Sponsored by Visit Nova Scotia
While the world was locked down in place for the last year and a half, some people took that opportunity to slow down. But not in Nova Scotia tourism. During the lockdown, Nova Scotia travel businesses took the opportunity to build up new infrastructure, new experiences and new places to go in Nova Scotia!
On August 9th – Canada opened back up to Americans and Nova Scotia was ready to welcome them with new attractions, hotels, and more. During the pandemic I’ve been in close touch with my friends in Halifax and they’ve been keeping me up to date on all of the new happenings – and now I get to share them with you!
Not only do I get to share the new places to go in Nova Scotia in 2021 and beyond, but I get to give away Nova Scotia live lobster! That’s right…I haven’t been able to go to Nova Scotia for a couple of years, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have that incredible, sweet Nova Scotia lobster! So let’s get to the fun stuff first – LOBSTER!
Enter for your Chance to Win Nova Scotia Lobster
50,000 tons of lobster are hauled from Nova Scotia waters every year and there almost just as many ways to serve it. Lobster my favorite thing to eat in Nova Scotia…in fact, it’s about the only thing I eat there!
I’m giving away Lobster from Nova Scotia that will be delivered to your door…while they are still alive! Talk about FRESH.
I recently did this experience myself this summer and it was so fun – and soooooo delicious. The lobsters were delivered overnight, I got some cooking tips from the Kilted Chef, Alain Bossé, over Zoom, and then I took them to my girlfriend’s apartment where Jules and I made a feast!
How to Enter to Win Nova Scotia Lobster
However, to enter to win – I’m going to send you on a little scavenger hunt to rediscover Nova Scotia! You will need to read this article about the Things to do in Nova Scotia on a Road Trip and then answer the questions in the contest to be entered to win.
What You Can Win
I suggest you share this lobster contest with all of your friends…after all, if they win, you’ll be invited over for lobster dinner…or at least you better be invited over if they are any kind of friend!
New Places to go in Nova Scotia for 2021
I also wanted to share with you a few of the cool new experiences and lodging that Nova Scotia has been working on during the pandemic. This is a chance to rediscover Nova Scotia and I can’t wait to get back there and try out some of these!
Hit the Trail – Taste Nova Scotia’s New Food and Drink Trails
Get your passport out and wear something with a comfortable waistband! Nova Scotia has 3 different food/drink trails where you can overindulge in the wonderful culinary scene.
The Nova Scotia Good Cheer Trail Canada’s first winery, craft brewery, cidery and distillery trail, is a toast to the craftsmanship and creativity of the numerous wineries, craft breweries, cideries and distilleries.
In addition to the Good Cheer Trail, there is also a Chowder Trail and Lobster Trail.
A New Halifax National Historic Site
The newest addition to Nova Scotia’s National Historic Sites family is Georges Island. It’s located in the heart of Halifax harbor, the place the Mi’kmaq called Kjipuktuk or “The Great Harbour.”
You can get to the island by shuttle boat or kayaking (yes please!). Once there discover how this small island and its fortifications played a large role as a prison, as an internment camp for Acadians, in the development of Nova Scotia and in the overall defense of Canada.
I loved the Halifax Citadel when I visited Nova Scotia – so I can imagine this new Historic Site is also incredible. Plus it has some great views of the city.
More Information on Georges Island
Peggy’s Cove – An Old Favorite Gets a New Look
A short (and scenic) drive from Halifax you’ll come to Peggy’s Cove, a small fishing village with a well-known lighthouse. It’s probably one of the most visited sights in Nova Scotia…and it’s worth it! Built in 1915, Peggy’s Point Lighthouse still keeps watch over surging ocean waves and working lobster boats.
No longer will you have to amble over giant rocks worn smooth by the sea and to get to the lighthouse! A new viewing deck is being built this year that will be fully accessible and safe. The new design looks beautiful!
This is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. And Nova Scotia has over 150 more! See below how you can even sleep in some.
More Information: Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse – BTW – you can have a personal lobster feast out by Peggy’s Point too!
I have written a lot about places to go in Nova Scotia – it’s one of my favorite places I’ve traveled. You can see my Things to do in Nova Scotia as well as a one day itinerary to Cape Breton here.
