8+ Best Nova Scotia Travel Guides & Books


8+ Best Nova Scotia Travel Guides & Books

Publications devoted to tourism in Nova Scotia present complete data for planning and navigating journeys to this Canadian province. They sometimes embody particulars on points of interest, lodging, transportation choices, eating institutions, historic background, cultural insights, and prompt itineraries. An instance can be a quantity detailing scenic driving routes alongside the Cabot Path, recommending native seafood eating places, and outlining the historical past of the Halifax Citadel.

Such sources are invaluable for vacationers. They provide the flexibility to analysis and arrange a visit prematurely, maximizing time and minimizing potential difficulties. Traditionally, these guides have developed from easy pamphlets to detailed books and now embody digital codecs, reflecting the altering wants of vacationers and developments in know-how. This evolution underscores their enduring significance in facilitating exploration and enriching the journey expertise.

Additional exploration of this subject will delve into particular classes of knowledge discovered inside these sources, together with lodging, transportation, points of interest, and cultural experiences. Moreover, the evolution of those guides, from printed books to digital platforms, will probably be examined.

1. Locations

Vacation spot listings type a cornerstone of any efficient Nova Scotia journey information. These listings transcend merely naming areas; they supply detailed insights into the character and choices of every place, enabling knowledgeable decision-making. A well-crafted information connects the traveler’s pursuits with appropriate locations, whether or not historic websites just like the Fortress of Louisbourg, pure wonders just like the Bay of Fundy tides, or vibrant city facilities like Halifax. The cause-and-effect relationship is evident: complete vacation spot data results in extra fulfilling journey experiences. For instance, a information may spotlight Peggy’s Cove’s iconic lighthouse and rugged shoreline, attracting these in search of picturesque surroundings, whereas concurrently suggesting the Halifax Public Gardens for vacationers concerned with city inexperienced areas.

The sensible significance of this connection lies in its influence on journey planning. Detailed descriptions, accompanied by high-quality images and maybe even prompt itineraries, enable vacationers to visualise their expertise and allocate time successfully. This pre-trip analysis minimizes the danger of disappointment and maximizes the potential for discovery. As an example, a information may element the accessibility options of a specific museum, essential data for vacationers with mobility limitations. Alternatively, it’d spotlight the optimum time of 12 months to go to Cape Breton Highlands Nationwide Park for fall foliage viewing, enhancing the traveler’s appreciation of the pure panorama.

In abstract, the effectiveness of a Nova Scotia journey information hinges on the depth and accuracy of its vacation spot data. This data empowers vacationers to curate customized experiences, aligning their pursuits with the province’s numerous choices. The ensuing influence is a extra knowledgeable, pleasant, and in the end, extra significant journey expertise.

2. Lodging

Complete data relating to lodging varieties a important part of any efficient Nova Scotia journey information. The vary of lodging choices out there considerably influences a traveler’s expertise, impacting each finances and general consolation. Guides present important particulars, together with pricing, facilities, location, and phone data, enabling knowledgeable choices. This detailed data straight impacts the standard of a traveler’s keep. For instance, a information may evaluate and distinction the facilities supplied by a seaside resort versus a country cabin, permitting vacationers to pick out an lodging fashion aligning with their preferences and finances. The cause-and-effect relationship is evident: entry to complete lodging particulars empowers vacationers to make selections that improve their general journey satisfaction.

Sensible functions of this data are quite a few. Vacationers in search of an expensive expertise can make the most of information suggestions to find resorts providing spa providers and high quality eating. Conversely, budget-conscious vacationers can make the most of listings of hostels or campgrounds to reduce lodging bills. Particular particulars, equivalent to pet-friendly insurance policies or accessibility options, enable vacationers to filter choices and determine lodging assembly their exact wants. As an example, a household touring with younger kids may prioritize lodging with kitchen services and close by playgrounds, whereas a solo traveler may choose a centrally positioned lodge with quick access to public transportation. The information successfully serves as a personalised planning instrument, tailor-made to particular person journey types and necessities.

In abstract, lodging particulars inside a Nova Scotia journey information straight affect a traveler’s potential to plan a profitable journey. The information’s effectiveness hinges on the accuracy and comprehensiveness of those listings, empowering knowledgeable decision-making. This knowledgeable choice course of in the end contributes to a extra pleasant and stress-free journey expertise, aligning lodging selections with particular person wants and preferences.

