Kaleidoscope Travel & Cruise

Article Published: January 2nd, 2008

Early the next morning we boarded Wood Island ferry and travelled to Sydney, Nova Scotia. Our afternoon coffee break was at the Rita MacNeil Tea House, it was a lovely stop. We continued on to Sydney, NS. And as it was thanksgiving Monday we attended the Celtic Colours International Festival where we ate traditional turkey dinner, which was followed by a concert featuring artist from all over the world playing their own brand of celtic music. Once again a highlight. Situated on one of the most picturesque coasts of Cape Breton Island, is Fort Petrie. And the following day we toured the two- story underground fort with it’s two gun emplacements. Later we found ourselves at the Cape Breton Miners’ Museum, – a fascinating stop. Some chose to take an underground tour of the Ocean Deeps Colliery, a coal mine located beneath the Museum A. Retired coal miner was the guide and he entertained us and informed us of the hard life the miners endured. In the afternoon we visited another fabulous destination – the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Park – the crown jewel of the Canadian Park Service and the largest historical reconstruction in Canada. And the next day another fabulous destination – as we travelled the Cabot Trail. It is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the world and the local guide who was with us kept us informed and entertained the whole day. We spent our last night at a beautiful hotel overlooking the Bras D’or Lakes. The stunning scenery is where Alexander Graham Bell, his wife Mabel, fell in love with Baddeck, and in the morning spent time at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site – located in the Village of Baddeck. After lunch we drove back to Halifax Airport for our flight home, but on the way we were a unique coffee stop! We were invited to the home of Anita’s relatives, who live in the country near Halifax, it was a lovely surprise to enjoy the renowned hospitality of Nova Scotia firsthand. We were treated to homemade goodies of all kinds , tea , coffee and punch followed by Uncle George playing the guitar and singing the traditional songs of Nova Scotia, including, ‘Fare Thee Well To Nova Scotia’ . I do believe a tear was shed by more than a few, as our trip was coming to an end, and it was going to be difficult to say goodbye to our new friends and this extrordinary area of Canada. This tour will be offered again in October 2009.

Entry Filed under: Canada