SECRET Swimming Hole! Deep in Nova Scotia Wilderness 😓 (Van Life Canada)

[@carly64]

As someone with Bear River roots, this made me so happy. You will find a lot of these “secret” places throughout Nova Scotia - thank you for not sharing the coordinates. People watching, just ask locals about these places. Usually NS videos do not show the backroads, so thanks for sharing because they are EVERYWHERE! One more thing: GPS is Uber sketchy here and watch out for four wheelers/side by sides on the dirt roads. Saw some song recommendations, here is mine: The Rankin Family - Mull River Shuffle

[@DavidHaney1]

GR8 VID ~ LOVED ❤ IT !!! I've been on roads like that narrow road but fortunately my GMC Safari Van is much much shorter than your rig ~ Much easier for me to turn around and back track out of those spots. Gotta give it to Ben and his superhero driving skills !!!

[@OverlandingSophia]

He did amazing on that road!! It was like a hiking trail by the end 😅😂

[@RosemarieM400]

Congratulations. You passed one of the greatest initiations of being Canadian getting lost. lol. I hope you'll enjoy your little adventure and I'm glad that you didn't get hurt I hope you have a good day and your sink gets fixed.

[@nickgooderham2389]

Rural and northern Canada is full of old logging roads. These are roads built to access timber and nothing else and are not maintained. Unfortunately many end up on maps used by Google maps and other like services. If you think you are on the wrong road turn around before you get yourself in a lot of trouble.

[@OverlandingSophia]

What was confusing for us is that according to a few reviews of the hike, there is a 2km dirt road before the trailhead parking. So we just kept waiting for it to reach the trailhead! Most of it was reversible with room for turning so we weren’t too concerned, until we attempted the rough incline. That’s when I got out the van and tried to find somewhere to turn around as it started getting narrow. The van is very capable and we never felt “stuck” - we do also love a bit of adventure 🥲 That balance between risk and adventure is always one that’s tricky. Basically we wouldn’t usually choose a road like this but we enjoy the challenge of getting ourselves out of there!

[@TheAtlasBus]

Just a friendly heads up Mi’kmaq/Mi’kmaw is pronounced “Mig-Maw”. Love this series and looking forward to watching the rest!

[@OverlandingSophia]

Damnit I tried so hard 🥲 I watched online how to pronounce it but never having heard it before it was hard to remember exactly! Thanks for the heads up lovely xx

[@andreawitzke1]

hahahaha I was going to point that out as well :P

[@katdoucette5329]

Yes! Very important 🙏

[@matthewbent3523]

You could tell she really put an effort in. I'm Mi'kmaq from and appreciate the effort.

[@baublesanddolls]

The funny thing is that 35 years ago we pronounced it Mic Mac. So now is Mic Mac Mall in Dartmouth called Mikmaw mall? 😆

[@annesimms7356]

Wow your hitting all my haunts! Bear River? I almost cried tears of joy. ☺️❤️ The reason the water in Fred's Hole ( great name) was Orange y was probably because of the iron pyrite in the rocks that leaches out to make the water that colour.

[@OverlandingSophia]

Aw Anne! 💛 💛 Fred's Hole is one of the highlights of our entire Nova Scotia trip! We LOVED it there. And yes, the tannins made the water such a dark colour, you couldn't even see the bottom!

[@puppypaw10]

It's so cool to see my province through someone else's eyes! I was born and raised in the Annapolis Valley! Highly recommend checking out halls harbour, wolfville (so many little shops and farm markets). If you guys like wine there are a billion vineyards you can visit. Lucketts has good food too!there is an amazing little restaurant called jonnys just outside of Berwick that has the best burgers and fries ever. There is a spot called "the look off" close to blomidon up on the mountain that you can see a good chunk of the valley (and there is ice cream!) Also the grand pre historical site is beautiful. We also have a movie drive in in outside of coldbrook! Looking forward to seeing more! 😊

[@puppypaw10]

Also if you have the time Cape split is amazing but it is quite a long hike!

[@k.sullivan6303]

I lived in Ontario most of my life. About 41 years ago, my family and I came to NS on a vacation and we went to the Digby area and stayed for about a week. I remember back then there were no cell phones. There were watches to tell the time, but many of the locals in Digby would tell you, "The tides' out" or "The tides' in" if you asked them what time it was.

[@always.wondering.wandering]

Yes, Thumbs up for Ben's driving! I don't think I could handle those off roads in my van. Loved that swimming hole/picnic spot you found, I'll have to look for it when I'm there. I wonder if Scout will ever try and get into the water and swim, I remember it took awhile for River to get in. So, Maine in the Fall, you're going to love it. I have a friend who goes there from So. Calif. every year. But for now, enjoy your time in Nova Scotia and careful on those back roads. You might enjoy watching KZbin videos done by "From She to Me", they are in a campervan and traveled from Calif. to the east coast and Nova Scotia and the video from 2 days ago was of Prince Edward Island. Have a wonderful week ahead.

[@OverlandingSophia]

They were tough roads for sure. The hardest part was not being able to turn around, and just watching it slowly disappear in front of us 😓 But it was also good fun and good to put Sophia through her paces and see how much she can handle! Yeah Scout is very interested in the water.. I don't think it will be too long before he tries to go in. River wouldn't even go in puddles to begin with and now we can't keep her out! Will check out the YT channel too, thanks Adele! Sending love as always xx 💕

[@jacquelineturbitt5509]

I am happy you got your fur babies flea and tick treatment...ticks can be bad...so check your fur babies regularly...If you come through Kentville feel free to get in touch a friend and I would love information on Van Living...one thing to look for this time of year is Hodge Podge...is has fresh potatoes. Peas...beans...carrots in a creamy chowder soup base......if you want to know anything more let me know I will see if I know the answer....

