some home grown local beer as well as tour the factory and learn about its history. The Chedabucto Bay Brewery Company has been brewing over 300 years and believed to be one of the first commercial breweries in the continent.

There are many kayaking companies located in Nova Scotia, especially along the coast, which actually covers about 75 percent of the land. While kayaking is the same per se, the locale makes the difference and where you want to go and what you want to see will help you decide which one to take. You can always enjoy one of each, along the rivers and streams or the thrill of the sea. It is up to you, but whichever one you do take, they all will give you the best, most breathtaking moments and sights of your life. Skill levels don't matter, as the guides or outfitters will be most enthusiastic to help you.

Many places are located here to rent bikes to ride over the fantastic countryside or explore along the majestic coastlines. There is so much scenery here overpowering your senses and making you feel alive with the natural order and beauty of it all. You can bike to various places, then kayak to others or swim, fish and raft. They have tubing and hiking through all kinds of terrains, difficult, almost impossible or lessons for the beginners. It is all wide open for your choice. You will see animals in their natural habitats, incredible views from look-off or outs, like the one at the Devil's Bend almost 500 feet above the Economy River. Visit the 300 year hemlock forest or go find fossils at the Joggins Fossil Cliffs near the Bay of Fundy. Walk or hike along the longest path in Nova Scotia, or see the Liberty Lake Trail in the Kejimkujik National Park. This land is your land for the visiting or vacation. An absolutely awesome adventure.