3. Transportation

Efficient navigation of Nova Scotia requires a complete understanding of the out there transportation choices. A journey information devoted to the province performs an important position in offering this data, empowering vacationers to plan environment friendly and pleasant journeys. Detailed transportation data straight impacts the feasibility and comfort of exploring numerous locations, influencing itinerary growth and general journey satisfaction.

  • Highway Journey

    Nova Scotia affords a well-developed street community, making automobile leases a well-liked alternative for exploring the province. Journey guides sometimes present data on rental companies, driving rules, and street circumstances. Detailed street maps, usually included inside these guides, facilitate navigation, notably in rural areas. Sensible recommendation, equivalent to highlighting scenic coastal drives or suggesting optimum routes between common locations, enhances the street journey expertise. For instance, a information may suggest the Cabot Path for its beautiful coastal views or recommend avoiding sure highways throughout peak site visitors seasons.

  • Ferry Companies

    Ferry providers join mainland Nova Scotia with numerous islands, together with Cape Breton Island and Prince Edward Island. Journey guides present important particulars on ferry schedules, fares, and reservation procedures. This data is essential for planning inter-island journey, making certain seamless connections and minimizing potential delays. Understanding ferry schedules additionally permits vacationers to optimize their itineraries, maximizing time spent exploring every vacation spot. A information may element the assorted ferry routes out there, highlighting variations in journey time and frequency.

  • Public Transportation

    Public transportation, together with bus networks, affords an economical and environmentally pleasant different to non-public autos, notably for navigating city areas like Halifax. Journey guides usually embody data on bus routes, schedules, and fares, facilitating journey inside cities and cities. This data allows vacationers to make the most of public transportation effectively, minimizing reliance on personal autos and probably lowering journey bills. For instance, a information may element make the most of the Halifax Transit system, together with data on buying tickets and navigating numerous routes.

  • Air Journey

    Whereas primarily utilized for reaching Nova Scotia, air journey additionally performs a job in inter-regional journey inside the province. Journey guides could present data on regional airports, connecting flights, and airline providers. This data is especially related for vacationers in search of to discover extra distant areas or optimize journey time between distant locations inside Nova Scotia. A information may define flight choices between Halifax and Sydney, facilitating journey to Cape Breton Island.

The great protection of those numerous transportation choices underscores the sensible worth of a Nova Scotia journey information. By offering detailed data on street journey, ferry providers, public transportation, and air journey, these guides empower vacationers to make knowledgeable choices, optimizing their journeys and making certain a clean and environment friendly exploration of the province. This complete strategy to transportation data contributes considerably to a extra pleasant and fulfilling journey expertise.

4. Actions

A complete journey information to Nova Scotia should present detailed data on out there actions, catering to numerous pursuits and journey types. Exercise listings bridge the hole between traveler aspirations and on-the-ground experiences, facilitating knowledgeable decision-making and enriching journey itineraries. This part explores key aspects of exercise data inside the context of a Nova Scotia journey information.

  • Out of doors Adventures

    Nova Scotia affords a wealth of out of doors actions, from climbing and kayaking to whale watching and tidal bore rafting. A journey information particulars these choices, offering data on areas, gear leases, tour operators, and issue ranges. For instance, the information may describe climbing trails inside Cape Breton Highlands Nationwide Park, outlining path lengths, elevation modifications, and scenic viewpoints. This data permits vacationers to pick out actions aligned with their health ranges and pursuits, maximizing enjoyment and minimizing potential dangers. Moreover, the information could spotlight one of the best instances of 12 months for particular actions, equivalent to whale watching season or optimum kayaking circumstances.

  • Historic & Cultural Experiences

    Exploring Nova Scotia’s wealthy historical past and vibrant tradition constitutes a major facet of the customer expertise. Journey guides element historic websites, museums, artwork galleries, and cultural occasions, offering historic context, working hours, admission charges, and accessibility data. As an example, a information may describe the Fortress of Louisbourg Nationwide Historic Web site, outlining its historic significance and detailing out there guided excursions. This data permits vacationers to attach with the province’s heritage, enriching their understanding of Nova Scotia’s previous and current.

