Private tour in Halifax Garry J

Peggy's Cove to Lunenburg Shore Excursion from Halifax

5.0

(55) reviews

-
Hours icon 7 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
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Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 7 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Garry J.

5.0

Guide rating

139

Reviews

Tours delivered

2 hrs

Avg. response time

Greetings, My name is Garry. I am a resident of Halifax Nova Scotia born and raised here. My wife and I have ten grandchildren two cats and a back yard complete with bees. We are outdoor people who have a passion for exploring the villages, trails, coves and beaches of this area. An interest in exploring has served my tour business well. I came to this excursion business 21 years ago. In grade school, high school and university I always enjoyed and elected for history classes. There was no way of knowing that this interest in history would lead to being a tour guide. After starting this business I was in for some surprises. Among them was the extent to which the history of Nova Scotia would be of interest to others. In this case, my customers, who have told me how entertained they were by the stories of Nova Scotia's past. Yet another surprise was that an environment full of sea coast scenery, that I took for granted, could awe visitors. Likewise, the food that I grew up with and thought mundane turned out to be memorable for many of my clients. An interest in history has lead to a job that has been more enjoyable than any I have ever had. In fact, this is the only job I have had that comes with so many well wishes and thanks simply for showing people the place where I live. Of course, I am mindful of where credit is due. As much as I would like to take full credit for my success entertaining people who visit here I cannot do that. This is because Nova scotia and Halifax are hidden gems that could entertain all on their own. The history and the scenery and the food give me a palette to work from that I could not ask for more. That palette includes Victorian architecture abundant here and the Victorian Public Gardens Park. Among some of the historical themes we explore is the arrival and demise of the first European settlers here the French Acadians. We explore the arrival of the British in 1749 by visiting the Citadel Fortress they built. We explore the history surrounding the wartime explosion that destroyed much of the city in 1917. A visit to Halifax includes an explanation of the curious and crucial role Halifax played in the Titanic disaster. Among the curiosities is the fact that almost all of the Titanic victims are buried in Halifax and a visit to the Titanic gravesites is a very solemn example of this part of our history. The travel to and from Peggy's Cove, Lunenburg and the Bay of Fundy is full of unique scenery that is a true picture of East Coast Canada There is much to see, to do, and to taste in your visit here. So much that you may consider customizing your tour. At Peggy's Cove For example, instead of planning a restaurant stop, you could opt to save time to see more tour highlights. You can save time by enjoying one of our maritime delicacies the "lobster roll" served in the picnic area of Peggys' Cove. Quick and delicious. There is customizing you can do to better serve interests such as photography. I will be glad to assist you with this. I am licensed with the municipal and provincial licensing authority in Halifax Nova Scotia. I am able to do this job because of the special class 4 license from our provincial government. I have 22 years of Tour guide experience before coming to Tours by Locals. My years of entertaining people here in this picturesque and historical city are at your disposal. None

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Garry J.

Overview of your Halifax tour

Before booking this tour be sure that you have time for it. if you are on a cruise ship be sure that the ship is in port here for 9 hours . That allows 1 hour for port procedures and getting off the ship and it allows for 1 hour back on board time before leaving Lunenburg is a UNESCO world heritage site because of its 19th century look and feel. Lunenburg is a feast for the eyes of Victorian-era architecture. Combine that with the, wooden boats, historic inns and wonderful restaurants and you will have lots to see and do there. A prime example of Lunenburg's unique architecture is what is called the old "Lunenburg bump" a five-sided dormer. Seen nowhere else. Most of our driving will be along seascapes that feature the beauty of all the south shore of Nova Scotia. This is including Mahone Bay and perhaps, if time allows, a quick stop at the fabled Oak Island before our destination picturesque Peggy's Cove.

Recent Reviews

Yvonne D.Canada
July 2026

Garry is a really great guide. He was flexible in allowing us to reschedule this tour to a nicer day. Garry was really accommodating in pulling over where I asked so that I could get some great photos. He has a wonderful knowledge of the area and kept us entertained on the drive with some interesting facts about Canadian history that I had forgotten about. Seeing Lunenburg was amazing! It was so picturesque! We loved our visit to Peggy's Cove as well and enjoyed a great lobster roll at the place Garry recommended on site. The star of the show was the 50 pound lobster Garry took us to see!

