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6 Must-Do Fall Experiences in Nova Scotia

Summer may be over but there is still plenty to do in Nova Scotia. From wine tasting to leaf peeping, comfortable sweater weather creates the perfect conditions for exploring your way around Nova Scotia. Here are six ideas to get you started on planning your fall adventures in Nova Scotia!

Visit our Wineries

Did you know Nova Scotia has its own appellation wine called Tidal Bay? This crisp white pairs perfectly with fresh Nova Scotia seafood and can be found on restaurant menus across the province.

But why not head straight to the source? Visit one of more than 20 Nova Scotian wineries, 14 of which produce their own Tidal Bay, to sample the latest vintage. Fall is the prime time to enjoy a glass on a patio overlooking a lush vineyard, primed for harvest with colourful, leafy trees as a backdrop.

Blomidon Estate Winery
Blomidon Estate Winery

Go Glamping

If there is just too much of a chill in the air for camping, try out a glamping dome instead. These well-appointed domes – many which operate year-round – make for the perfect and comfortable glamping experience. The large open windows at the front of the domes make for ideal viewing of the colourful fall foliage. Many are nestled amongst the trees and offer superb leaf peeping, right from the comfort of a cozy chair next to a fire or even from an on-deck hot tub.

Valley Sky Glamping

Experience a Gondola Ride

Head to Cape Smokey to take a ride on Eastern Canada’s only gondola. Ride up to the top of the mountain, admiring scenic water views framed by fall colours in the distance along the way. Once at the top, breathe in the fresh air and take a few minutes to relax on a bench and take in the views, or grab a bite or beverage from the snack shack at the top of the hill, before beginning your hike back down the mountain.

Cape Smokey Gondola
Cape Smokey Gondola

Go Hiking

Nova Scotia serves up stellar hiking year-round, but the October weather combined with fall colours is the perfect reason to explore Nova Scotia’s outdoors.

While fall colours can be seen on virtually any hiking trails through the woods, check out the trails in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Victoria Park, Shubie Park, Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site and Keppoch Mountain, or visit the Harvest Moon Trailway or Celtic Shores Coastal Trail for stellar fall colours.

Keppoch Mountain

Visit Farmers’ Markets

Nova Scotia’s fertile agricultural lands always yield a colourful and delicious harvest come fall. Pumpkins, apples, squash, tomatoes, and flowers are seemingly overflowing from market tables across the province. Head to a Farmers’ Market for the freshest produce, handmade goods, and other locally crafted wares and treats. Pick up a bottle of Nova Scotia wine, craft beer or spirits to be enjoyed later on a crisp fall evening.

A boy and two women head towards a red building which houses a farmer's market on a fall day
Tatamagouche Farmers' Market

Scenic Drives and Exploring Communities

As you travel from one fall adventure to the next, opt to take the scenic route for even more fall splendour. It’s true that fall colours can be seen along nearly any roadway, but there is something quite special about getting off the highway and driving the scenic route during the fall. Along the way, make time to visit Nova Scotia’s quaint communities, warming up with a cup of locally-roasted coffee, a freshly baked treat, or a hearty bowl of chowder.

Stay overnight at a cozy inn or cottage, meander in and out of shops and boutiques and even enjoy dinner on a patio.

The view of Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia's iconic Three Churches from across the water
Mahone Bay

Learn from the locals

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