  • Meals & Drink Experiences

    Culinary tourism performs an more and more essential position in journey experiences. Nova Scotia journey guides usually function suggestions for native eating places, wineries, breweries, and farmers’ markets. Detailed listings may embody restaurant critiques, menu highlights, worth ranges, and knowledge on native specialties, equivalent to seafood chowder or Nova Scotian wines. This data allows vacationers to discover the native culinary scene, enhancing their appreciation of regional flavors and supporting native companies.

  • Festivals & Occasions

    Nova Scotia hosts quite a lot of festivals and occasions all year long, celebrating music, artwork, tradition, and native traditions. Journey guides sometimes embody a calendar of occasions, offering dates, areas, and descriptions of festivals. This data permits vacationers to include these occasions into their itineraries, experiencing the vibrancy of Nova Scotian communities and probably discovering distinctive cultural expressions. For instance, a information may spotlight the Celtic Colors Worldwide Competition, offering particulars on efficiency schedules and ticket data.

The inclusion of detailed exercise data inside a Nova Scotia journey information considerably enhances its sensible worth. By providing numerous choices catering to varied pursuits, these guides empower vacationers to craft customized itineraries, maximizing their engagement with the province’s choices. The result’s a richer, extra fulfilling journey expertise, connecting vacationers with the essence of Nova Scotia.

5. Historical past & Tradition

A deep understanding of Nova Scotia’s historical past and tradition varieties an integral a part of any complete journey expertise inside the province. Publications serving as guides to the area invariably dedicate important parts to historic narratives and cultural contexts. This inclusion stems from the popularity that appreciating a spot requires understanding its previous and the cultural nuances shaping its current. A cause-and-effect relationship exists between historic information and the depth of journey experiences: knowledgeable vacationers acquire a richer appreciation for the importance of landmarks, traditions, and the general cultural panorama. For instance, understanding the historical past of the Mi’kmaq folks, Nova Scotia’s Indigenous inhabitants, gives a deeper context for experiencing their cultural websites and traditions. Equally, information of the area’s Acadian heritage enhances a go to to Grand-Pr Nationwide Historic Web site, a poignant reminder of the Nice Upheaval. The sensible significance of together with such data inside journey guides lies in its potential to rework sightseeing right into a significant engagement with the province’s heritage.

Journey guides sometimes delve into numerous historic durations, from the earliest Indigenous settlements to European colonization, the wrestle for independence, and the province’s evolution into its fashionable type. This historic narrative gives a framework for understanding the varied cultural influences which have formed Nova Scotia. For instance, the affect of Scottish settlers is obvious within the Gaelic traditions nonetheless practiced in Cape Breton, whereas the legacy of Black Loyalists may be explored on the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia. These cultural threads, woven into the material of Nova Scotian society, enrich the customer expertise, providing alternatives to attach with numerous communities and traditions. Sensible functions of this historic and cultural information may embody selecting to attend a conventional Mi’kmaq Mawio’mi gathering or taking part in a Gaelic milling frolic, remodeling passive remark into lively cultural engagement.

In abstract, the inclusion of historical past and tradition inside Nova Scotia journey guides serves an important function. It gives vacationers with the context crucial to understand the complexities of the province’s identification. This understanding transforms a easy go to right into a journey of discovery, fostering a deeper reference to the folks, locations, and tales that outline Nova Scotia. The problem lies in presenting this data in an attractive and accessible method, making certain it enhances the sensible elements of journey planning whereas enriching the general journey expertise.

6. Meals & Drink

Culinary exploration varieties an integral a part of the Nova Scotia journey expertise. A complete journey information acknowledges this significance, dedicating important content material to the province’s foods and drinks scene. This data empowers vacationers to interact with native culinary traditions, supporting regional economies and enriching their general understanding of Nova Scotian tradition. The next aspects illustrate the varied culinary panorama captured inside these guides.

  • Seafood

    Nova Scotia’s intensive shoreline gives ample entry to recent seafood. Journey guides usually spotlight the significance of seafood within the native food regimen, that includes suggestions for eating places specializing in dishes like lobster rolls, Digby scallops, and haddock chowder. These suggestions may embody particular institutions identified for his or her recent catches or distinctive preparation types. This emphasis on seafood displays its cultural and financial significance inside the province, offering vacationers with an genuine culinary expertise.

