The romantic Nova Scotia encompasses a dramatic coastline dotted with lighthouses, along with quaint villages and countryside. Even more, the rural culture still embraces its meaning “New Scotland” as heritage. I enjoyed Nova Scotia travel highlights at Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, along with the Scottish Highland Village and Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site.
The 160+ lighthouses of Nova Scotia are symbolic beacons of this maritime province.
The Isthmus of Chignecto connects this peninsula with North America. Furthermore, it’s not surprising that Nova Scotia has the largest number of lighthouses of any province in Canada, given its vast coastline. Lighthouses are a common site along the seacoasts. Thus, they remain an important symbol of the past, and beautifully highlight their picturesque coastal landscape. Overall, I observed 2 well-known Lighthouses: Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse and the Kidston Island Lighthouse.
Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse & Village – Nova Scotia Travel Highlights
Located an hour from Halifax, Peggy’s Cove lighthouse is one of the most well-known and photographed in Nova Scotia. This classic red and white lighthouse is still active and used by the Canadian Coast Guard. Furthermore, it marks the entrance to Margarets Bay on the southern coastline on a massive, gorgeous granite outcrop. Located in the quaint fishing village, Peggy’s Cove, visitors can easily spend a whole day here.
The massive wave-washed granite boulders along the shoreline are stunning. Shaped and sculpted by the ocean waves and glaciers from the Ice Age, these are a magnum Opus of Mother Nature. However, visitors must use obvious caution when walking on these rocks. The wet granite is often slippery in places, plus there are rogue waves that sweep away visitors every year here. Thus, a big hint, use caution and stay off the wet, dark rocks with a reasonable distance from the shoreline.
Peggy’s Cove is also popular for bouldering. This is for the adventurous, as it involves strength and dexterity with proper equipment to enjoy.
Also, the story behind the name of Peggy’s Cove goes something like this…The name originated from a book ‘This is Peggy’s Cove.’ It’s about a Schooner that shipwrecked on Halibut Rock, just off the point on which the famous lighthouse sits. Evidently, the ship ran aground, losing everything except for a young woman named Margaret. So, Margaret survived the wreck and stayed in the area, eventually marrying one of the local men.
The Kidston Island Lighthouse
This classic red and white Kidston Island lighthouse built in 1912 stands on Kidston Island. Moreover, it’s located on the Bras d’Or Lakes in the charming village, Baddeck. The lighthouse is only accessible by boat or ferry. However, it’s visible as a majestic beacon from both Baddeck and The Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site.
Bras d’Or Lake
This inland sea is an inland sea of partially fresh/salt water in the center of Cape Breton Island. Bras d’Or Lake measures roughly 100 km (62 mi) in length and 50 km (31 mi) width. Also, it’s a scenic backdrop for Baddeck and Highland Villages.
Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
The Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site is 10-hectare (25 acres) in Baddeck at Cape Breton, overlooking the Bras d’Or Lakes and the Kidston Island Lighthouse. This historical treasure trove contains the largest repository from Alexander Graham Bell’s years of experimental work in Baddeck. There are various exhibits, artifacts, documents and memorabilia. They display Bell’s research on transmission of speech and sound by wire and light. Moreover, I learned that Bell was also ahead of his time as an environmentalist. Therefore, he forewarned about the “Green House Effect, plus created a sustainable estate in harmony with nature and his beautiful surroundings.
Most importantly, the museum also features exhibits relating to Bell’s work within the field of deaf education and how it led to the invention of the telephone.
Baile nan Gaidheal Highland Village
Overall, this village showcases Nova Scotia’s Scottish heritage on a 43-acre estate. Its tours also include costumed staff, farm animals and stunning views of the majestic Bras d’Or Lakes. With 11 historic building, their vision is to be the leading Gaelic folklife Centre in Nova Scotia. Moreover, it’s a photographer’s dream here with breathtaking scenes.
Overall, Nova Scotia Travel Highlights
There is a romance to Nova Scotia that belongs in novels and stories. Evenmore, its setting reminds that everything came from the sea. And the symbolic lighthouses shine as beacons, where the land meets the sea. Thus, everyone who visits Nova Scotia gets to make their own story how exploring its magical sea and countryside inspires them.
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