Cannons, cuisine and coastline, a Nova Scotia tourism experience sampler

Despite the fact it happens every day, the sound of cannon fire reverberating through the streets of Halifax can still be shocking. Visitors especially have been known to jump when the noon-day gun booms from high atop the city at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. Gunners with the 3rd Brigade Royal Artillery prepare and fire an impressive cannon to remind Nova Scotians of our military history.

So much of what shaped the province has been preserved and brought to life for a modern age to appreciate.

The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site is one of those remarkable historic attractions in Nova Scotia. Few sights and sounds will stir you to the core like the Pipers and Drummers of the 78th Highlanders as they perform inside the star-shaped walls of the Citadel. The ‘Soldier for a Day’ program outfits participants in a uniform before getting them in on the action for a few hours. If you are old enough, you may even get the chance to fire a rifle.

Another must-see National Historic Site is the Fortress of Louisbourg — the largest reconstructed fortified town in North America. To wander the streets of the Fortress is to immerse yourself in the day-to-day activities of those who made their lives here in 1744. There are more than a dozen buildings open to the public, including residences, restaurants and inns — and what breathes life into these places and spaces are the costumed interpreters who make you feel at home.

To get a real taste of life back in colonial times, you might want to visit the Hotel de la Marine for a special rum tasting experience. The 35 minute presentation covers the all-important rum trade as well as production and consumption of the popular spirit. Try a rum punch made from an authentic 18th Century recipe. To bring the taste of Nova Scotia back home, Louisbourg also offers a special edition Fortress™ Rum made by Authentic Seacoast in Guysborough, which matures in oak barrels in the storehouse on site.

Your taste for history will be further satisfied at the Fortress’ Chocolate Treats workshop. Along with rum, chocolate was a popular import enjoyed by the upper class at Louisbourg. Roll up your sleeves and learn how to make truffles using historic Heritage chocolate which differs in flavour and form from today’s sweet treat.

Even without costumes and cannons, history is alive in Nova Scotia — in the traditions, the culture and cuisine of this region, especially seafood. Whether you are entertaining guests at a kitchen party or dining out, seafood is one thing visitors search out after checking in. The wealth of fresh seafood, coupled with a passion for sourcing local ingredients, means Nova Scotia chefs are whipping up some of the most creative and palate-pleasing dishes in the country.

If you’re looking for an authentic seafood experience, pull up a chair at the Saturday lobster supper at the Shore Club in Hubbards. This summer-long tradition is a popular spot along with Saturday night dances that have been drawing young and old for

70 years.

Chowder is more than a culinary delight in Nova Scotia, it is a source of pride. Chef Roland Glauser of Charlotte Lane Café in Shelburne makes an award-winning chowder that contains local scallops, maple-smoked salmon and haddock.

The Cape Breton Seafood Chowder served in the main dining room at Cabot Links in Inverness is made with the freshest of ingredients, and complemented by stunning views overlooking the links course that Golf Digest includes among the world’s top 100.

Digby is world famous for its scallops, and Churchill’s Restaurant & Lounge at the Digby Pines Golf Resort takes full advantage of having fresh scallops in abundant supply. In fact, this succulent seafood has become a resort specialty.

It’s no wonder we have access to a wealth of seafood — the province is almost entirely surrounded by water — which means we also have an abundance of picturesque coastal communities. One of the most famous is Peggy’s Cove with its rugged landscape and iconic lighthouse — perhaps the most photographed in the country.

Lunenburg also draws visitors for its famous Old Town, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved 18th century British colonial layout. The streets are brimming with historic wooden buildings, many with unique architectural features. Learn more and explore the colourful streetscape on a Lunenburg Walking Tour. Lunenburg is also the proud home of the famous schooner Bluenose II. Climb aboard and take a sail to get a unique perspective of Lunenburg from the water.

The Halifax Waterfront is not to be missed. Stop by the Seaport Market to pick up fresh ingredients for dinner or a sweet treat, explore the waterfront by bicycle with a rental from I Heart Bikes, take in the talented glass blowers at NovaScotian Crystal, uncover our maritime history at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, take in an energetic festival, hop aboard the Halifax-Dartmouth ferry for skyline views, or simply relax on a harbourside patio and enjoy the scenery.

For an adrenaline-pumping adventure on the water try out tidal bore rafting. Feel the surge beneath your Zodiac as the tidal bore of the Bay of Fundy’s world’s highest tides turns the Shubenacadie River into a rapid-riding roller coaster, found only in Nova Scotia. Cap of your adventure with mud sliding, don’t forget a change of clothes.

Whether you are looking to enrich yourself with the history of our founding, checking out one of the many culinary delights to be found province-wide, or simply admiring the lighthouses and landscape, Nova Scotia has plenty for you to discover.