Non-traditional Nova Scotia
Unexpected wintertime pleasures in Your Ocean Playground
Nova Scotians are friendly folks and they love to show off their ‘home’ to visitors all year long! Experiencing the scenic beauty of a Nova Scotia winter is a treat you’ll never forget – take a beach walk, fat bike ride on the ocean floor or try winter surfing. After a day hiking or snowshoeing in the crisp winter air, tuck into some tasty comfort food (lobster!!!) and craft beverages at a nearby eatery, then snuggle up by a crackling bonfire and stargaze to your heart’s content.
Nova Scotia boasts the ideal atmosphere for exploration and rejuvenation. Its rich maritime history and fun-filled outdoor activities are perfect for doers and dreamers. Lucy the Lobster even predicts when spring will arrive! Accommodations range from oceanside cottages with hot tubs to cozy, cliffside farm stays and full-service resorts. Of course, seafood is always top of mind and you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to feasting. Ready to plan your Nova Scotia escape? Discover a wealth of unique getaways at novascotia.com
Lobster Love
Every February, Nova Scotia’s South Shore plays host to Lobster Crawl at the peak of the lobster fishing season. From Barrington (Lobster Capital of Canada) to Peggy’s Cove and every port in between you can sip, savour, shop, stay and enjoy amazing lobster experiences while sampling lobster-infused dishes at local restaurants. Discover art, music, stories and traditions all shaped by the lobster industry and learn why it is the province’s largest economic generator. visitsouthshore.ca/lobster-crawl
Take in events such as the annual prediction of a longer winter or early spring from Lucy the Lobster on Groundhog Day; the signature Lobster Roll-Off Competition to crown the best lobster roll on the South Shore; lobster-themed foodie walking tours and more. You can even sip and savour lobster-infused beers and vodka!
Dine Around Nova Scotia
Another iconic February delight for foodies is the Dine Around Nova Scotia event. Appease your appetite with acclaimed Digby scallops, irresistible fresh-from-the-wharf lobster and iconic Halifax donairs with spiced beef, Lebanese pita, onions, tomato and sweet sauce. Eateries across the province offer specialty menus with fixed prices all month long – the ideal time to try exceptional Nova Scotian cuisine. savourfoodandwine.com/dine-around
Ski, Sip, Spa, repeat
Ski the only 1,000-foot drop in Nova Scotia with gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean at Cape Smokey – home to Atlantic Canada’s only Gondola – or hit the slopes at Ski Wentworth for a downhill adrenaline rush. Enjoy winter hikes, snowshoeing, fat biking, and cross-country skiing on a variety of trails throughout the province. Check out a Fundy Coastal Biking Tour or snowmobile tour to one of the most spectacular lookouts on Cape Breton Island. novascotia.com/things-to-do/outdoor-activities-tours
Escape into Nova Scotia’s winter wine country while the vines are sleeping. Gain an appreciation of this scenery when the vines are bare and often covered by snow and icicles. Sample some of Nova Scotia’s distinct wines, including their signature Tidal Bay, while your guide does the driving. Open year-round, Grape Escapes Nova Scotia Wine Tours are passionate about sharing the region’s distinctive wine and cuisine with short afternoon vineyard and winery visits. novascotiawinetours.com/grape-escapes
Did you know that Nova Scotia is not only home to one of three wine regions in Canada, but that its wineries also make some stellar icewines? The Nova Scotia Icewine Festival takes place in February and is the premier winter wine festival. Featuring wines from across the province, the Festival is an incredible way to spend an afternoon or evening tasting, touring and experiencing Nova Scotia Wine Country in the winter. Activities include relaxing around a bonfire, taking a winter stroll through the vineyards, and enjoying delicious food, great company and wonderful conversations. nsicewinefest.com
Ahhh, the spa… you’ll be pleased to know that Nova Scotia is home to three Nordic-style spas. Après a day of skiing, surfing or biking, spend a few hours of relaxation at Sensea Spa near Chester, the indoor Nordic circuit at Nature Folk in Downtown Dartmouth or the new hydrothermal spa at Oceanstone Resort near Peggy’s Cove. Enjoy massage, thermal circuits, aroma therapy, plunge pools and more!
