Outdoor winter activities in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is full of activities for the adventurous and outdoorsy winter lovers. Whether you dream about fresh powder awaiting you on the ski hills, spending your days out on the trails snowmobiling, fat biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or hiking OR trying your hand at winter surfing or viewing Nova Scotia on a private helicopter tour — it’s all here in Nova Scotia!

Discover where to do these winter activities, places to stay, and exciting packages that will turn you into a doer instead of a dreamer!

Snowmobiling and ATV/4×4/Side-by-Side

Unique places to stay (catering to snowmobilers)

Selkie’s Rest
Located near the Cape Breton Highlands snowmobile trail system in Baddeck, park your snowmobile or ATV/quad in the garage of your very own lighthouse-styled accommodation when you stay at Selkie’s Rest.

Inverary Resort
Located close to Cape Breton Highlands snowmobile trails in Baddeck, book an overnight stay and leave from the resort to hit the trails. If you don’t have your own sled – no problem! Snowmobile tours can be arranged through TNT Outdoor Adventures.

Cape Breton Snowmobile Weekends Hosted At “The Shed” in Margaree Forks
Experience a three-day, all-inclusive weekend in the Cape Breton Highlands where meals, accommodations, guided snowmobiling, a mountain hike and more are all thoughtfully prepared for you to take part in.

Snowmobile guided tours

TNT Outdoor Adventures in Cape Breton offers spectacular year-round guided tours throughout the Cape Breton Highlands aboard their Polaris snowmobiles and side-by-sides. Snowmobile tour packages include use of top-of-the-line snowmobile footwear, apparel and helmets to ensure you stay perfectly warm while experiencing the snowy trails in the Highlands. Required permits are purchased by TNT Outdoor Adventures Inc.

Snowmobiling in the Cape Breton Highlands

Ask a seasoned surfer in Nova Scotia and you’ll learn surfing is not just for the summer and fall months. Take a surf lesson with a year-round surf company to discover an exhilarating new activity and, with proper gear, you’ll stay warm in the Atlantic Ocean any time of the year.

Surf companies offering winter surf lessons

Kannon Beach Wind & Surf, operating from the MacDonald House atop the bluff between Stoney Beach and popular surf spot, Lawrencetown Provincial Park Beach, offers all the gear onsite.

Please note that surf lessons may be determined by weather and surf conditions and may need to be rescheduled day-of.

Looking to explore sandy beaches in summer and snow-covered trails in winter then welcome to fat-tire biking! Fat bikes allow riders to comfortably ride on softer terrain which means four seasons of biking is possibly in Nova Scotia.

Fat bike tours

Local Guy Adventures will take you on a guided tour within the Cliffs of Fundy Global Geopark to discover the shoreline of the famous Bay of Fundy.

Fat bike rentals

Sweet Ride Cycling in Mahone Bay can get you prepared for a fat biking adventure on the Rum Runners Trail with a rental of a fat bike (or other trail bikes, depending on the season).

Downhill ski hills are a favourite destination for winter lovers… and with four ski hills operating in Nova Scotia, you can plan winter getaways to explore a hill every weekend. Ski lessons, ski equipment and snowboard rentals may be available and/or require pre-booking – please call ahead to book.

Nova Scotia Ski Hills

Cape Smokey, Ingonish
Ski Ben Eoin, Ben Eoin
Ski Martock, Martock, near Windsor
Ski Wentworth, Wentworth

While many of our trails are perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, if you are looking for a guided tour or groomed trails, you can also find that here in Nova Scotia.

Places to Cross-country Ski and/or Snowshoe

North Highlands Nordic Cross-Country Ski Facility is located in Cape North near Dingwall on the Cabot Trail. With over 10 km of groomed trails boasting views over Aspy Bay and the Cape Breton Highlands mountain range, enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Later, warm up in the social gathering room. Instructional clinics and rentals of skis and snowshoes are available.

North Highlands Nordic Cross-Country Ski Facility, Cape North

Have you ever seen Nova Scotia from the air? How about in winter? These exhilarating air tours showcase the landscape in an entirely different way that you’ve likely seen before. Get a bird’s eye view over Nova Scotia with one of these exciting opportunities!

Helicopter & Plane Tour Packages

Hit the trails on horseback with a certified trail guide or bundle up and relax in a sleigh as horses glide through the snowy trails.

Winter Horseback Riding and Sleigh Rides

Offering trail riding adventures year-round, discover miles of trails with a certified trail guide with Evangeline Trail Rides.
Discover what life was like on a family farm over 100 years ago in Nova Scotia when you visit Ross Farm Museum and in the winter months, be sure to enjoy a sleigh ride on the onsite nature trail.
Saddle-up for a horseback trail ride or a winter sleigh ride before warming up by the campfire at Shelby Ranch.

Winter Sportfishing

Avid anglers will want to check out the numerous places for winter sportfishing in Nova Scotia. Beginning January 1 through March 31 each winter, try your hand at catching Speckled or Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Chain Pickerel or Yellow or White Perch throughout Nova Scotia. A license is required for winter sportfishing but don’t miss Free Fishing Weekend on Heritage Day weekend in February. If ice fishing, ensure the ice is thick enough to fish safely. Refer to ice safety guidelines from the Canadian Red Cross. Read the Anglers’ Handbook for more information.

A woman sits in a camping chair on a frozen lake dipping her fishing line into a hole cut into the ice. — Winter Sportfishing in Nova Scotia

Outdoor winter activities in Nova Scotia

Snowmobiling and ATV/4×4/Side-by-Side