Page 129 - Travel Guide to Canada 2019
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surrounding waters promise some of the
Eastern Seaboard’s top sailing opportuni-
ties. Each summer, the town proudly hosts
Canada’s largest fi xed keel regatta, which is
widely regarded to be one of the continent’s
greatest sailing events. In 2019, it kicks off
at the venerable Chester Yacht Club on
August 14 (www.chesterraceweek.com). If
you’d rather relax on the water than race
over it, the area has seasonal charter and
tour-boat operators, too.
GO FOR THE GOLD
Blessed with a string of stunning 19 th
century churches, the wee town of Mahone
Bay is a tranquil locale (www.mahonebay.
com). Of course, that wasn’t always the case.
The body of water for which it is named was
long popular with pirates and privateers;
and the word “Mahone” actually comes FRESH FROM THE SEA LOBSTER FROM THE LOBSTER CAPITAL OF CANADA • WHITE POINT BEACH RESORT
from the type of low-lying ship they
preferred. Treasure seekers can still explore
camoufl aged coves or paddle around the GET BACK TO NATURE Roots-like TV adaptation details the period
bay’s 350-plus islands—the best known Over 13,770 sq. km (5,316 sq. mi.) of this following the American Revolution when
being Oak Island, reputedly a favourite province’s pristine terrain has been ear- Loyalists poured in and neighbouring
hiding spot for the infamous Captain Kidd marked as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Birchtown blossomed into North America’s
and now the subject of The History (www.swnovabiosphere.ca) and, for travellers, largest free black settlement. Brush up on
Channel’s hit reality program, The Curse its focal point is Kejimkujik National Park the backstory at the Shelburne Museum
of Oak Island (www.oakislandtours.ca). and National Historic Site (www.parks Complex and the compelling Black Loyalist
You’ll have more luck, though, unearthing canada.gc.ca/keji). Encompassing a Heritage Centre (www.shelburnemuseums.
precious items in the studios and galleries sprawling tract of interior woodland and a com; www.blackloyalist.com).
onshore. Considering Mahone Bay only has sandy seaside adjunct located 90 minutes
about 1,000 residents, it boasts a dispropor- away, “Keji”—as it’s aff ectionately known by CATCH A WAVE...
tionately large number of craftspeople Nova Scotians and tongue-tied tourists—is OR A LOBSTER
whose wares are highly coveted. ideal for hikers, bikers, canoeists, campers, Established as a lodge for outdoorsmen in
birdwatchers, stargazers and, in winter, 1928, the beloved White Point Beach Resort
FIND OUT ABOUT FISH snowshoers and cross-country skiers. You near Liverpool feels like a self-contained
Founded in 1753, Lunenburg was once a can explore its wild side independently or community in its own right (www.white
world-class fi shing and shipbuilding on guided treks. More interested in human point.com). Now combining contemporary
centre, and reminders of its past are nature? In summer, you can help build a accommodations with a classic cottage-
everywhere apparent (www.explore traditional birchbark canoe, see a Mi’kmaq colony vibe, it has legions of Haligonian
lunenburg.ca). Lampposts in the UNESCO- encampment or take a tour to spy some of fans—some drawn by the beach, others by
designated Old Town are decorated with the park’s 500-odd ancient petroglyphs. the ubiquitous bunnies. Folks from away,
marine life and working wharves continue Carved in stone, the last of these bear conversely, relish the breadth of locally-
to hum with activity. Fittingly, the witness to Keji’s original inhabitants. inspired activities available, from sandcastle-
Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic is the building to sea-centric spa sessions. Active
signature attraction here (fi sheries SET THE SCENE types can even try “hanging ten” at year-round
museum.novascotia.ca). Formerly a fi sh Film buff s visiting Shelburne can be surfi ng classes. Those interested in edibles,
processing plant, the brilliant red building forgiven for thinking the place looks meanwhile, can learn about lobstering
houses aquariums devoted to native vaguely familiar (www.town.shelburne. during the November-to-May fi shing period
species and engaging themed exhibits. ns.ca). You see, it has served as a location by lending a hand aboard a lobster boat and
Dockside, you can tour a saltbank for movies and miniseries like Roland later dining on the day’s catch. Another
schooner and steel-hulled trawler, then Joff é’s The Scarlet Letter and a Moby Dick option is to simply devour the king of
talk to “old salts” who are often on hand to remake starring William Hurt and Ethan crustaceans at events hosted by the resort
demonstrate traditional skills and tell a Hawke. In both cases, the historic harbour each February during the regional Lobster
few fi sh tales. The museum is also home town doubled as New England, but more Crawl (www.lobstercrawl.ca).
to Bluenose II, a replica of the legendary recently it featured prominently in a truly
locally-built schooner which was the Canadian saga: The Book of Negroes. Based Such a rich range of experiences makes
North Atlantic fl eet’s fastest vessel in the on Lawrence Hill’s novel—published in the the South Shore hard to resist for many
1920s and 30s (bluenose.novascotia.ca). U.S as Someone Knows My Name—the reasons in all seasons.
