Article Courtesy of Nova Scotia Tourism
One of the magnetisms of Nova Scotia among RVers is the fact that the scenery never changes – only the experiences do. Whether you visit every few years or enjoy annual road trips, the diverse natural attractions remain untouched, yet all the while they reignite the desire to explore just a little further for new adventures.
Wally Hayes
The RV-friendly Cabot Trail.
The province consists of seven regions to include Halifax Metro; South Shore; Yarmouth and Acadian Shores; The Bay of Fundy/Annapolis Valley; Northumberland Shore; Cape Breton Island; and the Eastern Shore. It is possible to explore them all in one extensive trip – that is if you have the time, adventurous spirit, and a very organized itinerary to get the most out of each area. Otherwise, it’s best to plan a few destinations at a time, and then save the other destinations for another trip.
There are many new attractions unique to Nova Scotia for 2021. But what can make them extra special is the variety of day trips to enjoy in between your travels. After all, driving through the various regions of Nova Scotia provides the chance to take in its culture and lifestyle first hand. Here are a range of side destinations the next time you start planning your next Nova Scotia destination.
Destination Cape Breton Association
The famed and meandering Cabot Trail – a gateway to Nova Scotia adventure.
Take a Tubing Tour
It’s never too early to plan an adventure in Nova Scotia. If it includes visiting Cape Breton Island and the famed Cabot Trail, a visit to Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a must. This expansive, scenic park screams east coast fun with its many outdoor activities – hiking and camping being two of them. But if you prefer to float, drift and enjoy a lazy, refreshing afternoon on the water, tubing on the Clyburn River is the perfect way to chill.
Hiring a guide is perhaps the best way to get the most out of this on-water excursion and tours are available seasonally every Saturday, starting at 3:00 p.m. at the Clyburn River Day Use Area. Tours take two to three hours as experienced guides lead you along a short, interpretive hike up the Clyburn Valley Trail, providing insight into the natural and cultural history of the park and the salmon fishery.
Mitch Barrie
Try tubing on the Clyburn River in Cape Breton National Park.
The hike then leads to the water where you’ll float along the Clyburn River, slowly drifting as the interpreters further explain some of the many species that inhabit the area. Get a first-hand look at the obstacles salmon face as they try to navigate the river, and how climate change may affect their success.
Up to ten participants can enroll in the tour at one time; all ages are allowed, and appropriate swimwear is required. www.cbisland.com
The Good Cheer Trail
Wine trails, brew trails, cidery or spirit trails are found in many fertile and wine-rich regions across Canada, but Nova Scotia’s The Good Cheer Trail spans the entire province. It can start as far north as the northeast on Cape Breton Island or as far south as Yarmouth and Shelburne with many places in between. So no matter where or when you travel, you’ll be able to get a taste of the famed local spirits, wines, or microbrews unique to each region.
Tourism Nova Scotia Photo Patrick Rojo
Grand Pré along the Fundy Shore and Annapolis Valley.
Organized to recognize the region’s wineries, craft breweries, cideries, and distilleries, The Good Cheer Trail encompasses more than 80 participating businesses, which are where you can sample some cool, crisp vintages of Tidal Bay (the first appellation wine in Nova Scotia) and a variety of the many other vintages throughout the Annapolis Valley. If you’re a fan a craft beer or ciders, you’re in the right province. There are several local award-winning craft brewers in each region including The Garrison Brewing Company in Halifax, Tatamagouche Brewing Company in Tatamagouche or Uncle Leo's Brewery in Pictou.
One of the good things about The Good Cheer Trail is you can tailor it to your travel itinerary (and palate) by visiting www.goodcheertrail.com. Simply register, submit your preferences to visit (winery, brewery, distillery, etc.) and the region you’re visiting, and you’ll be provided with a list of participating establishments in that area. It’s a great way to see and discover the local culture, cuisine, and a variety of spirits. But come thirsty, the choices are vast.
