Why Nova Scotia is the Perfect Road Trip Destination (And What You Can’t Miss Along the Way)
If you're dreaming of the kind of road trip where every twist and turn comes with a view, where small towns feel like storybook settings, and where...
The Annapolis Valley is renowned for its rugged cliffs, fertile valleys, and the powerful Bay of Fundy tides that shape its dramatic landscape. An agricultural hub bustling with wineries, apple orchards, and farms, the region also boasts many working fishing villages along its coastline. These striking natural features, along with numerous picturesque towns, have captured the attention of production companies, who have used the valley’s diverse scenery as stunning backdrops for thrillers, love stories, epic adventures, and more. Keep reading to discover how your trip to the Annapolis Valley can immerse you in these captivating stories and unique attractions.
The Clockmaker’s Inn, Windsor
Enjoy a night at a historic inn with a haunting exterior that has repeatedly graced the screen. The Clockmaker’s Inn in Windsor, has been transformed into the Maplecroft house in the film Lizzie Borden Took an Axe, featuring Christina Ricci and Clea Duvall, and served as the sinister residence of “bad guy” Max Devore in the Stephen King miniseries Bag of Bones. Although the provincial heritage property casts an eerie silhouette on camera, its inviting interior offers a warm welcome. Step inside this meticulously restored Victorian mansion to discover an elegant guest library, a bright sunroom, and expansive gardens outside. In the morning, globe-trotting innkeepers Debbie and Rick Dunham are sure to serve up a few jokes, stories, and a delicious breakfast. Located in Windsor’s downtown core, the inn is just a short walk from local restaurants, shops, and attractions.
Blomidon Provincial Park
Rising 180 meters above the shores of the Minas Basin, Blomidon Provincial Park is renowned for its dramatic cliffs and breathtaking views. Spanning 1,875 acres, the park offers diverse habitats, striking natural features, abundant wildlife, and the world’s highest tides along its shores. The Mi’kmaw placename for Blomidon is Metoqwatkek, which translates to bushes extending down the bank. An important place for the Mi’kmaq, Cape Blomidon is featured in many Mi’kmaw legends. Click HERE to hear artist and educator Elder Gerald Gloade tell Kisiujek Kluskap aq Mi’kmaq: The Creation of Kluskap and the Mi’kmaq.
In 2021, Blomidon’s impressive landscapes served as a key backdrop for the award-winning Canadian coming-of-age drama Wildhood. Filmed in both English and Mi’kmaw, this odyssey spans the Bay of Fundy, with Blomidon Provincial Park’s stunning cliffs prominently featured. During your visit, be sure to hike the park’s 13 kilometres of all-season trails that wind through mature hardwoods, offer panoramic views of the Minas Basin, and lead to a waterfall. When the tide is out, take the opportunity to explore the beaches by beachcombing. The park campground welcomes visitors from mid-May to mid-October.
Grand Pré National Historic Site
Discover the legacy of l’Acadie, its resilient people, and its vibrant culture at Grand Pré National Historic Site and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, visitors can explore and learn about the tragic history of Le Grand Dérangement—an event that helped shape modern Acadian identity worldwide. Stroll manicured gardens, stand before the iconic statue of Evangeline, and explore the Memorial Church. Grand Pré is no stranger to film: in 2011, several scenes of Cloudburst were shot on its grounds, adding a modern chapter to its storied cinematic heritage. In fact, the 1914 silent drama Evangeline—adapted from the 1847 poem—holds the distinction of being the earliest recorded feature film in Canadian history.
Digby Neck, Long Island, and Brier Island
Although most of the 1995 American psychological thriller Dolores Claiborne was filmed along the South Shore, key scenes were captured in the Digby area, including a sequence featuring the ferry crossing from Freeport on Long Island to Westport on Brier Island. If you plan to travel this route, be sure to include a stop in Tiverton, where a winding 2.5 km trail and a 235-step staircase lead to a platform offering a striking view of a narrow, vertical basalt column — known as Balancing Rock — balancing on its tip. From there, book your spot on one of the many whale-watching tours departing from Brier Island. You’ll be in awe when you witness a whale breach the ocean’s surface, allowing you to experience these majestic creatures up close.
Downtown Windsor
Once a bustling shipping and shipbuilding hub, Windsor’s industrial and historic charm now frames many films. In recent years, the CBC drama Pure, the Canadian comedy series The Trades, and most recently, Stephen King’s miniseries The Institute—set to debut later this year—have all chosen Windsor’s downtown backdrop for filming. Visitors will find an abundance of activities downtown: shop local art at Windsor Makers Studio & Art Market; enjoy a performance at the Mermaid Theatre; grab a coffee at Gerrish & Gray Café; visit the classroom-style taproom at Schoolhouse Brewery; and dine at Hole in the Wall Restaurant or the Spitfire Arms Alehouse.
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