Tall Ships to return to Nova Scotia for Canada’s 150th anniversary

What better way to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday than with a fleet of Tall Ships?

Returning to Halifax just in time for the province’s anniversary celebration, a fleet of 40 vessels will sail into the harbour next July.

READ MORE: Proposed removal of Tall Ships 2000 mural causing a stir in Halifax

The Tall Ships Regatta is a 7, 000-natuical mile transatlantic race, which includes the ships sailing to six different countries.

The 2017 tour will make a rendez-vous in Nova Scotia, Premier Stephen McNeil announced on Friday.

“I am pleased to announce that Nova Scotia is contributing $1.5 million over two years to bring Tall Ships back to Nova Scotia as part of Canada’s 150th celebration,” McNeil said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I am pleased to announce that Nova Scotia is contributing $1.5 million over two years to bring Tall Ships back to Nova Scotia as part of Canada's 150th celebration," McNeil said.

Nova Scotia will serve as a destination for captains, crew, and trainees to make their final preparations before they embark on the last leg of the race and return to Europe.

But more excitingly for Nova Scotians, and people from all over, the festival will be a place for visitors to see the marvellous ships and even board them for tours.

The government funding will go to several communities along the coast to help them prepare to welcome the visitors and the ships to their ports.

In 2009, the festival was a huge attraction for tourists, as 94, 000 people visited Nova Scotia to see the ships.

McNeil also said the Bluenose II will have an important role in the event.

“I also want to let you know that Bluenose II, an important part of Nova Scotia’s heritage and an icon to Canadians, will play a major role in the Tall Ships rendez-vous in 2017,” he said.

READ MORE: Former sea captain says province made ‘total hash’ of Bluenose II restoration

Additional information concerning the various locations for the tall ships and event details will be revealed in the coming months.

The ships will arrive just over a year from now, in July 2017.