10 Summer Food and Drink Adventures in Nova Scotia

What do you get when you combine outdoor adventures, stunning coastal scenery, and delicious local flavours? An unforgettable experience for food lovers that is sure to leave a good taste in your mouth.

Explore these 10 food and drink adventures and savour summer in Nova Scotia—you’ll be coming back for seconds!

Dining on the Ocean Floor

Head to Burntcoat Head Park on Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy, home to the world’s highest recorded tides, for an unforgettable adventure! Join local forager Jonathan Newell to discover and taste wild edibles from the park. Then, enjoy a lunchtime feast of fresh seafood paired with local craft beer and Tidal Bay wine.

After lunch explore the ocean floor on a private tour, viewing fossils and tidal pools, then indulge in a three-course meal at a dining table on the ocean floor. Finish the day by a campfire while listening to Mi’kmaw storytelling.

Dining on the Ocean Floor at Burntcoat Head Park on the Bay of Fundy

Clam Harbour Clam Digging Adventure

Head to Clam Harbour, a stunning intertidal ecosystem, where clams have been harvested for thousands of years. Your adventure starts at Memory Lane Heritage Village, where you’ll learn about the rich history of clam digging on the Eastern Shore. Then, join fourth-generation clam digger for a short drive to the clam flats to dig for fresh, soft-shelled clams. Afterward, head back to the Heritage Village for a delicious clam feast, along with a traditional lumber camp meal.

GINstitute by the Sea

Get ready for a two-day behind-the-scenes adventure at the award-winning Steinhart Distillery, including a private distillery tour. With stunning ocean views, you’ll forage for ingredients and mix your own unique gin or vodka with the help of Steinhart’s Master Ginmaker, choosing from a variety of spices and citrus. Enjoy delicious German-inspired dishes paired with Nova Scotia cocktails as you perfect your custom spirits. Then, relax with a two-night stay in an onsite oceanfront chalet complete with a private hot tub.

Heli-Picnic Island Escape

Hop on a thrilling helicopter ride over Halifax and the stunning Nova Scotia coastline to Sambro Island! Take in the breathtaking views of the city, its star-shaped fort, and the crystal-clear turquoise waters below. Once you land on Sambro Island, enjoy a private beach picnic with Nova Scotia wine, locally sourced charcuterie, and fresh fruit while exploring the island’s sparkling granite coastline and secluded paths. The tour includes a 2-hour flight with Vision Air Services, exclusive access to the island and its historic lighthouse, and plenty of chances to spot seals and seabirds.

Lobster Bay Culinary Experience

Ever wondered how to boil the perfect Nova Scotia lobster? Head to Argyler Lodge for a fun, hands-on lesson that’ll leave your taste buds wanting more—just in time for dinner! Start by building a wood fire along the water’s edge to cook your lobster, with the ocean as your backdrop. Then, enjoy a lobster feast on the beach. This seaside cooking experience is one you won’t forget!

Love Lobster Tour

Hop aboard a real Northumberland Strait fishing boat for an authentic Nova Scotia adventure! Your experience kicks off at a local fishing wharf, where you’ll stroll down the dock to meet your captain. After a tour of the boat and a quick safety briefing, you’ll set sail to the captain’s fishing grounds. Watch as they haul up a lobster trap, share their fishing knowledge, and even try hauling a trap yourself or taking the wheel for a bit. To top it all off, enjoy a tasty lobster roll picnic as you cruise along Nova Scotia’s stunning north shore.

Mi’kmaq Tides Adventure

Experience an unforgettable day at the Shubenacadie Tidal Bore Rafting Resort, where you’ll dive into Mi’kmaw culture, thrilling tidal bore rafting, and a feast of fresh lobster (jakej) caught by local Mi’kmaw fishers.

You’ll connect with Mi’kmaw artists, storytellers, and knowledge holders, learning about the rich traditions, land, and waters of the Mi’kmaw people. Highlights include a cleansing smudge ceremony, a porcupine quill workshop, a traditional Mi’kmaw lunch, an exciting rafting adventure, and a delicious dinner featuring lobster, maple salmon, and more.

End the day gathered around a fire, listening to stories and legends shared by a Mi’kmaw knowledge holder.

A rafting boat drives past the Bay of Fundy Cliffs on their way to a Tidal Bore Rafting Adventure

Taste of Birchtown: Guided Museum Tour & Craft Beer Tasting

Take a guided tour through the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre and learn about the incredible journey of the Black Loyalists who arrived at Birchtown Bay in 1783. Discover their struggles for freedom and survival in what was once the largest free Black community in British North America.

After the tour, explore the Black Loyalist Heritage Site, including a schoolhouse, church, and walking trail with stunning views of Birchtown Bay. Then, enjoy a craft beer tasting at Boxing Rock Brewing, where you’ll sample four beers, including the special “Back to Birchtown,” inspired by the Black Loyalists’ history.

A person holds a glass of beer at Boxing Rock Brewing located in Shelburne, Nova Scotia

Magic Winery Bus

Hop aboard the Magic Winery Bus and explore Nova Scotia’s Wine Country in style! This unique wine tour takes you on a scenic adventure through the Annapolis Valley’s best wineries, all while you enjoy stunning views and amazing hospitality on our charming British Double-Decker bus.

Running Wednesday to Sunday, the bus departs from downtown Wolfville, whisking guests away for wine tastings, delicious bites, and short tours at local wineries. At the end of your tour, the bus will return you to Wolfville, where you can check out the town’s downtown spots.

Magic Winery Bus arriving at Luckett Vineyards near Wolfville Nova Scotia

Tide to Table: A Nova Scotia Seafood Masterclass

Immerse yourself in the coastal culinary traditions of Nova Scotia over three action-packed days marked by flavour and adventure. This program, offered at Devour Studios in Wolfville, combines traditional cooking techniques with modern culinary flair as you create classic dishes using fresh, local seafood. Experience the beauty of Nova Scotia while savouring each bite and forming connections with fellow culinary travellers and curious home cooks from Nova Scotia.