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Chamber Travel Opportunities!

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Join us as we explore the Wonders of the World through safe, unique and exciting tours!

The Yarmouth & Area Chamber of Commerce and Indus Travel have teamed up to offer one-of-a-kind adventures. Visit historic cities and famous landmarks while you dine on authentic cuisine and immerse yourself in local cultures.

Chamber Travel trips are open to members and non-members alike, and provide a once in a lifetime affordable travel experience! Our next trip will be departing in September, 2026.

Discover Ireland: A 10-Day Group Travel Experience with the Yarmouth & Area Chamber of Commerce

Departing September 7, 2026 · From Halifax · Only C$4,999 (Airfare Included)
Single Supplement: C$1,499 · Early-Bird Discount Available Until December 16, 2025 (save $100)

TOUR SUMMARY:
This spectacular journey begins with your flight from Halifax to Dublin, where the charm, culture, and warmth of Ireland await. From exploring the lively streets of historic cities to witnessing some of the most stunning natural wonders in the world, this itinerary offers the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and discovery.
Highlights include:

  • Touring Dublin’s historic districts and visiting EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum

  • Kissing the legendary Stone of Eloquence at Blarney Castle

  • Driving the iconic Ring of Kerry, home to mountains, coastline, and charming Irish villages

  • Experiencing the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher and the lunar-like Burren Region

  • Exploring Galway and cruising along the River Corrib

  • Venturing into the wild beauty of Connemara, including visits to Kylemore Abbey and Dan O’Hara’s homestead

Whether you’re drawn to culture, history, or natural scenery, Ireland delivers memories that last a lifetime.

✨ Trip Highlights

According to the tour materials, you will:

  • Explore Dublin, Ireland’s medieval capital, on a half-day guided tour

  • Visit Blarney Castle and its world-famous Stone of Eloquence

  • Travel the Ring of Kerry, one of Ireland’s most breathtaking routes

  • Discover the Cliffs of Moher, rising 700 feet above the Atlantic

  • Marvel at the fractured limestone landscape of The Burren

  • Enjoy a cruise on Lough Corrib, complete with scones and Irish coffee

  • Visit the historic Kylemore Abbey and its miniature Gothic cathedral

  • Immerse yourself in Irish heritage at the Irish Emigration Museum

  • Enjoy daily Irish breakfasts, two included dinners, and hand-selected superior hotels throughout the trip

Optional add-on experiences include:

  • Jaunting car ride in Killarney National Park

  • Medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle

  • Evening entertainment at Taylor’s Three Rock

  • Full-day Belfast tour from Dublin

️ Accommodations

The tour includes 8 nights of accommodation in superior-class hotels across Dublin, Kerry, Limerick, and Galway, plus one night onboard your flight. All accommodations are based on twin sharing.

What’s Included

This package is designed for convenience and value, offering a nearly all-inclusive experience:

  • Roundtrip international airfare from Halifax

  • 8 nights in superior hotels

  • Daily Irish breakfasts & 2 hotel dinners

  • All transfers, modern AC motorcoach transportation, and porterage

  • Expert English-speaking driver/guide

  • All sightseeing as per the itinerary

  • Entrance to major attractions, including Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Kylemore Abbey, and EPIC Museum

  • Air taxes, fuel surcharges, and all local taxes

Daily Itinerary Snapshop

A detailed day-by-day outline is provided in the tour document, including:

  • Day 1: Depart Halifax

  • Day 2: Arrive in Dublin

  • Day 3–4: Blarney Castle, Ring of Kerry

  • Day 5: Cliffs of Moher & The Burren

  • Day 6–7: Galway & Connemara

  • Day 8–9: Dublin touring and leisure

  • Day 10: Return to Halifax

Pricing & Early Bird Offer

  • C$4,999 per person (airfare included)

  • Single Supplement: C$1,499

  • Save C$100 with an early-bird booking made before December 16, 2025

Experience Ireland Brochure

Want to Join the Journey?

To book or ask questions, contact:

Richard Piotrowski
Yarmouth & Area Chamber of Commerce
902-742-3074
richard@yarmouthchamberofcommerce.com

Nataliya Maksymova (Indus Travel)
604-279-8794 ext. 828
nataliya@indus.travel
8:30 am – 5:00 pm PST

Experience Ireland Brochure
Indus Travel

Indus Travels is an award-winning Tour Operator offering value vacations to over 80 destinations around the world. Indus Tours are designed by Expert Tour Planners with the freedom and flexibility of passengers in mind.

The Indus Travel Experts are highly knowledgeable and passionate about helping clients design their dream vacations and prepare for unforgettable adventures.

SMALL BUSINESS WEEK 2025!

