Beautiful and wild, Nova Scotia provides a sort of ruggedness one cannot easily find in today’s industrialized world. The natural landscape of Nova Scotia is indisputably fantastic, including eagle and whale spotting, dense forests gouged by rivers of black water and heart-stopping views of the ocean. Nova Scotia also boasts the mixture the native Mi’kmaw, the Scottish, African Nova Scotians and French Acadians. The history of this place is a rich, intricate tapestry of cultures and stories.
Nova Scotia is a place that encourages us to unplug from our frequent distractions and experience the wild beauty and strength of God. Here, pilgrims will have a chance to stumble upon new and old tales as they journey through the Canadian north on their mission trip.
Overview
- Worship together in the seat of Scottish Anglicanism in Nova Scotia: St. Andrew’s Church.
- Escape the frenetic pace of your daily life through Nova Scotia’s remoteness.
- Once-in-a-lifetime hiking through places of extreme natural wonder.
- Find time for a music exchange at a Scottish dance hall.
- Work on a sweat lodge for a local tribe.
Itinerary
Every Wonder Voyage itinerary (mission trip and/or pilgrimage) is personalized to the desires, direction and personality of each group. This itinerary is only a description of the kind of journey we can create for your unique team.
- Day 1 – A Place Called Nova Scotia
The team will take a day of travel from their homes to the beautiful land of Nova Scotia. You will soon be on Cape Breton, known as the halo of NS. But tonight you have three main objectives: a hearty meal, a time of orientation, and a soft bed. It will be nice to rest and take in the peaceful surroundings. - Day 2 –Set Apart
Our pilgrims will start their week of exploration and introspection, creating a monastic rhythm. This team will discover both the love of God through creation and growth as a community. Today, we let the group sleep in a bit then explore the quiet grounds of our home. - Day 3 – A Very Different Place
After a good breakfast we take off for a ride up to Cape Breton and our home for the next few days. This heavily forested Eden is the clashing point of three cultures: Native, Scottish and Canadian. You will be staying in a quaint farmhouse at a retreat center that sits at the center of local native mythology. At night, Celtic music resonates throughout the island. - Day 4 – Come, Hear a Story
To begin to understand the complicated history of Cape Breton we must travel back a few hundred years to the heart of her first inhabitants, the Native population. Today we will hear the stories of local storyteller and native guide from the MI’KMAQ tribe. He will teach us the history and stories that emanate from these very sacred grounds. We may even be able to taste a bit of moose stew. - Day 5 – A Memorable Meal
In the morning we will join our guide for a local hike significant to the native population of Cape Breton. Walking the steps of the ancients is a gift and we will partake of it with all our hearts. When we return we will go to Baddeck for a bit of shopping to prepare a meal. This is an opportunity for the team to join as community and show true hospitality to the leaders of the trip. - Day 6 – A Holy Place
Today we will celebrate at a local Anglican congregation typical to the island. The architecture of the church is typical to old sailing towns as the ceiling is an upside down ship. We will celebrate the Eucharist with the Anglican Communion and be reminded of how universal the church really is in our world. Lunch will be at a fantastic little seafood place that serves the best chowder on the island. You’ll even have a chance to explore the tiny town of Neil’s Harbor. - Day 7 – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Hike
One of the most powerful ways God reveals His love to us is through nature. There are beautiful places to hike all over Cape Breton but today we will visit one of the best (and only the locals know about it!). We will hike ancient trails once used by the Native population and head to Indian Brook Falls in search of ancient artifacts. - Day 8 – A Pilgrimʼs Reflection
It has been a magical week in Cape Breton and our pilgrims have spent days in exploration and nights in introspection. This team has discovered both Native and Celtic roots while experiencing the love of God through creation. We will have stories to tell.
Legacy Location
Legacy in Nova Scotia
- *This is the base cost of the trip. Your cost may differ depending on housing, activities, etc.
