New York City 2.25 hrs

Miami 4.75 hrs

Philadelphia 3.5 hrs

Boston 1.75 hrs

Los Angeles 6.5 hrs

Chicago 3.5 hrs

Dallas-Fort Worth 5 hrs

San Francisco 7 hrs

Cape Breton Island: Named by Condé Nast Traveler magazine as the World's Most Scenic Island, Cape Breton is the seat of ancient culture and hub of the Celtic music revival. Scottish and French settlers nurtured their heritage in relative isolation, but today visitors from all over the world come to enjoy the historic villages, championship golf courses, and Celtic festivals amid a stunning setting. Get lost in the splendor of the Cabot Trail's bold highlands, one of the most spectacular drives in North America, where moose and bald eagles abound and humpback whales caper in the shimmering waters of the Gulf of St Lawrence. The Bras d'Or Lakes Scenic Drive circles the water along shoreline roads that present a panorama of woodlands, farms, and villages, ideal for walking, biking, and birding.

Bay of Fundy: The tides ebb and flow as much as 60 feet each day, making them one of the world's natural wonders. The highest tides on earth are full of life, including an exciting variety of whales, with over 15 different species feeding in these nutrient-rich waters. Even the nearly extinct right whales (less than 300 remain in the world) migrate here. In midsummer, crustaceans in the inter-tidal mudflats lure hundreds of thousands of migrating shorebirds looking for a good meal, which is one reason why rafting the Bay's tidal bore is so popular in summer. Furthermore, the region's abundant sedimentary deposits hold one of the highest concentrations of dinosaur fossils in the world, accessible due to millions of years of cliffside erosion that exposed thousands of the tiny bones as well as semi-precious gemstones.

Nova Scotia comprises the peninsula of Nova Scotia, connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus, and Cape Breton Island in the northern part of the province, linked by the world's deepest causeway. The Atlantic batters the eastern shore, and the Bay of Fundy separates the southern part of the peninsula from the mainland, with the Gulf of St Lawrence to the north. The northeast is rural and rocky, while the south and southwest are lush and fertile. Much of the province is covered by rivers, as well as peaks that rise to 1,770 feet on the northeast islands.

Its climate moderated by the surrounding Atlantic Ocean, Nova Scotia benefits from a gentle mix of cool northern currents and warm southern breezes, the latter generated by the Gulf Stream. As a result, the province is spared the thermal extremes typical of summers and winters in Central Canada. In fact, average daily temperatures near Nova Scotia's capital city of Halifax range between 72° in July to 31° in January and February, ensuring frost-free seasons ranging from 120 days in the northern province to 145 days in the Annapolis Valley.

The best season to visit is from June to September, when more hotels, restaurants, and attractions are open than any other time of year. Fall is a very popular time to visit as well, particularly the Cape Breton area, due to the always-brilliant colors of the changing leaves and the 10-day Celtic Colors International Festival. Lobster fans like to visit from May to June for the plentiful supply of seafood and whale/wildlife cruises, as well as sea-kayaking tours, which are in full swing during the summer months. Most golf courses are open from June through September, some into October.

Vibrant, romantic, and exciting, Halifax is a modern port city steeped in history, with a captivating international flair. Halifax delights visitors with its impressive array of museums, galleries, historic sites, fine restaurants, colorful gardens, and pulsing nightlife.

Across the harbor, Dartmouth beckons with beautiful lakeside trails, historic homes, and lovely national parks.

Explore charming seaside towns, sweeping beaches, isolated coves, and miles of rugged shoreline guarded by graceful lighthouses.

Activities abound with the likes of hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, scuba diving, golfing, sailing, fishing, and so much more!

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site: This granite fort, built as a defense against the French, is one of the most visited historic sites in the country. The star-shaped structure was used in the 20th century during both World Wars as a barracks for troops going overseas. Explore the fortress and visit the museum. Military musters and the daily firing of the cannon are performed as they were 150 years ago. The Old Town Clock was donated by Prince Edward.

Halifax Public Gardens: These 20 peaceful acres are considered to be some of the loveliest Victorian gardens in North America. Flower beds are arranged in the classic "Jardin a la Francaise" style around fountains, a little lake, and a 19th-century gazebo.

