South Shore Staycation
Nova Scotia’s picturesque South Shore is full of rich history, delicious food and unique beverages! To help make sure you don’t miss anything, we’ve mapped your culinary staycation to this region of the province. As you visit the amazing sites the South Shore has to offer, make sure to check in on the Taste of Nova Scotia app and collect your stamps on the Nova Scotia Culinary Trails.
Day 1: St. Margaret’s Bay Area
Rhubarb Restaurant
Just minutes from Peggy’s Cove, the Rhubarb Restaurant offers creative cookery. The team cares a lot about their food and customers. Their menu focuses on seasonal, locally-themed dishes presented with unsurpassable service.
Shore Club Lobster Suppers
Shore Club Lobster Suppers offers you a unique Nova Scotia dining experience. With a menu filled with fresh seafood with options for steak, chicken and vegetarians, they have something for everyone. With a goal of serving the best lobster and now celebrating 85 years of serving the public, they sure won’t disappoint!
Trellis Café
Beginning every day with the aroma of bread baking and freshly ground fair-trade coffee brewing, the Trellis Café offers a quintessential South Shore dining experience. They have been a landmark destination since opening in 1985 with a menu offering fresh seafood, burgers, steak, pasta, soup and salad. Their weekend brunch is highlighted by lobster and smoked salmon eggs benedict. Make sure you don’t skip this stop!
Sou’Wester Gift Shop & Restaurant
Overlooking the famous lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove, the Sou’Wester Gift Shop and Restaurant specializes in homestyle meals and spectacular views! Their menu features their special seafood chowder, fish and chips, haddock dinners and fresh-cooked lobster.
Nova Scotia Culinary Trails: While at Shore Club Lobster Suppers, don’t forget to collect your stamp for the Nova Scotia Lobster Trail, and while at the Sou’Wester Gift Shop and Restaurant make sure you collect your stamps for the Nova Scotia Lobster Trail and the Nova Scotia Chowder Trail.
Day 2: Chester
Kiwi Café
Located in the heart of Chester, the Kiwi Café is the place to eat and meet. Passionate about food and coffee, they offer international themes with interesting flavours and fresh local ingredients. Sit on their sunny patio and enjoy their delicious homemade baked treats, wonderful soups and lunches and their famous all-day breakfast.
Tipping Point Distillers
Created to produce world class products that showcase Nova Scotia’s abilities, Tipping Point Distillers uses only superior ingredients, like local grain and Crosby’s molasses, to create their ultra premium vodka and a premium amber rum. Make sure to stop in for some of their great local products!
Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre
Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre has a large outdoor oceanfront patio where you can watch the fabulous Nova Scotia sunrise and sunset. Enjoy their seasonally-inspired menus with a glass of wine from their extensive wine list.
Nova Scotia Culinary Trails: While at Tipping Point Distillers make sure you collect your stamp for the Nova Scotia Good Cheer Trail and while at Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre don’t forget to collect your stamps for the Nova Scotia Lobster Trail and the Nova Scotia Chowder Trail.
Day 3: Mahone Bay
Rebecca’s Restaurant
Striving to serve creative, unique dishes, Rebecca’s Restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a cozy coastal atmosphere. With more than 80 per cent of their product being sourced from local farmers and fisheries and their great view of the famous three churches, this is a must stop!
The Barn Coffee & Social House
A premium specialty coffeehouse, The Barn Coffee & Social House serves their own line of exceptionally roasted coffee sourced from growers around the world. Located in a uniquely restored heritage barn, they opened in 2017 with the goal of creating a singularly comfortable, relaxing and warm escape from the busy-ness of the world.
The Biscuit Eater Café & Books
Stop by to experience Taste of Nova Scotia’s 2021 Restaurant of the Year in 2021 The Biscuit Eater Café & Books. A proudly Black led business and the only BIPOC bookstore in Atlantic Canada, their cozy café is a resource for Black, Indigenous, People of Colour and 2SLGBTQ+ communities.
