I have some links for the Halifax area at http://members.accesswave.ca/~tvor/linkspage.htm and the Halifax tourist info site in particular is good for finding accomodations http://www.halifaxinfo.com/accommodations.html There are nice b&B's in Halifax and a few very charming smaller inns and hotels. Halliburton house http://www.halliburton.ns.ca is nice and so is the Waverly Inn http://www.waverlyinn.com

12 days might be a bit much to do everything you want, maybe skipping New Brunswick this time around could be an idea. Prince Edward Island can be seen in a couple of days and 2-3 days to go around the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton will do as well. Loads of restaurants in Halifax in the downtown area, depends on what you like. Good Chinese, Thai, Greek, Italian, seafood seafood seafood :)

Diane http://members.accesswave.ca/~tvor/index.html