Halifax Waterfront: The roots of Halifax were laid on the waterfront and walking around the area, you sense its history. The old mercantile buildings have been transformed into shops, bars, and cafés that are especially entertaining in summer. Keep an eye out for the Sailor, a statue honoring all Canadian sailors.

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic: Nova Scotia's proud sailing heritage, from the days when the province was one of the world's foremost shipbuilding and trading communities, is commemorated in this restored chandlery and warehouse on the waterfront. The museum also houses a permanent exhibit about the Titanic disaster since Halifax became, in a sense, the final destination of the Titanic with many of the victims buried there.

Province House: Charles Dickens proclaimed this structure "a gem of Georgian architecture," and the province agreed, eventually declaring it a National Historic Site. Erected in 1819 to house Britain's first overseas self-government, the sandstone building still serves as the meeting place for the provincial legislature.

Grand Parade (George and Argyle Streets): This is one of the wonderful squares in Halifax that really add to the charm of the city. During the day, office workers lunch in the square while listening to free summer concerts, and at night tourists and residents come to eat at the many restaurants that surround the square.

St Paul's Church: At one end of the Grand Parade sits the first Anglican cathedral outside of England and Canada's oldest Protestant church. Part of the 1750 building was fabricated in Boston and erected in Halifax with the help of funds donated by King George II. It's a classic white Georgian building with fine stained glass windows. A piece of flying debris from the World War I explosion of 1917 is lodged in the wall over the doors to the nave.

Art Gallery of Nova Scotia: The largest and best art collection in the Maritime Provinces is housed in this ornate sandstone building between the waterfront and the Grand Parade. The museum holds 16 galleries thatemphasize provincial artists, but there is also a good selection of works by other Canadian, British, and European artists. The folk art collection is internationally renowned.

McNab's Island: You'll find this island wilderness right inside the city limits, near the mouth of the harbor. No one has lived on this island since the mid-1980s, though it was once part of the city's military defenses and later the site of a popular amusement park. Today its attraction is the miles of wooded roads and trails, some 200 species of birds, great views of the city skyline, and Point Pleasant. Fort McNab dates from 1888 and was manned during both World Wars.

Old Burying Ground: About 12,000 people were buried in Halifax's first burial ground between 1749 and 1844, and though only about 1 of every 10 was marked with a headstone, there are many wonderful examples of 18th- and 19th-century gravestone art, especially winged heads and winged skulls. The Welsford-Parker Monument, erected in 1855 near the grounds' entrance, honors Nova Scotians who fought in the Crimean War.

Scenic Travelways: Nova Scotia is encircled by ten scenic travelways, routes that follow the slower-paced trunk and collector roads that lead you around the province of Nova Scotia. Each travelway has a map and brochure describing the culture, history, and natural features along the route and is referenced with all the places to stay and things to do in the area. Some favorites include:

? The Evangeline Trail, where you experience the phenomenal natural environment of the Bay of Fundy, witness the fall and rise of its world-famous tides, and pass through an area full of fortresses, farms, and fishing villages.

? Several Cape Breton Routes from the Scottish and Gaelic communities harbored in the glens along the Ceilidh Trail, to the exceptionally beautiful moose habitats of Cabot Trail's tundra, bogs, and woodlands. Cape Breton's most famous resident, Alexander Graham Bell, said "I have…seen the…Rockies, the Andes, the Alps, and the Highlands of Scotland, but for simple beauty, Cape Breton outrivals them all."

? The Lighthouse Trail follows Nova Scotia's south shore, where the past is a part of everyday life. You'll find it along quiet country roads where ox teams still haul lumber and in weathered coastal villages where fishermen still row wooden dories out to sea. Over 20 lighthouses watch over unpeopled shores.

Golf: More golf is played in Canada today than in any other country in the world, and international experts rate Nova Scotia's courses among the best in the world. Tee off at Cape Breton Island's Bell Bay and Highlands Links, then swing your way through the Northumberland Links, the Pines, Glen Arbour, and Granite Springs, each one a jewel in the crown of Nova Scotia's fast-rising international reputation.

