CAPE D’OR, N.S. – If you’re looking for a slice of heaven on earth then Cape d’Or might be the place for you.
“O My God, we can’t believe what we’re seeing. It’s a piece of heaven,” Ellen Crawford said.
Crawford and sister Patty Check traveled from Ottawa to spent two nights at the Cape d’Or lighthouse.
“Words can’t describe it. Pictures don’t do it justice. If you like nature and the outdoors, this is perfect,” added Check.
The two 69-year-old twin sisters exuberant response to the beauty of Cape d’Or is not unique.
“I’m in awe. I'm speechless. It is so beautiful,” Mélanie Joly, the federal Minister of Tourism said while touring Cape d’Or. “The coast is beautiful, the tide is impressive and the view is breathtaking. It’s so Canadian.”
Joly was at the Cape d’Or lighthouse on July 8 to announce $100,000 in federal funding for upgrades to the landmark.
“When Bill Casey (MP for Cumberland Colchester) and I met to talk about his priorities he said, ‘Melanie, I want to make sure that people from all around the world get to see the Bay of Fundy, and we have to connect all these communities along the Bay of Fundy to make sure we have the ultimate tourist destination,’” said Joly.
The $100,000 is funded through the $60 million Canadian Experience Fund.
Joly said the fund has received hundreds of requests.
“I’ve read many strategic plans and the Cape D’Or plan is the best strategic plan I’ve read in the country,” Joly said.
She recognized the Municipality of Cumberland County for their efforts in developing the strategic plan, especially councillor Don Fletcher and warden Allison Gillis, who were both on hand for the announcement.
“I know that, Don, you’ve been working a lot on this, and Allison also, and I want to tell you how you really have a vision,” said Joly. “Tourism doesn’t happen by fluke, it happens because there are leaders who work to develop the potential of a destination.”
The county also contributed $100,000 to the upgrades.
“This funding will assist and enrich the visitor experience and increase visitation to Advocate Harbour and the entire Cumberland Region,” said Gillis. “As locals, we are very proud of Cape d’Or. It truly is a unique, world-class destination and we look forward to welcoming more visitors from near and far to share with them our stunning vista’s and our warm hospitality.”
The twin sisters said their stay at Cape d’Or was too short, and when they come back they will stay longer so they can explore more of Cumberland County.
“What a find. This is a surprise,” said Crawford. “It’s peaceful, it’s quiet, it’s spectacular.”
Darlene MacDonald, Director for Sector Development at Tourism Nova Scotia, announced an additional $92,000 towards the upgrades to Cape d’Or.
Phase one of the project will include upgrades to the parking area, the building of public washrooms, trail upgrades and signage.
Cape d'Or is one of three stops in Nova Scotia for Joly in the coming days. She will also make funding announcements in Truro and Wolfville.
