The Maritimes

High School Program

Explore the multifaceted province of Nova Scotia, where the historical charm of places like Lunenburg meets pressing coastal challenges. Delve into the region’s cultural diversity and critically examine the complexities of Canada’s multicultural narrative.

Immigration & Cultural Diversity

As a young nation, Canada is no stranger to the process of immigration and the resulting diversity. This program showcases the experiences of immigrants who arrived in Nova Scotia. From the Gaelic highlands to the colonial villages, the small, resilient community of Africville, and the original keepers of the land, the Mi’kmaq Peoples, Nova Scotia is an integral part of Canada’s immigration history and growing diversity.


About The Maritimes

This Maritimes program brings you to some of the most iconic and engaging experiences found throughout the province of Nova Scotia. From the history of Lunenburg and Pier 21 to the contemporary issues affecting our coastlines, engage with rich content both past and present. With cultural diversity as a key theme, challenge the Canadian narrative that all are welcome, diving deeper into contemporary issues impacting our multicultural society.

Theme alternatives

Fully customizable authentic experiences

At Insight, our program itineraries are as unique as your students. All our program itineraries are customized with teacher chaperones to ensure that it meets the needs of your students.

With the support of a variety of local vendors and NGO’s, we promise that your students will get an authentic, local experience.

What's included

All our trips include:

Program highlights

  • Explore Canada’s role in the transatlantic slave trade. Learn about the experiences of African Nova Scotians and the story of Africville. 

  • Discover Mi’kmaq culture along a picturesque trail on Goat Island in Eskasoni. The island hugs the beautiful Bras d’Or Lake, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

  • Celebrate the Gaelic experience in Nova Scotia. Visit the Highland Village Museum, and travel through time to witness a living history museum and cultural centre.

  • Join a retired mine guide for an underground mine tour. The Cape Breton Miners Museum pays tribute to the region’s long and rich history of coal mining.

  • Enjoy the taste of local cuisine and maritime hospitality with a seafood lunch before exploring the iconic landmarks of Peggy’s Cove.

How it works

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Want to take your students outside the classroom? Review our program locations and suggested themes.

Connect with one of our High School Educators who will help custom design your program.

With our assistance, submit required paperwork and details to your Administration and School Board.

Announce the trip to your students! (We’ll provide all the materials you need).

Invite us to your school to host a Student & Parent Info Night! We will be there to answer questions and support student sign-up!

Sample Itinerary

  • Travel to Halifax, Nova Scotia.
  • Learn about the experiences of African-Nova Scotians and the story of Africville. Located on the northern shore of the Halifax peninsula, the Africville Museum is a place of remembrance and community. Tackle some of Canada’s least-acknowledged history when it comes to diversity and inclusion, and explore Canada’s role in the transatlantic slave trade. 

  • Visit Pier 21 to participate in a simulated immigrant experience that unpacks the experiences that those who immigrated through Pier 21 went through. Then, enjoy supervised free time along the Halifax Pier.

  • Travel 5 hours north to Cape Breton, stopping at the Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Centre. Learn about Nova Scotia’s Indigenous peoples, history, and culture directly from Mi’kmaq community members. Explore Baddeck situated in the heart of Cape Breton Island, nestled along the shore of the Bras d’Or Lake. Baddeck is also home to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site.
  • Discover authentic Mi’kmaq culture along a picturesque 2.4 KM trail on Goat Island in Eskasoni. The island hugs the beautiful Bras d’Or Lake, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Enjoy a traditional Mi’kmaq lunch after your tour. 

  • Visit the Highland Village Museum, and travel through time to witness  a living history museum and cultural center that celebrates the Gaelic experience in Nova Scotia.

  • Explore the Fortress of Louisbourg, a National Historic Site and the location of a one-quarter partial reconstruction of an 18th-century French fortress. Learn about how its two sieges, especially that of 1758, were turning points in the Anglo-French struggle for what today is Canada.

  • The Cape Breton Miners Museum pays tribute to the region’s long and rich history of coal mining. It is home to profound stories of miners and their families, and the resource that helped build a nation. Join a retired mine guide for an underground mine tour.
  • Travel about 5 hours from Cape Breton back to Halifax. Stop to visit the Museum of Industry. Participate in workshops to discover how technology advancements have changed the way in which we work. Have  an up-close look at letterpress printing and print your own bookmark to take home. Witness the stages logs go through to become lumber and hear stories of work in Nova Scotia’s lumber mills.
  • Visit one of Nova Scotia’s most iconic landmarks and explore the beauty of Peggy’s Cove. Take in the adorable shops and colorful houses as you explore this quaint little town on the south coast of the province. Then, enjoy the taste of local cuisine and maritime hospitality with a seafood lunch. Travel onwards to Lunenburg to visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. Learn about Nova Scotia’s rich maritime heritage and enjoy some free town in Lunenburg Old Town before gathering for a final group dinner.
  • Complete your journey home.

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