Outdoor Adventures: Sunny seascapes, interior wilderness, mountain plateaus, and fertile valleys form the complete backdrop for a stunning selection of outdoor activities for all. Hike along glacier-carved headlands above the Atlantic, cycle through historic villages and rolling orchards, hunt for fossils and semi-precious stones, camp in virgin old-growth forests, and bathe in pristine tidal pools.

Whale-Watching: Join a scientific team and head out to explore the ecosystem of the Bay of Fundy, a corner of the Atlantic that's incredibly rich in marine life. Watch the frolicking humpbacks, finbacks, endangered right whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds that migrate from as far away as Antarctica.

Nova Scotia's restaurants are top-notch, priding themselves on hearty helpings of great food, but they really outdo themselves when serving their culinary classics - succulent seafood and fresh-picked local produce from the province's horn of plenty. Savor homegrown perfection in crisp summer wines, planked salmon platters, and decadent desserts flavored by sweet Annapolis Valley apples and juicy Oxford blueberries. Look for the "Taste of Nova Scotia" logo in restaurant windows, and you'll be assured of dining on the finest and freshest fare around. Halifax's diverse choices mirror the city's ethnic spectrum and cosmopolitan charm - dig into a shepherd's pie in the coziness of an Old World pub, snack on a baklava in a Greek diner, or feast on lobster on a sun-soaked harbor terrace. In fact, do all three on your first day and consider it a good start!

Gourmet

daMaurizio's Dining Room: Acclaimed as the best restaurant in Halifax, its subdued lighting, elegant decor, fresh flowers, and dining nooks create a warm ambiance in the vast space of this former brewery. The chef opts out of fancy distractions in favor of sleek recipes rich in flavor and perfect presentation, like seared foie gras topped with port wine sauce, and pumpkin-filled ravioli served with citrus duck sauce. 1496 Lower Water Street

Bish World Cuisine: Maurizio and Stephanie Bertossi's third acclaimed Halifax restaurant, this upscale waterfront eatery offers sleek Manhattan décor, an outdoor patio, and a menu with influences from around the globe. Seafood, meat, game, and poultry dishes are backed up by an extensive wine list and attentive service. And the harbor view is gorgeous. 1475 Lower Water Street, at Bishop's Landing

Highly Recommended

Il Mercato: This eatery thrills food critics, and the prices are comparative bargains. It has a bright, bustling Mediterranean bistro atmosphere with the scent of olive oil and parmesan permeating the air. The perfectly grilled seafood has an ideal mix of textures, and the cabbage salad with a warm garlic, bacon, and balsamic vinegar dressing puts an end to the reign of boring greens. Desserts like the chocolate mousse and whipped cream zucotto encased in a Belgian chocolate ganache redefine the phrase "mouth-watering." 5475 Spring Garden Road

Sweet Basil Bistro: Casually elegant with a homey patio and a brand-new lounge, Sweet Basil offers friendly and relaxed dining in the heart of Halifax. Blending innovative new selections with traditional favorites, the menu features such dishes as chicken breast stuffed with gorgonzola and steamed halibut served with a Pernod-saffron cream sauce. For dessert, try the chocolate fondue pot for two. 1866 Upper Water Street

Local Flair

Privateer's Warehouse: You can almosthear the pirates' bawdy laughter echoing through the 200-year-old harbor building, where three restaurants share stone walls and hewn beams. Duck, game, steaks, and fresh seafood dishes are all matched with an extensive, accessible wine list.

The Upper Deck Waterfront Fishery & Grill, done in a nautical theme, has great views of the harbor and features a lobster tank. Middle Deck Pasta Works & Beverage Company has a bistro atmosphere with innovative pastas, traditional cuisine, and a kid's menu. The boisterous Lower Deck Good Time Pub has long trestle tables and a patio where traditional pub food is served. Historic Properties, Lower Water Street

The Wooden Monkey: Halifax is hip, and the Wooden Monkey fits right in, with locally grown organic food, fair trade organic coffee, locally brewed beers and wines, and vegetarian and vegan options. Shredded free-range chicken, fresh haddock miso soup, and nori salad are topson the menu. Also a venue for local artists and musicians, the bistro is located downtown in the historic Carleton Hotel building. 1685 Argyle Street

