My husband and I started dating when we were just kids—17 to be exact. We were madly in love, with dreams of taking lavish trips to exotic locales, but being we were still in high school, our piggy banks weren’t always able to cover our jet-set passions. Instead, we turned our attentions to our own backyard: the beautiful province of Nova Scotia, where I was born and bred.
The two of us would usually set off on weekends, packing our little car with fishing rods, bathing suits, and a rubber dingy, and wind our way everywhere from the northern tip to the southern shore. We would drive as far as we could in a single day, stopping along the oceanfront for the sunset before heading back home late at night.
My favorite memory, though, is a road trip to the fishing town of Digby. With a full day planned for exploration, topped off with a romantic picnic lunch by the ocean, we headed out one bright, sunny morning. Unfortunately, by the time we arrived at our destination, it was pouring rain with no sun in sight.
But some bad weather wasn’t going to bring down a pair of lovebirds. We bought a mammoth umbrella and skipped and danced our way along the streets and splashed in puddles. We window-shopped, strolled the boardwalk, and took in the beautiful scenery. Neither of us will ever forget that day; just writing about it brings a huge grin to my face.
Now, with a little one part of our family, we take even more opportunities to explore our province, visiting zoos, various nature parks, and other attractions that Nova Scotia has to offer. We just recently discovered Hall’s Harbour, a little village along the western coast with a view that took our breath away. Peggy’s Cove and the Cabot Trail may be bigger tourist draws, but this little gem remains relatively untouched and is the perfect place to take company when they visit.
It wasn’t until we set out on these adventures that I truly recognized the profound beauty my home province had to offer. With rolling hills, a picturesque shoreline, and countless places to explore, Nova Scotia is the ultimate ocean playground.
My husband, being an avid geocacher (sort of like a grown-up version of a treasure hunter but armed with a GPS), always has a new trip planned for us just a few short hours outside Halifax. With summer right around the corner, we can’t wait to get out of the city and do some exploring. We still pack our picnic lunches and, rain or shine, we enjoy each other’s company—now it’s as a family of three.
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*Disclosure: This post was brought to you by Toyota via Glam Media Canada. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Toyota.
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We went on a mini trip last week as well, just to Moncton and area. There are tons of beautiful places so close to us, we are lucky! Halls Harbour actually looked quite a bit different when I was young and started going there… the place where the pound/restaurant is wasn’t there, it was just a parking lot and a wharf
I <3 it there!
I love the little restaurant! So rustic
The family and I spent the evening at Halls Harbour today!! My favorite spot…so peaceful!
We grew up in Ontario but my Mom’s family is from the Dartmouth/Halifax area. Growing up, about every 4 to 5 years we would take a trip “down east” and I thought that I had seen all of Nova Scotia. A few years ago my hubby and I and my hubby’s best friend went to visit some other friends living in Lunenberg. We saw the Ovens and Bluerocks, which I don’t recall seeing when I was younger, and they were amazingly beautiful. When we were staying with my relatives in Dartmouth we also went to my family’s go to spot – the Chicken Burger, delicious!