Nova Scotia is home to some of the most authentic, exclusive and extraordinary coastal experiences in North America. As the warmer weather approaches, we would like to share with you some of the latest highlights we are all excited about. We look forward to fully enjoying this upcoming summer. And remember…. over 13,000 km of coastline await you in Nova Scotia!   To explore where to go and what to do in the province, visit NovaScotia.com  

A Light Like no Other!

  Take a guided tour of the lighthouse tower, learn some interesting facts about Cape Forchu and enjoy spectacular views. Explore the rugged landscape and take in the breathtaking vista. Visit the lightkeeper’s residence, a provincial heritage property complete with museum artifacts. Fancy a picnic? Discover the Leif Erikson Park with walking paths, picnic sites and benches, providing front-row seats for amazing sunsets! - You can also meet “Foggy” the 50’ ft whale skeleton which is on display also in the park. Discover Cape Forchu Lighthouse.    A unique “apple core” lighthouse. Did you know Cape Forchu is the only one in Nova Scotia that can be climbed and has an intact lightkeeper’s dwelling open to the public?  

At the heart of Halifax’s burgeoning culinary scene

    Since opening of the Queen’s Marque District, home to the new MUIR Hotel, Halifax's waterfront has become the centre of some incredible culinary hot spots, featuring dining experiences from around the world.   New additions to the creative collection of dining experiences include:  

• Salt + Ash:  A warm, relaxed and feel-good retreat where friends come to gather over crackling fire, delicious food, and cold beer, Salt + Ash represents a new wave of Nova Scotia dining. The entire menu is cooked over a wood fire – from traditional Nova Scotian seafood to pizzas and more.
• Swanky Burger:  Sink your teeth into an old-school classic burger – simply prepared and gloriously satisfying!
• Coming soon |Toridori:  From Vietnam to Japan to Malaysia, Toridori is a love affair with Asia’s expansive repertoire of noodle creations.

     

Explore Halifax Hub & Spoke 5-day Itinerary

 

Taste, Dine & Stay at Nova Scotia's oldest farm winery

  Located in the heart of Nova Scotia Wine Country, Domaine de Grand Pré is Atlantic Canada’s oldest Farm Winery, owned and operated by the Stutz Family since 1994. The Swiss born family quickly made its mark displaying a European sensibility for quality and passion for wine. The result is an array of award-winning vintages appreciated across Canada and around the world!   Applying those same principles is their on-site development: The Inn at the Winery, in the family's former farmhouse. Offering an inviting and welcoming atmosphere in a stunning and unique winery setting, built in 1828, known as the James Cane House, the accommodation comprises of 6 spacious rooms spread out amongst the 3-level home. The ground level is home to a Chef's Table Dining Experience for 8-10 guests where you can watch your 5 or 7 course, wine-paired meal being prepared.      

Explore Grand Pré Winery

    There’s no place on earth where you will get fresher lobster! From our ocean to your plate – crack open your sense of adventure on the Nova Scotia Lobster Trail.

  Introducing authentic activities and exclusive adventures that you won’t find anywhere else.   Dine on the ocean floor, try glamping under the stars while listening to traditional music, or learn from locals on a guided hike or paddle. Don’t miss these truly Nova Scotian experiences.   Complete the training and make yourself a Nova Scotia expert!

  Nova Scotia has a long and rich tradition of growing grapes for wine that dates back to the 1600s, when the province was one of the first areas to cultivate grapes in North America. The climate and soil conditions in the province favour unique and distinctive grape varietals.   If your dream holiday includes road-tripping from one perfect boutique winery to another and chatting with passionate vintners about their art, we have got you covered – check out our latest vineyard stays to help you plan and get inspired:     Planter's Ridge Winery @ Port Williams   Newly renovated this century old farmhouse which was built in 1864 now contains three luxurious bedrooms, each with their own spa-like bathroom. The owners have paid homage to the old farmhouse by showcasing its original features while adding modern flourishes and embellishments. Artisanal breakfast is included in your stay. For more information click here.       Inn at the Winery at Grand Pre   Located in the Annapolis Valley next to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Domaine de Grand Pré is Atlantic Canada’s oldest Farm Winery, owned and operated by the Stutz Family, since 1994. The Swiss born family quickly made its mark displaying a European sensibility for quality and passion for wine. Now they are applying those same principles to their new onsite accommodations.  The Inn at the Winery, is the family's former farm  home and consists of  6 spacious rooms spread out amongst three levels.   The ground level  is home to a Chef's Table Dining Experience for 8-10 guests where you can watch your 5 or 7 course, wine-paired meal being prepared. For more information click here.       Yurts in the Vineyard at Authentic Seacoast Company @ Guysborough   Idyllically located along a stunning peninsula on Chedabucto Bay on the Eastern Shore, and nestled within the pockets of an oceanside vineyard, you’ll find 10 one-of-a-kind yurts calling your name for a glamping adventure!   These traditional Mongolian style yurts come fully-furnished and equipped with an abundance of amenities to provide a more-than-comfortable stay.   The property also includes a seaside sauna, ready for you to sweat off any stress and unwind.  For more information click here.

