Many French settlers, or Acadians, ended up in Louisiana where we know them as Cajuns. Comprising two parts, the bulk of it a peninsula plus Cape Breton Island, the entire province is surrounded by water. Naturally enough, its attractions are similar to those of other Atlantic Coast destinations — but they have a definite Scots flavor. The visitor can expect to see small towns whose livelihoods depend on fishing and shipping, or lumbering when farther inland. You can enjoy seafood fresh daily from the ocean, long before it arrives at the supermarket. And, if you never get to Scotland, you can still experience this finger of its culture which carried Celtic music, traditions and crafts to faraway Canada.

And as befits a maritime province, Nova Scotia specializes in outdoor activities. The Bay of Fundy, between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick on the mainland, boasts the highest tides in the world, which is a clear invitation for adventurous rafters. Thanks to these tides, rock and fossil hunters can count on good finds on shore. The lake areas of the Bras d’Or (Arms of Gold, a pretty, inexplicable name) on Cape Breton offer a challenge to experienced sailors who enjoy taking on the stiff winds to enjoy dramatic vistas round every bend. Others give high marks to sea kayaking, surfing and whale watching. Trek inland into the deep woods for hunting, camping, lake and river fishing. For city amenities, Halifax (and its “twin” city of Dartmouth across the harbor) should suit those who need museums, art galleries, historic and public buildings and the like. It’s a medium-sized city with a superb harbor, and like the rest of Nova Scotia, has a populace very friendly to visitors.

Nova Scotia has appealed most to venturesome personalities so far. Besides, its combination of cool weather and lots of outdoor activities attracts those people who like to explore and don’t care much about nightlife, gambling or warm beaches. Authentics should bear in mind, however, that Canada is a near neighbor with superb scenery and hospitality, and that Nova Scotia in particular offers the mingling of Canadian and Scottish lifestyles and culture.

Go river rafting on the Shubenacadie. This is tidal rapids rafting.

Go whale watching on a Zodiac in the Bay of Fundy. (For the less adventurous whale lovers, there are larger sheltered vessels with extended awnings, as well.)

Get the license and take time for sportfishing, and reel in bass, salmon, trout, whitefish or a range of others. There are opportunities for beginners to try their hand, too.

Other options are deep-sea fishing charters or daylong shark-fishing adventures.

Go camping. In addition to more accessible sites, the province offers wilderness campsites reached only by canoe or on foot. Sites are available in Nova Scotia’s two national parks and 21 provincial parks, as well as in private campgrounds.

Try hiking in this province with its wide range of trails, whether following the coastal boardwalks and sandy beaches or meandering into the forests and into deep canyons.

Go to sea on a lobster boat to see the fishermen in action. These journeys are also likely to include whale watching and/or opportunities to see other marine life, such as dolphins, porpoises and seals — plus birds.

Nova Scotia has plotted out a number of scenic driving routes, one called the Evangeline Trail, which will take you to several Acadian fishing villages which date from the days of early French settlement here. Another is the Cabot Trail, a circular highway selected for its spectacular seacoast and mountain scenery.

Focus on the province’s Scottish heritage. There are many events reflecting that tradition, such as the Antigonish Highland Games, with song and dance plus heavy-event competitions. Also, there are the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo in Halifax, which counts more than 2,000 bagpipers, dancers and drummers, and Cape Breton’s Celtic Colours International Festival, described as the largest ceilidh of all.

Take a boat excursion that focuses on marine birdlife; better yet, make sure it includes a chance to see the Atlantic puffins, found on Bird Island, for example.

Nighttime ghost walks and cemetery tours are available in a number of communities, including Halifax. Pick up your lantern and go.

If you visit the Bras d’Or Lake, noted for its tidal saltwater, opt for one of the various sailing excursions and cruises offered there. You’ll see lots of wildlife, including, in nesting season, some of the hundreds of bald eagle pairs that breed there.

Take a vineyard tour and sample the wines. There are several wineries to choose from.

In Halifax, take a two-hour water tour to note the prominent sights and hear a historical narrative. Other city attractions worth a visit are Halifax Citadel National Historic Park and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.

Alexander Graham Bell lived in Baddeck on Bras d’Or Lake for 37 years. To showcase his experiments, the town built a museum in Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Park, which also boasts formal gardens and a series of summer programs for children.

Visit Lunenburg, a historic fishing village and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take scenic walking tours (organized walks are available), and look for one or more tall ships. Some of the world’s tall ships were built here.

Nova Scotia offers many opportunities to play golf. After all, the game began in Scotland.

Eat lobster (and other fresh seafood, as well). Many hotels and tour operators offer lobster boil dinners. Also, if you time it right, you can attend a lobster festival, which could include, besides the obvious lobster feasting, lobster-eating contests and lobster-boat races.

Visit Annapolis Valley in May for the Apple Blossom Festival. See the queen crowned, watch parades, indulge in high teas and more!

Visit the Fortress of Louisbourg at the tip of Cape Breton Island. It is the largest historical restoration of an 18th century French fortified town in North America and features 100 costumed interpreters playing the roles of soldiers, traders, noblemen and fishermen.

For more information, consult the Nova Scotia Tourism, Culture and Heritage at www.novascotia.com

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