Beyond the snow, a great roster of entertainment and attractions keep the good times rolling throughout the winter months. Tour museums, watch a theatre performance, enjoy live music, shop, or sip coffee in a cozy café. novascotia.com/things-to-do/attractions
No place like ‘dome’
With plenty of unique accommodation options, where you stay in Nova Scotia could be the highlight of your visit. Ever considered a glamping dome for your winter abode? Watch snow fall outside the front window and enjoy hotel-like amenities right in the middle of nature. Year-round domes are heated to ensure a cozy stay. Or embrace winter from a cabin in the woods or an oceanside cottage, many with hot tubs and onsite restaurants, live entertainment, outdoor equipment rentals and more. novascotia.com/places-to-stay/accommodations/unusual-lodging
Surf and stay at Nalu Retreat while soaking in the views from your luxurious 4-season geodesic dome, perched on a granite cliff overlooking Porter’s Lake, near Halifax. This package includes a private surfing lesson at Lawrencetown Beach, one of Nova Scotia’s best year-round surfing destinations! Spend the day honing your skills and relaxing at the beach, before warming up in your private outdoor hot tub or cozying up in front of the propane fireplace. naluretreat.com/packages
As the River Bends invites you to Connect & Create during a two-night stay package in a geodesic dome with private hot tub. Complete with breakfast charcuterie for two and you’ll create your own glass art piece during a glass art experience at School Street Glass. astheriverbendsretreat.com
Star-studded romance
Nestled among the trees, perched on the ocean’s edge, the oceanfront treehouses at White Point Beach Resort offer luxury, adults-only accommodation surrounded by nature and with all the amenities of a full-service resort. Soak in the stunning views and starry nights from your private deck, while savouring a delicious charcuterie. Head to the onsite Elliot’s Dining Room for chef-prepared meals, maybe taking in live music at Founder’s Lounge, and fall asleep to the sounds of the sea. whitepoint.com
Gather around a toasty fire beneath a canopy of twinkling stars with Trailside Accommodations and Outdoor Adventures’ Starry Sky Bonfire package. You’ll be treated to local fireside snacks and relax overnight in a comfy cottage along the Cabot Trail. stayattrailside.ca
Trail blazing and other pastimes
Bring the whole group for a Friends & Family Getaway at River Ridge Lodge! Get your steps in while snowshoeing on the Rum Runners Trail. Explore nearby Mahone Bay, then enjoy local charcuterie and Nova Scotia wine surrounded by beautiful views. riverridgelodge.ca/packages
Recharge your spirit on a two-night Coastal Farm Stay at Ravens Rest Retreat with views of the Bay of Fundy tides. A delicious farm-to-table breakfast is delivered to your cabin each morning before you head out for a hike on the farm and onsite trails. ravensrestretreat.com
Embrace winter in comfort at Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa! With the Dismiss the Cold package, you’ll have fun getting your game up to snuff with a golf simulator session and enjoy a three-course dinner plus breakfast at Churchill’s Restaurant. digbypines.ca
Brian Wood, Curator of the Bell Homestead National Historic Site in Brantford, Ontario shares, “For winter lovers, there’s no better place to visit than Nova Scotia. Cape Breton is our favourite place. The leaves may be gone from the trees, but the snow covered views along the Cabot Trail are brilliant. It’s a great area for hiking, cross country skiing and snowmobiling. The village of Baddeck is a great stop for a walk along the Bras d’Or Lake. The Telegraph House, Baddeck’s oldest hotel, is a charming place to stay for anyone wanting to get that old fashioned winter feeling.” telegraphhouse.travel