[@RobertSmith-zg9ww]

Looks like you are heading right for me. I'm original from Barrington, I used to go sea duck hunting off the big flat rock in front of fog horn at the baccaro light. I live in Greenwood now in the Annapolis Valley. I think you guys should make a detour and go to canning then up to the look off, then Scott's bay and hike the cape split trail. You will not be disappointed

[@amandaspriet3076]

We are moving to barrington passage in 2 weeks!! Any suggestions for secret spots would be amazing!

[@RobertSmith-zg9ww]

@@amandaspriet3076 there are remains of a world War one wireless station up wireless rd. Barrington lake rd has a couple nice trails to follow the rivers, crissys falls is a nice spot. If you have an atv things are a lot easier to get to. Anywhere up the Clyde River rd is nice to adventure too

[@amandaspriet3076]

@@RobertSmith-zg9ww yes we plan on getting an attorney, our property is on the rail trail

[@ImaCOTV]

I noticed in your trip plan for Cape Breton Island you are missing two major historic sites, the Fortress of Louisbourg, and the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site at Baddeck. Louisbourg was built by the French between 1713 and 1740. It was besieged by the British twice, in 1745 and 1758. The British razed the fortress following the second siege. It was reconstructed by the Canadian government as a historic site beginning in 1961. The Alexander Graham Bell Historic Site in Baddeck features a museum dedicated to work that Bell did in aviation and high speed boats on Bras d’Or Lake. The first powered aircraft flight in the British Empire took place on the ice at Bras d’Or Lake in 1909. Unfortunately the Bell residence, Beinn Bhreagh is still owned and used by descendants of the Bell Family and is closed to the public.

[@traveleats6833]

While in Digby we bought our scallops right from the processing plant, we went to Digby Neck and hiked out to Balancing Rock. On the way home we stopped at Sandy Cove right on the beach.. and had a scallop feed, done the way we love them - lots of garlic!

[@cathywensley7819]

Welcome to the beautiful province of Nova Scotia in Canada. As you may have already noticed we have some of the most friendly people on earth. You will also discover some very beautiful and wild places along the way. The Five Islands has a nice location with a breath taking view of the islands. Parrsboro is a unique town with it's own outdoor theater. In that area there are countless waterfalls. Ask one of the locals and they will direct you to the best. Maccan Tidal Wetlands Park is not a well known area but a great place to park over night for free. The tidal wave comes in twice a day there and it is a sight to see. It should be high at the end of this month. Be sure to check out the tidal bore times which are posted online. Hope you enjoy your trip here.

[@sophienova7040]

I recommend getting a road map. So many old roads that aren’t maintained and lack of cell service makes it tricky. Enjoy your stay and welcome to Nova Scotia!

[@OverlandingSophia]

Such a great idea, the map we have doesn’t show much detail so isn’t much use for roads like that!

[@MapleMarmite]

If you go into a Staples store they sell The Back Roads of Nova Scotia map book which has all the smaller, lesser known roads in it. 👍🏻

[@heatherelliott6532]

If you haven't already, I recommend reading about Birchtown, NS. If you stop back in Halifax, I recommend a visit to the Africville church & the Black Cultural Centre for NS. There's a great book of waterfalls in NS to visit, but I'm sure you'll get lots of suggestions! The Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens are amazing & there's a microbrewery just doen the street. Your route in NB will show you some nice stuff, but you are missing out on a lot of the great Acadian sites & activities, and the stunning views of the Saint John River in Fredericton & above. The province has lots to offer, but I've found folks often miss it.

[@danc1513]

Those birds at the beginning are Bluejays :) Loud but beautiful birds. Canada's a big country so cell service will be non existant when you get deep into the woods away from urban areas or rural areas. It doesn't take long to be in very remote places.

[@mrcorey]

and, the costal roads are the worst for it. lol

[@phillyandkeely]

Guys we absolutely loved this, we giggled quite a few times. Those bushes whacking the van were crazy! Good job on the driving Ben. The dogs melt my heart, more cute close ups please

[@OverlandingSophia]

Thanks so much you two 💛💛 It was mad! It was honestly like a car wash! Glad you appreciated the map, I love being able to visualise where people are 🗺 The pups send lots of kisses and cuddles, love youuuu xxxxx

[@bobkirby2603]

Sorry bit late on Cath up, thought you would have done yourself swimming, great to see you can find the farm tracks in Canada , I find them in the UK. Thank you for taking us all along gives me a bit of a break. 👍👍🙏 Sir Barkalot send big woof

[@OverlandingSophia]

Not long until we found the swimming holes! The dirt road was a little dodgy but lots of fun... once we knew we could get out 😆

[@MegaKcheese]

Looked like you were looking for Delaps Cove when you got lost. There is an easier way to get there, 99% asphalt. Cape Split is a great hike as well. Mavilette Beach is near where you were at the end of the video. Nice sandy beach. Cheers and have a great stay!

[@OverlandingSophia]

Yes!! How did you get that?! That’s exactly the hike we were looking for. Knew there must be a better way 😅 Thanks for the tip on the Cape Split hike, got it pinned ✌️💛

[@alexisatk]

@@OverlandingSophia Dont miss cape split it is unbelievable at the end!

[@kikiski223]

Hey guys …just found your channel so am trying to catch up ..as a resident of Nova Scotia ,I must tell you of an awesome place to get fish and chips on your travels . Masstown Market has a great fish and chip spot. You can’t miss the lighthouse that is part of their complex..and the spot on the property that you get your fish and chips is called Carch of the Bay. Awesome haddock fish deep fried to perfection and it comes with a ton of chips . Also their lobster potato salad is to die for !! Hope you get to check it out …have fun and stay safe !!

