The Canadian Flag flies over the Nova Scotia visitor center. A young Highlander Soldier welcomes visitors to Halifax. There is a very nice visitor center on the main road into Novia Scota, from New Brunswick.

One of the special places in Canada has to be Nova Scotia. That is particularly true for any of us who may have a bit of a Scottish heritage. Nova Scotia was, for the most part, settled by people who came originally from Scotland. The first Europeans to settle here were actually from France, but when the British took control of the area, most of the French people, known as Acadians, were removed and people of Scots decent, many from the area known as Vermont today, were relocated to Nova Scotia, and thus the Latin name for New Scotland.

One of the many Victorian buildings in Truro, NS. The Truro visitor center. A typical residential street that could be in most cities and towns of Nova Scotia.

We spent our first night in Nova Scotia in the town of Truro. It, like so many towns here, was a much older city than are most of those we have spend time in over our years living in the USA. It is a beautiful place with very friendly people, as seems to be true in most of Canada.

This is the entry to Victoria Park in Truro. The park is a stip along a stream and up into a canyon. There are several very pretty water falls in the park. Victoria Park is a very beautiful and peceful place.

We spent the evening touring the city and walking with Muffie through the wonderful Victoria Park. One of the most unusual features of Truro is that statues that line the streets of the down-town area. Most of them were carved from trees that once grew in front of the building where located.

The statue of the librarian stands on the lawn of the library. Stature of the school master in front of the school building. This WWII memorial is in front of the provincial government building. This statue is located in front of city hall.

From Truro we then traveled east to Cape Breton at the east end of Nova Scotia. The Cabot Trail is a scenic route that follows the coast.

This sign welcomes you to the Ceilidh Trail. Overlook along the Ceilidh Trail. The coast of Cape Breton is mostly rocky.

Although it was raining, we took a short side trip to see the Ceilidh Coastal Trail. The population is a mix of French and Scottish people.

The town of Cheticamp, just outside of Cape Breton Highlands. This is a view of Wreck Cove, in Cape Breton Natl. Park. This bay and town are both called South Harbour.

The drive around the Cape Breton Highlands National Park is breath taking, even in rainy weather.

Waves pound the rocks at the eastern end of the cape. The forest in the park is very dense and undistrubed. There are many small, off-shore islands around Cape Breton.

From Cape Breton we traveled south along the coast to spend some time visiting Halifax. It is one of the oldest cities in North America.

This coastal view is typical Nova Scotia shorelines. There is s suspension bridge between Halifax and Dartmouth. A three mast sailboat travels through Halifax harbor.

Halifax is a city that is full or history. One of the most interesting is the old British fort.

The British flag flies over the fort as it did long ago, in addition to the flag of Canada. The staff portray the role of Scotish soldiers who were stationed here. Notice that the fort also flies the US flag, to welcome the American tourists.

The staff that you see in the fort are all dressed in period costumes and seem to be very knowledgeable in history of the fort and the city.

The young people who work in the fort do an excellent job. The old barracks building has museums and restored rooms in it. The soldiers march everywhere, just as was true in 1800. There are many rooms of museums in the fort.

One could easily spend several days just exploring Halifax and Dartmouth.

The city, as seen from the top of Garrison Hill. Halifax harbor with Dartmouth on the other side. This is a different view of the city of Halifax.

After exploring the old city we began our trip back toward Maine. This did give us a chance to see the interior of Nova Scotia.

The main farm crops are corn and cattle. The toll road back to New Brunswick is the only divided highway we saw. The countryside is mostly forest with groups of farms in some areas.

Like all trips, the end came much too soon, so we head for our home base with fond memories of this beautiful place!