Mateus Bistro
Located in the heart of Mahone Bay, Mateus Bistro offers tasty home-style foods. This bistro has been grown to appreciate food and where it comes from. They boast a drink menu with dozens of Nova Scotian wines, beers, ciders and spirits. You’ll want to make sure you stop here during your staycation.
Saltbox Brewery
Saltbox Brewery brews small batches of quality beer in their historic Saltbox building. They celebrate the development of skills and artistry required to create fresh, full flavoured beer for consumption by the local community. Make sure to stop in for a tasting!
Boulangerie la Vendéenne
Boulangerie la Vendéenne offers authentic, artisanal breads, made with quality organic ingredients and a wide selection of pastries and viennoiseries. They support and work with local businesses and their storefront and café offers sit-in and takeout service so you can grab something for the road, or sit down and stay a while.
Nova Scotia Culinary Trails: While at Rebecca’s Restaurant make sure you collect your stamp for the Nova Scotia Chowder Trail, at Mateus Bistro don’t forget to collect your stamp for the Nova Scotia Chowder Trail and when you’re at Saltbox Brewery collect your stamp for the Nova Scotia Good Cheer Trail.
Day 4 & 5: Lunenburg & Area
Beach Pea Kitchen & Bar
The Beach Pea Kitchen & Bar offers breathtaking water views that highlight their simple and elegant dining room. Their menu is designed by their award-winning chef and draws inspiration from the highest quality locally-sourced ingredients. Drop in to their inviting space that’s perfect for intimate gatherings and meals with family and friends.
Grand Banker Bar & Grill
Located harbourside in historic downtown Lunenburg, the Grand Banker Bar & Grill offers a menu full of classics with a creative twist. Their commitment to local artisans, farmers and fishermen results in delicious food and a memorable experience.
Lincoln Street Food
For 20 years, Lincoln Street Food has provided a modern, coastal, neighborhood kitchen that serves market-inspired fresh food. Their menu changes regularly to reflect seasonal availability. This s a unique dining experience you don’t want to miss out on!
Salt Shaker Deli
At the Salt Shaker Deli, sit on their waterfront patio or in their indoor dining room to enjoy their fresh, from scratch menu. Their menu includes their award-winning smoked seafood chowder. Featured on the Food Network’s You Gotta Eat Here, their casual and fun atmosphere makes this a must try!
The South Shore Fish Shack & Half Shell Oyster Bar
Come for the seafood and stay for the views. The South Shore Fish Shack & Half Shell Oyster Bar have menus that showcase fresh Nova Scotia seafood. Their dishes are designed to allow the seafood to shine while you enjoy the stunning views.
Old Fish Factory Restaurant
With a stunning wharf-side ocean view, the Old Fish Factory Restaurant is an iconic Lunenburg landmark. They offer a truly Nova Scotian culinary experience and an extensive collection of local wines, spirits and craft beers. A favourite destination for locals and visitors alike, you won’t be disappointed!
Shipwright Brewing Company
In a building built in 1876, Shipwright Brewing Company is Nova Scotia’s first craft brewery! They strive to offer a world-class product while keeping tradition. They craft with pride and passion in small batched to create a brew that matches perfectly with their picturesque surroundings.
Ironworks Distillery
Winning multiple international awards, Ironworks Distillery, distills by hand and uses only the freshest and most local ingredients possible. Make sure to drop in for a tasting or to purchase some of their amazing local products.
Petite Rivière Vineyards
An old-world French-style winery, Petite Rivière Vineyards is located on the slopes of the South Shore’s drumlin hills. Relax on their terrace and enjoy wine and cider tastings. You can also indulge in their Ultimate Tour & Wine Tasting which runs daily all summer.
Nova Scotia Culinary Trails: While at the Grand Banker Bar & Grill be sure to collect your stamps for the Nova Scotia Lobster Trail and the Nova Scotia Chowder Trail. Collect a Nova Scotia Chowder Trail stamp at Salt Shaker Deli. Collect a Nova Scotia Lobster Trail stamp at The South Shore Fish Shack & Half Shell Oyster Bar. At Old Fish Factory, collect stamps for both the Nova Scotia Lobster Trail and the Nova Scotia Chowder Trail. Collect stamps for the Nova Scotia Good Cheer Trail at Shipwright Brewing Company, Ironworks Distillery and Petite Rivière Vineyards.
