Below are descriptions of the 19 itineraries available for Creator Coast Nova Scotia, 2025. Please read each of them carefully, especially noting the dates of travel. After you’ve made your top three choices, please record them in the application form.
Table of Contents
- Fundy Bike Tour
- Seas, Sails, and Seafood
- Unusual Stays
- oTENTik-ing Nova Scotia’s Parks Canada Sites
- Devour DEVOUR! The Food Film Festival
- Holiday Traditions
- Winter Vineyards Escape
- Adventure, Nova Scotia Style
- Head to the Beach
- Culture Seekers
- Explore Nova Scotia’s Chowder Trail
- Go RV’ing Along the Bay of Fundy
- Museums & Historic Sites
- Nova Scotia – Your Ocean Playground
- Yarmouth & Acadian Shores
- Nordic Spa-ahhh-ing
- Mabou & Celtic Shores Coastal Trail Walking Tour
- Golf Nova Scotia’s Fab Five
- Taste Halifax
1. Fundy Bike Tour
Regions: Annapolis Valley, Bay of Fundy
Dates: Jun 19 – 26, 2025 (this trip is in partnership with Freewheeling Adventures)
Eight days, seven nights of cycling, and the world’s highest tides, following the shores of the Bay of Fundy! This adventure follows quiet roads around its perimeter on the Evangeline & Glooscap Trails and gives you options to explore its nooks and crannies in exciting ways.
Begin with a hike along the Acadian dykes built to protect rich farmland from the tremendous tides. Swim in sun-warmed water near the small university town of Wolfville. Ride to a tiny harbour where you will see significant tidal change while you eat a lobster for lunch. Cycle to Parrsboro on the Glooscap Trail, where legends tell of the Great Chief Glooscap’s magic. The benevolent hero of the Mi’kmaq tribe is said to have taught them everything they know about hunting, fishing, herbs, and plants. In the legends, Glooscap is credited with changing monsters into harmless animals, and adapting the landscape to be more favourable.
From Parrsboro, ride to spectacular look-offs and hike to waterfalls cascading off the Cobequid Mountains. Near Cape Chignecto Park, you can ride to each end of the park trail, and if inclined, can hike into the park or paddle seakayaks to the spectacular Three Sisters, before a nice, long final ride to the Joggins Fossil Cliffs, one of six UNESCO sites in Nova Scotia. This adventure takes you to less-visited parts of Nova Scotia and teaches you about one of the natural world’s greatest phenomena.
2. Seas, Sails, and Seafood
Region: South Shore
Dates: July 16 – 24, or Aug 20 – 28
Nova Scotia is home to over 13,300 km of coastline and never more than 67 km from the water. That means you’ll feel the influence of the ocean everywhere you go in Nova Scotia. This trip takes the feel one step further by experiencing a few days ON the ocean!
This trip includes two unique experiences that involve spending your time on the ocean, not just next to it:
- LaHave Islands Glamping Adventure – Foodies will love this 3-day guided glamping adventure with everything provided! Island hop by kayak to colourful fishing communities and pristine coasts around the South Shore’s LaHave Islands. Indulge in fresh seafood and local flavours prepared for you on the beach; try yoga on stand-up paddleboards and glamp under the stars. Spend the nights in Maritime-furnished canvas wall tents from East Coast Glamping, which include off-ground beds, quality bedding, camp chairs, and ambient lights.
- Lunenburg and Mahone Stay and Sail – Hop onboard the Oak Haven, a 35-foot Island Packet sailboat, to sail the Bluenose’s home waters! Navigate two magical South Shore Nova Scotia towns on this private sailing charter. Set sail out of Mahone Bay and feel the gentle ocean swells as you round the bend into Lunenburg Bay. Experience hands-on sailing or sit back, relax and open your senses to the sea. Then, sail into iconic Lunenburg Harbour to explore this colourful UNESCO World Heritage Site, savour a delicious meal at Lincoln Street Food and stay overnight at the Alicion B&B before sailing back to Mahone Bay the next day.
