Dates Oct 11–17, 2008
Leader Julie Eggers
Fee $2,295 from Halifax, Nova Scotia
Deposit $400
Limit 8
Terms and Conditions

Rugged rocky headlands, lighthouses carved into granite ledges, quiet harbors on foggy mornings, tide pools and crashing waves, and hillsides of blazing fall-colored maples—all of these highlights describe the exciting photographic potential of our women-only photo tour of Nova Scotia in October.

On the “Lighthouse Route”—a quiet and extremely photogenic backwater of maritime Canada—we experience
the craggy, convoluted and sometimes brooding coastline where scenic coastal villages are tucked into quiet protected bays and fishermen still row their wooden dories out to sea. Here the rhythm of life moves in harmony with the changing tides. We shed the stress of day-to-day life and explore the region’s coastal splendor and historic charm to capture the essence of Nova Scotia’s island-studded seacoast—with the added dimension of sharing the world of travel and photography through a woman’s perspective.

Nova Scotia has the largest number of lighthouses of any province in Canada. Along the Lighthouse Route there are more than 20 structures with a wealth of opportunities to capture them in varied light and changing sky throughout the day. Imagine traveling where lobster traps are piled high on weathered docks, and lichen-encrusted, sun-bleached shingles of waterfront fishhouses create the perfect backdrop
for colorful “pot buoys” hanging on the walls. Our visit is timed for the predicted peak of autumn color in the Maritimes. With luck we photograph not only the vibrant colors themselves, but also their reflections mirrored in tranquil ponds and quiet coves.

Peggy’s Cove is certainly among the most photographed locations in Canada. This small idyllic fishing village perched along a narrow ocean inlet provides a safe haven for boats during the North Atlantic’s rough weather. We spend a day photographing its charming environs and famous lighthouse situated on a wave-washed ledge facing the blue Atlantic.

Nearby Lunenburg is another of Nova Scotia’s most historic and photogenic towns, and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its colorful
waterfront, narrow streets and captivating architecture radiate the flavor of the town’s seafaring heritage. The early settlers of 1753 were primarily farmers, but they quickly turned to the sea for their livelihood, building a world-class cod fishery and shipbuilding industry. At the turn of the century Lunenburg’s schooner fleet sailed the Grand Banks, competing with the Yankee fishermen of New England to bring home an incredible profusion of cod. In present day, the harbor with its tall ships and wooden fishing boats is extremely camera-friendly and has been the set location for several major feature films.

This informative, relaxed photo shoot in “Canada’s Ocean Playground” is offered to women of all photographic skill levels. As we pick our way northward along the coast, our group will be rewarded with an abundance of captivating images, informative instruction and congenial company.



Day 1 (Oct 11)
We meet at the Halifax, Nova Scotia airport and drive to our first lodging in Shelburne. We meet this evening for dinner. (D)

Days 2–6
We have a wealth of photographic opportunities during the next five full days as we slowly work our way northward along the rugged coastline. We start in the attractive “Loyalist” town of Shelburne—where 10,000
“New Yorkers” arrived on its shores in 1783 to remain loyal to the British Crown. (The promise of free land was probably a bigger incentive.) Out in the field, our photographic possibilities include the many bays, islands and inlets dotted with picturesque lighthouses—as well as several charming historic villages tucked into sheltered bays and inlets. Each day’s actual itinerary and field topic will depend on the light and weather, but we will maximize photographic time and instructional opportunities in the field. (BLD)

Day 7 (Oct 17)
Our travels end following our drive from Peggy’s Cove to the Halifax airport this morning. Please schedule your homeward flight for no earlier than noon. (B)





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