[@brendaanderson292]

And check out the market for fresh veggies and delicious bakery products.

[@k.sullivan6303]

Instead of coming back South again on the Highway 101, you could come across South again on either #10 or #12. There is much more scenery that way. That could also allow you to see Bridgewater! Then you could go along the river further South toward the ocean, and take the Cable Ferry across the river and go to Lunenburg again! Why go to Lunenburg again? Because you could book reservations to go on a small fishing cruise from Lunenburg into the Atlantic. I think it might cost about 150 dollars in total for the both of you for a half day fishing trip. Likely including parking fees. You will get some good camera footage on the ferry and on the Deep Sea fishing trip. You might see some whales. Let me know if you need more info to contact the fishing excursion charter.

[@lucforand8527]

What you are calling the Northern shore is known as the Fundy shore. You went dowwn the Western shore and will be going up the Eastern shore towards Cape Breton Island. Make sure you stop at Cape Blomidon and Grand Pré on the Fundy shore. If you like wine, visit some of the local wineries before heading for Sherbrooke Village on the rugged and windy Eastern shore. If you have time on Cape Breton, go to Isle Madame, then along the coast to Fortress Louisbourg before going to Sydney, then Ste-Anne (Gaelic College) and doing the tour around the Cabot Trail. At the northern trip you should take a side trip to the village of St.Lawrence and stop in Cheticamp before going to Baddeck, one of the most charming towns on the Island. From their go to Whycocomagh and then to Mabou and stop at Port Hood (great beach). Continue down the coast an return to the mainland before heading for Pictou where you can see the Hector, a ship that brought a first load of Scots to Nova Scotia 250 years ago. From Pictou you can take the ferry to PEI go east around the Island to the home of Anne of Green Gables on the North Shore, then go to Charlottetown, partake in the best mussels anywhere, and discover its importance to the making of Canada. From there you should take a quick trip to Summerside the Acadian shore before taking the Bridge to New Brunswick. On your way to Maine stop in Fundy National Park and go see the reversing falls in St. Johns.

[@johncranwell3783]

I love your adventure spirit, exactly how I like to travel. Love it!

[@OverlandingSophia]

Ah thanks John! We love a bit of adventure, keeps you on your toes 😀💛

[@kevinhape8584]

Check you and your pups for ticks, there are a lot in the areas you are visiting. Both lyme disease and Alpha-gal syndrome (meat allergy) are in the province.

[@OverlandingSophia]

Hi Kevin! Yes we check them, and us, every day. They also have Bravecto tick treatment and have since they were pups. They were the tablets we picked up at the vets at the end of the video 🙂💛

[@kevinhape8584]

Awesome. Just wanted to make sure you knew.

[@juliehodges1387]

"...hello sweet tarmac" 😀...Well done, Ben!!

[@OverlandingSophia]

Never been so relieved to see that big swathe of dark grey road 🤣🙏

[@adelheidbrown2727]

You are going to love the Annapolis Valley. It's very beautiful. Try to get off the main roads. More picturesque and lots of pretty areas that are hidden away.

[@OverlandingSophia]

We can’t wait! As soon as get our parcels that’s where we’re heading. As you can see, we like going off the main roads 😂🙈

[@k.sullivan6303]

This was a great season in Nova Scotia for berries including wild berries. Right now you can catch the tail end of blackberry season in place near brush and brambles. The great berry season maybe why there are so many insects this year. Recipe I created for berries: Stir in a couple tablespoons of White Wine vinegar and Extra virgin light olive oil with 2 cups of berries. Add sugar or sweetener to taste. Great for just eating out of the bowl and for some salads.

[@katy2too217]

Great video, thanks. I love Nova Scotia and it’s so nice to be with Brit’s as you discover our country.🇨🇦

[@rachael1686]

Brit living in NS for last 20 years - I made that same mistake on that road about 5 years ago. In a car thankfully but had to reverse. Welcome to NS - Sorry about the crappy roads.

[@helensharratt7398]

we stumbled across your video blogs a few days ago, we are fellow Brits from a small village in North Bedfordshire now living in Halifax NS, its a pity we missed you guys as our daughter lives in Lunenburg, its amazing what you are achieving in your Sprinter Sophia, we have seen European vans parked up in the supermarket carparks across NS, French German etc and always say Hi, we have travelled a lot too in the UK favourite spot Cornwall and yes Nova Scotia is a lot like it especially the coastal towns like Lunenburg and Mahone Bay for the best fish and chip shop "Oh my Cod, we are ones to look for little places to stay off the beaten track when we travelled France Belgium and Netherlands, our favourite town is Sittard and we were very close to moving there before we decided it was Canada, oh and yes the food is extremely expensive in Canada and so is the taxes, anyways stay safe and enjoy your road trip! we have started from the beginning of your blogs and now on episode 12 Portugal 🙂

[@OverlandingSophia]

Hey Helen, such a shame we missed you too! Especially given that we were in both Lunenburg and Halifax, would have been great to catch up! We have only seen two German rigs since we've been here and they've been driving so haven't spoken to any Europeans since we've been out here! So lovely to hear that you're catching up on our backlog, Portugal was our first trip... back when the world didn't go crazy and seemed relatively normal! 😆 💛

[@asaintpi]

I live in the Maritimes and have never seen so many "off-road" roads. Please get yourselves some mosquito repellant, at any store you see. Best of luck to you, and remember Canada does have real roads and actual highways.

[@OverlandingSophia]

Don't worry, we have plenty of mosquito repellent! Thankfully since we left St Margarets Bay I haven't been bitten so think they were just particularly bad there. Google Maps has been making sure we get our fill of adventure while we're here, that's for sure 😆

[@KeepinitRealGarage]

Love these videos of our little province. Little slice of paradise

[@OverlandingSophia]

Thank you so much 💕 It really is a slice of paradise, could spend a lifetime exploring here!

