Day trips and weekend getaways are the perfect way to explore Nova Scotia during the fall and winter months. No matter where you are in the province, plenty of adventure awaits nearby. Whether you’re visiting family favourites or looking for a new community to check out, here are a few ideas to get your started, only two hours or less from the hub communities listed below.
Departing from Halifax
Halifax is the perfect jumping off point to adventure. Beach hop along the Eastern Shore starting at Clam Harbour and visit Martinique, Lawrencetown and Rainbow Haven as you head back towards the city. Make it an overnight trip and head to Sheet Harbour. Stay overnight at the quaint Marmalade Motel and enjoy breakfast the next morning at The Marmalade Café & Coffee Bar.
Hit the highway to wine country to visit the Wolfville area, stopping at u-picks for apples and pumpkins and farmers’ markets along the way. Enjoy cozy accommodations at inns and bed and breakfast locations like the Tattingstone Inn, Blomidon Inn, The Evangeline and The Stella Rose B&B.
Or head south along Nova Scotia’s South Shore, stopping at Peggy’s Cove, Mahone Bay, and exploring Lunenburg. Book a night at the rustic-modern B2 Lofts, quaint Ashlea House Bed & Breakfast, River Ridge Lodge, or a suite at the Ivy House Inn, located on the top floor of a heritage home.
Departing from Truro
Head out on the hour-long drive to Halifax, where you can spend the day exploring museums, meandering the waterfront boardwalk, dining at countless restaurants, and shopping at your favourite stores. Extend your stay and book a night at a Halifax hotel like Halifax Marriott Harbourfront, Prince George Hotel, Westin Nova Scotian or luxurious Muir Hotel. Families will love the pools and waterslides at Delta Hotels by Marriott Dartmouth, Hampton Inn & Suites Dartmouth and Holiday Inn Express Bedford.
Or, explore the Noel Shore, visiting Burntcoat Head Park, site of the world’s highest recorded tides, and Walton Lighthouse. Stay overnight at Shangri-la Cottages. Make tracks for Parrsboro, with plenty to see along the way. You can visit Masstown Market, shop for antiques in Great Village, stop into That Dutchman’s Cheese Farm in Economy, explore Five Islands Provincial Park and visit Fundy Geological Museum, and Two Islands Brewing when in Parrsboro. Book a night at Fox Point Inn to have even more time to explore the next day!
Departing from Yarmouth
Head east from Yarmouth to the Shelburne area. Explore the Black Loyalist Heritage Site, enjoy a cold one from Boxing Rock Brewing, lunch at The Emerald Light Kitchen & Bar or Charlotte Lane Café (open seasonally) or enjoy local lobster from Capt. Kat’s Lobster Shack in nearby Barrington. Book a cozy cottage for the night at nearby Boulder Cove Cottages or Roseway River Cottages.
Head west from Yarmouth to Annapolis Royal where you can explore a portion of the Harvest Moon Trailway, sample spirits from Still Fired Distilleries or craft beer from Annapolis Brewing Company, or visit Fort Anne National Historic Site or Port-Royal National Historic Site (the grounds are open year-round). Be sure to stop for scallops in Digby on the way home or stay overnight at the Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa.
Departing from New Glasgow
Hit the road and head east towards Antigonish. Visit the Cape George Hiking Trail, enjoying the scenic drive along Cape George Point and sample spirits at Steinhart Distillery in nearby Arisaig. Plan a mountain biking adventure or scenic hike at Keppoch Mountain, and once in Antigonish enjoy a local brew from Candid Brewing or cocktail from Coldstream Clear Distillery. Have lunch or dinner at The Townhouse or Gabrieau’s Bistro and pick up something sweet from Peace by Chocolate.
Comfortable overnight accommodations are available at the Antigonish Evergreen Inn, Claymore Inn & Suites, Maritime Inn Antigonish and Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham.
Departing from Sydney
Head out past Baddeck stopping at Uisge Bàn Falls Provincial Park for a 2 kilometre hike to the waterfalls – and pack a picnic lunch to enjoy afterwards! Spend the night in Baddeck at Inverary Resort, Lynwood Inn or Selkie’s Rest.
Drive to Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site to explore the 18th century re-constructed village (the grounds are open year-round) and explore the Louisbourg Old Town Trail, offering a scenic coastal hike. On the way back, stop into Two Rivers Wildlife Park to visit the petting zoo and see over 40 varieties of native and exotic wildlife.
Departing from Amherst
Spend the day exploring the Advocate Harbour area. Visit Cape d’Or Coastal Park for incredible views of the rugged Bay of Fundy coastline and explore the day use portion of Cape Chignecto Provincial Park at Eatonville (open seasonally).
Or head from Amherst along Route 6 to the bustling village of Tatamagouche. Sample craft beer at Tatamagouche Brewing Co., pick up a treat at Appleton Chocolates, and stretch your legs on the Butter Trail. Head to Sugar Moon Farm in Earltown for a delicious pancake brunch, hike the Rogart Mountain Trail, and stop into Jost Vineyards in Malagash for a tasting and to browse the wine shop on your way back home.
If you’re planning an overnight stay check out nearby Cambra Sands, Ocean Sunset Chalets, or Smith Rock Lodge & Chalets.
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