July 31st to August 8th, 2021

  8 nights/9 inclusive days  |  Maximum of 6 participants, and a minimum of 3 participants

Photography Tour Overview: Tucked away in the northeast corner of Canada is the maritime province of Nova Scotia . . . the ‘new Scotland’ as it were. In one sense time has stood still here, which lends itself to intriguing photography. It’s a land of one quaint fishing harbor after another, plus photo diversions such as the French Fort Louisbourg, and the Scottish folk village of Iona. Lighthouses dot the coast of which Peggy’s Cove lighthouse is the most photographed. This photo tour will also include the coastal spectacle of the Cape Breton Highlands, plus a Whale watching/photographing trip. We'll take another boat trip to photograph the likes of Seals, Bald Eagles, Cormorant, Gannet, and Kittiwake. Europeans sailing west over the centuries fought hard over this distinct province in eastern Canada, but today all is harmony and the photography outstanding. We hope you'll join us on our Nova Scotia photo tour.

Our itinerary . . .
But first things first! We suggest that you set your camera's clock to the local time, as your images will then synchronize with the times in our included photo tour field notes.

Day 1  |  Halifax Citadel and Peggy's Cove
We kick off our Nova Scotia photo tour with the included lunch, plus a digital orientation of images you'll shoot during the next nine days. We start the photography at the historic Citadel that overlooks Halifax. The fort was established by the British in 1856, and the pictures here will include close-ups of Scottish regaled guards. We shall then head for Peggy's Cove via detours to quaint fishing villages. We'll check into our accommodations prior to dinner and late light shooting at Peggy's Cove.
Near Peggy's Cove, 1 night

Days 2, 3, 4 + 5  |  Cape Breton Island
We'll return to Peggy's Cove at dawn, and following breakfast and check-out we'll head for Cape Breton Island. We'll take the fast track to put the miles behind us, but make short detours for various photo ops. On to Cape Breton Island via the Canso Causeway, the deepest causeway on the planet. Last light on the shoreline of Bras D’or lake.
On days 3, 4 and 5 we’ll make sunrise runs, with one day dedicated to a trip to Bird Islands where you can photograph the Gray Seal, Cormorant, Gannet, Kittiwake and hopefully Bald Eagle. Another day will be taken up with the historic folk villages of Iona [Scottish] and Fort Louisbourg [French] plus much more besides. The third day will see us heading northwards into Cape Breton Highlands National Park. We'll make detours for photogenic spots, then the small fishing community of Bay St. Lawrence will be our jumping off point to see large marine mammals out in the body of water of the same name. Species often visible at this time of year include Minke, Pilot and Fin Whales, plus Porpoise and Dolphin. Then southwards via a waterfall into Cape Breton Highlands National Park. As we go we’ll be on the lookout for Moose that lope around the higher elevations through which we’ll pass. The highway that winds it’s way along the coastline at Cap Rouge [Red Cape] has been well photographed, and it’ll be your turn today. On via photo stops including the French Acadian community of Cheticamp. We’ll also be photographing the late light on the Bras D’or lakes during our time on Cape Breton.
Baddeck, 4 nights

Day 6  |  Cape Breton Highlands National Park to Pictou
One last look at the early light on Bras D'or where Kingfishers are often seen fishing. Our route to Pictou will take us back to the west coast of Cape Breton Island, and we'll explore the most photogenic coastal communities that lie between Mabou and the Canso Causeway. Back to the Nova Scotia mainland, and on to Pictou where the Scots originally landed in 1773 to create this 'new Scotland'. Dinner on the harbour, and twilight shots at the Hector Heritage Quay where a replica of the boat that landed in 1773 is anchored.
Pictou, 1 night

Days 7 + 8  |  Mahone Bay and Lunenberg
Following early light shooting at a harbour near Pictou, we'll take breakfast, check-out and head for a remote church on the edge of a forest which Scots established when settling the area. Vistas from nearby Green Hill will follow, as will a detour for another waterfall as we head for our hotel near Halifax for early check-in. After a short break we'll head out to a nearby picturesque fishing community.
On day 8 we'll fast-track southwards and spend the day photographing the communities that lie between Mahone Bay and the Blue Rocks area. Should the Peggy's Cove photography at the start of the trip have been affected by bad weather, we'll have the option of making our way back there for the last light today. The included dinner on the last night of our photography tour will feature an 'It's You!' presentation of clients in action by John.
Near Halifax, 2 nights

Day 9  |  Departure day
As there isn't any photography scheduled for the day of departure, your flight home can be arranged for any time today.

Enhancing Your Photography Skills: Describing the assistance you'll receive on one of our photography tours takes more than a few words, so for greater detail please go here.

Exertion level: This photography tour is classified as 'non strenuous' to 'mildly strenuous'

A majority of images are found in close proximity to our vehicle

In every other respect this photography tour is considered non-strenuous to mildly strenuous

Photography Tour Cost, the Fine Details and Enrollment

Trip Cost: $3,984 USD per person not including airfare. A 5% discount is applied to all double occupancies. A single room supplement is required for single occupancy

Single Supplement: 14% of the base cost of the trip

The deposit for this photography tour is $300. Make a deposit, or your full trip balance here

Included in the Trip Cost: The following items are included in the trip cost . . .

• Photography instruction throughout the trip by John

• All accommodations with private facilities [en-suite]

• All breakfasts

• Lunch on day one of the trip

• Dinner on the last night of the trip

• On-vehicle snacks and bottled water

• All ground transportation

• Airport pick-up on day 1, and drop-off on departure day. Arrival prior to day 1 is not included

• Entrance fees for sites and activities listed below under ‘Admissions Included’

• Following the trip, field notes describing the time, place and subject of each photo stop, and a disc containing images of clients 'in action' on the trip

Not Included in the Trip Cost: The costs for these items are the responsibility of each participant . . .

• Airfare

• Travel costs between your home and the gateway airport and return

• Any transportation or travel costs incurred prior to or after the tour’s inclusive dates

• Pre-tour and/or post-tour accommodation

• Lunches and dinners except for lunch on day one of the trip, and dinner on the last night of the trip

• Alcoholic beverages

• Entrance fees or costs related to optional sites or activities not included in the itinerary

• Baggage fees

• Medical expenses

• Personal items such as the hotel mini-bar, laundry etcetera

• Incidental charges incurred at our accommodations such as movie rentals, internet and phone

• Travel insurance

• Passport or visa expenses

• Airport departure taxes, if applicable

Admissions Included in the Trip Cost:

• Halifax Citadel

• Iona, Scottish highland village

• The French Fort Louisbourg

• Boat trip around Bird Islands

• Whale watching trip