3. Unusual Stays
Dates: Aug 8 – 15 (option A), Aug 17 – 24 (option B)
Nova Scotia isn’t your typical vacation destination, and where you stay when you’re here doesn’t have to be your typical lodging, either.
Option A, Northumberland and Eastern Shores – This visit includes stays at a few of Nova Scotia’s unusual places to spend the night along the Northumberland Shore and Eastern Shore regions of the province – some might even say a bit quirky!
- 2 nights in a luxury eco-glamping dome along the Shubenacadie River at Gravity Luxury Domes, Maitland
- Includes a tidal bore rafting experience
- 1 night at the Train Station Inn in a converted caboose in Tatamagouche
- 1 night at Fox Harb’r Resort near Wallace, one of only five 5-star, 4-diamond resorts in Canada
- 2 nights in a yurt in a vineyard at Authentic Seacoast in Guysborough
- 1 night at The Marmalade Motel in Sheet Harbour, whose rooms are decorated in modern-BoHo décor
Option B, Central Nova Scotia – This visit includes staying at a few of Nova Scotia’s exciting places to spend the night; that allows for some outdoor exploration along the way.
- 2 nights in a converted sea container at Seek Wilderness Accommodations, Truro
- Includes a day exploring Victoria Park with an e-bike
- 2 nights in a luxury eco-glamping dome at Nalu Retreat, Porter’s Lake
- Includes a 1.5-hour private surfing lesson at Lawrencetown Beach with Kannon Beach Surf Shop
- 2 nights in a Scandinavian-inspired cabin surrounded by trees and a tranquil setting at Black Forest Cabins, Mahone Bay
- Includes fat bike rental from Sweet Ride Cycling, a 2-hour guided biking tour of Mahone Bay and a tasting flight of craft beverages at Saltbox Brewing Company
4. oTENTik-ing at Nova Scotia Park’s Canada Sites
Region: Province-wide
Dates: Aug 30 – Sep 8/9
This trip is for the camping enthusiast! Spend nights in Nova Scotia’s national parks and national historic sites in their unique oTENTiks! The perfect mix of tent and A-frame cabin comes together in Parks Canada’s oTENTik with its raised floors, cozy beds and furniture – great for campers who want a little extra comfort in the Nova Scotia’s vast outdoors. It’s the perfect way to discover the joys of camping without all the muss and fuss.
Tentative itinerary:
- Saturday, Aug 30 – Arrive and overnight in downtown Halifax
- Sunday, Aug 31 – 2 nights at Mkwesaqtuk/Cap Rouge on the western side of Cape Breton Highlands National Park
- Tuesday, Sep 2 – 2 nights in Ingonish on the eastern side Cape Breton Highlands National Park
- Thursday, Sep 4 – Depart for Halifax and take a break for the night in a traditional hotel accommodation in downtown Halifax
- Friday, Sep 5 – 2 nights at Grand Pre National Historic Site located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Landscape of Grand Pre in the Annapolis Valley
- Sunday, Sep 7 – 2 nights at Kejimkujik National Park & National Historic Site
- Tuesday, Sep 9 – Return to Halifax to depart Nova Scotia
5. Devour DEVOUR! The Food Film Festival
Region: Annapolis Valley
Dates: Oct 20 – 27
Devour! The Food Film Fest is the largest food film festival in the world, and it takes place in Nova Scotia! The annual week-long festival is a transformative food and film experience combining cinematic excellence with dozens of events, celebrated filmmakers, and high-profile chefs from around the globe. The festival welcomes thousands of food and film lovers and has become a destination for celebrities and notable chefs alike. Each year, top chefs from across Canada and around the world collaborate on special dinners inspired by films. The theme for the 2026 festival is Devour! Montréal All-Stars, which will bring the city’s most exciting culinary creators, featuring soon-to-be Michelin-star chefs and Oscar-winning and Canadian filmmakers, to Wolfville in October. New to this year’s festival will be a Montréal at Night Market, Poutine Smackdown, and the annual awards brunch will feature a pop-up Cabane à Sucre.
