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Private tour in Halifax Mel Z

Valley Wine Tasting & The Bay of Fundy

5.0

(28) reviews

-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 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 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 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

Mel Z.

5.0

Guide rating

217

Reviews

Tours delivered

1 hrs

Avg. response time

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.

Overview of your Halifax tour

Explore the beauty of Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley. Home of amazing wines & surrounded by stunning views of the Bay of Fundy with of some of the highest tides in the world! There is so much to see and experience with this 6 hr private day trip from Halifax. Nova Scotia has a rich history of growing grapes dating back to the 1600's. As your knowledgeable guide I have some great choices to taste some amazing wines, including true Ice Wine! We can always mix in options for Apple Cider, Beer or Distilled beverage stops. We'll get to know each other and soon it'll be like chatting with an old friend. On our journey, enjoy learning the history of Halifax and Nova Scotia while taking in the countryside, spectacular views of orchards and wine country tapestry that the Annapolis Valley is known for. You will see how the tides cycle the Minas Basin from a low to a high of over 50ft as we tour throughout the day. Enjoy the tastes of Nova Scotia from our famous Lobster to fish & chips and other local favorites.

Recent Reviews

Amanda B.Australia
3 weeks ago

Mel was fantastic from his customised transport down to the organisation and flexibility. Knowledge was vast and very interesting complete with iPad graphics for all to see. Our group had a wonderful time visiting wineries, cider places, a great Irish pub lunch, cheese tasting, some beautiful scenery and wildlife included. Mel's communication from the outset was impeccable and he was always willing to change things around. Would recommend a tour with Mel at any time. Thanks for some wonderful memories.

Renee D.United States
May 2026

We had a lovely day - one of the highlights of our Canadian Maritime cruise. Guide was informative, flexible and helpful.

Jennifer B.United States
September 2025

Mel was the perfect tour guide for our day in the Annapolis Valley, visiting three wineries, some beautiful nature vistas and history of the Evangeline Valley of particular interest to us. It was so much more than we’d dare to dream! Highly recommend this tour as an option for Halifax cruise port!

Ellie S.Belize
May 2025

Mel is a fabulous tour guide, he felt like a long time friend. Very accommodating, professional and friendly. I highly recommend using him as your guide anywhere in NS and PEI. Our customized tour was absolutely perfect. Thank you Mel!

Candy G.
October 2024

Mel was organized, prompt and very knowledgeable about our tour of the Annapolis Valley. He inquired about our interests and made every attempt to meet them. He gave us detailed information about the area, took us to a lovely small winery, and made several stops to show us the highlights. His van was comfortable and he even provided healthy snacks for us to enjoy. Mel was a great guide and a delight to work with.

Leslie B.United States
August 2024

Mel was a wonderful and informative guide. He had great knowledge of the area. He adapted the tour to our needs. I would recommend him highly.

Your Halifax tour itinerary

From Halifax there is a little highway driving (approx. 60min) as we make our way to Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley, a wine lovers dream ! This gives us time to get to know one another and to learn some local history of the area. In the "Valley" you can explore the beautiful sites & typically stopping at 3 wineries & exploring local scenery. All customized based on your interests. Highlights and touring stops in the valley has many options including: - Wineries for tastings - up to 3 locations - Driving through Small towns and countryside - Scenic Look Off areas great for photos - Lunch to enjoy some local favorites of food and beverages - Return to Halifax There are options throughout the day based on interest and timing - Cider Tasting at Annapolis Cider Brewery - FoxHill Cheese Factory a sixth generation family farm - Beer - Distillery - Port Williams - No wineries - just the sights & explore - Walk the Ocean Floor - tides pending Contact me with any questions or to personalize this tour for you.

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: Van

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

What's included
Other: I have bottled water on board at no extra charge. Additionally, I have for your use: - umbrellas/ponchos in case of rain - blanket I have a wide range of music to play while on tour or if you choose, plug in your own and I'll do my best to sing along !
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Meals and beverages are not included in the pricing (other than free bottled water). Note that wine, beer, cider, distilled alcohol tastings fees are not included on Tours where these stops are available. Average $7 +
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

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

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
Food And Drink
Layover
Tour reference number
356783
Languages
English
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Halifax best suited for?

This private tour in Halifax is perfect for wine enthusiasts and those who appreciate stunning countryside views. It's also ideal for travellers who want to connect with a local guide, Mel Z., for deeper insights into the history and culture of Nova Scotia. The tour is kid-friendly, making it suitable for families, and it offers a flexible itinerary that can be customized based on your interests.

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 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 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 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 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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