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From October 20th to 24th, we’re shining a light on the entrepreneurs, dreamers, and doers who keep our local economy buzzing. Join us in celebrating the innovation, resilience, and excellence of local businesses! From your favourite café to the new shop downtown, small businesses are the heartbeat of Western Nova Scotia.

Together with partners like Western REN, CBDC, Ignite Atlantic, CDENE, Nova Scotia Works, The Town of Yarmouth, and the Municipalities of Yarmouth and Argyle, a full week of events is planned across the region — from networking sessions and youth entrepreneurship gatherings to the Yarmouth Business Awards Gala.

Show your support by attending an event, sharing your favourite local business online, or stopping by a local shop. Every bit of encouragement helps our small businesses grow strong all year long!

MONDAY OCTOBER 20, 2025:
10:00 AM – Small Business Week Launch & Ribbon Cutting at Edward Jones Yarmouth

Join us as we officially kick off Small Business Week by hosting a ribbon cutting celebration at the brand-new Edward Jones office, located at 377 Main Street, Yarmouth. Stop by, say hello, and be part of the excitement!

10:00 AM – Stemma Analytics Webinar (French)

Start your week by tuning into this informative session presented by Stemma Analytics—delivered entirely in French.
Register by clicking HERE

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21st, 2025
10:30 AM – Youthpreneur Speed Networking at NSCC Burridge Campus

Get ready for a fast-paced morning of connection and inspiration! The Western REN and NSCC are teaming up to host a Youthpreneur Speed Networking Event—bringing together students and local business leaders for meaningful, one-on-one conversations.

The event runs from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM in The Cube at NSCC Burridge Campus. No registration required—just drop in and join the fun!

For more details, contact wcleveland@westernren.ca.

11:00 AM – Fall Job Fair at NSCC Burridge Campus

Looking for your next opportunity—or your next great hire? Don’t miss the Fall Job Fair, taking place from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM in the gym at NSCC Burridge Campus.

Hosted by NS Works / Southwest Employment Services in partnership with NSCC Burridge, this event connects job seekers with a wide range of local employers and community organizations.

Job Seekers: Dress to impress and bring plenty of résumés.
Employers: To reserve your spot, contact kperry@swemployment.com.

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM – CDENE Social Evening in Tusket

Unwind and connect with fellow professionals at Tusket Falls Brewing for an evening hosted by CDENE. Enjoy great company, local flavours, and meaningful conversations in a relaxed setting.

RSVP here to save your spot!

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22nd, 2025
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM – The Small Business Social

Join us at Third Cup Café (10 John St., Yarmouth) for an evening dedicated to celebrating Small Business Week! Connect with local business owners, entrepreneurs, community members, and support organizations—all in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

✨ Special Presentation at 4:30 PM: “Thriving During Times of Adversity” with SSI Consulting
️ Plus: Stick around for a raffle featuring some fantastic prizes!

Register here to save your spot.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23rd
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Futurpreneur Lunch & Learn at Ignite Atlantic

Thinking about starting your own business? If you’re between 18 and 39, join IGNITE Atlantic and Futurpreneur for an inspiring Lunch & Learn session at 210 Main Street, Yarmouth.

Discover the programs, financing options, and mentorship opportunities available to help young entrepreneurs launch and grow their ventures. Otni Chinenere from Futurpreneur will guide you through the process and answer your questions.

️ Lunch is provided.
Register here to reserve your seat.


5:00 PM – The 18th Annual Yarmouth Business Awards – Presented By: RBC and Doane Grant Thornton

The celebration of the year is here! Join us at the Mariners Centre as we honour our region’s most inspiring entrepreneurs, community leaders, and changemakers. Doors open at 5:00 PM for an unforgettable evening of recognition, connection, and celebration.

️ Dinner Menu prepared by Chef Tina Wright and her team from The Argyler Lodge – a culinary experience that pairs perfectly with the night’s festivities.

️ A limited number of tickets remain!
Special Perk: Every Business Awards ticket includes a 40% discount on Nova Scotia Music Week (@novascotiamusicweek) events.

Buy tickets here before they’re gone!

Friday, October 24
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Small Business Week Wrap-Up Social in Clare

Close out Small Business Week in style at Rendez-vous de la Baie (23 Lighthouse Rd, Church Point). Enjoy an evening of great company, conversation, and community spirit as we celebrate the entrepreneurs and innovators driving Western Nova’s success.

Register here to join the celebration!

Stay connected! Follow the Yarmouth & Area Chamber of Commerce on Facebook and Instagram for event highlights, photos, and stories all week long — and help us celebrate the people building the future of Western Nova, one small business at a time.

