Scott Walking Adventures

What is the recipe for a perfect vacation?  For many, it’s the chance to explore new places, experience local culture, and witness breath-taking scenery, all on your own two feet.  This is no secret to Angela Chisholm, owner of Scott Walking Adventures.  From her home base in Hubbards, she helps people all over the world make their dream vacation a reality. And it all began with a passion for the outdoors. “As a kid I really enjoyed being outside and exploring,” she says.  “I love sharing that with other people and with my friends. I’ve got lots of people hooked on it now!” Five years ago, Chisholm bought Scott Walking Adventures from founder Wendy Scott.  Scott started the business in 1992, making it the oldest walking tour company on the east coast.  In a world where the growing trend is for eco-conscious travel, Scott Walking Adventures was truly ahead of its time.  “Sixteen years ago, Wendy had a great vision to share nature with people,” says Chisholm.  “She really promoted eco-tourism, sustainable and green travel. Our company has had that focus from the beginning, and it has put us at the forefront of the industry.”  Chisholm books trips in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, the Yukon, British Columbia and Alberta, as well as international trips to Scotland, Ireland, Iceland, Bermuda and Australia. She employs local guides in each region with a total of 25 guides throughout the world and seven in Nova Scotia alone.  With the click of the mouse or a quick phone call, every detail of a trip is taken care of: daily itineraries full of beautiful vistas, hiking and exploration, followed by great food and nights spent at cozy inns.  It’s the perfect combination of exciting outdoor adventure, combined with the finest creature comforts. “It’s a great way to vacation,” says Chisholm.  “And there’s no better way to see things than on foot.”  Scott Walking Adventures has five trips that explore the natural beauty of Nova Scotia.  Their signature trek, called Celtic Traditions, was the one that started it all 16 years ago.  This six-day tour exploring the Cape Breton Highlands and the Cabot Trail offers world-class scenery complete with whales, ceilidhs and fine single-malt whiskey.  The company offers something for everyone. There’s a 10-day adventure “down-under” where you can explore 11 of Australia’s national parks.   Or you can try the seven-day Iceland tour that encompasses everything from the lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula to the soothing waters of the Blue Lagoon. If you’re a winter lover, you might want to take part in a snowshoeing adventure in the Annapolis Valley, complete with a taste of local ice wine.  Or you can visit the rolling hills of Scotland, from the Isle of Skye to the ancient stones of Callanish.  There’s no question these kind of unique travel experiences appeal to the modern traveler. Last year, over half of Scott Walking Adventures’ clients were return travelers.  Chisholm attributes this success to being a people-focused company. “I can talk to a customer I haven’t spoken with in two years, and I’ll still remember the trip they did.  It’s part of working in a small company. We like to keep things small and personal,” she says.  For someone who loves the outdoors as much as Chisholm, it’s not always easy to be stuck inside behind a computer all day.  While running a business and connecting with people all over the world, she still finds time to balance work and play.  “There are times I call forward my office phone to my cell, and I go for a hike,” she says.  “Some days you just have to take that opportunity. Being in nature for me, walking in the woods, walking on the coast, it puts you in a special place.”The demographic for Scott Walking Adventures is predominantly people aged 55 and over – those who are eager to immerse themselves in their vacation experience and are definitely not armchair travelers.  Also, last year, more than  70 per cent of Chisholm’s clients were women. She says this number isn’t the result of a catchy marketing strategy.  It’s a result of a commitment to making sure her clients are safe and comfortable. “I have groups of women, mothers, daughters and grandmothers, but we also have many women who travel on their own with us, because it’s a safe way to travel,” says Chisholm.  “I had one woman last year who did her fifteenth trip with us. And she received it free, of course.” Chisholm, who grew up in the Annapolis Valley, says the benefits of running a business in Nova Scotia are endless.  She says there’s a sense of community that comes from being part of a close-knit tourism industry, and the province is  easily accessible to the rest of the world.  “I can live in my home province and work in my home province and still take people on trips in other places in the world,” she says. “We’re tapped into technology, and we have good access for flights.”  However, the biggest reward from owning Scott Walking Adventures is a personal one – it comes from the connections Chisholm makes with travelers. “Almost every day I open up beautiful envelopes and handwritten cards from people,” she says. “What a feeling that is, to hear about someone’s holiday in a handwritten note.” With the rolling hills of the Cape Breton Highlands, awe-inspiring tides and rugged coastline, what does Chisholm hear most about from her Nova Scotia tours? “It’s the people that travelers comment on the most,” she says. That’s what really makes their experience.  We‘re warm, sincere, caring people and people really appreciate that. We have great places to stay, wonderful restaurants and great history.  There’s a full package here.  How can you not have a good time in Nova Scotia?”