  • Native Produce & Agriculture

    The Annapolis Valley, identified for its fertile farmland, performs a major position in Nova Scotia’s agricultural panorama. Journey guides usually function data on farmers’ markets, farm-to-table eating places, and alternatives to expertise native produce, equivalent to apples, blueberries, and Tidal Bay grapes. This data connects vacationers with the agricultural heartland of the province, supporting native producers and providing recent, seasonal eating experiences. Guides may recommend visiting an area apple orchard throughout harvest season or suggest a restaurant identified for its use of regionally sourced substances.

  • Wineries & Breweries

    Nova Scotia boasts a rising wine and craft beer business. Journey guides usually embody particulars on wineries, breweries, and distillery excursions, highlighting native specialties like Tidal Bay wine or craft beers brewed with regionally grown hops. This data caters to vacationers concerned with exploring the province’s beverage scene, providing alternatives to pattern native merchandise and study in regards to the manufacturing course of. Guides may recommend a wine-tasting tour alongside the Bay of Fundy or suggest a go to to a craft brewery in Halifax.

  • Culinary Experiences & Occasions

    Journey guides usually lengthen past easy restaurant listings to include data on culinary experiences and occasions. These may embody cooking courses specializing in regional dishes, meals festivals celebrating native produce, or guided culinary excursions exploring particular areas or culinary traditions. Such experiences present immersive alternatives to interact with Nova Scotia’s meals tradition, shifting past passive consumption to lively participation. As an example, a information may spotlight a seafood cooking class in Lunenburg or suggest attending the annual Halifax Oyster Competition.

The detailed protection of foods and drinks inside Nova Scotia journey guides underscores its significance as a core ingredient of the customer expertise. By offering complete data on seafood, native produce, wineries and breweries, and culinary occasions, these guides empower vacationers to discover the varied flavors of the province. This culinary exploration enriches the general journey expertise, fostering deeper connections with native tradition, supporting regional economies, and creating lasting recollections by shared meals and distinctive culinary discoveries.

7. Budgeting Recommendation

Efficient budgeting performs an important position in journey planning, enabling vacationers to maximise their experiences whereas adhering to monetary constraints. Throughout the context of a Nova Scotia journey information, budgeting recommendation gives important data, empowering knowledgeable monetary decision-making and making certain a stress-free journey. This part explores key aspects of budgeting recommendation sometimes discovered inside such guides.

  • Lodging Prices

    Lodging bills usually represent a good portion of journey budgets. Guides sometimes supply a variety of lodging choices, from budget-friendly hostels and campgrounds to mid-range inns and luxurious resorts. Offering worth ranges for various lodging sorts permits vacationers to estimate prices and choose choices aligning with their finances. For instance, a information may evaluate the common nightly price of a hostel in Halifax with that of a resort in Cape Breton, enabling vacationers to make knowledgeable selections primarily based on their monetary limitations and desired degree of consolation. This data empowers vacationers to prioritize lodging selections strategically inside their general finances.

  • Transportation Bills

    Transportation prices, together with automobile leases, ferry fares, and public transit charges, signify one other important budgetary consideration. Journey guides supply insights into transportation choices and related bills, enabling vacationers to estimate prices and make knowledgeable selections. For instance, a information may evaluate the price of renting a automobile versus using public transportation for exploring Halifax, empowering vacationers to pick out essentially the most cost-effective choice primarily based on their itinerary and journey fashion. This data facilitates finances optimization, permitting vacationers to allocate sources successfully.

  • Exercise & Attraction Charges

    Entrance charges for points of interest, museums, and arranged excursions can considerably influence journey budgets. Guides usually record admission costs, enabling vacationers to anticipate bills and prioritize actions primarily based on their monetary constraints. For instance, a information may element the price of visiting the Fortress of Louisbourg Nationwide Historic Web site, permitting vacationers to issue this expense into their finances and decide its feasibility. This detailed data allows knowledgeable decision-making, making certain that vacationers can have interaction in actions aligning with their monetary sources.

  • Meals & Drink Budgets

    Eating bills represent a variable however unavoidable facet of journey budgets. Journey guides usually present worth ranges for various eating institutions, from informal eateries to high quality eating eating places. This data permits vacationers to anticipate meal prices and allocate funds accordingly. For instance, a information may recommend budget-friendly eating choices in Halifax, equivalent to meals vans or native markets, empowering vacationers to handle meals bills with out compromising their culinary experiences. This steering facilitates finances planning, making certain that vacationers can get pleasure from native delicacies whereas adhering to their monetary constraints.