2024 Yarmouth Business Awards: October 24th

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2024 Yarmouth Business Awards: A Night To Shine

Get ready for a spectacular evening as the Yarmouth & Area Chamber of Commerce proudly brings back the highly anticipated annual business awards! Join us on October 24th, 2024 at the Mariners Centre, for the 17th edition of this prestigious event, where we’ll celebrate the best and brightest in our thriving business community. This beloved tradition has become a cornerstone for recognizing excellence, fostering connections, and showcasing the vital role of a strong business ecosystem in our region.

*** The nomination period is now: CLOSED ***

The 2024 award categories are:

  • Business of the Year (Less than 10 employees)
  • Business of the Year (10 or more employees)
  • Rising Star of the Year
  • Export Achievement
  • Customer Service Award
  • Community Impact Award
  • Business Leader of the Year
  • Young Entrepreneur Award
  • Tourism Business of the Year
  • Non-Profit Organization of the Year
  • Female Entrepreneur of the Year
  • Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Advancement Award

Doors & Cocktails at 5:00pm | Awards start at 6:30pm

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COVID-19 Vulnerability Report

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Released today, the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council’s (APEC) latest report, commissioned by the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce (ACC), reveals how differences in industry and demographic factors may shape the recovery for the 47 counties and divisions in Atlantic Canada.

Travel-related, customer-facing and commodity-based industries are among the most negatively affected by COVID-19. Rural areas are typically more vulnerable to these economic impacts because of their greater dependence on these industries.

The Atlantic Industry Vulnerability Index used in this report measures the share of the labour force in industries that have been most adversely impacted by COVID-19. There are large differences between counties ranging from 18% to 53%. Yarmouth came in at 41.3% which is high and due to a larger share of the labour force in at-risk industries. The greatest relative risk is its dependence upon the primary (fishing), manufacturing (seafood) and retail industries.

 

The report also contains dashboards and comparative tables for all counties and divisions in Atlantic Canada, identifying key variables that measure their vulnerability to COVID-19 including health, labour force and long-term structural indicators. When it comes to Yarmouth County the report identifies a number of concerns. 

Labour force vulnerability of the county is rated ‘yellow’, there is a large Indigenous population and median income is low. Both Indigenous and low-income workers are at greater risk from the employment impacts of COVID-19. Health vulnerability is rated ‘yellow’ because the county has a high share of seniors that have a greater health risk from COVID-19. Overall physical and mental health was relatively good pre-pandemic. Long-term economic vulnerability has been rated ‘red’ as a result that  income and education levels are relatively low, and population growth is slow which might impede future growth prospects.

This report is intended to help communities and governments as they develop informed strategies to support their recovery. Further, governments should consider the distinctive aspects of urban and rural areas in their plans to support the recovery of all regions.

Medical Learner Housing Project Getting Underway

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New Building to be Constructed to House Medical Residents and Students

(Yarmouth, NS: January 7, 2021) The Board of Directors of Coastal Financial Credit Union with the support of the Yarmouth and Area Chamber of Commerce are moving forward with the housing project they have been planning at 30 Vancouver Street, Yarmouth Nova Scotia. After much effort to make the current structure work to address the housing needs of medical learners, the organizations determined that the current building will be replaced by a new facility. 

“The new building will fit very nicely in the neighborhood while complementing the lot and maintaining the current landscaping as much as possible,” says Kerry Muise, Vice-President of the Yarmouth & Area Chamber of Commerce.  She went on to say, “the existing structure is old, and while stately from the outside, the cost of renovating far outweighs the costs of new construction.” They say that another consideration was the ongoing maintenance and operating costs of the building in the long term. 

“I am very pleased with this decision; after months of work, doing our due diligence, we have determined that this is the best decision for the purpose and for our community,” says Rick Doucette, CEO of Coastal Financial Credit Union. The Credit Union, as owner of the property, will largely fund this project. The Chamber will operate the facility helping attract medical residents and students to the area. Doucette says, “I am super excited to now see this project move quickly ahead.”

The Chamber and Credit Union say that addressing housing issues for medical learners is key to assisting recruitment efforts. While several businesses, such as Garian Construction, Co-operators Insurance, and Bramac Plumbing have already donated considerable time and efforts to this project, Muise says, “help from the community will still be needed.”

Demolition is scheduled to take place this month and the drawings for the new building will go to tender soon. The Credit Union has hired Lloyd MacDougall, Certified Project Manager, to oversee this project. Lloyd can be contacted via the Chamber office if companies or individuals wish to contribute to this worthwhile project. 

“Having housing for incoming Resident Doctors and Medical Students is a huge advantage in the recruitment world,” says Rebecca Rose, Community Navigator. Rose says, “this will be a key recruitment tool in the near future.” She said that currently approximately 25% of her time is dedicated to finding housing and a large part of the Community Navigator budget as well. Doucette says, “in addition, this will also free up other rental spaces for local residents and ultimately this is a win-win for everyone and I can’t wait to cut the ribbon at 30 Vancouver Street next fall!”