Tourism Nova Scotia Dean Casavechia
Some cool, crisp vintages of Tidal Bay.
Lobster Trail
It seems that no matter where you go in the Maritimes, lobster is the ‘chosen one’ when it comes to enjoying seafood. To ensure you get the full Nova Scotia lobster-feast experience, check out the popular Lobster Trail. Similar to The Good Cheer Trail, you can tailor it to your specific destination and visit the participating restaurants (where lobster is always the special du jour), seafood retail stores, and lobster boat tours.
Of course, other seafood is savoured all year too, including fresh Atlantic salmon, oysters, scallops, and chowder. In fact, you can join in on The Chowder Trail and enjoy a hearty bowl East Coast-style. For more details visit www.novascotialobstertrail.com or the www.novascotiachowdertrail.com
Tourism Nova Scotia James Ingram
A craft beer taste flight, anyone?
New Attractions
These trails and tours are an excellent means to explore and discover the heart of the province. Yet, if your travels do take you to the Garrison Brewery (or other any other Halifax breweries), perhaps take the four-minute drive to the Queen's Marque, a new-for-2021 downtown development featuring a five-star hotel with excellent shopping and dining.
Other new and notable attractions to visit include:
Inn at the Winery: Located at the Domaine de Grand Pré, which is Atlantic Canada’s oldest farm winery, this new establishment recently opened (as of spring 2021) and has six spacious rooms on three levels. Great dining, relaxing accommodations, and of course, a large selection of vintages are some of the highlights at this retreat.
oTENTiks at Grand-Pré National Historic Site: These accommodations from Parks Canada are found at the Grand-Pré National Historic Site and are essentially a mix between a tent and rustic cabin, and will be available for the 2021 travel season. Eight oTENTiks will be installed in the fields south of the visitor information center.
Cabot Trail Tiny House Vacation Rentals: The Cabot Trail never fails to offer adventure and a new attraction in Belle Côte is the variety of tiny houses. Not quite an RV and much smaller than a cottage, these uniquely crafted accommodations on wheels at Tiny House Vacation Rentals will provide a unique experience away from the RV for a night or two. Ocean views, natural light, functional kitchens, and loft-style sleeping accommodations are some of the highlights.
These are just a few of the unique and new attractions for 2021 while other popular areas to further discover include the Cabot Trail, Peggy’s Cove, Cape Breton Highlands, and the vibrant Halifax waterfront. While travelling to Nova Scotia via RV is always unforgettable, once you start enjoying its rich culture, you’ll certainly want to plan for return trips to find a new and truly Canadian adventure.
Chris Hunkeler
Camping in White Point in Queens County.
(*Ed note: In light of the current Covid-19 pandemic be sure to understand provincial border restrictions/regulations and contact local RV parks, businesses, and attractions to determine safety protocols and closures).
The Six UNESCO Sites of Nova Scotia
These significant sites rank among some of the most unique places on earth, making them great places to visit. Most are located within close proximity of each other. They include:
- The Landscapes of Grand Pré
http://www.landscapeofgrandpre.ca
- Old Town Lunenburg
- Joggins Fossil Cliffs
https://jogginsfossilcliffs.net
- Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve
- Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve
- Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark
Tourism Nova Scotia
The south shore of Lunenburg.
Six Nova Scotia Lobster Facts You May Not Know:
- Lobsters are a high source of Omega-3 fatty acids.
- They take between six and eight years to reach a market weight of around .5 kg (about 1 lb) and are capable of living 100 years.
- Lobsters are normally brown or olive green and only change to red when they are cooked.
- At one time, lobsters were considered food only enjoyed for the less fortunate and were served in prisons.
- A lobster has two claws. One is the crusher claw and the other pincher claw. The former is the larger of the two and is used to break up clams, crabs, and sea urchins. The pincher claw is used for tearing.
- The largest lobster ever recorded was caught in Nova Scotia in 1977 and weighed 20 kg (44 lb).
Tourism Nova Scotia Jive Photographic