A 6th UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark tells the story of the coming together of the supercontinent Pangea 300 million years ago and it’s ripping apart 100 million years later like nowhere else on Earth. The Bay of Fundy is one of the coolest things to experience in North America in my opinion – so I’m thrilled that it got this designation!
The Global Geopark includes a 165 km drive along the stunning Bay of Fundy shoreline from Debert to Apple River. There are numerous attractions and operations located within the Geopark such as hiking trails, provincial parks, community and provincial museums, lighthouses, beaches. Plus, there are many operators offering tours there such as kayaking, hiking, boat trips, and horseback riding. Or simply explore the geological significance of the region and its connections to local communities, the rich Mi’kmaq culture, and natural surroundings of this amazing area.
More Information: Cliffs of Fundy GeoPark
New Food and Drink Experiences in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is home to many delicious and innovative food producers and shops that offer amazing and unique culinary treats that are sure to delight the foodie in us all. From maple syrup and lobster to artisanal cheeses, chocolates, gin, and more. In fact, this is the area that I think there has been the most experiences created last year.
Gourmet By Nature
This small group experience focuses on wild food experiences for curious foodies, foragers and nature watchers. You explore the wild landscape of Nova Scotia, connect with nature, forage and dine in the outdoors – all in gourmet style, and in all seasons. Chef Sean will teach you how to prepare and eat local wild foods that are sourced from the forests, lakes, streams, oceans and fields of Nova Scotia.
The food prep is all done in an outdoor kitchen. Wood fired cooking is a focus, using wild edibles, foraged foods from the property and wild game.
More information about Gourmet By Nature
Starlight Culinary Experience
Eat under the stars, and learn about them at the same time! Indulge in a luxury wilderness escape at the world’s first starlight hotel, Trout Point Lodge. Savor an artfully prepared Nova Scotia gourmet dinner featuring courses curated by your chef and sommelier. Wind your way along the river and through the forest with your guide, where the depths of the night sky are revealed.
This experience also includes a room at the luxurious Trout Point Lodge.
More Information on Trout Point Lodge
Treasure Hunt and Lobster Experience
Cruise to your very own island and create lobster appetizers with the chef to savor between standup paddle boarding and beach relaxation. Plus, get a little treasure hunting history with a guided boat tour of Oak Island: From the water, get a unique perspective of this mysterious island, site of the world’s longest running treasure hunt!
More Information on this unique lobster experience
Maple Indulgence Experience
I love the thought of this new tour at a ‘sugar camp’…a chance to dig deeper into the famous Canadian maple syrup! Discover the terroir of maple syrup on an exclusive, after-hours tasting tour with the owner. You can get cozy by the fire as a culinary artist creates five outstanding farm-to-table courses before your eyes, featuring sweet, savory and smoky maple flavors. Plus a maple inspired cocktail!
More Information on the Maple Indulgence Experience
GINstitute By the Sea
I was so excited when I read about this new tour – it’s about my favorite spirit…gin! At Steinhart Distillery you can craft your very own gin! Forage for ingredients and select from an array of spices and citrus to create your unique flavors with the distiller. With the help of the distiller, create and bottle a gin or vodka that’s completely your own!
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Photo courtesy of Visit Nova Scotia -
Photo courtesy of Visit Nova Scotia
And it doesn’t stop there, you also get German-inspired local delicacies, paired with Nova Scotia cocktails, as you perfect your craft. Plus, you can stay overnight at their ocean view chalet.
More Information on the GINstitute by the Sea
Dining on the Ocean Floor
One of my favorite things about Nova Scotia is the giant tide changes of the Bay of Fundy – it’s a sight to see. Now you can get an ‘close to the ground’ experience by dining on the ocean floor at low tide!
Begin by learning about the wild edibles of Nova Scotia, followed by a lunchtime seafood feast where you meet the Chef and enjoy beer and wine pairings. Then enjoy a guided tour of the ocean floor, then take a seat at a dining table with a view of the incoming tide for an intimate 3- course dinner on the ocean floor; all followed by an ocean floor campfire.
More Information about Dining on the Ocean Floor
Don’t Miss the Lobster Crawl
February just happens to be the peak of the lobster season along the entire South Shore of Nova Scotia; from Barrington (the Lobster Capital of Canada) to Peggy’s Cove and every port in between – you can expect all kinds of lobster celebrations as part of the Lobster Crawl Festival.