Devour! challenges people to think differently and create a deeper connection to food. The festival’s finely curated program highlights current food trends and issues, farming, sustainability, and the impact of current food systems on our lives. Festival-goers delve deep into the world of food through original, one-of-a-kind experiences. These include over 50+ foodie films at the host cinema The Al Whittle Theatre, the Chefs and Shorts Gala, Celebrity Chef Dinners, as well as culinary workshops, farm and foraging tours, the Chowder Smackdown, an outdoor market and street food rally, and so much more.
6. Holiday Traditions
Regions: Halifax, South Shore
Dates: One week TBA (between Nov 28 – Dec 21)
When the hustle and bustle of the holiday season quickly approaches, take some time to enjoy the lights, sounds, songs and spirits of the festive fun to be found in Nova Scotia. Did you know that Nova Scotia is home to the Balsam Fir Christmas Tree Capital of the World in Lunenburg County? Or that the city of Halifax has a month-long holiday festival? And with over 13,000 km of coastline and being home to Canada’s Ocean Playground and the Lobster Capital of the country, you can find fishing village after fishing village showcasing their holiday spirit through their own unique lobster trap Christmas trees or trees made entirely out of buoys!
This visit starts in Halifax, spending a few days enjoying the city’s Evergreen Festival and even meeting Woody the Talking Christmas Tree! Then travel along the South Shore to visit the New Ross Christmas Festival (home to Twig the Elf from the North Pole who watches over the Christmas Tree Capital of the World), Father Christmas Festival in Mahone Bay, the Festival of Trees & Dickensville in Liverpool or Miracle on Dock Street in Shelburne. And don’t forget to stop and check out the impressive and unique lobster trap Christmas trees along the way, including the most famous one in Barrington, the Lobster Capital of Canada. (Did we mention it’s lobster fishing season in Southwest Nova Scotia at this time of year?!?). The spirit of the season is strong here!
7. Winter Vineyards Escape
Region: Annapolis Valley
Dates: One week TBA (mid-February, 2026)
Did you know that Nova Scotia is Canada’s original wine region? In 161,1 Louis Hebert, the apothecary at The Habitation in Port Royal, planted a hillside vineyard in Bear River (approximately 40 km away, across what is known today as the Digby Gut). It’s a natural progression for a place where the continent’s first dinner club, the Order of Good Cheer, was created. Samuel de Champlain organized the Order of Good Cheer to raise the morale of the men suffering the long, cold winter of 1606 at The Habitation. Pairing this historic social aspect of the Order of Good Cheer with the later vineyard planting laid the foundation for over 400 years of subsequent food-and-drink-based celebrations in Nova Scotia.
Experience winter in Nova Scotia’s wine country. Visit participating wineries for wine and cider samples, relax around a bonfire, enjoy a winter walk in the vineyard, dine on delicious food and take part in tasting events, an ideal introduction to Nova Scotia’s diverse wine offerings. The highlight of this trip will be participating in the annual Nova Scotia Winter Wine Festival, highlighting the local wine and icewine produced in Nova Scotia. An event for any wine lover, the Winter Wine Festival is a great way to introduce yourself to the diverse styles of white, red, winter wines and sparkling wines that the wineries will be serving. Taste the great products our Nova Scotia beverage industry has to offer and enjoy delicious food, great company, and wonderful conversations. While you’re here, capture the moment at the onsite photo booth and take home a lasting memory of this special night!
From outdoor adventures and exclusive tours and tastings to cozy accommodations, Nova Scotia just might become your favourite non-traditional winter destination!
