First-time visitors to Nova Scotia often wish to see more of the province than is possible from the meeting venue, so we have invited a local tour operator to provide quotes for side trips that could be taken on Sunday, June 27, for those not attending the Gemini Workshop. The Local Organizing Committee needs expressions of interest prior to making any formal arrangements, however, so please look over the possibilities below and indicate your preferences on the attached questionnaire. Although the organized tours are competitively priced, they may be beyond the budget of some. There are also set minimum numbers or the tours are not offered. The group tours have the advantage of being given by experienced tour guides in comfortable coaches. If there is demand, the LOC may be able to arrange tours for fewer participants at lower rates using rental vans or individual cars.
1. Peggy's Cove and Lunenburg, The South Shore Tour.
Arranged by Ambassatours, this tour includes a visit to Peggy's Cove, the picture postcard village on the rugged Atlantic shoreline. A kilted guide will take you on a walking tour of the moody cove and fishing village, with its much-photographed fishing stages and lighthouse. Enjoy the sights of scenic St. Margaret's Bay and Mahone Bay as the bus continues down the coast to Lunenburg, once the busiest shipbuilding town in the world and still an active fishing port. Included in the tour is a visit to the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, and free time to wander the quaint streets and to browse the many handcraft stores of the town. Several additional stopovers are included in this eight-hour tour. Cost $48 + HST per person, thirty person minimum.
2. Evangeline Trail Tour.
Arranged by Ambassatours, this tour includes a visit to the eastern portion of the Annapolis Valley, adjacent to the Minas Basin. See the effects of the world's highest tides in Windsor, Nova Scotia, then tour Grand Pre National Historic Park, the setting for Longfellow's "Evangeline." Enjoy the sights of scenic Wolfville, home of Acadia University, and take in the view from the Blomidon Lookoff. The return drive includes a short visit to a farm fresh Nova Scotia fruit and vegetable stand, and a tour of the Sainte Famille Winery. A few additional stopovers are included in this seven-hour tour. Cost $41 + HST per person, thirty person minimum.
3. Peggy's Cove and the South Shore.
Given sufficient interest, the LOC would rent a van or a car to take interested persons on a day trip to Peggy's Cove and the scenic South Shore. The backroads of Nova Scotia are alive with wildflowers in late June, and the rugged coastline is well worth seeing. Stops could include many of those listed in 1 above. Price $15 per person.
4. Cape Split Hike.
Given sufficient interest, the LOC would rent a van or a car to take interested persons on a day hiking trip to Cape Split, at the mouth of the Minas Basin. The trip requires a drive of one and a half to two hours to reach the Blomidon area of North Mountain, followed by a hike of about 5-6 hours duration (return) through rugged woodlands on private property. The view from Cape Split can only be described as spectacular, but be forewarned that there are no washroom facilities available during the hike. North Moutain's famous Lookoff is a natural stopping point during the trip. Price $15 per person.
5. Fossil and Gem Hunting at Parrsboro and Joggins.
As an alternative to 3 and 4, the LOC would rent a van or a car to take interested persons on a day trip to Parrsboro and Joggins. Both areas are renowned as fossil-hunting areas, with Parrsboro also featuring gem hunting. Parrsboro is on the Minas Basin, and claims to have the highest tides in the world (i.e. the highest even for the Minas Basin). Joggins is about a 30-minute drive further, on the coast of the Bay of Fundy. The drive features a scenic trip along the Minas Shore past Economy Mountain and Five Islands, and visits to local fossil shops and museums. Price $15 per person.
There are all sorts of things to see and do in Halifax itself, and the registration package will include a guide to many of them. Scenic Point Pleasant Park, the Public Gardens, the Halifax Citadel, and the Spring Garden road shopping area are all within a short distance of the Saint Mary's University campus and the Westin Nova Scotia hotel. Those interested in going a bit further afield might try one of the following suggested trips, which would make good excursions for accompanying guests as well as for members who have half a day to spare. Both sites are located within the metropolitan Halifax area, and can be reached for the price of a bus fare, $1.65 at last notice, $3.30 round trip cost for fares.
6. Fisherman's Cove, Eastern Passage.
Fisherman's Cove in Eastern Passage is a recently created shopping area adjacent to active fish landing stages. It can be reached via Metro Transit. Take a bus to the Halifax-Dartmouth ferry terminal, use your bus transfer to take the ferry to Dartmouth (enjoy the scenery in the process!), and from Dartmouth use your transfer again to catch the Number 60 bus to Eastern Passage. (In rush hour you can take the Halifax-Woodside ferry to save a bit of time.) There is 30-minute service on the Number 60 bus throughout most of the day (at last word), and the trip from downtown Dartmouth to Eastern Passage should only take about 20 minutes. The bus driver can direct you to Fisherman's Cove once you reach Eastern Passage. Once arrived, you can browse through a number of craft and specialty shops, one of which sells paintings by local artists. At certain times of the day you can also watch the fishing boats coming and going. The scenery is much like that of Peggy's Cove, only without the rocks. There is also a scenic waterfall park adjacent to the site. In the distance you can see the skyline of Halifax, which makes an interesting backdrop for camera shots of the fishing cove. Follow the boardwalk to the sand spit connecting the mainland to Lawlor's Island, or catch the view of the lighthouse on Devil's Island at the entrance to Halifax Harbour. The more adventuresome may wish to take a cruise to McNab's Island, the large uninhabited island that dominates the entrance to Halifax Harbour. There are a couple of fish pounds located in the Cove for those who enjoy fresh seafood, and Boondocks Restaurant is located at the southern end of the Cove proper. Dress warmly, since the sea breezes can be nippy during the early part of the summer.
7. York Redoubt, Eastern Passage.
During wartime, York Redoubt served as a focus for harbour defense activities. Now it is preserved as a National Historic Site. There is no admission charge. Reaching York Redoubt by bus is a bit of an adventure, since you need to catch one of various buses that go to the Mumford Road Terminal (Sears Shopping Centre), and from there transfer to the Number 15 bus to Purcell's Cove. There is only 60-minute service on the route during most of the day, so timing is critical. York Redoubt is just past Purcell's Cove, about 20 minutes from Mumford Terminal. The view of Halifax Harbour from York Redoubt is quite spectacular, so bring your camera, and the old harbour defenses make an interesting tour. In season you may be able to pick blueberries in the fields that surround the old gun emplacements. On sunny days, be sure to bring head protection and sunscreen. There is very little in the way of shelter at the site. The entire complex can be seen in one or two hours.
I will have my own means of transportation, and prefer to tour on my own.
I am interested in the Peggy's Cove and Lunenburg Tour arranged by Ambassatours (No. 1). Cost $48 + HST per person.
I am interested in the Evangeline Trail Tour arranged by Ambassatours (No. 2). Cost $41 + HST per person.
I would prefer to tour Peggy's Cove and the South Shore as arranged by the LOC (No. 3). Cost $15 per person.
I would prefer to tour Cape Splitas arranged by the LOC (No. 4). Cost $15 per person.
I would prefer to tour Parrsboro and Joggins as arranged by the LOC (No. 5). Cost $15 per person.
Forward to D. G. Turner.