Not only can you eat inordinate amounts of Nova Scotia Lobster in February, there are also a number of lobster experiences you can have during the festival too. From lobster snow sculptures to lobster beer, cooking classes to kitchen parties, wine pairings to art shows, fishery tours to “lobster” wool.
This festival is definitely on my radar now that we can get into Canada again!
New Places to Stay in Nova Scotia
In addition to all of the new food experiences, there’s seems to be an large number of new and unique places to stay in Nova Scotia for 2021 and beyond!
MUIR @ The Queen’s Marque -Opening in fall 2021, MUIR will be a 5-star property on the Halifax waterfront with 109 hotel rooms and suites with custom-designed furniture, a speakeasy, a private guest-only art gallery and so much more! This is a Marriott Autograph Collection property located in Halifax.
Stay in an Oasis Pod at a National Park – stay in a tear drop-shaped ‘duplex’, with a convertible table/bed on the main level and suspended hammock loft above. Spend the night under a natural canopy and fall asleep admiring the stars! I must admit – this looks pretty cool – and even better – it’s located in Kejimkujik National Park.
Glamping at Grand Pre National Historic Park -Glamp in an o’TENTik, a cross between tent and rustic cabin. You can actually do this at a number of the National Parks and Historic Sites in Nova Scotia. Sleeping area for up to 4 adults, or 2 adults with kids. Located in Annapolis Valley.
Inn at the Winery at Grand Pre – Canada’s oldest winery has developed the family farm house into a new Inn – so now you can stay at the winery! In addition, they’ve also added a Chef’s Table Dining where up to 10 guests seated at the Chef’s Table interacting with Chef Jason Lynch as the meal is being prepared. Located in Annapolis Valley.
Ketch Floating Cottage – fully-equipped 400 sq ft floating home. Features a loft bedroom, kitchen, bathroom with a shower and electric marine toilet and access to fire pit, kayaks and a 200 sq ft deck. Located in LaHave.
Cabot Trail Tiny House Rentals – tiny homes on wheels overlooking Margaree Harbor. Includes kitchen with all the amenities, living space with AC & heated floors, soaker tub with shower option 2 sleeping lofts. Located in Margaree Harbor Cape Breton.
Valley View Chalets – year-round chalets with breathtaking views of the Margaree Valley. Includes a 200 sq/ft veranda, full kitchen, washroom, AC, Wifi, satellite smart TVs, electric fireplaces. Located in Margaree Valley Cape Breton.
La Boatique – 45 ft cruiser is East Coast Canada’s first floating B&B aft & forward cabins, ensuite bathrooms with a shower, a spacious salon with aft deck and a dining area. Located in Yarmouth
Vintage Boler – vintage 1974 Boler trailer has been completely re-done
parked lakeside on a small cove includes the use of two kayaks, a canoe and paddle boat. Located in New Albany
Vicar’s View Lighthouse – Offering your own private, two level lighthouse themed ensuite with a small garage for a couple of motorcycles, a sports car or even a place for snowmobiles for the winter visitor, the design and details of these three lighthouse suites are inspired to suit a touring couple’s needs with a kitchenette and all required amenities. Located in Cape Breton.
Private Island Yurt for Two – stay in a dreamy hand crafted yurt on your very own private island. Fall asleep star-gazing through the yurt’s skylight and wake up to the sounds of waves lapping, birds calling, and a delicious local breakfast. Includes kayaking tour, picnic baskets, bicycle rental. Located at Blue Rocks.
The Tower at Compass Distillers – sleep at the top of the tower just steps from Compass Distillers Tasting Room … literally! Two level, two bedroom apartment with harbor view, rooftop deck and BBQ. Located in Halifax.
Train Station Inn – spend the night in your very own caboose! Recently renovated to include upgrades and new amenities yet still reflects the age of the railway car. Located in Tatamagouche.
I can’t wait to rediscover these new places to go in Nova Scotia – what about you?
AND, I can’t wait to give away these lobster feasts in honor of Canada reopening!
Make sure you take the Rediscover Nova Scotia quiz and enter for the lobster drawing by August 27th!
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Disclosure:
I was a compensated to write about Nova Scotia by Visit Nova Scotia. However, all opinions expressed here are my own, and are based on my multiple visits to the province that I love.
This post contains some affiliate links. If you choose to purchase items through these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help reduce the costs of running this site
