Bites & Sites in Nova Scotia

South Shore (Hubbards to Lunenburg)

The South Shore of Nova Scotia is filled with ocean adventures. Whether kayaking, whale watching, exploring sea caves, beaching, or hiking with ocean views are on your to-do list, the South Shore has it all. While you’re watching the sunset, breathing in fresh ocean air, listening for local wildlife, or feeling warm sand between your toes, you’ll want something equally memorable for your taste buds. There are dozens of local stops along the South Shore that are sure to round out your visit.

• Pastries and old-fashioned brown bread from LaHave Bakery
• German-style wheat beer from Tanner & Co
• ‘Rum Boat Rum’ from Ironworks Distillery (this rum is aged under the sea!)
• Local meats, cheese, and baked goods from Rose Bay Store & Bistro

Yarmouth

Yarmouth is a beautiful spot with ocean inlets, stunning lighthouses, and Acadian hospitality. When combined with unique culinary experiences, these adventurous foods and excursions are sure to have you booking a trip back next year.

• Wedgeport Whoopies, Carl’s custard filled donuts, and local favourite, Rappie Pie pizza. These are all unique eats from Carl’s Store that would be perfect to pick up on your way to visit Cape Forchu Lighthouse and the Leif Erikson Trail.
• Grab lunch from the Wild Roots Restaurant before you join a modern fishing boat for a Lobster Fishing Tour from Yarmouth Harbour Tours. You’ll need your strength to bring in those heavy lobster traps. When you’re all done, grab a Mariner’s Blonde Ale from Heritage Brewing or Hard Iced Tea from Boatskeg Distilling Co. to toast your success.

Cape Breton

Cape Breton is sure to impress you with the world-famous Cabot Trail, coastal hikes, beaches, and Mi’kmaq and Gaelic culture. If you want to experience it all, you may want to do some detailed route planning.

• Fill up the snack cooler at the Farmer’s Daughter Country Market in Whycocomagh before heading to sample Sea Salt Caramels or Dark Chocolate Medallions from Jill’s Chocolate at The Iona Heights Inn. The Inn overlooks the Bras d’Or Lakes and features the Frolic’n Folk Pub that regularly hosts some of the best musicians on the East Coast.
• Once you’re refreshed, head for Sydney and a pit stop at the Cape Breton Fudge Company before snapping pictures in front of the Giant Fiddle.
• Heading to the Cabot Trail from Sydney? Be sure to grab lunch at the infamous A&K Lick-A-Chick on your way to the 24-hour Englishtown cable ferry. It will shave some time off your trip while adding a little extra fun.
• There are plenty of picnic spots along the Cabot Trail. Pull out the cooler as you stop for beautiful views, beaches, waterfalls or hiking spots in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
• When you leave the Highlands and arrive in Chéticamp, stop at the Freya & Thor Gallery and Café for amazing local art, sea salt caramel lattes, and snickerdoodle cookies, or Aucoin Bakery for fresh rolls and authentic Acadian-style meat pies.
• After Chéticamp, head for Inverness Beach. On your way, you can take a short detour to reach the always amazing Dancing Goat Café. Make sure to try the porridge bread, lemon tarts, and the “DG” Pastrami sandwich.
• Before you head back to mainland Nova Scotia, stop at Inverness Beach for a day in the sun, a walk on the boardwalk, or a round of golf at Cabot Cliffs. While you’re there, try the seasonal feature brew from Route 19 Brewing or enjoy a dram from Glenora Distillery, the makers of North America’s first single malt whisky. You can even pick up whisky-soaked cigars at Glenora if you’re into that sort of thing.

*Please note, some locations may be open seasonally. Visitors are encouraged to check ahead to confirm hours of operation.