[@markplenty2631]

Hey Guys, hope you’re well, sorry bit late today, that lane in the intro looks a bit of a menace lol, yes, the maps 🗺 and magnets 🧲 are a great idea! There’s a Truro too..😂, the area looks really scenic.. oh wow, Fred’s hole is beautiful.. ah river is having an amazing time ❤️.. peanut butter is amazing! Gotta have honest good reviews.. I do like seeing a good lighthouse 👌.. a good brick 🧱 trophy.. amazing service from Digby Campground ⛺️.. yeah that road looks like it’s a bit rough.. and well done on the turn at the end of that grizzly lane.. ah the sink lid, what a shame.. 😭 and 👌👍 for Ben’s driving indeed! And thank god you found the shorts… You both deserved that cup of tea! You can’t leaf 🍃 the souvenirs 😂😂.. enjoy yourselves, see you next week!

[@iangiles3360]

Hi: I live in Kingston in the Annapolis Valley. If you haven't already passed greenwood there is a free Dump station and water supply behind the greenwood Mall. Before you leave NS I would divert slightly to the Economy area. The shore is unique and there are lots of waterfalls (see alltrails) Joggins is great for fossils as well. There is also a beautiful place to stay at Moose river right beside the river. Enjoy NS. You will love Cape Breton.

[@OverlandingSophia]

This is so, so helpful! Pinned it onto Google maps, thanks so much Ian 🙏💛 Can’t wait for Cape Breton, when we eventually get there! So much to do in NS we’re getting side tracked left right and centre 😂

[@garybrown9062]

You are about a month early to see what people travel from all over the world to see. Brilliant fall colours. Especially on the Cabot Trail. N.B. also. The Saint John river valley in another month is among the most sought after scenery in the world during fall. Enjoy your trip.

[@miekaandkadoe7042]

You guys were brave taking that van down those four wheeler off roading trails. Service roads are well kept but the 4 wheeler trails can be really rough and tight lol

[@OverlandingSophia]

Haha it was a lot of fun actually, good to see if the upgrades we made to Sophia were holding out! Just a shame it didn’t lead anywhere 😂💛

[@adenaroach6265]

I absolutely love watching how excited you are exploring my province. Now I want to explore the places too. We are the most beautiful province in Canada

[@OverlandingSophia]

Hey Adena! We honestly fell in love with Nova Scotia, missing her already! 💛

[@2centschange]

Hey, Cape Bretoner here. Suggesting an addendum to your route. For one, Instead of doubling back on the highway, just go south from Margaree, and follow the south west coast. It gets you to the same place, in roughly the same time, while getting you a lot more scenery, without having to retrace your steps. There's even a distillery with a tour that way that's in a gorgeous valley. Also, I suggest not just doing the Cabot specifically. You're missing out if you don't hit Louisburg, seeing the Mira and you're best bet for amenities is in the cbrm area (sydney, glace bay, etc). It would add some time to the trip, but worth seeing. Cape Breton is the crown jewel of beauty in Nova Scotia, so its a waste to spend so much time on the mainland and breeze through Cape Breton.

[@2centschange]

One other adendum, which just adds an hour or two, but go north of the Cabot Trail. Take Bay Saint Lawrence In the small town of Cape North. It takes you to the other side of Aspy Bay. Keep going north till you hit the Cabots Landing Park. It's a giant beach with goregeous views all arround. You can keep going that road as well and get to Saint Margeret Village which is the most northern community and again, has amazing views. It's a minor detour but definately worth it.

[@OverlandingSophia]

Thanks so, so much for the recommendations, hints and tips! We can't wait to get to Cape Breton. The only reason we're hanging around here is to wait on some parcel deliveries that are taking a while to reach us. But we're hoping to spend as much time, if not more, on Cape Breton as we've spent on the mainland. There is just SO much to see in NS, we are learning that we could spend a lifetime exploring here and still have things we've missed! 💛

[@2centschange]