  Only a six-hour flight from the UK, Nova Scotia is filled to the brim with stunning natural beauty, diverse cultures, rich heritage, and friendly people.  About the size of Scotland and home to just a million people, Nova Scotia is very much a road trip destination, with spectacular seaside and inland driving routes.   If you love the coast, this five day itinerary takes you through regions known for high tides, warm waters and scenic views which are sure to get some inspiration going!   Day 1 |Burntcoat Head Park to Shubenacadie: Come and walk, play and explore on the ocean floor at low tide at Burntcoat Head Park, home of the world's highest recorded tides where you can take a guided tour or explore the dramatic site on your own. Added bonus: experience the one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure - Tidal Bore Rafting: As 100 billion tons of water rushes into the Bay of Fundy, there is only so much space for it to travel and therefore the great tides actually reverse the flow of the river that would typically flow into the Bay. Nowhere else in the world can you find this kind of experience!   Day 2 | Advocate Harbour: Cape d’Or Lighthouse in the Cape d'Or Coastal Park is a great spot to witness the Bay of Fundy’s impressive tidal rips from the towering cliffs of this park. Here you can also enjoy a meal next to a lighthouse at the onsite restaurant known for their seafood and breathtaking views. For a unique overnight experience, visit the Lightkeepers Kitchen & Guest House, located just a few steps from the Cape d'Or Lighthouse in the converted Lightkeeper's residence. Outdoors enthusiast? explore Cape Chignecto Provincial Park, Nova Scotia’s largest provincial park featuring back-country and day-use trails, magnificent Bay of Fundy beaches, and camping; discover the Bay of Fundy by taking a sea kayaking tour with NovaShores Adventures where you will see impressive views of Cape Chignecto’s sea cliffs and famous “Three Sisters” rock formation; dine in one of Nova Scotia’s highest rated restaurants, Wild Caraway Restaurant & Café, offering an authentic taste of local Nova Scotia dining through the use of local and in season ingredients.   Day 3 | Wallace and Tatamagouche: Spend a day at the beautiful Fox Harb’r Resort, one of only five 5-star resorts in Canada, situated on the stunning Northumberland Shore where you can try out one of the many activities such as horseback riding, volleyball, or sea kayaking.  Explore the town of Tatamagouche and get a taste for the local craft beer, wine and cidery scene with a stop at Tatamagouche Brewing Co. or travel a few minutes north of Tatamagouche to Malagash to visit the award-winning Jost Vineyards or Malagash Cidery at Vista Bella Farm.   Day 4 | Liscomb: Make your way to Liscomb Mills where you can spend the night at Liscombe Lodge, go for a hike along a portion of the 9 km of hiking trails or simply relax and enjoy the solitude of the area overlooking the Liscomb River. Fancy taking a boat tour along the Liscomb River? A relaxing pontoon boat ride along the Liscomb River takes you into the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean with the Marina Supervisor and Captain. Top up the experience with a visit to the resort’s restaurant for a true maritime meal with a view of the river and the rugged Eastern Shore landscape.   Day 5 | Spry Bay to Lawrencetown: Hike the beautiful coastal trail system at Taylor Head Provincial Park, with pristine white sand beaches, rugged headlands, and sweeping views of the ocean and undeveloped coastline. Stop for lunch to refuel at the Henley House Pub & Restaurant or Sober Island Brewing Company before continuing along the Eastern Shore. Head to Lawrencetown and check-in at East Coast Surf School at Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park to learn to ride the waves. If surfing isn’t your thing check out Lawrencetown Beach, Clam Harbour, Martinique, Rainbow Haven or one of the other beautiful beaches along the Eastern Shore.

