DOWN EAST TOURS offers over 11+ years of guiding Nova Scotia visitors to their ideal locations and once in a lifetime experience.
2025 Booking Calendar now active … Book Now and don’t wait until it’s too late !
Mel Zilkowsky, Owner/Operator, Nationally Certified Tour Professional.
"I offer experiences which are designed to be private and flexible, allowing you to immerse yourself in local culture along scenic routes, free from the hustle and bustle of large tour groups. I often venture into places inaccessible to tour buses, ensuring you encounter local areas that others may miss. With a wealth of knowledge, I share the history and insights of the areas we explore."My 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.
VIEW TOUR PAKAGESCustomization is a key feature of my tours; they can be tailored to your interests and preferences. This is your tour and your time—I'm adaptable! Prepare to witness the 'must-see' attractions while falling in love with the 'hidden gems' off the beaten path. You'll have the opportunity to savor local foods, from Nova Scotia's renowned lobster to other seafaring delights, along with exceptional local wines, beers, ciders, and spirits.
My Tour Vehicle is a Dodge Grand Caravan which is Clean, Comfortable & Sanitized with seating up to 6 (with restrictions). I use a high-end PA System for clear commentary and 10.9" iPad used for supplemental information/photos to enhance the touring experience.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate my focus on capturing 'special' photos based on your interests. I can guide you to spots offering unique perspectives and am known for spontaneously exploring areas that pique your curiosity.
Please contact me with any questions that you may have. I look forward to meeting you !
Mel Zilkowsky--> Coming Soon - Self Guided Tours - This new service will allow for the creation of a customized tour itinerary based on the clients input of what they wish to experience. The custom itinerary will include a recommended daily outline, local information, must see sights, hidden gems, food establishments, accommodations and maps. Stay tuned ! -----------
Who is Mel Zilkowsky, AKA Mel Z ??- Owner/operator of Down East Tours.
- 11+ years of Guiding Experience (since 2013)
- Nationally Certified Tour Professional, certified by the Tourism Council of Canada
- 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 and recently, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.
- 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.
- Member of his local community Business Association - Board of Directors – Chair
"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 ZilkowskyVIEW TOUR PAKAGES--> Coming Soon - Self Guided Tours - This new service will allow for the creation of a customized tour itinerary based on the clients input of what they wish to experience. The custom itinerary will include a recommended daily outline, local information, must see sights, hidden gems, food establishments, accommodations and maps. Stay tuned !
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Tour Vehicle - Dodge Grand Caravan
- Clean, Comfortable & Sanitized
- PA System for clear sound of commentary ... also can be used for Karaoke ;)
- Air-conditioned
- USB Ports for phones/tablets
- Free WiFi on board
- iPad 10.9" screen used for supplemental information/photos to enhance the touring experience
- Booster seat available upon request *
- 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.
- 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
All tours are senior and kid friendly ... However, please note the following:- Kid Friendly - Please advise if a booster seat is required and we can provide.
- I am unable to accommodate child/baby car seats in the vehicle.
- Please advise of any mobility issues and if a guest has a walker, so I can ensure room the day of the tour. I don't always have room for folding walkers. (I usually have cleaning suppliers and a cooler onboard) I have very limited space for storage. But can fold down back seat if only a group of 4. Contact me with any questions at all. Ty
- Wheel Chair - I am generally not able to accommodate wheel chairs or motorized scooters due to available space. Having said that I have accepted some in the past on a case by case bases. Guests must be able to enter and exit the vehicle safely unassisted. This combined with a lower number of guests to accommodate space requirements. (ie. Room in back or folded down back seat) Please contact me before booking if this is a request. Showing up for a tour without advising of a wheel chair or mobility scooter may result in delaying the tour or cancellation due to lack of space/preparation.
- Thank you for your understanding.
Other Information- All Nova Scotia Health & Safety protocols are followed to ensure a safe experience including cleaning/sanitation of vehicle before and during tour.
- Hand sanitizer and extra masks are available for our guests who wish to wear them.
- 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
- September & October is the busiest time of year with typically a cruise ship in port every day and sometime up to 5
- 100+ – average number of tours given per year
- 400 to 500 - total number of guests on tour per year
- 63% - typical tour with between 2 to 4 guests
- 2023 Top Tour – Peggy’s Cove over 60%
- Nova Scotia Tradition – Hug and Kiss a Lighthouse ! (truth or fiction ?)
- Mel enjoys fishing and his largest catch is 40" Striped Bass
- Mel is Bald by choice !
VIEW TOUR PAKAGES 