@@OverlandingSophia Oh, no doubt. I make the cabot trail trip yearly and I'm still seeing new things. There's tons of little nooks and crannies I could direct you to, but most would eat up a lot of your time which is why I focused on the big parts. The south west route from Canso to Louisburg is lovely too, but the roads aren't in the best shape in some sections which is why I didn't recommend that, for example. On the trail though, I suggest getting the park map where you get the park pass. Places I strongly suggest hitting (in order of what you'd see going counter clockwise). In ingonish there is cape smokey gondola, its part of the skihill and hard to miss (its a bit pricey, $40 per person canadian, so understandable if you want to skip but offers a heck of a view). There's several resturants here, I recommend the Seagull or The Coastal. Keltic Lodge (not to stay, but to drive arround as its on a penninsula and offers some great views, there's also a walking trail at the end that gives some nice views of surrounding islands, as well as a split off rock where birds nest/hatch eggs just a few meters away, so your best place to see sea birds like puffins). Ingonish Beach is a really long sandy beach, just beware the jelly fish here, you can get another view of it North of Ingonish there is Beach Head (It's a quick diversion, but is a nice little walkabout with some interesting rock formations/plants and can often be a place to spot whales/dolphins) Mary Anne Falls (IRRC, you can't drive all the way there this year but I think you can walk to it) and Warren Lake. Warren lake is an iron rich beach so it can actually appear light red. Has an amazing walking trail arround the whole lake that is definately worth it for the high chance of animal encounters and amazing trees. Black Brook, which is my personal favorite beach on the trail, and has a waterfall as well as some walking trails (Be adivsed, the road just passed here washed out recently, so expect a bit of a wait as its down to one lane). Just north of where the road is washed out is Neil's harbor. You'll want to stop here as they have a coop store and the New Haven comfort station which has showers, water, laundry and other traveler amenities. You can also keep going north on this road. It's technically off the Cabot Trail, but it meets back up with it and gives some amazing views most people miss where as the regular trail is mostly just woods for this part. Passed there is the Cape North village with the road north I mentioned before to get to Cabot's Landing. Just go in the direction of the Church to go there. You'll need to double back to this point after Cabot's landing. Keep going on the trail and enjoy the incredible valley views. I suggest stopping at lone sheiling. It's a little historical site, as well as a nice walk. After that is Pleasant Bay. If you go north through here and follow the road along the coast there's actually a little Bhuddist monastery and are usually welcome to visitors, but be respectful. Again, not a hugely known spot (most Caper's don't even know its there). After Pleasant Bay you're back to the highlands. Bog Trailhead or Big Bog is a small walking trail I highly recommend for 2 reasons. 1) Great chance to see some moose or bears (usualy in the distance) and 2) It shows some of the weirder plants we have on the island, as well as 4 types of carnivorous plants. Just stay on the boardwalk as you'll sink quite a bit. Passed that a short ways is Frenchies Lake look off. That lake is a watering hole for lots of animals, so again, high chances for moose and other wildlife. Just passed that is Skyline trail, one of our main attractions. It's a bit of a hike but the payoff is so worth it. When you drive passed it, and you're taking the winding road, stop at the looks offs. The walking trail is designed that the trail itself isn't visible, so it just looks like people walking on top of the mountain. Past that, when your back to the coast is the most famous view of Cape Breton. You'll know it when you see it, but don't forget to look in the water. I almost always see whales and dolphins in the water around here. There's a few great side stops along this way you can check out but most aren't named so have fun exploring!. Same with Cheticamp. There's a lot of things to do there, so the only one I will suggest is visiting the church (it can be seen from a distance). It's welcome to visitors outside of service time and there's a lot of great artwork in there. Keep in mind, I've basically highlighted 10% of what all there is to do on the trail and you can see how long this post was XD. I'm a photographer myself so I tried to keep it to the stuff most likely to get some great views. I didn't recommend more waterfalls because we've had a bit of a drought this summer so unless you get rain while you're here, they're not likely to be the most impressive. You can probably use the falls at black brook to give you a decent idea. Anyway, hope you enjoy your time here and never be afraid to ask for directions or recommendations from a Caper :)

[@nancyharris4913]

Great video. I found myself laughing out loud and snickering several times. (Sorry. Sometimes it was at your expense.) I loved the line, "it's just like a car wash." And who of us hasn't ever found ourselves on a disappearing road or trail and decide to keep moving forward? Finally...I saw the fins. They were majestic! (well...I kind of saw something.) Well done. Wishing you great travels.

[@OverlandingSophia]

Ah thank you Nancy! Pleased we could make you laugh, even if it was at our expense 😂 That drive was a real Canadian car wash! We actually had a lot of fun on that road, once we knew we could turn around 🙈 💛

[@shellm7261]

Looks like you'll be driving right past my house on your way back from Cape Breton. I'll watch for you in Merigomish

[@carlosdanger7907]

I have lived in Dartmouth / Halifax my entire life. I'm 33 years old and have been all around the provinces and many other provinces as well. That was the first time I had EVER heard of Blue Whales being in the Bay of Fundy! And I checked and you're absolutely right lol what an amazing piece of information. Much love to you!!

[@ashleyburns95]

Wow so fun!! I’m so excited to see the rest of this series, especially in my neck of the woods in and around Cape Breton! Enjoy your time here 🥰

[@MissusStitches]

My husband and I live in the Digby area, down on Long Island. It was cool to see this video. I think we once ventured down that same road, only we turned around much earlier.

[@rocknadeau8721]

This is great! Just fell upon you fine folks this morning ...if you pass through Dartmouth again and want a great restaurant to visit check out the Mic Mac Bar and Grill ...great food and a patio where you can bring you pupps with you ! Enjoy Nova Scotia!

[@OverlandingSophia]

Woop welcome! 🥳 That sounds right up our street, thanks for the tip! 😊 💛

[@katdoucette5329]

So excited you're here! ❤️

[@OverlandingSophia]

Thank you Kat! 💛 We miss Nova Scotia so much!

[@peterdaigle4772]

I love seeing this beautiful provinces through someone else's eyes. Enjoy!

[@OverlandingSophia]

Thank you Peter, we had the best time exploring Nova Scotia. It's a special place 💛

[@CmdrTomalak]

My wife is from Blackpool and if you're anything like she was when she arrived, you may have somewhat of a misconception about Canada's size and more importantly, the size of the forests. Don't get lost. The forests are huge and so are some of the animals. Stay safe and hope you enjoy your trip through Canada's Ocean Playground.

[@OverlandingSophia]

Well, we had a bit of introduction to the size of Canada forests! We had to fly into Montreal as the dogs couldn’t fly to Halifax, so after we landed we had a 16 hour drive to Halifax and the scenery was vast! When I get the drone up in the forests, I’m always amazed at how the forest just stretches away to the horizon. Never see anything on that scale in the UK. Truly spectacular 😍✨

[@memos5205]

5:44 😂 He´s like "nah im fine here" 🤣doesn't he swim? anyways nice to see new uploads ! Have fun and enjoy life !!!

[@OverlandingSophia]

😂😂 He doesn’t swim yet! He’s a rescue from Turkey.. has never taken to the water but he’s very curious about it. One day we think he’ll go in and love it 🐾🐾

[@passingthroughtime3033]

Very beautiful, the doggies are so sweet swimming.

