Nova Scotia - Any Deals?

morbius

Hi,

My partner and I are considering a move to Canada within the next few years and top of the list is Nova Scotia. Does anyone know of any good deals on Flights, car hire, accommodation, etc. The plan would be to fly to Halifax and then spend a week or so driving around the Coast line checking out the various areas. It would need to be during the school summer holidays as my partner is a Teacher.

Any other Nova Scotia comments are welcome :-)

Thanks,
Mark

wallacebob

I posted this in another reply, but it is very relevant top you too. Flew with Zoom from Glasgow to Halifax, NS last year. Very good. 5 1/2 hour flight. I paid extra for pre-booked seats so we got leg room for my wife and FIL, both over 6 foot. We tried normal seats when we boarded, they would have been fine.
Hotels are cheap compared to here, Choice hotels/Comfort Inns proved good value for us as we travelled around, but B&B in country towns are also very good. We were there in June before USA visitors come, so quiet, and still some bargains.
Car hire: watch out for insurance rip off, take out a year-long cover before you go if you plan to hire for a few weeks. If you use "full service " gas pump it is more expensive; they are meant to serve you, so charge extra.
Food is cheap, but in small places can be a bit dull. French areas are obviously the exception! Breakfast is better in gas stations like Irvines, it is great to get a few miles under your belt and then stop for a big brunch! Timmy Hortens are coffee and cake places, horrid coffee and very sweet cakes, IMHO. Alchohol is resticted in some parts, it is odd to see supermarkets with no booze. These Provinces have there own booze shops which are very pleasant, and even have refridgerated storage areas for cases of beer. Wine is a bit iffy, spirits excellent, beer excellent. Remember the hotels have ice machines, so a cold beer can be very pleasant when relaxing in bed.
If you like crafts or scrapbooking, go to the $ stores. Loads of junk for 50 cents or $.
Everyone is VERY polite, so return the compliment. Holding doors open is regarded as normal, you will always have a "thankyou" returned with a "you're welcome" Tipping is expected, but not compulsory.
If you're over 50/55 ask for a seniors discount. My FIL got 10-15% off hotels, meals without question.
Keep all receipts, claim back hotel tax and other bits you bring home. See Canadian tax website https://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/visitors/ . There are companies who will process forms for you, but they charge a commission, do it yourself! We got £120 back with ten minutes work. You are supposed to get receipts stamped and goods inspected by customs when you leave. We asked custom officer; send your boarding card with the forms, and explain either the office was shut, or you were late for your flight. Don't be greedy, fill the forms out right, and a cheque in £ will be yours.
Drivers in general are very polite and patient. I made the mistake of standing on a street corner to admire a view; all the traffic stopped to let me cross the road! At junctions the stop lines are pedestrian crossings. Left turn on Red light is OK some places. Roundabouts are not common, but watch out for "4 way stops" which is the closed thing; every one has to stop and give way to some one. I never worked out if you gave way to left or right or just whoever smiled the most.
Nova Scotia is beautiful, go to the North for spectacular sea coast. Cape Breton is essential. Cheticamp is lovely french town, great food. Sea food is always a good choice in NS. Fish chowder a very good lunch choice. Alexander Graham Bell centre is worth a visit. Go round national park clockwise for best views, charge for entry at roads, but worth it. Go whale watching!!! Halifax is small city, boardwalk is great: maritime museum, immigration museum, ferry across bay. Shops didn't open on Sundays until recently. Cheaper to stay in Dartmouth.
Have a great time.