Hants RDA Promotes Hants County Tourism

Hants County is home to the World’s Highest Recorded Tides – but that’s not the only reason visitors are riding the wave of adventure in Hants County. The Fundy Shore region of Hants County affords visitors with an unparalleled view of the Minas Basin and the Bay of Fundy as well as the chance to experience the maritime heritage of the shore.

On July 14, 2011 the Hants Regional Development Authority invited representatives of the tourism industry from all over Nova Scotia to experience firsthand the adventure that awaits visitors to our area.  “The Hants County FAM tour was an initiative introduced by the Hants Regional Development Authority in 2007, as a way to educate individuals in the tourism industry on key locations in Hants in order to attract more visitors to the region,” says Hants RDA Executive Director Claude O’Hara.

More than forty participants enjoyed a complimentary visit to key locations within the county.  Their day started early and included stops in Windsor, such as the Haliburton House and Howard Dill Enterprises.   Participants were amazed by the process involved in growing the giant pumpkins.  The tour then moved on to the Avondale area for a tour of the Avon River Heritage Museum and the Avondale Sky Winery. Following a tour of the vineyard, the group travelled to the Fundy Shore Region to Cheverie Crossway, Walton Lighthouse and Burncoat Head Park.  While at Cheverie, participants were treated to a lecture on the development of the Cheverie Crossway and the building of a Camera Obscura to study the incredible change from low tide to high tide.  During a stop at Shubenacadie River Runners, participants received a demonstration of the thrill that awaits visitors on the Shubenacadie River during a tidal bore rafting excursion, followed by a stop at the Fundy Tidal Interpretive Centre to experience the view from the tidal bore observation deck.  The day ended with a visit to the Art Gallery 215 in Selma and a stop at the look off at the Courthouse hill.  The participants were amazed at the range of talent on display at the gallery and many were heard to say that they plan to return at a later date.

“The trip was very enjoyable and it amazes me the talents and places Hants County offers,” says Janice Bregante, owner of Meander Inn in Windsor. “I now understand why our guests say it takes so long to travel from Maitland to Windsor - they need to check out everything on the way and there’s a lot!”

Tourism initiatives such as this are offered through Hants RDA’s Regional Promotion Programs to help connect businesses and community groups to the resources they need to compete internationally. Working with the Hants RDA’s team, local businesses and community groups involved in tourism were given the opportunity to educate representatives of the tourism industry on the many attractions available in Hants County for visitors. “It was awesome to get to see some of our amazing sights, and everyone I talked to was very impressed with what we have to offer,” says Rob Frost, Business Development, Hants RDA.

For more information on locating or growing a business in Hants, visit www.hantscounty.com