The inclusion of complete budgeting recommendation inside a Nova Scotia journey information enhances its sensible worth. By offering detailed data on lodging prices, transportation bills, exercise charges, and meals budgets, these guides empower vacationers to make knowledgeable monetary choices. This monetary consciousness allows vacationers to maximise their experiences inside their budgetary limits, minimizing monetary stress and enhancing the general enjoyment of their Nova Scotia journey.

8. Sensible Ideas

Sensible ideas inside a Nova Scotia journey information improve the general journey expertise by anticipating and addressing frequent traveler issues. The following tips, starting from packing necessities to navigating native customs, empower vacationers to beat potential challenges, making certain a smoother and extra pleasant journey. A cause-and-effect relationship exists between entry to sensible recommendation and the chance of a profitable journey: ready vacationers encounter fewer unexpected difficulties, resulting in elevated journey satisfaction. For instance, recommendation on packing acceptable rain gear for Nova Scotia’s changeable climate can forestall discomfort and disruption of deliberate actions. Equally, recommendations on understanding native tipping customs can keep away from social awkwardness and guarantee respectful interactions with service suppliers. The inclusion of sensible ideas demonstrates a dedication to traveler well-being, remodeling a probably tense expertise right into a extra relaxed and pleasant one.

Sensible functions of the following pointers are quite a few and different. Recommendation on foreign money change and banking providers may also help vacationers handle funds effectively. Recommendations on accessing dependable web connectivity can facilitate communication and navigation. Suggestions for acceptable footwear for exploring coastal trails or historic websites improve security and luxury. Steering on native etiquette, equivalent to correct greetings or eating customs, can foster constructive interactions with native communities. Even seemingly minor particulars, equivalent to suggesting insect repellent throughout mosquito season, exhibit a radical understanding of the potential challenges vacationers may face. These sensible insights, usually gleaned from native experience and expertise, contribute considerably to a constructive and stress-free journey expertise.

In abstract, the inclusion of sensible ideas inside a Nova Scotia journey information demonstrates a dedication to traveler preparedness. These seemingly small particulars play a major position in enhancing journey satisfaction, empowering vacationers to navigate potential challenges with confidence. The effectiveness of the following pointers depends on their accuracy, relevance, and readability, making certain they’re readily understood and utilized by vacationers. This consideration to sensible element transforms a typical journey information into a useful useful resource, fostering a extra pleasant, knowledgeable, and in the end, extra profitable Nova Scotia journey expertise.

Steadily Requested Questions

This part addresses frequent inquiries relating to journey inside Nova Scotia, offering concise and informative responses.

Query 1: What’s the optimum time to go to Nova Scotia?

The most effective time to go to is dependent upon particular person preferences. Summer time (June-August) affords heat climate ultimate for outside actions, but additionally experiences peak vacationer season. Spring (Could-June) and autumn (September-October) supply nice temperatures, fewer crowds, and vibrant foliage. Winter (November-April) attracts these concerned with winter sports activities, however some points of interest could have restricted accessibility.

Query 2: Is a automobile important for exploring Nova Scotia?

Whereas a automobile affords flexibility, it isn’t strictly important. Public transportation, together with bus networks and ferries, connects main cities and cities. Nonetheless, a automobile is really helpful for exploring extra distant areas or coastal areas at one’s personal tempo.

Query 3: What are the everyday lodging prices in Nova Scotia?

Lodging prices range relying on the kind of lodging and placement. Price range-friendly choices like hostels and campgrounds supply decrease charges, whereas inns and resorts command greater costs, notably throughout peak season. Advance reserving is really helpful, particularly throughout summer season months.

Query 4: What are the must-see points of interest in Nova Scotia?

Should-see points of interest range relying on particular person pursuits, however common locations embody the Cabot Path, Peggy’s Cove, the Bay of Fundy, the Halifax Citadel Nationwide Historic Web site, and the Fortress of Louisbourg Nationwide Historic Web site. Researching points of interest prematurely permits for environment friendly itinerary planning.

Query 5: What foreign money is utilized in Nova Scotia?