Day 6: New Ross & Newburne
Peasant’s Pantry
A traditional Italian-style restaurant, Peasant’s Pantry offers a casual atmosphere with high standards for taste, quality and consistency. Their menu and charcuterie is prepared from scratch and emphasizes local ingredients. Their charcuteries are also available for retail purchase. An added bonus, their meats, with a few exceptions, are gluten-free.
Bulwark Cider Muwin Estates Wine Ltd
Producing still and sparkling fruit wines, as well as award winning ciders, Bulwark is all about fresh, wholesome, premium quality fruits and berries. Their award-winning craft ciders and fruit wines are made from 100 per cent freshly pressed juice on-site. Make sure to drop in for a tasting.
Lunenburg County Winery at Hackmatack Farm
Sitting on a drumlin surrounded by Acadian forest and a multitude of lakes, Lunenburg County Winery produces 100 per cent Nova Scotia-grown, award-winning wines. Come by for a wine tasting or to pick berries in their u-pick.
Nova Scotia Culinary Trails: While at Bulwark Cider Muwin Estate Wines Ltd., be sure to collect your stamp for the Nova Scotia Good Cheer Trail.
Day 7: Liverpool – Barrington Area
Capt. Kat’s Lobster Shack
No visit to the lobster capital of Canada is complete without savouring the cuisine at Capt. Kat’s Lobster Shack. Their menu is influenced by the nearby Atlantic Ocean and includes an extensive assortment of fresh lobster and seafood dishes. Pair your meal with a Nova Scotia wine or beer.
Boxing Rock Brewing Company
Since 2013, Boxing Rock Brewing Company has been brewing legendary Nova Scotia craft beer. Stop by to enjoy samples in their Legendary Taproom or their sunny outdoor patio, or enjoy a session of Beer School to learn more about beer and brewing!
The Quarterdeck Resort
The Quarterdeck Resort has a reputation as the South Shore’s foremost destination for beachside dining. Their dining room provides a 180 degree view of Summerville Beach. Check it out for a view you will always remember and a taste you will never forget.
White Point Beach Resort, Elliot’s Dining Room
Like the beautiful landscape just outside the dining room windows, Elliot’s Dining Room at White Point Beach Resort has an authentically Nova Scotian menu that changes with the season. You can enjoy nightly live entertainment in Founder’s Lounge or take a stroll along the beach before relaxing by the fireplace.
Lane’s Privateer Inn
Lane’s Privateer Inn is located in a converted privateer mansion. Their restaurant, pub and patio all overlook the Mersey River. They offer live music, patio parties and lobster boils.
Nova Scotia Culinary Trails: Collect stamps for the Nova Scotia Lobster Trail and the Nova Scotia Chowder Trail at The Quarterdeck Resort and Lane’s Privateer Inn and at Boxing Rock Brewing Company, collect a stamp for the Nova Scotia Good Cheer Trail.
Take a little South Shore home with you!
When you’re done with your South Shore staycation, don’t forget to take a little bit of the South Shore home with you.
Pick up locally blended teas from The Tea Brewery, delicious gluten-free baked goods at Schoolhouse Gluten-Free Gourmet and pick up flavoured oils and vinegars from Bonny Lea Farm. Stop at your local grocery store to grab Van Dyk’s by Nature blueberry juice, dried blueberries or blueberry powder.
Get frozen seafood products from Cedar Bay Grilling Company and organic and Fairtrade certified coffees from Laughing Whale Coffee Roasters. Pick up jams, pickles or relish from Helen B’s Preserves.
Purchase fresh local seafood and collect a Nova Scotia Lobster Trail stamp at Dory Mates’ Seafood Shop. Drop into Lunenburg Rum Cakes to pick up delicious, locally made rum cakes and chocolates. Pick up locally roasted coffee from Sunday Silence Coffee Co..