Romantic

Hallburton House: This historic district restaurant is home to one of Halifax's finest dining rooms. The warm glow of a wrought-iron door lamp welcomes you into the subdued elegance of an 1809 townhouse for chef specialties such as County greens with grilled grain-fed quail and mango, and the Grilled Labrador caribou tenderloin with house filled ravioli and forest mushrooms. During the summer months, enjoy the beautiful Garden Courtyard. 5184 Morris Street

The Press Gang: Located in one of the city's oldest buildings, a one-time private mansion, this lively eatery near the waterfront is intimate with its wood beams and candlelight throughout. It's also become the hangout of choice for film stars like Harrison Ford and Kevin Spacey, now that Halifax has become "Hollywood Northeast" (local productions include "The Shipping News" and "K-19: The Widowmaker"). But go for the food: paella, grilled salmon with caviar and cream, and shrimp Provencale are among the faves. And there's a great wine cellar and raw oyster bar. 5218 Prince Street

Halifax is quaint and easygoing during the day, when Acadian folk dancers entertain in a public square and sailboats glide across the harbor, but once the sun sets, all that changes. The city bursts into sleek cosmopolitan nightlife, with opera over here, Shakespeare over there, Guinness flowing in pubs everywhere in between, casinos flashing with shows and slots, and packed dance floors pumping up the party. A cultured and accomplished city fulfills everyone's desires and needs - spendthrifts and budget travelers, young and old, flamboyants and wallflowers - such is Halifax, promising a good time for all!

Sea Horse Tavern: The oldest tavern in Nova Scotia serves gourmet pizza and fine local beer within its storied walls. Count on darts, billiards, and merriment until morning with out-of-this-world music and service. Its basement setting gives it a TV's Cheers feeling.

Shakespeare By the Sea: The bard's classic tales of revenge, love, power, and betrayal are performed by a talented troupe in Pleasant Park at the southern end of the peninsula, against the natural setting of dark woods, a rocky shore, and historic fortifications.

Casino Nova Scotia: Exciting gaming from blackjack and roulette to 600 slot machines. In fact, games galore, plenty of great live entertainment, numerous eateries from casual to sophisticated, and good old-fashioned hospitality makes this waterfront gaming hall one of the best times to be had in Halifax.

Lower Deck Privateer's Warehouse: Come prepared to spend the night singing and drinking at this ultimate Maritime rustic pub. Live music and an amazing atmosphere work up a nightly blast of rompin' stompin' maritime folk anthems in this ancient brewhouse.

JJ Rossy's: You can't go wrong with the dollar drinks in Halifax's biggest bar, with three levels of dancing, drinking, and pool at the Historic Properties. Forobvious reasons, this place is very popular with young people and students.

Neptune Theatre: The queen of Halifax's theater scene, the internationally-acclaimed Neptune offers a wide range of mainstream, first-class dramatic productions.

Symphony Nova Scotia: This professional orchestra usually performs at the Dalhousie Arts Centre, with the official concert season running from October to May.

O'Carroll's Pub: Experienced sailors know a port's best places are usually nestled near the waterfront, and this is a case in point. Lyrical Irish melodies and spirited sea shanties enhance the always-lively atmosphere in this pub seven nights a week.

Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival: For almost 400 years, the sweet aroma of apple blossoms has wafted across the land. They celebrate the orchards with an Apple Blossom Queen, dances, concerts, barbecues, fireworks, parades, crafts, and more. The festival opens Nova Scotia's tourist season and is listed in the Top 100 Tourist Events in North America. May

Truro's International Tulip Festival: No flower heralds the coming of spring like the tulip, and no event better celebrates that flower. Victoria Park, downtown, and the entire county are colored by more than 300,000 tulips. There are also dances, dinners, concerts, and art shows. May

The Nova Scotia International Tattoo: One of Nova Scotia's most-acclaimed events, this show celebrates and honors the province's military tradition as a bastion of defense in colonial North America. Over 2,000 military and civilian performers from 10 countries participate in military games, and pipe and brass bands play along. This is pageantry at its most sensational! July

