2018 was the busiest cruise ship season ever in Halifax and my busiest year to date. My tours began in late April with the first cruise ship arrival — Hurtigruten Line’s FRAM — and ended in early November.
Here are some of the comments left by past customers:
Jay was an excellent tour guide. Because it was only 6 of us, we were able to go to smaller areas that tour buses could not access. His passion for the history of the area was quite apparent as he was a wealth of info. My son (who has ADHD) is very high energy and asks a lot of questions. Jay was so patient with him and answered every question he had. He truly made us feel like we were family. I cannot say enough good things about our experience. We will never book a tour through a cruise ship again. (June, 2018)
I could go on and on about what a wonderful time we had. In brief, Jay really knows his history, is a safe driver, will accommodate one’s special interests, is personable and flexible. He knows where to find the good photo ops and great eats. The area is smashingly beautiful and full of fascinating stories. (April, 2018)
We loved Halifax and Jay made the tour one of the most memorable of our cruise. He first showed us some of the city sharing its history. (He’s a history professor so we were in good hands.) We then drove a scenic route to Peggy’s Cove enjoying several quaint villages along the way. No tourist busses until Peggy’s Cove making our drive delightful! Ended the trip at a wonderful sandwich shop. A well organized tour by an excellent guide!! Knowledgeable, personable, professional! (Sept, 2017)
Our tour guide (Jay W.) picked us up at the cruise terminal in Halifax and had us on our tour in no time. We had requested a visit to the Titanic Cemetery and the lobster lunch and both were provided. Jay was knowledgeable and pleasant and just plain made the shore excursion great. His tour was by far the best of the tours we took on our cruise. (June, 2017)
so the cruise ship offered a tour to in Halifax where the comments seemed to be about not enough time and the main attraction Peggys Cove. and believe me it wasn’t cheap. I looked online and found tours by locals … and, for modestly more, my wife and I had a private tour guide (Jay) who happened to be a retired history professor specializing in the area. We saw peggys cove and the titanic burial site just like the big buses… but so much more and with great insight… best $$ I have spent in years. (Sept, 2016)
My most popular tour is still the Secret ‘Seanic’ Route to Peggy’s Cove, created by my late friend, Blake Maybank
“Perfect tour. Costs more than bus tour but you go where you want. Saw three off the path coves and fishing villages. Spoke with lobster fisherman working on boats and traps. You can’t do this on a big tour. Jay called ahead for lobster lunch so we didn’t have to wait in line. Jay was very knowledgeable about Halifax history. Even helped me find a hockey shirt. If you want a private and up close and personal tour Jay is your guy!” (Sept, 2016)
“Jay, with his local knowledge and his willingness to please, made our day with him the highlight of our trip! We were a group of 6 painters and we all paint from our photography, so we asked for a day filled with scenes fit to paint. Jay is a photographer himself, so he knew the hidden spots which were far from the tourist buses. Personally I was able to shoot enough for a hundred paintings, but certain special shots were all thanks to Jay. Lobster lunch was perfect too! Thanks so much Jay!” (Sept, 2016)
“If I could have given Jay 6 or 7 stars, I would have. We have been to Halifax 3 times before and saw things most people won’t on typical tours. Jay has a doctorate in Canadian history and a vast knowledge of US history as well. He is very well traveled and is very engaging…He will take you places where the buses don’t go. You will not be disappointed.” (July, 2016)
In 2016 I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Jack Lewis of Toronto, who landed on Juno Beach on D-Day, 1944.
“Jay was very informative and knowledgeable about Halifax military history. My stepfather, a D-Day vet, particularly enjoyed the visit and beer with former fellow artillery men at the Royal Artillery Park in Halifax. Jay was also able to orchestrate a sessession [sic] at Admiralty House with the director of the museum including a look at one of the original copies of the naval plans for D-Day. Thanks Jay for making the day special.” (Sept, 2016)
I am listed under Halifax, Nova Scotia at ToursByLocals.com