[@NicoleEvans]

I’m from cape Breton and first time seeing any of your videos. It’s so nice to see Nova Scotia through your eyes! When you make your way to cape breton and the highlands I’m sure you’ll be amazed. The skyline hiking trail is probably the most famous but so many nice hikes and beaches the entire way around. Mary Ann falls is a nice swimming spot as well! If you come through Sydney way you should go further and stop by the fortress of louisbourg for lots of history and beautiful scenery.

[@BrianBaileyedtech]

Wow - I just binge watched a bunch of your videos and love them. Very well done. I spent a summer in Nova Scotia many years ago as a teenager working for the Canadian Navy as a radio operator on St. Margaret's Bay - where you started. Brings back memories. NS is one of my favourite places in North America. I am writing this in Amman Jordan where I am also on the trip of a lifetime - going to hit 100 countries by Dec. 28th this year, also in South America - Chile to be precise. Who knows, I might meet up with you somewhere on the way. Anyways best of luck and great job with the videos - very entertaining and interesting!

[@OverlandingSophia]

Thank you so much Brian, means a lot to us! I'm so happy to hear the video brought back some memories for you, we've also fallen in love with Nova Scotia... it's a really special part of the world. Not sure where in the world you are now but hope you're having a fabulous time whatever you're doing. Maybe our paths will cross, that would be wonderful 😃 Safe travels!

[@joylord6852]

Hi guys beautiful scenery and by you posting the bush track other people watching and wanting to go to the hike you were looking for know not to go the way you did and try and find a n alternative route. Good luck and safe travels.😊🏝🦋💖🦮

[@OverlandingSophia]

I hope so! Although we never did say what the hike was 😅 Hopefully people will double check the route and not go too far down old logging roads ✨💛

[@Mythos131]

I'm not sure how far your videos are behind but judging by your winter coat--I'm afraid you were here in June. This year we had the coldest June I can remember. It switched to summer a couple of days into July so I hope you got to experience that. Cabot Trail is incredible, the Halifax Waterfront is as well. You probably have gone by the Bay of Fundy already but as someone mentioned, the Bay of Fundy shores are incredible towards Parsboro. In fact if you park at the Parsboro Provincial Park day park area and follow the shoreline east 2 - 3 hours after hightide you'll see some of the most incredible scenery in NS. No longer than 2 - 3 hours after hightide because you cannot get caught by the tides hiking that shore!. You may or may not hit areas of soft mud though. But it rivals Cape Breton in beauty. Have a great journey across the continent!

[@cbnsentertainment8395]

Hey guys, if you see this, i noticed on your map you'll be coming through our close to my home town Cape Breton North Sydney/Mines. Take a look at the WWII posts that are near the coasts of the sydney harbour. Also if your in north sydney, there is a spot hidden by time. An old ski resort on top a big hill behind shoppers drug mart. It's quite a steep hill. At the top there is a cement building. I use to go there when I was a kid but never known if anything was on top of the cement building.

[@TheAdventurousHermits]

It's always so cool when KZbin recommends videos like these to me. I grew up in Digby now I live on the South Shore I love seeing it through the eyes other people! Not sure where you are at in your trip now but if you end up near Weymouth or Annapolis Royal there are spots with free water fill ups!

[@OverlandingSophia]

Ah that's awesome to hear! We're still around the Bay of Fundy waiting for our parcels! One of them got rejected so we've had to go and pick it up in Yarmouth 🙈

[@jennifercunningham2321]

Found your channel yesterday and love it! We had a VW Camper (‘99-‘03) while living in CH then FR and it enabled us to experience so much more. Sadly CDN customs wouldn’t allow us to bring it back so we had to sell before returning to Canada. Anyways, please be aware (as I’m sure you now are!) that GPS isn’t quite as accurate in N.America as it is in EU. Cities here seem fine, but otherwise it’s sometimes a bit dodgy. There have been a couple tragic stories over the last many years of GPS reliant travel gone awry. Not trying to be a downer, it just woke me up in the middle of the night worried for you and here I am. Otherwise, I admire you both for your positive outlook and respect for one another while on the adventure of a lifetime. Looking forward to catching up on where you’ve already been, as well as where your adventures take you. (If you ever decide to head westward in Canada, check out Silver Islet near Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. Also, Neys Provincial Park. Both are on Lake Superior.) Safe travels to the 4 of you!!

[@OverlandingSophia]

Hey lovely! Ah a vintage camper, they are such beautiful vehicles! Thank you so much for the kind words, and for worrying about us too! While this road was sketchy, we also knew we could follow the road back to civilisation on foot if needed. We have everything we need in the van and we knew we needed to turn around so we didn't get stuck. We love adventure but we also cautious 😊 Give our love to Nova Scotia, we miss her already! 💛

[@NovaScotiaSouthShore]

Love your video. Thanks for taking us along. And a big 👍🏻for Ben’s driving. Watching from Halifax, NS

[@OverlandingSophia]

Thanks so much Mack, and thanks for joining us! We loved Halifax 💛

[@RodRuth]

I am very glad you like Canada. There is very much to explore with adventures abound in our country. Welcome friends........

[@OverlandingSophia]

Ah we love it Rod! So much adventure to be found. And we have so much left to explore 😍💛

[@TT-zd6nr]

Nova Scotia is a long way for a Turkish street dog! Well done.

[@higgybee6509]

My Mom lived in Digby for a year in 1940 while my Dad was in the Navy based out of Halifax. When you go to Cape Breton Island you can get the best dulse to eat from Dark Harbour, Grand Manon. I pay a fortune for it on Amazon. It is an acquired taste but so good. Enjoy your trip

[@dwarfgrumpy]

You should also hit Louisbourg when up in Cape Breton.

