4 days
- Bay of Fundy & Annapolis Valley
Few places in Nova Scotia combine food, wine, and scenery quite like the Wolfville area of the Annapolis Valley. Sip Tidal Bay in Nova Scotia wine country, sample ciders crafted from Valley-grown apples, browse bustling farm markets, and dine on menus inspired by ingredients harvested just down the road.
What can you expect on this Annapolis Valley food and wine getaway?
The Annapolis Valley is Nova Scotia’s premier food and wine destination, known for its vineyards, farm markets, award-winning restaurants, and Bay of Fundy landscapes. Over four days, you’ll explore wineries, sample local flavours, discover communities such as Wolfville and Grand-Pré, and experience the culinary traditions that make the Valley famous. While four days allows you to experience many of the region’s highlights, you’ll still need to mix and match wineries, restaurants, tours, and attractions based on your interests, and some experiences may operate seasonally or require advance reservations.
Is this itinerary right for you?
This itinerary is ideal for travellers who want to immerse themselves in the flavours of Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley while enjoying a relaxed pace over four days. You’ll have time to visit wineries, explore communities such as Wolfville and Grand-Pré, dine at local restaurants, and discover the farms, vineyards, and Bay of Fundy landscapes that define the region. While the itinerary highlights many of the Valley’s top food and wine experiences, you’ll still need to choose between some wineries, tours, and culinary stops based on your interests and timing.
1 Day 1: Grand Pré, Wolfville & Nova Scotia Wine Country
Start your Annapolis Valley getaway in the heart of Nova Scotia wine country. Discover vineyard-covered hills, Acadian history, and some of the region’s most celebrated restaurants, wineries, and accommodations.
- Visit Grand Pré National Historic Site, to learn the story of the Acadian people. Open seasonally from mid-May to mid-October.
- Sample Nova Scotia wines at Grand Pré Winery, one of the province’s oldest wineries, and enjoy lunch or dinner at the onsite Le Caveau Restaurant.
- Stop at Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards for vineyard views, award-winning wines, and a chance to try Tidal Bay, Nova Scotia’s signature wine appellation. Hungry? Settle in for one of their popular wood-fired pizzas.
- Grab a coffee and locally roasted beans from Just Us! Coffee Roasters, Canada’s first fair-trade coffee roaster.
- Enjoy dinner at Mulberries Bistro at Tattingstone Inn, Terroir Restaurant at Old Orchard Inn, or another local favourite showcasing seasonal Valley ingredients.
- Stay overnight at one of the charming accommodations in the Wolfville area.
2 Day 2: Vineyards, Orchards & Cideries
Today is all about the flavours that have made the Annapolis Valley famous. Spend the day exploring wineries, orchards, farm markets, and cideries while enjoying some of Nova Scotia’s most scenic rural landscapes.
- Visit wineries such as Benjamin Bridge, Luckett Vineyards, Gaspereau Vineyards, or Mercator Vineyards, each offering its own take on Nova Scotia’s cool-climate wines. Let someone else do the driving and explore local wineries on a guided tour.
- Spend some time in the Valley’s apple-growing heartland. During the fall harvest season (September-October) visit a local orchard such as Noggins Corner Farm, Willowbank Farm, Gates U-Pick, or Elderkin’s U-Pick for a classic apple-picking experience.
- Sample craft cider made from Valley-grown apples at Annapolis Cider Company in downtown Wolfville.
- Enjoy dinner at The Church Brewing Company or Troy Restaurant & Grill.
3 Day 3: Markets, Seafood & Bay of Fundy Views
Pair great food with local makers, scenic coastal lookoffs, and some of the Bay of Fundy’s most memorable landscapes.
- Browse the Wolfville Farmers’ Market, open year-round on Saturdays, or the Kentville Farmers Market, open year-round on Wednesdays and known for local food producers, artisans, bakers, and farmers.
- Stop by Noggins Corner Farm Market, Hennigar’s Farm Market, Stirling Farm Market, or Elderkin’s Farm Market to browse local produce, preserves, baked goods, and seasonal products.
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Stop into Planters Ridge Winery for a tasting and take in the vineyard views, rolling farmland, and relaxed pace.
- Explore Tangled Garden in Grand Pré, known for its handcrafted jams, jellies, vinegars, herb blends, and culinary creations inspired by local botanicals.
- Drive to Hall’s Harbour for fresh seafood at Hall’s Harbour Lobster Pound & Restaurant and dramatic views of the Bay of Fundy’s world-famous tides. Enjoy a lobster dinner overlooking the working harbour as the water rises and falls.
- Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the trails at Blomidon Provincial Park, which offers options for a variety of abilities and experience levels.
- Make dinner plans at The Port Pub & Bistro or Longfellow Restaurant before settling in for the evening.
4 More Local Flavours & A Relaxed Finish
Wrap up your trip by discovering a few experiences you couldn’t fit into the first three days.
- Stop into any wineries, cafés, cideries, or restaurants you missed earlier in your trip.
- Browse the shops of downtown Wolfville, including The Market: General Store, Valley Girl Boutique, Only Nova Scotia Arts & Giftware, and Wild Lily, featuring local art, apparel, jewellery, wellness products, and gifts.
- Visit the Wolfville Cheese Shop to browse a curated selection of Nova Scotian cheeses, including products from Annapolis Fine Cheese, made locally in Wolfville.
Travel Tips
If you’re visiting in late October, consider planning your trip around Devour! The Food Film Fest, an internationally recognized celebration of food, drink, and film that draws chefs, winemakers, and food lovers from around the world.
Reservations are recommended for many wineries and restaurants, particularly during September, October, and long weekends.
Customize Your Trip
These suggested days are designed to inspire rather than dictate your route. Mix and match wineries, restaurants, attractions, and outdoor experiences to create your ideal Annapolis Valley getaway. While the region is especially popular during apple harvest and wine season in the fall, its wineries, farm markets, restaurants, and charming communities make it a great destination throughout the year.
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