Mel Z. was a great guide. He picked us up on time. He was so informative about the Titanic. Even though, Fisherman's Cove was shut down for the season, he made it interesting. We avoided the crowds which is why we chose this excursion.
Private tour in Halifax Mel Z
5.0
(22) reviews
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Mel Z.
5.0
Guide rating
217
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Tours delivered
1 hrs
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Greetings from Halifax, and welcome to Nova Scotia! I’ve been guiding and driving private tours since 2013, and as a proud Halifax native, I love introducing visitors to the beauty, history, and flavours of our province. My tours are designed to be private, flexible, and fun—giving you access to hidden gems and scenic spots that large buses can’t reach. With 13+ years of experience and 400 tours completed on ToursByLocals alone, I bring both knowledge and personality to every trip. Whether you’re interested in iconic landmarks, local culture, great photo opportunities, or delicious seafood and wines, I’ll tailor your tour to match your interests. Tours typically run 5–8 hours, but I also offer longer options and custom multi-day adventures throughout Nova Scotia, Cape Breton, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick. A bit about me: I’m passionate about the outdoors, have a background in martial arts (18+ years of training and teaching self-defense), and worked in electronics engineering and document management for over two decades before returning to Nova Scotia in 2011. During the pandemic I rediscovered my love of fishing—so yes, I’ve got plenty of “big one that got away” stories to swap! I’m easygoing, enjoy a good laugh, and love sharing stories—from Nova Scotia’s rich history to my own travels around the world. Above all, I’m committed to making your time here memorable and take pride in being both Canadian and a proud Nova Scotian. For your peace of mind: • I hold a Class 4 Commercial Driver’s License, commercial insurance, and government licenses to operate in Nova Scotia, PEI, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador • I am a Nationally Certified Tour Professional through the Tourism Council of Canada (E-merit). • I serve as Board Member of my local Business Association and am a member of the Titanic Society of Atlantic Canada and the SS Atlantic Society. • I follow all health and safety protocols; vehicles are sanitized, and I am fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Mel Z.
This private 5 hr tour is for the Titanic history buff and fans but also those who wish to enjoy the local scenery of a typical fishing area. Your knowledgeable guide will recount the many details of the tragedy of the White Star Line Titanic from its luxury and its failing, to the victims and survivors, as we make our way to the Fairview Lawn Cemetery. This is the main and largest resting place for the victims. Learn local history include the Halifax Explosion of 1917 which changed the city forever. Travel across one of the two bridges connecting to Halifax to Dartmouth as we make our way to the Fisherman's Cove area. We will go off the beaten track to explore little know local areas along the coast, away from the crowds before Fisherman's Cove, which is a wonderfully quaint, restored 200 year-old fishing village. Enjoy the shops, get up close to the fishing boats, learn about the fishing and lobster traps. Make sure to have your camera as there will be many picturesque opportunities.
Mel Z. was a great guide. He picked us up on time. He was so informative about the Titanic. Even though, Fisherman's Cove was shut down for the season, he made it interesting. We avoided the crowds which is why we chose this excursion.
This was our second tour with Mel and it was a great time! We love the personal touch of a smaller, private tour and would recommend Mel for any of his tours. Our tours in 2024 and 2025 were both were as promised and Mel was happy to tailor one of the stops for our party. Mel is knowledgeable, respectful, personable, and adds a bit of humor for fun! We'll definitely book with Mel again on our next stop in Halifax.
We enjoyed our tour very much. Mel was very knowledgeable and had an IPad that showed pictures of what he was talking about. I would highly recommend his tour.
Mel sent text on morning of tour to advise what type of car he was punctual, car very neat and Mel very professional in his dress. Very knowledgeable on the titanic and had a large amount of information on his iPad to show as he was talking about the titanic. Also lots of information about the 1917 bomb explosion before we arrived at the park that tells the story with the various remnants from the blast. The trip to fisherman’s cove what a lovely little fishing village with lots of craft shops to visit. Thoroughly enjoyable day
Mel did a great job! He was pleasent and entertaining while giving us a great deal of information along the way. He has a great sense of avialable opportunities, such as the changing of the guard. Very nice day!
Mel and Karl were fantastic! We had 2 vehicles for 10 people. Karl took great care with our elderly parents and made sure they were included in all parts of our trip. Mel made sure we had all the history and background for the Titanic portion, the Halifax Explosion (we all loved this Memorial Park, so well thought out and presented), and finally our visit to Fisherman's Cove. So different from the overrun Peggy's Cove (we visited before). There were so few people at the Cove we felt it was all ours. Great Fish n Chips, Lobster Roll too. We would definitely recommend Mel and Karl and use them again! Thanks for a great visit.
Your Private Tour is flexible based on your interests and wishes. - P/U Cruise Ship Port; Hotel or other location - Local history, Halifax Explosion of 1917, Halifax's Titanic Connection - Titanic Graveyard Site; 121 Graves - Fisherman's Cove & area, boardwalks, rocky shorelines, quaint shops - Explore the shops/eateries where you will find delicious food, Maritime crafts, local paintings, unique folk art & souvenirs - Grab a bite on the go or a sit down meal to enjoy the tastes of Nova Scotia - Enjoy the scenery on our return with highlights & maybe a quiz ! Other options based on guest interests, time permitting: - Mount Olivet RC Cemetery, 19 Graves - Fort Needham Memorial Park (Halifax Explosion) - Circle Citadel Hill for some photos of the city A perfect Tour for Shore Excursion/Day Trip with a good balance of history & local sites. Contact me with any questions or to customize.
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Ford Transit 150XLT (low roof) w/seating up to 7 …. - Clean, Comfortable & Sanitized - Air-conditioned - USB Ports for phones/tablets - Free WiFi on board - Booster seat available upon request - Seating arrangement - 1 in the front passenger, 3 in middle bench seats, 3 in the rear bench seat . . . . Max seating based on typical sized adults/children. The number of passengers should be reduced for over-sized/taller passengers to ensure comfort & accessibility. I am unable to accommodate baby/car seats. . . . Note that for smaller groups of up to 6 the vehicle may be a Dodge Grand Caravan … comfortable seating arrangement - 1 in the front passenger, 2 in middle bucket seats; up to 3 in rear bench seat
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
PLEASE ADVISE OF THE MEETING LOCATION WHEN BOOKING .......................................................................... Airport, Hotel, Local Accommodation……… Cruise Guests: I will have a BLUE Sign with your name on it and will be in an area that is visible… Pier 20,22 - I will be across from Main Exit Doors.... Pier 23 - I will be across from Main Exit Doors or visible area from exiting the ship..…. Tendered Guests to Pier 24 will be directed through Pier 23
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
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