Nova Scotia stretches 500 kilometres on a southwest-northeast axis from Cape Sable to Cape North, the shape of the province is often compared to that native delicacy, the lobster, with Cape Breton Island representing the outstretched claws, preparing to nip unsuspecting Newfoundland across the Cabot Strait.
The coastline of the uplands region is deeply indented, forming many good harbours, some of which are considered outstanding. Hundreds of islands dot the landscape along the entire Atlantic coast, most notably at St. Margarets Bay and Mahone Bay. Reefs and shoals abound, accounting for the many lighthouses erected along this coast. In many ways the Atlantic uplands coast epitomizes the North Atlantic coastline with its bare granite sheets plunging headlong into the raging surf to produce an awesome cataclysm between land and sea. When people think of Nova Scotia, they usually envisage the rocky granite shores of the uplands. Who Are Your Guests?
The town or city in your area will have some answers for you. Often the tourism association, the economic development office or the provincial government have statistics and surveys on the number of visitors, demographics of people, money spent and length of stay. Do your homework and find out as much as possible about your guests before they come.
Generally, your guests could be almost anyone. People travel in large and small groups, with families, and as individuals. Travellers are of all age groups and from every economic background.
Students are often farm visitors who gain a new and educational experience from a farm tour. Decide with what age groups you are willing to work. If young children are coming to the farm, encourage chaperones and parents to participate. Arrange a coloring contest or a booklet children can take home. This will provide a connection with parents who see your logo or product. If you are willing to work with teens, provide hands-on activities. Be open to questions and be prepared to answer kindly and without unfamiliar “jargon”. Remember, there is no such thing as a silly question.
Senor groups are a large section of the motorcoach travel industry which is brining large groups to Ontario farms. Encourage tour operators to share information with you about their group before it arrives. Is there anyone with a disability? Will anyone need assistance? Are they a “hands-on group” or do they prefer listening and learning?
Even if some members of your group need some assistance, don’t assume they are not ready for an adventure.
Seniors are some of the most exciting people with whom to work. One senior recently said during a farm visit that she was “experiencing adolescence again”. Tour operators are not the only sources of senior groups tours. Church groups, retirement homes, and camps all organize outings and are looking for new places to visit.
Technical groups, such as a group of farmers from another country, are looking for facts. They want to find out what you do and how you do it. Be very specific and ask them questions. What is particularly of interested to them? These groups would rather hear about artificial insemination, your handling of manure, the cost of equipment, and crop rotations than seeing baby animals. Again, be ready to answer questions. Often, it is useful to have three or four guides so you can break into smaller groups.
Meeting And Greeting
Greet your guests with a warm smile and a strong handshake. Introduce yourself by name and explain your position as a farmer, employee, family member or other title as it applies. This is your private property and most people respect that, but they must feel welcome if they are going to return.
After greeting your guests introduce them to your farm and property. If you have a farm name explain its significance. Talk about how many acres or hectares your farm covers. A brief history about your farm and family is always a point of interest, especially if you have a century home or farm. Many guests are also interested in rural life and consider your stone house intriguing. All this information gives your guests food for thought.
By now, your guests feel welcome and already feel like they know you and your farm a little better.