8. Adventure, Nova Scotia Style
Region: Province-wide
Dates: June, July or August
Nova Scotia offers endless outdoor opportunities to explore but some are pretty unique to our landscape. This trip is tailor-made for the outdoor adventurer! Options include (but are not limited to):
- Experience the Cabot Trail like never before with an exciting on/off-road Jeep tour of the Margaree Valley.
- Go tidal bore rafting! Feel the rush of riding waves that can be up to 4 metres (13 feet) high in a Zodiac boat as the power of the world’s highest tides in the Bay of Fundy turns the Shubenacadie River into a water roller coaster only found in Nova Scotia.
- Cape LaHave Adventures now offers Bioluminescent Night Tours that are planned for the new and first quarter moons in late summer, when night skies are their darkest, and Nova Scotia’s water is at its warmest. This gives you the best chance of viewing the incredible light show of bioluminescence in the water below as your paddles stir up the calm seas of night. (Dates: June 25, 26; July 23, 25, 17; Aug 22, 24, 26).
- Go clam digging on the aptly named Clam Harbour clam flats, a spectacular intertidal ecosystem where humans have harvested clams for thousands of years.
- Go on a guided fat-bike tour within the Cliffs of Fundy Global Geopark to discover the shoreline of the famous Bay of Fundy.
- Climb aboard a whale-watching tour boat and let our lively captains entertain and educate with tales from our shores while you watch the whales that call our waters home each summer and fall.
- Ride Atlantic Canada’s first and only gondola to the top of Cape Smokey on Cape Breton Island to experience the best view of the Cabot Trail with access to mountain-top hiking trails and a licensed mountain-top snack shop!
- Nova Scotia is known for cold water surfing, but we also encourage you to try it in the summer when the waters are a bit warmer! Don’t worry if you’ve never tried it before – we’ve got you covered with surfing lessons and all the gear.
9. Head to the Beach
Region: Province-wide
Dates: July or August
From lazy days splashing in the gentle waves at warm water beaches along the Northumberland Strait to surf lessons on the Atlantic coast, how many different beaches can you fit into your visit? Build sandcastles, fly kites, beachcomb for shells and seaglass, play in the waves, or just walk barefoot in the sand. At the end of each day, relax at cozy, beachy accommodations. With more than 50 beaches across the province, you’re sure to find a new favourite and you’ll want to return to time and time again!
Some highlights may include:
- Get a private surfing lesson, complete with all the gear necessary to ride the waves.
- Go clam digging at Clam Harbour Beach.
- Spend a day kayaking around coastal islands with a stop on a remote beach for a yoga session.
- Walk on the ocean floor at low tide at Burntcoat Head Park.
- Spend an afternoon biking the Bay of Fundy shoreline on a fat bike that also includes stopping for a leisurely SUP.
10. Culture Seekers
Region: Province-wide
Dates: July, August, or September
Are you a sociable, free-spirited individual who thrives on immersing yourself in new perspectives, local culture and making connections? Do you prefer dynamic arts scenes and culturally rich destinations? Do you love travelling to less explored places? If you said yes to any or all of the above, then Nova Scotia is the place for you! This trip will give you a well-rounded week of exploring some of Nova Scotia’s vibrant arts and cultural scenes, offering a perfect blend of rich heritage and unique experiences. Discover the languages, art, theatre, music, cuisine, stories, and history that define our lively culture.
11. Explore Nova Scotia’s Chowder Trail
Region: Province-wide
Dates: July, August, or September
What better way to taste Nova Scotia than to enjoy a bowl of local chowder? Every chowder is as unique as the people who make it and the places its ingredients come from. The highlights are, of course, our seafood chowders, where we take the finest seafood from our cold, clean waters and pair it with produce from our lush fertile valleys. But any one of our over 50 participating Chowder Trail restaurants serves up chowders that 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. So grab your spoon, hit the trail and eat your way around Nova Scotia!
