North(East)ern Exposure: Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia and its surrounding islands are home to a resilient, hardworking population composed of small communities. We explore identity and community through different immersions and explorations with local people.

Learning Objectives

Students build a better understanding of how small communities become self-sustaining during times of retreat from the outside world.

Students explore the ecosystem of the region and analyze how local conservation efforts align with touristic endeavours.

Participants use the focal point of “Oak Island” to deepen engagement with history and methods used during a real-life treasure hunt.

Lenses of Inquiry

Sustainable Communities

Conservation and Commerce

Indigenous Ways of Being

Places and Activities

This program is flexible, and can be offered in 3, 5, or 7 day itineraries.

Day 1-2: People of the Sea

We take the first two days to get to know local people in Halifax, using our empathic interviewing structure to understand how the community functions. At the Maritime Museum, we understand the central role that water has played in the region’s development. Afterwards, we deepen our understanding by spending the morning on a lobster boat and an afternoon interviewing members of the lobstering community.

Day 3-4: Venturing Out

We leave the city to explore Prince Edward Island National Park, learning and applying the principles of the Leave No Trace philosophy and carrying out a beach hike and clean-up. We get a kayaking lesson from a local biologist and carry out a lake survey, getting up to speed on ecology in the region.

Day 5-6: Hidden Narratives

Our visit to the Membertou Heritage Park gives us a deeper understanding of the rich indigenous history of the region. We participate in a Celtic, Acadian, and Mi’kmaq heritage workshop and a hand drum making workshop! Lastly, we visit Oak Islan, touring to learn about the different theories and attempts made to excavate buried treasures there for more than 200 years!

Let’s work together

“The team at Envoys did their very best to ensure that the the “i’s were dotted and the t’s were crossed.” The staff was also quick to respond to any and all questions that arose prior, during and after the trip. My husband and I greatly appreciated the time Envoys took to provide preparation tips as well the planned activity schedules to help make our child’s South African trip a safe and memorable adventure.”

— Regina J. , Parent, Dalton South Africa 2014

“I could not have been more satisfied with the performance of Envoys throughout the entire process of planning and executing this trip. All Envoys staff demonstrated the utmost professionalism and dedication, as well as knowledge and competence. I am so glad that [we] chose to partner with Envoys!”

— Rick S. , Traveling Faculty, Hingham Japan 2015

“We had an amazing program. It was a biology teacher’s dream and Felipe and his crew couldn’t have been more thorough and professional to work with. Thanks for all of your efforts to organize an unforgettable experience for us all.”

— Gerry , Traveling Faculty, LCC Colombia 2016