[@maclellanjason]

I grew up on Cape Breton Island so I am a Cape Bretoner. My parents home is on the Cabot Trail. Word of advise do not do your planned figure 8. The best way to do the Cabot Trail is counter clockwise. I have been around it too many times to count and both ways. Drive down the west side of the Island. Margaree to Cheticamp to Ingonish. 50% better going that way. Have fun.

[@fortheloveofdog5622]

This was lovely, and even though I am from Dartmouth, NS.....I have never been there! Thank you and safe travels.....

[@OverlandingSophia]

Thank you! Hope you get to explore that part of NS some day, it's beautiful!

[@spAZZZ82]

I hope you guys come to New Brunswick next!, We just had a little vacation in Mahone Bay and Lunenburg, we just got home yesterday in New Brunswick.

[@mrekciw3632]

Pan fried scallops in Nova Scotia are traditionally fried in butter with the only seasoning being salt and pepper, garlic would only overpower the true flavor of the scallop. Try them freshly shucked/raw.

[@avicohen3035]

Very nice. Thank you for sharing. Its the first time I watch this channel. What Impressed me most, was this guy's eyes. The eyes are the windows of the soul. It reflects kindness, honesty and humility. I am delighted to get to know them both. I don't even know their names yet.

[@JaneHinchliffe]

Wow, that swimming 👙🩲spot was a beaut! Ha, I could just imagine you, Chesca clasping a rock, singing and filming at the same time and I'd have been that person too lol. Great driving Ben. See you next time.

[@OverlandingSophia]

It was so magical! Never wanted to leave. Haha we were a sight to behold Jane, any bears would have taken one look and run away 😂😂 xx

[@adurpina]

great van life Loved that swimming hole/picnic spot you found

[@OverlandingSophia]

Ah it was so beautiful! Really magical place 🌙✨

[@johncook3273]

LOL - welcome to the back roads in Canada - that was an actual road you were on!

[@OverlandingSophia]

Haha thankfully the first and last one like that! 🙈

[@macintosh3990]

Don't know if you've past Moncton New Brunswick yet, but if you are about to get there I recommend going to Magnetic Hill. It has a large natural illusion . It's a hill that will pull your van up the hill like magic!

[@OverlandingSophia]

You know, we REALLY wanted to do this and as were driving through NB we had a brain blank and just completely forgot. A bit gutted as we'd even watched videos of it! 🙈

[@macintosh3990]

@@OverlandingSophia QUICK, turn the van around !

[@redbaron2342]

...if you want a smoother ride on those dirtroads with washboard just air down your tires a bit. and it will be a bit smoother😉... Maybe if you do not have it on board, get a shovel and something like Maxtraxx for recovery in case you get stuck...I like watching your videos, safe travels!

[@JohnMHill-oi6rb]

They are near Annapolis Royal, where the first explorers EVER came and started a town which became the first capital of Nova Scotia, subsequently moved to Halifax (a seaport town then named for Lord Halifax), N.S., Canada.

[@cbnsentertainment8395]

Also, thank you for coming to our beautiful island

[@suewiltshire8092]

Hi Chesca and Ben, I'm so pleased you're back to weekly, it's my fix of lovely 😍. Great scenery, amazing places and you two with your beautiful relationship, not forgetting River and Scout. My dad would have loved a road like that, my poor mum would have been sitting on the floor, saying....Ron are you sure this is the right way whilst trembling.....😁. Looking forward to more great adventures, stay safe love Sue and Bryn xx

[@OverlandingSophia]

It’s so good to be back Sue! Even just to see your name pop up in the comments brought a smile to our faces, it’s like everything is feeling normal again 🥰💛 Hahah that road was so bad, but got the ol’ adrenaline pumping! 😅 Sending lots of love to you from Canada xx 💕

[@cathrynhawke8718]

When you guys are in Cape Breton - check out Uisge Ban falls. It's a 45 minute gentle hike to a beautiful falls. We managed to take 4 hours to do the hike due to the amazing scenery. flora and fungi. Our boys loved swimming in the falls as well. Enjoy!

[@matthewbent3523]

The trail you missed is so beautiful one of my favorites. You turned up too early there was a better road that would have take you to delaps cove. I assume you were looking for the boacker trail.

[@OverlandingSophia]

You're exactly right! Amazed you got the trail right from that road we were on 😆

[@suestone7791]

Excellent vlog! Ben, brilliant driving , my heart was in my mouth when the sink cover shattered. Safe travels, look forward to next week. Xx❤️

[@Cyberdine.Systems.Model-101]

"Never made it out!" LOL. Brilliant!!

[@OverlandingSophia]

He watches too much crime drama 😂

[@freduah4253]

I went all the way to Cheticamp in Nova-Scotia and for me, It was the most beautiful place have ever been in my life! 🙂

[@shanebighairybeast]

I'm very happy I found your page! Looking forward to watching the rest of your videos. Did I understand that you are going into Maine from New Brunswick? No plans to visit Quebec and Ontario?

[@OverlandingSophia]

Hey Shane, thank you so much! Hope you enjoy the videos 🥰 That’s right.. the plan is to drive down to Argentina, we are starting in Canada but not crossing all of it. We’re going to be spending the winter crossing the southern States 💛✨

[@piercemackinnon5657]

Love your videos, I just started watching your tour of the province. I find this video my favorite because I actually live right here in Digby. I'd love to know what trail you attempted to drive down but there was a trail to the beach just 100 meters or so further from where you stayed in Victoria Beach. Also one great drive would've been the islands at the end of Digby Neck, one great waterfall that is hard to find, a great cliff to see both Saint Mary's bay and the bay of Fundy, and of course the balancing rock. Glad you enjoyed the area.