12. Go RV’ing along the Bay of Fundy
Regions: Annapolis Valley, Bay of Fundy
Dates: July, August, or September (this trip is in partnership with CanaDream)
Are you looking for the perfect summer road trip? One that will take you down roads less travelled and past scenic landscapes all while travelling comfortably in an RV? If so, this RV-inspired road trip is just what you need! With plenty of RV parks and campgrounds to choose from and an abundance of things to see and do, Nova Scotia is the perfect destination for travellers looking for adventure. This trip includes a week-long RV rental from CanaDream that will have you exploring the shores of the Bay of Fundy, home to the highest tides in the world.
13. Museums & Historic Sites
Region: Province-wide
Dates: July, August, or September
With 28 provincial museums and interpretive centres, 13 National Historic Sites, six UNESCO sites, one National Museum, and dozens of community-based museums, Nova Scotia’s storied history offers plenty of historical adventures. Experience everything from the fisheries to fossils and whales to woollen mills when you experience our history firsthand at our 10 living history museums, where costumed interpreters bring to life days gone by.
14. Nova Scotia – Your Ocean Playground
Regions: Halifax, South Shore, Yarmouth & Acadian Shores, Annapolis Valley
Dates: July, August, or September
In Nova Scotia, you’re never more than 60 kilometres from the ocean. Make the most of it by embracing some of these incredible coastal adventure options such as:
- Nova Scotia is famous for our beaches – not just for quantity, but for how many different types line along our 13,300 kilometres of coastline.
- Many don’t realize that Nova Scotia offers up some of the best surfing on the East Coast – but don’t take our word for it, experience for yourself by taking a surfing lesson and learning how to “hang 10” on your own.
- Kayak along the Atlantic coast, winding in and out of inlets and along the islands of the South Shore.
- Summer and early fall are the best times to go whale watching. Head out on a tour in the Bay of Fundy where, if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a few of the up-to twelve species of whales that visit the waters off Nova Scotia each year.
- Harbour Rocks and Port Joli Head Trails are just a few of the hiking trails in Kejimkujik National Park Seaside that lead you to pristine, white sand beaches.
- Experience the sights, smells and sounds of sailing on a Grand Banks fishing schooner! Nova Scotia’s iconic Bluenose II welcomes passengers on board for 2-hour harbour cruises twice a day in Lunenburg or Halifax.
15. Yarmouth & Acadian Shores
Region: Yarmouth & Acadian Shores
Dates: July, August, or September
The southwestern tip of Nova Scotia is home to the Yarmouth & Acadian Shores region – a quiet and peaceful part of the province that is packed full of adventure! It’s a charming gem of a place that’s definitely off the beaten path. It’s where Main Street is still, well, the main street. It’s where the land meets the sea and where you will experience English and Acadian cultures distinctively separate yet intricately entwined. It’s where the food is fresh and local, and the music is too. It’s where the darkest skies let the stars shine their brightest (the region is part of North America’s first starlight destination, Acadian Skies and Mi’kmaq Lands, as designated by the International Starlight Foundation). All in all, it’s where the folks are friendly, the fish are plentiful, and having a good time is always on the menu. And it’s yours to discover!
Options during your visit may include:
- Discover Acadian heritage at Le Village Historique Acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse.
- Visit a working fishing wharf and learn from a fisherperson through the Living Wharves experience.
- Climb Cape Forchu Lighthouse, an ‘applecore’ style lighthouse.
- Tour the Tusket Islands.
- Taste Acadian cuisines, such as Rappie pie (râpure in French), a well-loved traditional Acadian dish with a
mix of potatoes and chicken. - Take a self-guided heritage walking tour in Yarmouth.
- Visit the Deep Sky Observatory and let your guide introduce you to the vast and beautiful universe from the dark skies of Quinan.
- Experience a Starlight Luxury Escape at the world’s first starlight hotel, Trout Point Lodge – savour an artfully prepared Nova Scotia gourmet dinner, and experience on-site outdoor adventures like forest bathing, stargazing, guided hiking, foraging, mountain biking, kayaking and canoeing, before relaxing in the wood-fired hot tub.