  Only a 6 hour flight from the UK and the gateway to Atlantic Canada, Nova Scotia is filled to the brim with stunning natural beauty, diverse cultures and rich heritage. From picturesque towns to red mud ocean floor wonders and breathtaking autumn foliage scenery, we round up three of the most colourful spots in the Atlantic Canadian province.   Multicolour Lunenburg: Seventy percent of the original colonial buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries continue to greet visitors with their colourful façades in Old Town Lunenburg, one of only two urban communities in North America designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander Old Town Lunenburg’s distinctive waterfront with its colourful buildings and listen for salty tales of seafaring and rum-running and discover a charming town filled with amazing restaurants, distilleries, breweries, artisans and unique shops. Find out more.   Cabot Trail: October is a special time of year in Nova Scotia. From the colourful changing leaves to the bountiful harvests, it's the perfect time to get out and explore as sweater weather sets in. As the air crisps up and the leaves begin to turn amber, scarlet and crimson, the province eases into a season of exploration and exhilarating views. From hiking through the colourful fall foliage, canoeing along quiet rivers and traipsing through family farms to tasting local wines at vineyards and visiting heritage sites, there are plenty of top fall experiences in Nova Scotia – our favourite, driving the Cabot Trail. Plan at least for two days to take in the breathtaking pathwork from the numerous look offs in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.   Fancy joining a cultural highlight during your visit? Experience foot-stomping energy and spectacular scenery set ablaze with fall foliage at Cape Breton’s annual International Music Festival, Celtic Colours. (October 7 - 15, 2022). Read more.   Burntcoat Head Park:  A visit to Nova Scotia is not complete without witnessing the incredible tides of the Bay of Fundy. Each day, twice a day, 160 billion tonnes of seawater flow in and out of the bay. Burntcoat Head Park is the site of the highest recorded tides in the world. At low tide you can easily make your way down the staircase to the seabed where you can explore. Look for fossils, carefully examine ocean life in the tidal pools, join a guided tour for expert insights, explore the caves, or simply marvel at the incredible scenery distinctive for its red mud colours. A mere 6 hours later the mudflats where you once stood will be covered in up to 42 feet of water. Walking trails, a replica lighthouse, picnic area and scenic viewpoint of Cobequid Bay round out the experience.   So, you’ve explored the seabed. Now what? How about enjoying a gourmet meal on the ocean floor? Yes, we mean a multi-course, white linen gourmet meal. Hosted at Burntcoat Head Park by Food Fantastique where guests can enjoy an intimate 3-course meal consisting of local lobster, cheeses and beef all paired with Nova Scotia produced beer and wine.

  Nova Scotia has a long and rich tradition of growing grapes for wine that dates back to the 1600s, when the province was one of the first areas to cultivate grapes in North America. The climate and soil conditions in Nova Scotia favour unique and distinctive grape varietals. If your dream holiday includes road-tripping from one perfect boutique winery to another and chatting with passionate vintners about their art, we have got you covered – check out our top five recommendations to help you plan:   Sit back and enjoy an amazing eat & drink tour: what better way to experience the best Nova Scotia has to offer than to take a guided tour from one of its friendly locals. From private seafood picnics on secluded beaches to backdoor access to some of Halifax's top restaurants and brewery tours at Nova Scotia’s most famous local brewery, Alexander Keith's. Find out more.   Be sure to sample Nova Scotia’s appellation wine: Tidal Bay - a wine that brilliantly reflects the terroir, coastal breezes and cooler climate of its birthplace and is the perfect pairing for our fresh seafood. L’Acadie Blanc, Seyval Blanc, Lucie Kuhlmann, New York Muscat, and Baco Noir are others to include firmly on the list to sample on a patio overlooking a vineyard.   Go on an incomparable wine adventure aboard a traditional British double-decker bus: Magic Winery Bus is a one of a kind in North America.  Go day tripping to memorable Annapolis Valley wineries and experience unforgettable views and unmatched hospitality – all abord a British Double-Decker Bus! Guests are offered a professional guided tour sharing the region’s historical connection with food production and the world-class wine culture. Each day, the bus makes multiple departures from downtown Wolfville and transports guests to the participating wineries to enjoy wine tastings, small culinary delights and abbreviated tours. At the end of the day, the bus brings guests back to Wolfville to experience its downtown amenities.   Check out Nova Scotia's newest boutique winery: 1365 Church Street Vineyard & Winery has recently began welcoming wine lovers with 10+ wines aged 3-5 years. Offering tastings while overlooking their vineyard, sample their whites, rosés, and reds while learning about the grape varietals grown onsite. Find out more.   Sample the province’s most widely-acclaimed wine: Benjamin Bridge’s Nova 7 sparkling by Benjamin Bridge Vineyards – available in UK – has been garnering accolades for years and is a fan favourite with the locals and internationally. Enjoy an intimate tasting or tour to see what the buzz is all about.

