Sites unseen: growing number of tourists unfazed by Peggy's Cove construction
After a long pandemic hiatus, scores of tourists are starting to return to Nova Scotia's best known tourist site, even though major construction projects are still underway at Peggy's Cove.
Despite cool, foggy weather in the morning, hundreds of people were seen visiting various areas of the cove on Tuesday, with out of province licence plates starting to outnumber Nova Scotia plates in some of the bigger parking lots.
Most were from Ontario and Quebec.
John Campbell, owner of the iconic Sou'Wester Restaurant & Gift Shop, says business remains about half what it would be during a normal July, but the number of visitors has surged about 30 per cent in the last week or ten days.
"I think people are excited to get out," said Campbell.
"And a lot of people want to come and see the construction going on, even though it's still a little bit messy."
Major projects still ongoing include construction of a new public washroom facility nearly adjacent to the restaurant, and a large, wheelchair accessible viewing deck, which Campbell says was supposed to be completed by the August long weekend, but supply shortages prevented that from happening.
Visitors have to navigate around fencing protecting those sites, but many don't seem to mind the inconvenience.
Visiting with extended family from the York-Durham region of Ontario, Lindsay Cowell told CTV News they're drawn back to Peggys Cove every few years.
"Just beautiful. Everything's beautiful, she said.
"The rocks, the lighthouse, everything. Just wanted to see it all over again,"
"It's nice that it's opened up, and the rest of us can now come here and see our friends that live her, and of course, visit our familiar places."
"I'm excited to see the changes that they have and the new things that they've added," said Megan Donaldson, travelling with Cowell.
A large backhoe was moving piles of gravel behind Angie Ferrari, visiting from Mississauga with her daughter Amanda by her side, but she barely noticed.
"No, not at all. The view is here," she said, gesturing toward the water.
"It's gorgeous, You just have to ignore what's going on in the background, and I'm sure once it's complete, it'll be well-worth any inconvenience that anyone might experience."
Work on phase one of the Peggy's Cove master plan began last fall, with a cost estimate of nearly $10 million.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
WATCH LIVE Toronto police to release updated list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
Toronto police and law enforcement partners will be releasing the BOLO program’s updated list of the top 25 most wanted fugitives in Canada at a news conference on Tuesday morning.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.