Ocean Vacation
Video Search

Visitor Information Services
FREE personalized travel information

We have everything you need to plan the perfect vacation. Whether you're making your plans through our website or the toll-free number, requesting our many types of travel literature, or looking for assistance, our informative services and knowledgeable staff are here to help.

Check out our website; call Check In Nova Scotia's free reservation and information service to book your reservations or request literature; drop by any of our provincial or regional visitor information centres while you travel throughout the province.


Check-In Nova Scotia - Looking for a fabulous place to stay?

Check InWant to know a great place to hike, bike, golf, or go bird watching? Or how about the latest scoop on dozens of great festivals, concerts, and celebrations? For all of this and more, contact Check In. Plan your vacation with one toll-free call or one click of the mouse! Look for our symbol to identify members of the Check In system.

1-800-565-0000 (within North America)
425-5781 (Halifax)
1-902-425-5781 (outside North America)
453-8301 (TDD)
Email: checkinnovascotia.com

Award of Quality LogoLook for this Award of Quality symbol at our official visitor information centres throughout Nova Scotia.
 
Question Mark LogoLook for this symbol as you travel throughout the province.


Internet Access for Visitors

CAPYou can check your e-mail, visit novascotia.com, make reservations, and find out what to do tomorrow at one of the Community Access Program (CAP) sites around the province. In Nova Scotia, call toll-free 1-866-569-8428 to locate the nearest CAP site. A list of CAP sites in the Halifax area can be found on the HR C@P website.

Nova Scotia's 75 public libraries have computers with Internet access available for visitors to use and many have extensive genealogical records. Visit the Nova Scotia Provincial Library web site

A brochure with map and site locations is available at local visitor information centres.


Commitment to Excellence

ExcellenceThe emerit property recognition is awarded to businesses who meet or exceed national criteria for implementing Professional Certification for their staff, thus ensuring that you receive skilled, professional service. The following businesses and organizations have achieved the Canadian Tourism Industry's highest credential for business recognition in 2005.

  • Cambridge Suites Hotel Sydney
  • CorporaTel (Check In)
  • Glooscap Heritage Centre
  • Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage
  • Pictou Lodge Resort/Maritime Inns & Resorts
  • Radisson Suite Hotel Halifax
  • Prince George Hotel
  • White Point Beach Resort


A Taste of Nova ScotiaTaste of Nova ScotiaA showcase of culinary experiences. Whether traditional or contemporary, the fare reflects the province's culinary and cultural heritage. Savour the many flavours of mysterious dishes like Solomon Gundy, Blueberry Grunt, and Rappie Pie, alongside traditional favourites, oatcakes and planked salmon. Member Restaurants proudly display the Taste of Nova Scotia logo as their pledge to offer the finest local products from land and sea, carefully and artfully prepared by our renowned chefs and cooks. "Nova Scotia is a culinary destination with heart and hospitality."


Wines of Nova ScotiaWines of Nova ScotiaNova Scotia has a long and rich tradition of growing grapes for wine making dating back to the 1600s. To assure our patrons that they are getting the absolute best wine product we have to offer, the Winery Association of Nova Scotia has created this symbol as a mark of quality. Crafted with confidence and pride, look for this symbol on your next bottle of Nova Scotia wine.


Attraction SignsAttraction SignYour Guide to Nova Scotia's Attractions! As you're traveling our 100-series highways, watch for blue signs indicating major points of interest such as museums, historic sites, parks, unique businesses, and cultural attractions that await you. Just take the designated exit and enjoy the great sights and scenery that make Nova Scotia famous. And have a safe journey!


Accommodations
All accommodations listed in this travel guide are inspected and licensed by staff of the
Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. There are numerous types of accommodations
available in Nova Scotia for you to choose from. As the number of bedrooms and guest services may vary, please read the individual property listings carefully or contact the property directly for more information.


Canada SelectCanada SelectWhether you are looking for a resort or a bed and breakfast, you'll find the answer in our stars. Use the Canada Select Accommodation Rating Program to help you select a property that best suits your preference while enjoying Canada. 


Campgrounds

Nova Scotia is a camper's haven, offering everything from tent-and-trailer villages to wilderness campsites accessible only by canoe. Campsites are available in national parks, provincial parks, and privately operated campgrounds. All privately owned campgrounds listed in the guide have been inspected by the Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage to ensure that they are clean and comfortable. For your safety, comfort and enjoyment we encourage you to use our licensed of campgrounds.