Marlene M.Canada
May 2026

Garry provided an interesting historical perspective and clever stories related to the areas we visited on our first family trip to Nova Scotia. He was attentive to our interests and personalized our tour. Appreciated his ability to answer so many questions related to the people and sites. The two pre-teen kids in our family enjoyed our ‘lobster stop’ to meet a real fisherman with live lobsters. Great first taste of the south shore area… also loved the lobster rolls at Tom’s!

Lawrence S.Canada
December 2025

A great trip with a knowledgeable guide. Garry knows his stuff and takes his cues from his guests as to how detailed to be which is appreciated. As a local he knows all the best routes to take and which scenic spots are advantageous for great photos. Garry communicated clearly before the tour and was prompt. The distinctive yellow cap made him easy to spot.

Lori W.United States
September 2025

Garry was just awesome. He arrived on time( we even had a last minute time change that he accommodated) and gave us just the right amount of overview of the area. Garry also accommodated at last minute request to go to the titanic graveyard. We had such a memorable day thanks to Garry. I would rate him 10 stars if available

Carolyn K.Canada
September 2025

Garry was a fantastic tour guide. My son and I had never been to Nova Scotia and Garry regaled us with great stories about the history of the region - we learned a ton! He had checked ahead and noted that the museum in Lunenburg wasn't open until later in the morning and took us to Peggy's Cove first. On the way there, we stopped at a few great spots for photos - not the "tourist lookout points" but perfect spots for that true local beauty shot. Peggy's Cove was amazing and we spent extra time there. Garry made sure to get us to Lunenburg in time to go on board the Bluenose II. And then a detour up a side road to get the most beautiful picture of Lunenburg from across the bay! Instead of Mahone Bay, we really wanted to go to the beach to pick shells and put our feet in ocean and Garry found us the best beach. A memorable day, and a great tour guide - thanks Garry!!

Karen S.United States
August 2025

Gary was very informative and knew the area very well. He was punctual and gave us a full day and got us back to the ship on time. Would book again with him.

Your Halifax tour itinerary

Our first stop will be Lunenburg, after touring through the township, we will allow you to self-explore the many artisan shops and local foodie options for your group before setting off again. Depending on her schedule, the Bluenose II may be in its homeport of Lunenburg. Bluenose II is Canada's tall ship ambassador. This graceful ship is depicted on the back of the Canadian dime. When available, the ship is open for tours. You may choose to visit the Nova Scotia fisheries museum where you can see a comprehensive and interesting history of fishing history. There, you can also see demonstrations such as sail making and dory building. I can customize this tour to fit your personal requests. Our next stop will be the town of Mahone Bay. This quiet town is perched on an idyllic bay. Departing Mahone Bay we may opt to visit Oak Island interpretive center or carry on for our last visit to Peggy's Cove before returning to Halifax. I can customize this tour to fit any request you have.

Want to customize this tour?

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.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Suv

Large luxury grade SUV holds 7 plus your guide .

What's included
Other: Small bottle of water supplied to each passenger.
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. The customer is responsible for all meals, snacks souvenirs and personal expenses.
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets
Private Transportation
Private Transportation With Driver
Public Transportation
Accommodation
Tastings
Equipment
Classes Workshop
Services
Meeting location

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Airport: HIAA Stanfield,Cruise: Halifax cruise pier / Marginal Rd.,Station: Halifax VIA rail Station,ByGuide:

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
History
Layover
Tour reference number
806794
Languages
English
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Halifax best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for travellers who want to explore the beautiful South Shore of Nova Scotia, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lunenburg, in a personalized and comfortable way. It's ideal for those interested in Victorian-era architecture, maritime history, and scenic coastal views. The tour is also suitable for families, seniors, and travellers with mobility concerns as it is kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible.

Can this private tour in Halifax be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

Is this private tour in Halifax suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 7 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 7 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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