[@OverlandingSophia]

Hey Pierce! We ended up spending a lot of time around Digby and had an amazing time. We were trying to get to the Delaps Cove trail, and the GPS decided to have some fun with us. It was Shore Road or something like that?? We did make our way over to Brier and Long Island. Saw the most incredible humpback whales breaching and jumping out the ocean!

[@evandugas7888]

Hi! I noticed your root is heading up towards Antigonish. If you make it to the town on a Saturday I would recommend the local farmers market. It's a great place to get food. The wheel is also the local pizza joint. Best of luck on your journey! Also Victoria Park is amazing.

[@laurah9580]

Welcome To Canada! I just watched your first two videos of your time here! You’re planned route looks perfect! I live along the Eastern Shore of NS and wish you all the best for your trip around the province! Enjoy the province (ignore the fog it burns off relatively quickly once the sun comes up) and safe travels!

[@TiffanieC85]

Welcome to Nova Scotia! I am from New Glasgow but am now living in Country Harbour. It is absolutely beautiful here! You should make your way this way if you aren't gone by yet! It is also close to the historic village of Sherbrooke which is very nice and even have reenactors that work in the village, its like going back in time! Oh and that "road" you got lost on seems more like an atv trail, they are everywhere!

[@OverlandingSophia]

Hey lovely! I think we’ll be passing that way on our way to Cape Breton, thanks for the recommendations! The village sounds awesome. Honestly we could spend a lifetime just exploring NS! ✨💛

[@theresaboudreau2206]

LOL, you'd never ruin a good Digby scallop by cooking it with garlic! Butter, salt and pepper is all.

[@dan00bhave]

this is soo cool. i spoke to you in the staples parking lot yesterday morning after you had been camped outside the store. then i found this channel and subscribed. wish we could have chatted more.

[@OverlandingSophia]

Ah I think you have us mistaken with someone else! We've been on Brier Island the past couple of days, definitely nowhere near a Staples store! 💛

[@dan00bhave]

Well. That’s interesting. I was sure it was your husband I spoke to. The person I spoke to said they were here from UK and passing through Nova Scotia. If you do stop in new minas in Annapolis valley on your way through drop into staples and say hi. Cheers.

[@annajbanana2132]

Your last video won me over and now you have a new sub. I watched the last video because it was about my neck of the woods but I enjoyed the video so much (I also love animals and your dogs are adorable) I am going to try to follow your adventure to Argentina. I wish you the best of luck and safe journey. BTW the water looks beautiful. Nova Scotia has many swimming holes. They were a part of life growing up. Fun Fun

[@voyageadventurevans]

Love the way you class it as 'fun roads' ....we have never been down anything quite that sketchy....but not far off sometimes.....But my other half would be having a meltdown....not calling it fun roads🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@0chuklz0]

I am from a small town in the middle of NS called Mount Uniacke. If you are going by there via the 101, or coming along the number 1 highway, I recommend you stop in to look at the Uniacke estate. It is a Georgian styled mansion situated on a lake, out of site of the main road. It connects to an important piece of Nova Scotia history. Your trip looks amazing so far and I look forward to seeing where else you end up. Cheers.

[@OverlandingSophia]

Sounds interesting! Thanks for the heads up. Our list of places to see in NS just gets bigger and bigger. We could spend a lifetime here 🥲

[@salscraftycreations3811]

Brings back great memories, thank you.

[@DovetailTimberworks]

Haha! Small world, we would have been there the same day probably. Looking in the background for our car! My mother is one of the artists using the old school as a studio. Enjoy Cape Breton!

[@OverlandingSophia]

Just saw this! Ah what an amazing place to have an art studio 💛 We loved Bear River 😊

[@paulbennett4548]

Have just found your channel and watched the first two episodes of Nova Scotia. Wonderful videos but a word of warning: we came out here six years ago with our RV and spent six weeks exploring the incredible east coast. Fell in love with Nova Scotia and moved here last year. We have two gigantic erratic boulders in our backyard! and we now synchronise our beach walks with the low tides. So if your by Rainbow Haven come visit us at the beach We have have our own private coffee house the 'Dead Tide cafe' It's only open for 15 minutes at the morning low tide :o) safe travels and we look forward to following your adventures.

[@OverlandingSophia]

Hahah I can see why!! It’s a beautiful part of the world, so happy for you that you’ve managed to find a home here 💛✨

[@EPsChoice]

Brilliant the way you explained where you're going to travel in Nova Scotia, with the maps.

[@pammoore3447]

Welcome to Nova Scotia. Crazy back roads, and the amazing Fundy Shore.

[@OverlandingSophia]

Thank you Pam 💛✨ Crazy back roads indeed! Fun crazy back roads 🤪

[@tinad8779]

Hi guys. Discovered your vlog today. I'm from Nova Scotia and the best place to get a great take-out of scallops or fish and chips in Digby is a little place called Ed's Takeout. If you're back that way you must stop in and try it!!! Safe travels!

[@OverlandingSophia]

Hey Tina! Ah where were you when we needed you! 😂 Will have to remember that for next time. Thank you! 💕

[@k.sullivan6303]

Never depend too much on Google for Fuel Stations in Rural NS. You could get lost getting there, and if you are low on fuel, you can wind up stuck. Also, many rural Fuel Stations close early in the day such as 5pm, and some are closed on weekends. Irving Fuel Stations are usually open 24/7.

[@sharonaddison809]

Oh how amazing was that swimming spot. Just such a brilliant video of an amazing place x

[@OverlandingSophia]

It was like paradise!! Will remember that forever 💚💚

[@thisoldnurse1521]

Usually with the hiking trails in Canada, there is a bit of a narrow road in then a place to park your vehicle. The hiking trail is marked.

[@travelswithforrestflo1239]

Great video, what a beautiful swimming spot but that road 😱 Good off road driving Ben. Looking forward to next week’s video. 💛