The Ultimate Nova Scotia (culinary) Road Trip
The summer may be nearing its end, but there are still so many adventures left to be had in Nova Scotia. With that in mind, Tourism Nova Scotia launched The Ultimate Nova Scotia Road Trip contest on August 23, 2020, to encourage Nova Scotians and Atlantic Canadians to explore our province. The contest invites people to post photos of themselves enjoying one or as many of their highlighted 25 Nova Scotia activities as possible, for a chance to win an incredible getaway.
To enter, post photos of yourself on Facebook or Instagram, from now until October 11, enjoying activities featured on the contest scorecard with the hashtags #NSRoadTrip and #NovaScotiaNice. For each photo posted to social media, participants are entered to win a week-long stay anywhere in the province.
At Taste of Nova Scotia, we’ve paired the 25 tasks with some of our favorite local culinary products and experiences so you can make the most of your Ultimate Road Trip experience. From sunset views at the Quarterdeck Beachside Villas & Grill, to fresh seafood chowder at the Rose & Rooster Bakery, this is the Ultimate Road Trip you won’t want to miss.
Visit the Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse
Minutes away from the iconic Peggy’s Cove lighthouse, you’ll find Rhubarb Restaurant and the Sou’Wester Restaurant. Their menus are seasonal and feature locally themed dishes that are bound to tempt your taste buds such as seafood chowder and lobster rolls, and many local beverages as well!
Drive the Cabot Trail
The spectacular scenery of the Cabot Trail, paired with a delicious meal is a moment to capture. The Dancing Goat Cafe & Bakery, Meat Cove Chowder Hut Restaurant, The Chowder House, and the Inverary Resort are a few culinary highlights along the drive.
Go Tidal Bore Rafting
Stop by a local market and keep your eyes out for Taste of Nova Scotia member products such as Made with Local bars or mixes, fresh Scotian Gold Apples, and savory Fox Hill Cheese to pack up and have as a picnic while you’re on a tidal bore adventure.
Enjoy a Glass of Wine at a Local Vineyard
Wine can be found in almost every corner of the province, so this experience won’t be hard to complete. You can sip and snap a picture at Benjamin Bridge, L’Acadie Vineyards, Grand Pre Wines, Lightfoot & Wolfville, Avondale Sky, Blomidon Estate Winery, Jost Vineyards, Luckett Vineyards, Sainte Famille Wines, Casa Nova Fine Beverages, Petite Riviere, Gaspereau Vineyards, and Mercator Vineyards.
Share Your Favourite Hidden Gem
With Taste of Nova Scotia restaurants from Yarmouth to Sydney, this task shouldn’t be too difficult to complete! Alternatively, pick up a Nova Scotia snack for your adventure to your favourite hidden gem nature location.
Stay the Night at a Nova Scotia Inn or Resort & Get on the Green
Spend a night at the 5-start Fox Harb’r Resort and perfect your golf swing on their coastal 10-kilometer private shoreline course. Stay and play at White Point Beach Resort, and Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa to experience more of Nova Scotia’s finest golf courses.
Go Whale Watching
Not only can you spend the night away, golfing, and dining local, at the Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa, but the Bay of Fundy is one of the best areas to see check out a whale watching adventure. The Brier Island area is hopping with humpbacks.
Raise a Glass at a Local Pub
In Nova Scotia, you’re never far from a local pub. Located around the province, raising your glass won’t be hard. The Nook & Cranny Brew Pub, Rudder’s Seafood & Brew Pub, Paddy’s Pub, and The Governors Pub & Eatery will all invite you in to share this moment together!
Cycle Along the Beautiful Coast
Nova Scotia is home to many beautiful trails and great places for biking. If beach views are a priority for your bike trip, make sure to cycle along the Northumberland Strait for their endless stretch of beaches. Along your ride, stop in at the Tatamagouche Brewing Company and Railway Dining Car!
Enjoy a Bowl of Fresh Seafood Chowder
At Rose & Rooster Bakery in Grand Desert, their seafood chowder is full of NS haddock, shrimp, scallops, and lobster, in a savory creamy base flavored with thyme, fennel, and garlic.
Stroll the Halifax Waterfront & Buy a Souvenir from a Local Artisan
Ice Cream receives all the hype on the waterfront, but let’s not forget about the Waterfront Warehouse, Rum Runners Rum Cake Factory, or Heartwood Restaurant for a treat for all taste buds.
The waterfront is booming with local artisans and vendors that would be happy to snap a picture with you!
Have an Authentic Lobster Dinner
What better way to enjoy a lobster dinner than on a deck, overlooking Lobster Bay? The Argyler Lodge & Restaurant specializes in chef-created, seasonal, locally inspired menus, making it the perfect destination for a lobster dinner.
Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site & Snap a Picture of the Bluenose II 
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Own Town Lunenburg is home to the Bluenose II. While you’re in the quaint town, snap a picture of the Bluenose II and fill your culinary cravings at the Beach Pea Kitchen & Bar, Grand Banker Bar & Grill, Lincoln Street Food, Salt Shaker Deli, South Shore Fish Shack, Shipwright Brewing Company, and Ironworks Distillery.
Eat a Late Night Donair
Grabbing a donair downtown is definitely the traditional way to experience this popular local treat, however, did you know you can create the experience in your own home too? Purchase meat for this sloppy sandwich from The Original – Mr. Donair at your nearest Sobeys or Atlantic Superstore for a delicious (and local) experience.
Take in Live Music
The Union Street welcomes local artists and features Nova Scotian musicians such as Joel Plaskett, Matt Mayes, and Mo Kenney. While offering a great place to enjoy authentic local food and drink, you’ll also catch some classic tunes.
Eat at Your Favourite Restaurant
The culinary scene in Nova Scotia is vibrant and always changing. Whether you’re looking for seafood, pasta, traditional cultural dishes, and everything in between, we’ve got you covered. With more than 96 Taste of Nova Scotia restaurant members, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for.
Visit your Local Coffee Shop for a Morning Jolt
Nova Scotia’s got coffee covered! From coffee houses like The Barn Coffee & Social House, to Laughing Whale Coffee Roasters, and JustUs! Coffee Roastery & Museum there are lots of options for road trip fuel in Nova Scotia. Alternatively, make a cup of Nova Coffee or Authentic Seacoast Full Steam Coffee to take with you on the road.
Go Camping, Hike at Keji & Sleep Under the Stars
While checking off camping and sleeping under the stars, you must go for a hike at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site (Keji). Stay full and quench your thirst at Boxing Rock Brewing Company and Capt. Kat’s Lobster Shack nearby.
Share your Favourite View in Nova Scotia
From the Dartmouth shore, Evan’s Fresh Seafoods & Restaurant offers local dishes, friendly faces, and a panoramic view of the downtown and harbour of Halifax.
Watch the Sunset at a Beautiful Beach
What better place to watch the sun go down than on a white sand beach. The Quarterdeck Beachside Villas & Grill is perched on a mile-long stretch of white sand. Their beachside dining experience offers exceptional views and a unique selection of local wine, craft beer, and inspired cocktails.
Kayak or Canoe our Beautiful Coast
Lastly, the perfect way to end your Nova Scotia road trip is with some time on the water. Unwind at Liscombe Lodge Resort & Conference Centre on the Eastern Shore and check off the final experience on the list. Spend some quality time kayaking after a delicious homemade meal.