We ask you not to camp or park your camping vehicle overnight in any area that is not designated as a campground (e.g. parking lots, shopping malls and beach areas).


Camping Select
Camping SelectCamping Select inspects and rates participating campgrounds in two categories: Facility and Recreation. You will find two sets of stars for each Camping Select-rated campground. One reflects the excellence of the facility; the second denotes the standard of recreational activities.

The Canada Select/Camping Select sign is your assurance of quality at more than 4,500 accommodations across Canada. For more information, please contact Canada Select/Camping Select at (902) 424-8929 or by fax (902) 424-0723.


Ici, on parle français!

Ici parle FrancaisIn Nova Scotia we're proud of our strong Francophone presence. In order to make your stay even more enjoyable, we have a program for you which identifies many of our bilingual businesses! Look for this logo—it's your guarantee that Ici, on parle français! In addition to English, each participating establishment displaying this logo is committed to providing quality service in French. Qualified French-speaking staff are identified by lapel pins featuring the Ici, on parle français logo, and would be more than happy to serve you in French.

Members » 


Services for People with Special Needs

There is an increasing awareness that many people need special services and/or environments. These may involve diet (e.g. diabetic, vegetarian, kosher), accessibility (ramps, power-assisted doors, etc.), or environmental sensitivities (perfume, smoke) or allergies to animals. Be sure to mention any special circumstances you may require at time of booking. 

Establishments which have at least one unit that meets minimum requirements of access for people in wheelchairs, as outlined by the National Building Code of Canada (1985), are indicated by this international symbol VIS - Wheelchair access. Properties that have at least one service or amenity for persons with mild to moderate disabilities, but do not meet the requirements for full wheelchair access, are identified by this symbol VIS - Some Access. Smoke-free establishments are indicated by VIS - No Smoking. Pet-free are indicated by VIS - No Pets. Check In (1-800-565-0000) can help locate them.

Travellers with special needs should make reservations in advance of arrival. The number of adapted accommodation units is often limited, and providing for modified diets may require advance notice.

Travellers with disabilities of any type are urged to contact the Nova Scotia League for
Equal Opportunities (5251 Duke St, Suite 1211, Halifax, NS, B3K 4E1; eastlink.ca; (902) 455-6942; fax (902) 454-4781) with inquiries regarding transportation services, access to recreational facilities, other services and referrals.


ACCESS Canada

ACCESS Canada is a voluntary program used by roofed accommodation operators, identifying four levels of services or amenities to meet the needs of mature travellers and people with disabilities. The following properties have chosen to participate; contact them directly to ensure your specific needs can be accommodated:

Level 2:

  • Four Points by Sheraton - Halifax
  • Residence Inn by Marriott - Halifax

Level 1:

  • Allen's Motel - Kentville
  • Amet View Chalets - River John
  • Briarcliffe Bed & Breakfast - Canada Creek
  • Comfort Inn - Amherst
  • Comfort Inn - Bridgewater
  • Comfort Inn - Dartmouth
  • Comfort Inn - New Glasgow
  • Comfort Inn - Sydney
  • Comfort Inn - Truro
  • Comfort Inn - Yarmouth
  • Country Inn & Suites - New Glasgow
  • Econolodge & Suites - Halifax
  • Future Inn - Halifax
  • Garden South Park Inn - Halifax
  • Lakeview Inn & Suites - Halifax
  • Maritime Inn - Antigonish
  • Maritime Inn - Port Hawkesbury
  • Old Orchard Inn - Greenwich
  • Pomquet Beach Cottages
  • Shangri-La Cottages - Burncoat
  • Slumber Inn - New Minas
  • Super 8 - Truro


Sales Tax and Tax Rebates
Most goods and services sold in Nova Scotia are subject to the Harmonized Sales Tax, a 14% federal/provincial tax which is not included in rates listed in this book unless otherwise specified. Check on the total price, as some establishments are not required to charge the tax.


Fair Exchange ProgramFair Exchanges US-CanadianYour Money Is Worth More Here
Visiting from the U.S.? Look for the Fair Exchange logo—it's your assurance that you're getting the best exchange value for your money! Hotels, restaurants, gift shops, museums, gas stations and other participating establishments displaying this logo offer an exchange rate within five percentage points of the latest official bank exchange rate.