The 2020 Nova Scotia Culinary Trails
Looking for summer staycation ideas? Lucky for you, we’ve mapped out your ultimate Nova Scotia culinary road trip through the Nova Scotia Lobster, Chowder, & Good Cheer Trails! This year, you can check-in online and post photos from each trail stop to receive a digital stamp.
Whether you’re tapping into local craft beverages, cracking open a freshly caught lobster, or diving into a bowl of seafood chowder – there’s something on the trails that will satisfy all your cravings. Keep reading for a few highlights to visit on your culinary trail staycation to each region of the province.
South Shore
The South Shore isn’t just home to must-see Nova Scotia landmarks like Lunenburg and Peggy’s Cove. The region is also home to 30+ trail stops!
- Where to stay
- Quarterdeck Beachside Villas & Grill: Perched on a mile-long stretch of white sand, the Quarterdeck Beachside Villas & Grill have a reputation as the South Shore’s foremost destination for inspired beachside lounging and dining. The Quarterdeck is on both the lobster and chowder trail!
- Good Cheer Trail
- BULWARK Cider Muwin Estate Wines Ltd: BULWARK Cider and Muwin Estate Wines award-winning craft ciders and fruit wines are made from 100 percent freshly pressed juice which is then fermented and bottled, all under one roof.
- Lobster Trail
- Old Fish Factory Restaurant & Ice House Bar: The Old Fish Factory is a favourite destination for locals and travellers alike. Enjoy their signature lobster tacos on their wharfside patio this summer!
- Chowder Trail
- Salt Shaker Deli: Salt Shaker Deli’s award-wining smoked seafood chowder is delicious, and their casual and fun atmosphere makes it the perfect family staycation spot in Lunenburg.
Yarmouth & Acadian Shores
With just under 10 trail stops, it’s easy to fill your weekend getaway to Yarmouth & Acadian Shores with fresh local seafood and craft beverages.
- Where to stay
- Argyler Lodge & Restaurant: The Argyler Lodge offers 6 special rooms that take leisure to a whole other level, while their restaurant specializes in a locally inspired menu that changes regularly depending on what is in season. The Argyler is on the lobster and chowder trail!
- Good Cheer Trail
- Heritage Brewing Company: The unique tastes and flavours of hops and grains used by this small-batch brewing company help make the high-quality craft beer that Heritage Brewing Company produces.
- Lobster Trail
- Rudder’s Seafood Restaurant and Brewpub: Soak up the ambiance as you dine on fresh lobster, while sipping premium brewed beers and enjoying this microbrewery restaurant. BONUS: When you visit Rudder’s Seafood Restaurant and Brewpub, you can actually receive a digital stamp on all three culinary trails!
- Chowder Trail
- Comeau’s Sea Foods Ltd.: Comeau’s Sea Foods Ltd. are leaders in the harvesting, processing, and global distribution of fish and seafood products. Purchase their products at their retail store for a stamp or visit Sobeys, Atlantic Superstore, and Independent retailers to add their products to your own signature chowder!
Halifax Metro
Explore all that Halifax Metro has to offer through shopping, live music venues, and 40+ delicious trail stops!
- Where to stay
- Inn on the Lake: Not only does Inn on the Lake offer accommodations, but a range of dining experiences! The Inn on the Lake is also on the lobster and chowder trail!
- Good Cheer Trail
- Compass Distillers: Visit grain-to-glass distillery Compass Distillers in the heart of north end Halifax where they proudly capture the Nova Scotian experience in a bottle by harvesting local grain and unique wild plants to make their spirits.
- Lobster Trail
- Clearwater Seafoods Retail Store: Create your own lobster trail experience by stopping by Clearwater to pick up fresh, Nova Scotia lobster. Clearwater’s retail shops are stocked year-round with fresh and frozen seafood!
- Chowder Trail
- Evan’s Fresh Seafood & Restaurant: Evan’s has built its reputation on freshness, focusing on local products, carefully prepared, delicious seafood, and gluten-free fish and chips. Evan’s also offers a display of fresh and frozen seafood to take home.
Bay of Fundy & Annapolis Valley
The Bay of Fundy & Annapolis Valley is an agricultural hub in Nova Scotia, which is not surprising since it’s home to 50+ trail stops!