  The gateway to Atlantic Canada and only a 6 hour flight from the UK, Nova Scotia is filled to the brim with stunning natural beauty, diverse cultures, rich heritage, and warm, friendly people. Known for its world class experiences and home to a top-notch locally sourced culinary scene shaped by the sea, it comes as no surprise Nova Scotia is home to two seafood-centric culinary trails: the Lobster Trail and the Chowder Trail  and to Canada’s first winery, craft brewery, cidery and distillery trail, the Good Cheer Trail  - Here are our top recommendations to get you tempted:   Lobster Trail: Nova Scotia lobster is world-famous – and for good reason. Some of the most fertile lobster fishing grounds, not just in Canada, but on the planet are located there. If you want a true, authentic lobster experience then you’ve come to the right place! From the ocean to your plate, crack open your sense of adventure on the Nova Scotia Lobster Trail  where you will find the freshest lobster and talented chefs creating delicious locally-inspired dishes with this iconic crustacean. Collect stamps on your passport by visiting as many as you fancy of the 28  lobster trail stops, enjoy traditional lobster dinners, lobster rolls and everything in between and discover many different Nova Scotia lobster experiences via an interactive map. Find out more.   Chowder trail: the perfect way to discover all the unique and delicious chowders this province has to offer, from Yarmouth to Sydney and everywhere in between the trail features 36 stops where you can enjoy a bowl of seafood chowder. Taking the finest seafood from its cold, clean waters and pairing it with produce from its lush fertile valleys, Nova Scotia’s chowders are warm and comforting, much like the character of its people. Find out more.   The Good Cheer Trail: crafted by family traditions, compelling history and exciting innovation, the trail celebrates Nova Scotia’s rich culinary history dating back to 1606, when the first meeting of “L’Odre du Bon Temps” (Order of Good Cheer) took place in Port Royal. Established to assist in surviving the winter, the Order of Good Cheer is also considered one of the first known gastronomic societies in North America, bringing people together through food and drink. The weekly feasts continued through the winter of 1606-07 and served to raise the spirits of the habitants of Port Royal. The gatherings regularly included indigenous guests, with Membertou and Massamouet, Mi’Kmaw chiefs in the area, often taking part.   Today, the Good Cheer Trail celebrates bringing people together through Nova Scotia food and drink. Collect stamps by visiting Nova Scotia’s stunning wine region, trying a craft beer tasting, sampling a cider or taking a distillery tour. Need help where to start? The interactive map will help you sip your way to over 90 different trail stops across the province. Find out more.

  As the warmer weather approaches and we look forward to fully enjoying this upcoming summer, over 13,000 km of coastline await for you in Nova Scotia.   To celebrate the season, we would like to share with you some of the latest openings as well as other highlights which we are all excited about.  To explore where to go and what to do in Nova Scotia, visit NovaScotia.com.  

Experience Halifax’s newest water adventure

    Splashifax is Halifax's first ever floating water park located on the grounds of Hatfield Farm Cowboy Adventures in Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia. Fun for all, it boasts a giant outdoor floating playground, obstacle park and is also home to the world's largest inflatable unicorn!   Located on the world’s second largest natural harbour, Halifax has the perfect mixture of big city amenities and small-town charm. A modern, vibrant city with a deep sense of history and culture, Halifax is Nova Scotia's capital city, home to Canada’s east coast navy and Nova Scotia’s marquee port of call for visiting cruise lines. The largest city in Atlantic Canada, Halifax’s small downtown core is easy to explore by foot, harbour or city tour. Read more.  