16. Nordic Spa-ahhh-ing
Regions: Halifax, South Shore, Annapolis Valley
Dates: July, August, September, or October
Did you know Nova Scotia is quickly growing as a Nordic spa destination? Each offers its own unique take on the Nordic spa experience and perfectly blends natural beauty with relaxation. Whether you’re seeking solitude in the forest, inspiration from the ocean, or a cozy urban retreat, these spas are sure to leave you feeling rejuvenated.
This visit includes a minimum of a half-day experience at the following spas with unique accommodations nearby:
- Nature Folk (Dartmouth) – Across the harbour from Halifax, this boutique spa offers guests a cozy and intimate spa day to rest, relax, and reset with a thermal circuit, infrared sauna, and more.
- The Hydrothermal Spa at Oceanstone Resort (Indian Harbour) – Nestled near Peggy’s Cove and offering a luxurious escape by the sea, you can enjoy a hydrothermal circuit that blends hot and cold therapy with the soothing sounds of the ocean.
- Sensea Nordic Spa (Chester) – Offering a comprehensive suite of thermal pools, saunas, and relaxation areas, this spa is located in a picturesque forest along a lake, which is the perfect place to de-stress and take in scenic views.
- Salt Air Nordic Spa & Wellness (Baxters Harbour) – Overlooking the Bay of Fundy, visitors can enjoy the benefits of a Nordic spa experience with incredible panoramic views of the bay from the pools. Breathe in the salt air as you enjoy Nordic spa cycles full of saunas, steam, cold plunges, and lots of rest in between.
17. Mabou & Celtic Shores Coastal Trail Walking Tour
Region: Cape Breton
Dates: August or September (this trip is in partnership with Freewheeling Adventures)
This tour includes five days of self-guided exploration of western Cape Breton Island on foot! Mabou is a cultural and musical gem of western Cape Breton Island, not to mention central to an abundance of natural treasures. The traffic-free trail along Cape Breton’s western shore can take you all the way from Mabou, through Port Hood and Judique along the Celtic Shores Coastal Trail, with superb, uninterrupted views over the Gulf of St. Lawrence as you approach the Canso Causeway. Combining such awe-inspiring scenery and out-of–the-way charm with nights in a comfortable inn and an exceptional choice of cuisine makes this an exquisite experience and a delightful adventure.
18. Golf Nova Scotia’s Fab Five
Regions: Cape Breton, Northumberland Shore, Halifax
Dates: September or October
From Canada’s first true links course at Cabot Links and its sister course, the #1 course in Canada in 2018, Cabot Cliffs, to the modern seacoast layout at Fox Harb’r Resort, Nova Scotia welcomes the world to discover the exceptional golf experience awaiting golfers of all levels. Discover courses to challenge your game set against a scenic coastal or lush green backdrop that’s easy on the eyes.
Courses to play include:
- Cabot Links (Inverness) – Canada’s first true links golf course.
- Cabot Cliffs (Inverness) – Ranked #1 in SCOREGolf Canada’s Top 100 Golf Courses.
- Fox Harb’r Resort (Wallace) – One of only five 5-star golf resorts in Canada.
- Highland Links (Ingonish) – Consistently ranked in Top 10 Best Golf Courses in Canada, located within the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
- Links at Brunello (Timberlea) – 7,158-yard course designed by Thomas McBroom on the outskirts of Halifax.
19. Taste Halifax
Region: Halifax
Dates: July, August, September, or October
Halifax’s culinary scene is robust, diverse, and innovative, offering a wide range of international cuisine with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, spanning from upmarket dining experiences to cozy local pubs. From farm-to-table fare to iconic food tours, dive into Halifax’s dynamic culinary scene with some of the best restaurants and culinary experiences from across the region. And don’t forget that a visit to Halifax would not be complete without a meal served with a side of musical entertainment!
