I mean....I don't know how many nice things I can say about the Gilbert's Cove Lighthouse in Nova…read moreScotia. 1. It was built in 1904 and is lovingly kept up by local residents 2. On the ground floor, there is a gift shop filled with locally made sweater, quilts and jewelry 3. The ground floor also hosts a small and cozy "tea house" where personal pots of tea are $2.50 and baked goods (carrot muffins and cookies on the day we were there) are $2. 4. Upstairs there was an exhibit on the historical training of oxen and more quilts for sale. 5. Outside of this tiny lighthouse is the most beautiful view and picnic tables. 6. There is a memorial bench on each of the four sides of the lighthouse to sit and look out at the sea This spot is a local GEM, if you are in the area, 100% worth a stop

Gilbert's Cove Lighthouse is at the end of a one-mile gravel road just off Highway 101, and it is…read morewell worth a visit. The square keeper's house with the red lantern atop was built in 1904 and was elevated 40 feet above all water approaches (it overlooks St. Mary's Bay). Members of the same family oversaw the light until 1965, and it fell into disrepair for years following. Residents of the area came to the rescue, and the lighthouse was designed a Provincial Heritage Property in 1991. It is easily accessible now and fun to see. There are two small floors with historical information, gifts and souvenirs (some gorgeous handmade quilts, too!) and a tiny kitchen serving tea and cookies. A steep ladder leads up to the light which offers a grand view into the bay. There's a picnic area outside and a parking lot, and there is free access to a nearby beach. It's free, donations accepted, and open 10-4 daily from mid-June through September.

This Gothic Revival Catholic Church is an imposing sight as you drive along Hwy 1. Regrettably it…read morewas closed when we stopped by recently, but it still makes for quite a stunning view from the outside. The church took 32 years to build starting in 1910, requiring more than 8,000 blocks of Nova Scotian granite. Apparently, it is not in very good condition now. Its future seems to be unknown; we heard of conversations about demolishing it (what a shame!) and other talk about large donations to keep it up. Sorry we couldn't see more of it.

Along the lovely 50-mile drive on the Evangeline Trail between Yarmouth and Digby are several…read morebeautiful Catholic churches. The Saint Alphonse Church is one of them, a striking structure wood structure just steps off the main road. The church members also keep its doors open for visitors, and we were delighted to step inside and bask in its solemn beauty. The church was constructed in the early 1920s and has some quite spectacular murals which adorn the walls of the sanctuary. Masses are held here every Sunday for the people of the small, picturesque villages in this part of the Acadian coast. Really, if you are in this part of NS take the alternate Rt. 1 and not the main highway between Yarmouth and Digby and Annapolis.

I do not see a listing for Mariner Cruises but it is here on the island. It takes two short ferry…read morerides to get here and thats half the fun. The boat is big and has a bathroom. It is a lobster boat in the season which ends in April so they outfit this boat with seats and safety stuff for a comfortable ride for the whales. I have been on these whale watching boats before where you get sea sick and don't see a thing. This is different. The currents bring in krill and fish and the whales are here to eat them. We had a mother and calf around the boat for an hour and then saw a really big whale on its back flipping its fins or flukes to get rid of barnacles. Great show. On the way in there was a huge school of porpoise jumping all over the place that lasted another hour. Bring a lunch or water, it may be three to four hours before you get back in. Penny Graham is there to answer questions and tell you what you are seeing. A real pro that makes it worth while.

These are lovely gardens and just perfect for relaxed walks to savor their beauty. The gardens are…read morespread over 17 acres and offer a look at gardening designs and some "1,800 species and cultivars of plants." We really enjoyed the herb gardens and especially the 19th century Victorian Garden which displays thousands of blooming annuals. You can stroll through the grounds at your on convenience or take a guided tour. There's a nice shop for gifts and books and even a small cafe which sells light refreshments. It adds up to a very pleasant visit. We thought the admission fees were not too much ($12 for seniors) and quite worth our time spent here.

Beautiful gardens to wander in. Nice selection of differnet themes. A little on the pricey side…read morethough. Also, I was disappointed when I asked the staff what happens to the veggies (I saw many falling over and rotting) that they don't use them. The cafe doesn't use them. Nor do they sell them. I think this is a HUGE waste. At least donate them to the food bank. I wished I would have picked some heirloom tomatoes if I would have known that.