Friday, June 17, 2016

THE CANADIAN MARITIMES

      We found a journey through the Canadian Maritimes one rich in cultural diversity, charm, and absolutely gorgeous natural beauty. The historic and picturesque province has many historic villages, a rugged coastline with winding roads, and dense forests.
Samuel de Champlain discovered Nova Scotia in 1604. Nova Scotia is Latin for New Scotland. The native people were Mi’kmaq, but today are commonly called Micmac; the two terms are interchangeable.
     Canada has three territories and ten provinces, two of which, PEI and Nova Scotia, are in the Maritimes. Nova Scotia with its northeastern chunk of land known as Cape Breton Island and Prince Edward Island (PEI) make up Canada’s Maritime Provinces. Add Newfoundland and then one speaks of the group as the Atlantic Provinces.
      Our ferry docked in Yarmouth, a city of 7800. Located on the southern coast of the island where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Bay of Fundy, the city was established in 1761 because of its proximity to New England ports. A lucrative trade with the West Indies brought prosperity and many beautiful old buildings and elegant homes in the city reflect that. Now the main ferry terminus, the area was once the center of ship building. A large herring fleet remains active today, and lumber and Christmas trees continue to be shipped from the harbor.

Trivia: Paul Revere studied free masonry in Yarmouth. In more modern times Yarmouth was the home of Charles Fuller of Fuller Brush fame
The Acadian coast runs 70 miles up the west coast from Yarmouth to Digby. All along the way fishermen homes were painted cheerful pastel colors.
Halifax is the largest urban center in Atlantic Canada for business, education, and culture. The area’s history can be learned at Nova Scotia Museum, which has 25 locations and historical sites. In addition there are 75 community museums.
Halifax is a city with small town friendliness while maintaining big city sophistication.

You may also want to check posts:
Evagline 8-31-14
Digby 10-3-12
Titanic 11-23-14
PEI 12-8-13
Algonquin 2-2-14



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