Dreaming of Nova Scotia (Part 1)
Nova Scotia has been calling my name for years.
There’s something about its rugged coastline, postcard-worthy fishing villages, and untamed wilderness that felt like a dream I needed to step into. Finally getting the chance to explore this beautiful stretch of Canada felt like the kind of trip you carry with you long after you’ve left.
I came to Nova Scotia on a film assignment, so my main focus was on video work—but I still made sure to sneak in some time for photos. I couldn’t help it. The textures, the mood, the light—Nova Scotia has a quiet magic that begs to be documented.
My journey started with a night in Halifax. The city has deep roots—it’s one of Canada’s oldest, founded in 1749—and its harbor played a major role in both world wars. I took a short morning walk and grabbed a few shots before hitting the road. It has its charms, but personally, I was eager to get out into the wilder parts of the province.
After a hearty breakfast, I made my way down the coast and stopped for lunch in Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s one of the best-preserved British colonial towns in North America, with its brightly painted wooden buildings and working waterfront. It’s also home to the Bluenose II, a replica of the original racing schooner that’s featured on the Canadian dime. Lunenburg is beautiful, but it does draw a lot of tourists—just something to keep in mind if you visit during the summer.
That afternoon, I continued west and settled into a cozy cabin tucked into the foggy woods of Sandy Cove, just outside Digby. Digby, by the way, is known as the scallop capital of the world—and if you’re a seafood lover, this is your place. I didn’t have much of a view from the cabin—thanks to thick coastal fog—but honestly, I loved it. The fog brought a moody calmness to the shoreline, especially as I explored out toward Brier Island. The entire area felt untouched and peaceful, the kind of place where time slows down.
Brier Island itself is the westernmost tip of Nova Scotia, and it’s a hidden gem for birders, whale watchers, and photographers alike. It’s surrounded by the Bay of Fundy, which has the highest tides on Earth—an incredible 50-foot difference between low and high tide. That shifting water and weather makes the whole island feel alive.
This trip is off to an incredible start. Next up: the legendary Cabot Trail, where I’m hoping the fog clears just enough to let the cliffs and coastal views reveal themselves. But honestly, fog or not—I know it’s going to be unforgettable.
–Garrison
