Your Private Nova Scotia Story
Curated by a Local
Beyond the expected, experience the heart of our coastal city with a personal journey designed exclusively for you.
About Us
I believe true luxury lies in authentic connection and profound discovery.Forget the usual tourist paths; experience the hidden narratives, vibrant culture, and breathtaking beauty of Halifax and Dartmouth through an insider's lens. My commitment is to anticipate every need, ensuring a seamless, comfortable, and utterly unique adventure where every detail is cared for. You'll simply connect with the magic of this place and create stories worth sharing – the kind you'll proudly recount long after your return.I craft private journeys designed exclusively for you drawing from my distinctive career spanning three decades in hospitality, entertainment and human connection.
Our Curated Experiences
Offbeat Halifax Private Walking Tour
A private, story-led Halifax walk for couples, families, and small groups who want the city with a crooked grin—offbeat history, local characters, and the kind of details you won’t get from a plaque.This is a walking tour (no transportation), paced to your group, with plenty of stops.Start options:Halifax waterfront / Public Gardens area / Halifax Convention Centre / your hotel lobby (I’ll confirm the exact meeting point by text after booking).Duration 90 minutesGroup size: 2–8
Offbeat Halifax - Conference Express (45 min)
A fast Halifax hit for conference people who don’t want a generic city tour. Offbeat history, local characters, and a few “wait… seriously?” stories—wrapped up in 45 minutes so you can get back to your sessions on time.Start options:Halifax Convention Centre or your host hotel lobby (meeting point confirmed by text after booking).Duration: 45 minutesGroup size: up to 12
Darkside Tour - Halifax + Ferry to Dartmouth
Delve into Halifax's hidden history on this engaging walking tour, where tales of bootleggers and privateers come to life. Led by Jimmy Dalling, a local storyteller with deep roots in Nova Scotia, uncover the secrets that shaped the city beyond the tourist spots. Over 2 to 2.5 hours, explore off-the-beaten-path locations and hear stories of contraband shipwrecks and harbor smuggling. This intimate tour is designed for small groups, ensuring a personal experience filled with the messy, fascinating history of Halifax.- Private tour ensures a personal touch and time to ask questions- Discover Halifax's hidden history with a local expert guide2.5-hour intimate walking tour and ferry rides- Hear tales of bootleggers, privateers, and old scandals- Discover the best Halifax has to offer efficiently with an expertThis is a 2 - 2.5 hour long walking tour and ferry ride exploring the history of Halifax Harbour, Halifax, Dartmouth and the ferry between the two towns.
About Jim Dalling
My family's roots in Nova Scotia run deep, over 200 years. On my father's side, Dalling family members rest in the Old Burying Ground on Barrington Street in Halifax, while my mother's ancestors have called Dartmouth and the Eastern Shore home since the 1780s. This isn't just where I live; it's woven into my very being.Perhaps it's genetic, but welcoming guests into our homes and lives has always felt like second nature. My great-grandfather was a wilderness guide, my grandfather ran a campground, and I've dedicated much of my own life to the hospitality and tourism industry. This profound connection to Nova Scotia, combined with a passion for sharing its unique spirit, is what drives me to offer you something truly special.Beyond my roots here, my life has been shaped by a distinctive career over decades in hospitality, entertainment, and human connection. As a retired psychotherapist, I've honed a unique capacity for genuine connection and understanding, allowing me to truly anticipate the nuances of individual needs. My experience as a wedding DJ and MC at exclusive clubs and I learned the art of seamless execution, commanding presence, and meticulous attention to detail within the high-pressure world of discerning clients. I understand the unspoken expectations for flawless service.My own adventures have taken me far and wide, adding layers to my perspective: I've studied in California, explored the Eastern Seaboard on a tall ship, and even studied comedy in Paris with a master teacher, honing my ability to engage and entertain. Performing and connecting with people across every province of Canada, from coast to coast, has deepened my appreciation for diverse stories and the art of the shared experience.This rich tapestry of a life well-lived—from the shores of Nova Scotia to international stages—informs every tour I create. It allows me to connect with you not just as a guide, but as a fellow human with a shared appreciation for the world's wonders. As my 94-year-old Nanny, who still lives in Upper Lakeville, Nova Scotia, often says, this place is truly "the best part of the best part of the world." It's a sentiment I wholeheartedly believe and invite you to discover for yourself.
Reviews
“This tour felt like being shown around by a hilarious friend who actually knows what they’re talking about… We got great harbour views, solid context, and a bunch of details we never would’ve found on our own.” - Via Trip Advisor“It felt like stepping into a story rather than being marched through a checklist. The ferry crossing was surprisingly emotional… Jimmy connects the big harbour ‘facts’ to real human stories. If you want a tour full of heart and humour, this is it.”“Jimmy is warm, informative, and very entertaining. It was honestly like spending the day with family. We learned a lot, and he even takes good pictures!”