ABOUT US

Private Touring with Local Knowledge and Maritime Hospitality - Since 2013

We are proud to be Selected as one of the TOP 10 Reasons to visit Halifax in 2026 by Discover Halifax.  Experience Halifax's Titanic Connection. 

Down East Tours is a locally owned private touring company based in Nova Scotia, offering customized sightseeing experiences designed around the interests and pace of each guest.  

Whether you are visiting for a day or exploring the region over several days, the goal is simple: to create a relaxed, memorable journey that showcases the natural beauty, culture, and history of Atlantic Canada.

With private touring, every experience can be tailored to your interests, allowing you to explore at a comfortable pace while discovering places that make Nova Scotia such a special destination.

Meet Your Guide
Your guide, Mel Zilkowsky, is a Nova Scotia based tour operator with a deep appreciation for the region’s landscapes, communities, and maritime heritage.

Having spent many years exploring the province’s coastal villages, historic towns, and scenic landscapes, Mel enjoys sharing the stories and local knowledge that bring each destination to life.

Guests often comment on the relaxed pace of the tours and the opportunity to experience Nova Scotia beyond the typical visitor routes.

A Personal Approach to Touring
Down East Tours focuses on private experiences rather than large group tours. This allows each day to unfold naturally based on guest interests, weather, and the rhythm of the journey.

Some guests prefer scenic coastal drives and photography stops, while others enjoy exploring historic towns, local food, or cultural experiences. Private touring allows the flexibility to shape each day around what matters most to you.

Discover Nova Scotia Like a Local
From the iconic lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove to the dramatic coastline of Cape Breton’s Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia offers an incredible variety of landscapes and experiences.

Down East Tours is proud to share these places with visitors from around the world, helping guests discover both the well known highlights and the quieter corners that many travelers might otherwise miss. Begin Your Nova Scotia Journey

Ready to explore Nova Scotia?
Contact Down East Tours to begin planning your private tour experience.

The 2026 calendar is now open and dates are already filling up. If you’re considering a trip, book early to avoid disappointment.


WHY TRAVEL WITH DOWN EAST TOURS ? 
Private and Flexible Touring
Your tour is built entirely around you. We travel at a comfortable pace with room for spontaneity, local interactions, and those magical off-the-map stops.

Small Groups Only
This is not bus touring. These are personal experiences for couples, families, and small groups who value comfort and connection. From 1 to 6 guests.  Up to 12 guests using two vehicles with guide/drivers based on availability.

Local Knowledge
Sharing local stories, history, and scenic routes known mostly to Nova Scotians.  Experience areas that larger tours cannot reach.  

Authentic Taste of the Maritimes
Enjoy fresh seafood, local wines, craft ciders and beers, lobster suppers, and coastal dining with a view.

Comfortable Touring Vehicles
Vehicles are clean, spacious, climate controlled, and commercially licensed with interprovincial insurance.


TOURS INCLUDE: 
Shore Excursions for Cruise Guests
  • Port Pickup and drop off return.
  • Tours designed to fit your time in port
  • Worry free return with plenty of time to board
Hotel -  Airport - Train Station
  • Pickup and drop off return anywhere within HRM (Halifax Regional Municipality)
  • Tours designed to fit your time in town.
  • Worry free return with to meet your time constraints.


TOUR VEHICLES 
Ford Transit 150XTL Low Roof 
Typically used for 4 guests and up to 6 guests (or requested by smaller groups)  based on availability
  • Seating arrangement – up to 6 persons - 1 in the front passenger, 3 in middle bench seat, 3 in the rear bench seat. Max seating based on typical sized adults/children. The number of passengers would be reduced for over-sized/taller passengers to ensure comfort & accessibility. (Technically up to 7 but most times just 2 in first bench row for comfort)
Dodge Grand Caravan 
Typically used for 1 to 3 guests and up to 6 guests based on availability
  • Seating arrangement – up to 6 persons - 1 in the front passenger, 2 in middle bucket seats, up to 3 in the rear bench seat. Max seating based on typical sized adults/children. The number of passengers would be reduced for over-sized/taller passengers to ensure comfort & accessibility.
Both vehicles include:
• Comfortable seating with air conditioning
• Clean and sanitized interiors
• PA system for clear commentary
• USB ports
• iPad for visuals and supplemental information
• Commercially inspected and licensed as per the requirements of the Motor Carrier Licensing & the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board.
• Commercial Licensing & Insurance to operate in Nova Scotia and Interprovincially to Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Newfoundland


MOBILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY NOTES 
All tours are senior-friendly.
Please advise of:
     • mobility concerns
     • walker use
     • need for a booster seat
Due to limited space, I am generally unable to accommodate full-size wheelchairs or mobility scooters, though exceptions may be possible with advance notice and a smaller group size.

VIEW TOUR PAKAGES

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MEL ZILKOWSKY, CTP 
Owner and operator of Down East Tours
Nationally Certified Tour Professional, Tourism Council of Canada

Born and raised in Nova Scotia, I have guided thousands of guests from all over the world. My background includes electronics engineering, martial arts, and time living in Toronto and Edmonton before returning home in 2011 for a quieter life close to the ocean.

I love meeting new people, sharing stories, and guiding visitors through the Maritimes I’m proud to call home. I am well-traveled myself, which helps me understand the value of a knowledgeable local guide. When I’m not on tour, you’ll find me hiking coastal trails, exploring new photography spots, or out fishing — my largest striped bass was forty inches. 

  • Class 4 Commercial Drivers License 
  • Guided thousands of guests from all over the world
  • Loves meeting new people and showing them the Maritimes.
  • Born and Raised in Nova Scotia and has lived in Toronto and Edmonton
  • Background includes Electronics Engineering, Martial Arts, various sports including soccer
  • Well traveled – Canada, United States, England, Caribbean, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Argentina and Peru (Hike the Inca trail to Manchu Picchu)
  • COVID-19 Vaccinations/Boosters (4+ doses).
  • Based out of Eastern Passage (Halifax), Nova Scotia
  • Commercial Licensing Insurance & Government Licensed to operate in Nova Scotia and Interprovincially to Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Newfoundland
  • Member of his local community Business Association - Board of Directors 
  • Member of the Titanic Society of Atlantic Canada
  • Member of the SS Atlantic Society

"Having traveled extensively across Canada and worldwide, I appreciate the value of local guides in discovering authentic experiences. I'm passionate about the outdoors, actively involved in soccer, and have a martial arts background .... and recently rediscovered fishing ! After living in Toronto and Edmonton, the call of the sea and a slower pace brought me back home in 2011. I take pride in being both Canadian and a proud Nova Scotian!"  - Mel Zilkowsky


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Other Information
  • All Nova Scotia Health & Safety protocols are followed to ensure a safe experience including cleaning/sanitation of vehicle before and during tour.
  •  As of March 21, 2022 Nova Scotia has lifted all restrictions including mask mandates, other than in Hospital settings.
  • More information on COVID 19 Protocols 

Well, you scrolled down this far so here are some more interesting facts...
  • Touring Season – early April to first week of November --- some early tour even in Feb and March
  • September & October is the busiest time of year with typically a cruise ship in port every day and sometime up to 5 
  • 100+ is the average number of tours given per year -- 2025 there were 140+ tours 
  • 400 to 500  - total number of guests on tour per year
  • 63% - typical tour with between 2 to 4 guests
  • 2025 Top Tour – Peggy’s Cove over 60%
  • Multi-day Touring is a growing part of the business with 5 to 6 tours per year
  • Nova Scotia Tradition – Hug and Kiss a Lighthouse!  (truth or fiction ?)
  • Mel enjoys fishing and his largest catch is 40" Striped Bass 
  • January 2025 Mel accomplished the 4 day Inca Trail Hike to Manchu Picchu
  • Mel is Bald by choice ! 

VIEW TOUR PAKAGES