Imagine waking up every morning to the steady rhythm of ocean waves crashing on the rocks and the sound of leaves rustling in the gentle ocean breeze. That symphony of nature is why Nova Scotia, one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces, attracts hordes of visitors, both from home and abroad.
Nova Scotia is a haven for those seeking the right mix of unique maritime heritage and urban luxuries. So, it is no surprise that despite being the country’s second-smallest province, Nova Scotia welcomed around 1.5 million visitors as of August this year, up by about 200,000 visitors compared with 2022.
Capitalizing on the unique mix of maritime heritage and modern-day conveniences, Nova Scotia’s tourism officials believe the province is well-positioned to become a top tourist destination.
Spearheading that mission is Tourism Nova Scotia Executive Director Darlene MacDonald, who leads an all-female executive team and has spent more than 25 years helping grow the province’s tourism sector.
“The diversity that we offer is simply unmatched, starting with outdoor adventure activities, like tidal bore rafting, which is like whitewater rafting, and winter surfing, as well as world-class golf courses, the vibrant nightlife, and picturesque villages surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty,” MacDonald told GMI POST.
MacDonald noted additional advantages, like Nova Scotia’s accessibility and well-developed infrastructure. Halifax Stanfield International Airport in the capital provides numerous connections for international travelers from global hubs like Dublin, New York and Gatwick.
Also, the government has invested heavily in improving the province’s road network to enhance the experience of travelers on a short visit.
“Accessibility for all travelers, whether by land, ferry, or air is a cornerstone of Tourism Nova Scotia’s strategy. We are committed to crafting year-round tourism experiences to ensure that Nova Scotia remains a go-to destination throughout the year,” said MacDonald.
“Additionally, to provide more convenience for our guests, we are providing support and investments to our hospitality businesses, which will empower them with digitalization tools to streamline pre-travel preparations for our guests,” she added.