- Where to stay
- Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa: Digby Pines offers premier Nova Scotia vacations and golf. The resort features the 19th Hole Clubhouse and Eatery, which hosts a maritime-inspired light and full-fare menu. Digby Pines is a stop on the Nova Scotia Chowder Trail.
- Good Cheer Trail
- Benjamin Bridge: Nestled in the picturesque Gaspereau Valley, the cool climate at Benjamin Bridge is moderated by the powerful Bay of Fundy which promotes natural acidities critical to producing sparkling wines of richness, structure, and finesse.
- Lobster Trail
- Halls Harbour Lobster Pound and Restaurant: Located 20 minutes from Kentville in one of the few authentic fishing villages on the Fundy coast, choose your lobster from the tank and the chef will prepare it in Bay of Fundy seawater.
- Chowder Trail
- The Flying Apron Inn & Cookery Ltd.: This menu changes weekly to feature the freshest local, sustainable ingredients with a curated drink menu showcasing Nova Scotia’s best wine, cider and craft beer.
Northumberland Shore
The Northumberland Shore’s warm water beaches and 12 trail stops make it the perfect place for your beach staycation!
- Where to stay
- Maritime Inn Antigonish: Located in the heart of downtown Antigonish, the Maritime Inn is home to Chowder Trail stop the Main Street Cafe & Lounge.
- Good Cheer Trail
- Jost Vineyards & Seagrape Cafe: Tucked in the gentle hills and coastal inlets of the Northumberland Shore, Jost Vineyards is Nova Scotia’s largest winery and a pioneer of the local wine industry. Seagrape Café at Jost Vineyards offers fresh-daily, locally inspired fare carefully selected to complement our wines.
- Lobster Trail
- Snow Queen Restaurant: Located in the beautiful university town of Antigonish, the Snow Queen has been serving locals and visitors alike since 1962. We offer the affordability and down-home food that is sometimes missing when you’re on the road.
- Chowder Trail
- Main Street Cafe & Lounge: Our menu includes unique seasonal recipes featuring our fabulous homemade seafood chowder, loaded with fresh Atlantic seafood including haddock, shrimp, salmon, and scallops.
Eastern Shore
If you love to kick back, the Eastern Shore is for you! The Eastern Shore trail stops have got you covered with fresh seafood and local beverages.
- Where to stay
- Liscombe Lodge Resort & Conference Centre: Liscombe Lodge Resort and Conference Centre delivers the ideal Nova Scotia accommodations you’ve been looking for. Enjoy traditional meals with that special homemade flavour.
- Good Cheer Trail
- Sober Island Brewing Company: Welcome to the Eastern Shore’s microbrewery! Sober Island Brewing crafts English-style ales using local ingredients wherever possible.
- Lobster Trail
- Henley House Pub & Restaurant: The Henley House was built in 1916 by Roy and Loretta Henley and for many years it was known as the “East Inn”. Now, you can dine and enjoy a delicious lobster roll!
- Chowder Trail
- Rose & Rooster Bakery: The Rose & Rooster Bakery serves Nova Scotia-roasted coffee and espresso, homemade bread and sweet treats. Almost everything is made in-house – from fishcakes to lemon squares!
Cape Breton Island
Cape Breton is home to the Cabot Trail, the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and many culinary trail stops that will keep you full after a day of adventuring.
- Where to stay
- Inverary Resort: Just steps from your hotel room is 11 acres of gardens, green space and beautiful shoreline, marina with watercraft rentals, relaxing spa, waterfront restaurant and more! Inverary Resort is proud to place fresh, local ingredients front and center during their menu designs.
- Good Cheer Trail
- Glenora Inn & Distillery: Cradled in the picturesque hills of the Mabou Highlands, enjoy Celtic music as you try a dram of Canadian single malt whisky, Glen Breton Rare, and lay the groundwork for your unique Cape Breton experience.
- Lobster Trail
- Miller’s Seafood & Chophouse: Port Hawkesbury is a perfect base from which to start your Cape Breton staycation, and Miller’s offers meals for everybody!
- Chowder Trail
- Meat Cove Chowder Hut Restaurant: When you enter the Meat Cove Chowder Hut Restaurant, you will be greeted by the three sisters who have been making a delicious seafood chowder for 10 years.