The Canadian greenback (CAD) is the official foreign money. Bank cards are broadly accepted, however carrying some money is advisable for smaller companies or rural areas.

Query 6: What language is spoken in Nova Scotia?

English is the first language. Nonetheless, French can also be spoken in some communities, notably these with Acadian heritage. Mi’kmaw, the language of the Mi’kmaq folks, can also be spoken in sure Indigenous communities.

Cautious planning and analysis contribute considerably to a profitable Nova Scotia journey. Consulting complete journey guides and using on-line sources gives beneficial data to handle particular journey wants and improve the general expertise.

Additional sections inside this information will supply detailed explorations of particular areas, points of interest, and actions inside Nova Scotia.

Ideas for Vacationers in Nova Scotia

Cautious planning enhances any journey expertise. The next ideas present sensible insights for navigating Nova Scotia, making certain a clean and rewarding journey.

Tip 1: E-book Lodging in Advance

Particularly throughout peak season (summer season and vacation durations), reserving lodging effectively prematurely is essential. This proactive strategy secures most popular lodging selections and probably affords higher charges. Final-minute bookings could restrict availability or end in greater bills, notably in common vacationer locations.

Tip 2: Pack for Assorted Climate Situations

Nova Scotia’s climate may be unpredictable, even inside a single day. Packing layers of clothes permits adaptation to altering temperatures and circumstances. Important gadgets embody rain gear, comfy strolling footwear, and a light-weight jacket, even throughout summer season months. This preparedness ensures consolation no matter climate fluctuations.

Tip 3: Analysis Transportation Choices Totally

Understanding transportation choices earlier than arrival facilitates environment friendly journey inside the province. Exploring choices equivalent to automobile leases, ferry schedules, and public transportation routes permits knowledgeable choices aligned with particular person journey types and budgets. This pre-trip analysis streamlines journey logistics and probably reduces transportation bills.

Tip 4: Respect Native Customs and Etiquette

Demonstrating respect for native customs contributes to constructive interactions with residents. Researching primary etiquette, equivalent to tipping practices or acceptable greetings, demonstrates cultural sensitivity and fosters goodwill. This consciousness enhances the general journey expertise, selling respectful engagement with native communities.

Tip 5: Embrace the Native Delicacies

Exploring native culinary choices enriches any journey expertise. Sampling regional specialties, equivalent to recent seafood or regionally produced wines, gives genuine cultural insights and helps native companies. Venturing past acquainted culinary comforts enhances appreciation for regional flavors and culinary traditions.

Tip 6: Plan for Potential Ferry Delays

Ferry journey, notably to Cape Breton Island, may be topic to delays on account of climate or mechanical points. Constructing flexibility into journey itineraries accommodates potential disruptions, minimizing stress and making certain clean transitions between locations. This preparedness mitigates the influence of unexpected delays, preserving the general enjoyment of the journey.

Tip 7: Take Benefit of Offline Sources

Whereas web entry is mostly out there, having offline maps, guidebooks, or downloaded data ensures entry to important particulars, even in areas with restricted connectivity. This preparedness enhances navigational capabilities and gives constant entry to essential data, no matter web availability.

Cautious consideration to those sensible ideas enhances journey preparedness and contributes considerably to a constructive and rewarding Nova Scotia journey expertise. These insights empower knowledgeable decision-making, facilitating clean transitions and maximizing enjoyment of the province’s numerous choices.

The next part concludes this exploration of Nova Scotia as a journey vacation spot, summarizing key takeaways and providing last suggestions for potential vacationers.

Conclusion

Exploration of sources devoted to Nova Scotia tourism reveals their essential position in facilitating knowledgeable journey planning and enriching customer experiences. Complete guides present detailed insights into locations, lodging, transportation choices, actions, historic and cultural contexts, culinary choices, and sensible journey ideas. These sources empower vacationers to navigate the province successfully, maximize their engagement with its numerous choices, and create memorable experiences.

Cautious consideration of the data offered inside these guides permits for customized itinerary growth, catering to particular person pursuits and budgetary constraints. Efficient utilization of those sources contributes considerably to a extra rewarding and fulfilling Nova Scotia journey expertise, fostering deeper appreciation for the province’s distinctive character and numerous points of interest. Thorough pre-trip analysis, knowledgeable by complete journey guides, stays important for unlocking the total potential of a Nova Scotia journey.