Welcome, Brian -
You'll want to get something like a ScanGauge or UltraGauge. They've got the digital gauges to monitor engine sensors, and fuel economy readouts that will help with your driving.
Manual or automatic?
A 3-season block heater is a great idea - and it qualifies you as a modder!
Though it actually has a proportionately smaller effect the longer your trip length, compared to someone doing short runs. (I'd still use one though.)
I'd also look into a grille block and removing your roof racks if you have any.
What part of NS are you in? I've had a few extended stays in Lunenburg, and sailed around there & Cape Breton.