Dalene Heck and her husband, Pete, were digital nomads long before it was cool. In 2007, the couple ditched their corporate jobs, sold their house in Okotoks, Alberta, and decided to travel the world. Nearly eight years and 60 countries later, the couple returned to Canada, settling in Lethbridge, Alberta, so Dalene could receive treatment for and recover from a recent leukemia diagnosis.
By 2020, Dalene’s leukemia was in remission and the couple were mulling over their next big move. The couple felt drawn to Nova Scotia, and in May of 2022 they were on the road again. This Maclean’s story chronicles their cross-country trek, which culminated in their purchase of a four-bedroom century home and former parsonage (originally owned by the town’s United Baptist church) for $357,000 in the former fishing port of Margaretsville. The Hecks’ new abode has stained-glass windows, an original carved-wood staircase and distant views of the Bay of Fundy. Surprisingly, the couple haven’t felt any wanderlust since their move. “We could see ourselves here for a long time,” says Pete.
—Arisa Valyear, newsletter editor