Taste Nova Scotia
If there’s one thing every visitor to Nova Scotia enjoys, it’s the food. No matter where you go in the province – whether you’re a seafood lover or landlubber – you’ll find the makings of a delicious meal. From Atlantic lobster and Digby scallops, to Oxford blueberries and Annapolis Valley apples, if you enjoy locally sourced food, you’ll love what Nova Scotia has to offer.
Annapolis Valley
The breadbasket of Nova Scotia has long been the Annapolis Valley. Nestled between the north and south mountains, the valley is home to many farms, u-picks and vineyards that are popular destinations for anyone seeking farm fresh produce or a local wine. In addition to a wide range of fruits and vegetables, the Annapolis Valley is famous for its apples – a fact that is celebrated each spring in the four-day Apple Blossom Festival.
Seafood
Many people visit Nova Scotia for its world-renowned seafood. Depending on the season, you can watch fishing boats head out in the early morning and return later in the day to unload catches of lobster, fish, scallops and many other types of seafood. The docks are not only the perfect place to seek out the freshest seafood but to also catch a glimpse of the work that goes into bringing that seafood to market.
Halifax Farmer's Markets
For those who can’t make it to the farm or dock, farmers markets can be found in just about every city and town across Nova Scotia. North America’s oldest farmer’s market can be found in Halifax. While the Halifax Farmer’s Market has been operating for over 260 years, its current Seaport location is relatively new and also one the most modern, hosting farmers and vendors inside an environmentally friendly and sustainable building. The market and its more than 200 vendors is a locavore’s dream, featuring products, Nova Scotian wines and local fruit and vegetables from every corner of the province!
Microbreweries
Once a decidedly niche sector, the province’s craft beer industry has grown exponentially. In fact, Nova Scotia is home to more craft breweries per capita than any other province! There are over 40 microbreweries in existence and counting, with Shipwright Brewing Company in Lunenburg and The Church Brewing Company in Wolfville being just two examples of the latest additions to this growing list!
Distilleries
From the meandering paths at Tangled Garden that provide fresh ingredients for liqueurs, to North America’s first single malt whisky at Glenora, to Pear Eau de Vie (with the pear in the bottle) at Ironworks Distillery to our distilleries with women at the helm, such as at Halifax Distilling Company, our Nova Scotia distilleries continue to push the envelope in creating quality distilled products with local ingredients. Try samples on site, and then pick up a bottle to try your hand at a locally-inspired cocktail. Better yet, visit a local restaurant for a creation of your favourite spirits paired with our local seafood.
Cideries
Discover Nova Scotia’s cider scene, where the perfect climate and heritage apple varieties create uniquely delicious ciders. Expertly crafted with local fruits and spices, these ciders offer an unforgettable taste experience.
The Good Cheer Trail
Samuel de Champlain started the Order of Good Cheer in Port Royal, Nova Scotia in 1606. It is the oldest social club in North America. The purpose was to provide good food, drink and good times for people during colonization. Keeping with that long tradition of hospitality and pride for bounty, Nova Scotia has introduced The Good Cheer Trail, Canada’s FIRST winery, craft brewery and distillery trail.
Launched in 2015, The Good Cheer Trail offers a unique way to sample a wide variety of locally produced wine, beer and spirits, meet the folks who create them, and taste cuisine paired perfectly with your drink. Over 70 Nova Scotia wineries, craft breweries, brew pubs and distilleries are participating!
The Lobster Trail
The Nova Scotia Lobster Trail brings together a collection of restaurant, retail and fisheries experiences that highlight our province’s favourite crustacean – the lobster! Discover some of the freshest lobster dishes and lobster-related experiences that our province has to offer.
The Chowder Trail
What better way to taste Nova Scotia than to enjoy a bowl of seafood chowder? We take the finest seafood from our cold, clean waters and pair it with produce from our lush fertile valleys. Our chowders are warm and comforting, much like the character of our people. Every bowl tells the story of who we are and where we’re from. Grab your spoon, hit the trail and eat your way around Nova Scotia!