Kejimkujik National Park & National Historic Site

      Kejimkujik goes green with new investments to Solar Energy Infrastructure - Funded through the federal Greening Government Fund, a centralized photovoltaic (PV) array will offset camper electrical consumption by 100% in Jeremy’s Bay Campground! Visitors looking to help offset their footprint can also access electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.   New multi-use trail! Ukme’k Trail (pronounced “ook-may-k”), meaning ‘twisted’ in Mi’maw, meanders along the Mersey River connecting the campground with popular day-use areas. Designed to be shared, visitors will enjoy 6.3 km of twists and turns with optional mountain bike features. The recently completed new permanent Mill Falls Bridge and the inclusive rainbow crosswalk are just two new features to experience. Rentals available onsite at Whynot Adventure, the Keji Outfitters.   Head to the Atlantic coast and Kejimkujik Seaside for a coastal experience that will leave you breathless. This part of Kejimkujik offers a wild and isolated stretch of coastline with white sand and turquoise water. Hike the Harbour Rocks Trail and explore one of the most scenic beaches along Nova Scotia’s south shore. The newly revitalized Port Joli Head Trail reopens in June following extensive trail work that will help mitigate against future damage caused by climate change.  

Fat biking within the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Geopark

    Home of Mi'kmaq people and early settlers, the highest recorded tides in the world and lush vineyards, the Bay of Fundy is also a great place to go on a series of exploration adventures.   Check out the latest addition to Local Guy Adventures offering which can take you fat biking on the ocean floor while passing by sea stacks and sandstone arches carved by the tides. Well used old-growth forest trails lead to the rugged coast where you glide along the ocean floor passing sculpted rock formations and ripples in the sand left by the tides!

  Nova Scotia is home to many exciting and unusual places to spend the night. Super-cool glamping lodging where you can enjoy the great outdoors and all the amenities of a traditional hotel but in a non-traditional setting are aplenty in the province. Here are our top picks:   A brand-new glamping experience located in the Annapolis Valley – Nova Scotia’s wine country, Valley Sky Luxury Camping are luxurious accommodations if you wish to experience the wondrous outdoors. The Tidal Dome and the Valley Dome, the first domes in a series to come, are 430 sq. ft. geodesic domes featuring modern amenities and opulent comforts. Located just an hour away from Halifax, Valley Sky are an ideal option for exploring world class coastal and inland hiking trails, touring nearby vineyards and breweries, and dining in restaurants with a strong focus on local ingredients.   Located on 70+ acres on the stunning Bras d’Or Lake, Kayak Cape Breton & Cottages offers a variety of options to suit every kind of traveller. Choose a trailer or boathouse to experience all the comforts of home in a private setting. Or, for a more adventurous experience, go off-grid in a yurt or geodesic camping dome. Accommodations include everything you need to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. Each site includes comfy beds, barbecues, fire pits, and much more.   Port Wade Glamping Domes - Set within an ideal location out of town, but still close to many attractions and amenities around Annapolis Royal and near the Bay of Fundy region, this 23 foot geodesic glamping dome features a stargazer moonroof and a large panoramic window with a water view across the road. There is an outdoor covered barbecue area, deck with Adirondack chairs and a propane fire table.   Nova Scotia’s only 5-star housekeeping, eco-conscious, luxury geodesic dome experience. True North Destinations are located along Cape Breton Island’s Cabot Trail coastline offering spectacular ocean views and mountainside lodging. Each of the 10 domes feature private decks, luxurious Queen-sized beds, 3-piece baths, fully equipped kitchenettes, dining/living room area, private hot tubs, BBQ’s, privacy pergolas and Wifi.   Boasting a full view of the ocean with no obstruction, Archer's Edge Luxury Camping  is a family owned property since settling in the area from the Highlands of Scotland in 1891. Once a working farm but gave way to woodland as the era of family farms began to fade. Each geodesic dome is completely self-contained, comfortably furnished with a queen-size bed, cozy seating, toilet, shower and kitchenette suitable for two adults.