Stan Rogers Folk Festival: This annual music festival features top entertainers from all over North America on numerous stages. Spend a day taking in the best in folk, country, jazz, Celtic music, and more in historic Canso town, one of the oldest Maritime seaports. July

Atlantic Jazz Festival: The groove kicks in with an eclectic cornucopia of jazz, world beat, blues, and urban groove at this 9-day festival featuring the best of the east coast and a strong international line-up. Events include concerts, outdoor shows, and workshops. July

Antigonish Highland Games: A traditional Scottish Highland Games event including clan gatherings, and concerts. The last three days focus on piping, dancing, drumming, and heavy event competitions, along with the Concert Under The Stars. July

Halifax International Busker Festival: This 10-day celebration of street performance and crafts held in Metro Halifax features dozens of buskers - jugglers, musicians, magicians, acrobats and thespians. August

Great Scarecrow Festival & Antique Fair: Scarecrows pop up all over Mahone Bay with fun for the whole family. Events include moonlight graveyard tours, musical variety shows, oodles of kid's activities, crafts lessons, street vendors, square dancing, fiddling, and a huge antique fair, as well as seminars on local genealogy and the settling of the area. October

Celtic Colours International Festival: Scarlet, gold, and orange leaf mosaics make autumn the most beautiful season in Cape Breton. It's also the time when the fiddles, pipes, and songs echo over the island with over 250 musicians, dancers, singers, and storytellers entertaining across the island. This festival was rated among the Top 100 Events in North America. October

Light- to medium-weight clothing and a jacket are recommended for summer, and heavyweight layers are best in winter. Nova Scotia gets rain throughout the year, so have a waterproof cover-up on hand. Remember that the climate is mild in every season, so you needn't dress for extreme temperatures at any time.

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Tax Refund: The GST (Goods & Services Tax) is reimbursable upon departure, but you must keep your receipts. Simply pick up a copy of the Tax Refund Application for Visitors at any Customs Office and most tourism centers, duty-free shops, and some hotels. The form is short and easy to fill out and along with your receipts, is all you need to be reimbursed on the spot as you exit the country.

English is the main language spoken in Nova Scotia, although Canada is officially bilingual in English and French.

Halifax's electrical current is 110volts/60 cycles, the same as the US, so no adapters are needed.

Drinking: The legal drinking age in the province of Nova Scotia in 19.

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Entry: A photo ID (such as a passport) is required to enter Canada, as is proof of US citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate). Visas are not required.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: Effective January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including US citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.

The passport requirement does NOT apply to US citizens traveling to or returning directly from a US territory. US citizens returning directly from a US territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not need to present a passport. US territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Canadian Customs: Visitors may enter Canada with personal effects duty-free provided that they declare them to the customs officials upon arrival and that the goods are not subject to restrictions. Persons aged 16 and over are authorized to take 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, and 2.2 pounds of smoking tobacco. Persons 18 and over may take 40 ounces of duty-free alcoholic beverages. All these products must be declared at customs.

Cultural Property: Canada has restrictions to ensure that objects of historical, cultural, artistic, or scientific significance remain in Canada. If you wish to take objects that are more than 50 years old (or made by a person who is no longer living) out of the country - artifacts, fossils, fine art, decorative art, rare books, or archival materials - you may require an export permit and you must check with the Movable Cultural Property Program, 15 Eddy Street, 3rd Floor, Room 13, Hull, Quebec, Canada K1A 0M5, phone 819-997-7761, fax 819-997-7757.

US Customs: US residents returning from Canada after a visit of 48 hours or more may return with $800 worth of duty-free articles for personal or household use, based on fair retail value in Canada. These articles must accompany the individual. Up to 100 cigars (non-Cuban), 32 ounces of alcoholic beverages (travelers over 21), and 200 cigarettes per person may be included in the duty and not included in the basic exemption. Works of art are also exempt, however, a receipt of purchase may be required.

Halifax Recreation, Tourism & Culture: PO Box 1749, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3A5, Canada, phone 902-490-4000 or toll-free 1-800-835-6428, fax 902-490-5973, email ivc@region.halifax.ns.ca