The 2021 Nova Scotia Culinary Trails
Looking for 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, there are three easy ways to collect stamps – the passport, the website or our soon-to-launch Taste of Nova Scotia app. Stay tuned for all the details!
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
- Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre: While staying at the beautiful Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre, enjoy spectacular views of Oak Island and the surrounding Bay. Take in the fresh air and sea breezes from their large outdoor oceanfront patio and watch the fabulous Nova Scotia sunrise and sunset. Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre is on both the Lobster and Chowder trail!
- Good Cheer Trail
- Boxing Rock Brewing Company: From axe throwing to beer 101 classes, live music and more – Boxing Rock Brewing Company’s tap room features something for everyone. Stop by this Shelburne staple for a stamp on your Good Cheer Trail passport.
- Lobster Trail
- The Sou’Wester Restaurant & Gift Shop: Overlooking the famous lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove, Sou’Wester Restaurant specializes in homestyle meals featuring our local seafood. Relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of Peggy’s Cove while savouring locally-inspired cuisine. Sou’Wester Restaurant is on both the Lobster and Chowder trail!
- Chowder Trail
- Mateus Bistro: Mateus Bistro delivers tasty foods made home-style and simple. Charcoal smoked meats, fresh seafoods and local produce help bring seasonal menus to the tables. Mateus Bistro is on both the Lobster and Chowder trail!
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 & Chowder 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 – Lobster, Chowder and Good Cheer!
Halifax Metro
Explore all that Halifax Metro has to offer through shopping, live music venues, and 40+ delicious trail stops!
- Good Cheer Trail
- Lake City Cider: Lake City Cider is a fully operational cider production facility in downtown Dartmouth. Fresh pressed cider from Nova Scotia’s famous Annapolis Valley is tankard into their facility. The fresh juice is fermented, filtered and bottled/canned on site.
- Lobster Trail
- Shuck Seafood + Raw Bar: SHUCK Seafood + Raw Bar features a seafood market with a wide selection of Nova Scotia product, delivered daily. Enjoy oysters on the half shell, crudo, ceviche, or whole fresh fish prepared to your liking.
- 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
- Luckett Vineyards: Luckett Vineyards captures the magic of Nova Scotia’s distinctive character through wines that are truly worth phoning home about. Maritime breezes, legendary ocean tides, and brilliant sunshine meet to create a unique terroir that helps Luckett produce an impressive range of red, white, sparkling and rosé wines.
- Lobster Trail
- Paddy’s Brewpub & Rosie’s Restaurant: Paddy’s Brewpub & Rosie’s Restaurant is an Irish pub, family restaurant, cidery, and craft brewery. BONUS: When you visit Paddy’s Brewpub & Rosie’s Restaurant in Wolfville you can actually receive a digital stamp on all three culinary trails!
- Chowder Trail
- Le Caveau Restaurant: Situated at Domaine de Grand Pré, Le Caveau Restaurant offers a charming dining room, inviting grapevine-covered patio and stunning harvest table in their well-manicured vineyards. Chef Jason Lynch specializes in global cuisine with emphasis on fresh and locally farmed ingredients.
Northumberland Shore
The Northumberland Shore’s warm water beaches and 12 trail stops make it the perfect place for your beach staycation!
- Good Cheer Trail
- Steinhart Distillery: Located in Arisaig, you’ll find Steinhart Distillery. Thomas Steinhart, master distiller, has made his passion for distilling a reality and shares this passion through tours, tastings and cocktails.
- 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. They offer the affordability and down-home food that is sometimes missing when you’re on the road.
- Chowder Trail
- Sugar Moon Farm: Deep in the sugar woods on the North Shore of Nova Scotia, you’ll find Sugar Moon Farm. Experience an authentic handcrafted Maple adventure and discover the sweet, savoury and smokey possibilities of maple. Their exclusive after-hours culinary experience features maple-inspired cuisine and exquisite wines with some of the region’s best chefs.
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.
- Good Cheer Trail
- Sober Island Brewing Company: Sober Island Brewing crafts English-style ales using local ingredients wherever possible.
- Lobster Trail
- 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.
- 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
- Kiju’s Restaurant, Membertou Trade & Convention Centre: Indulge in a unique dining experience at Kiju’s Restaurant in Membertou. Their menu offers something for everyone, including pub-style classics, kids’ meals, and finer fare incorporating fresh ideas and local ingredients served with friendly East Coast hospitality.
- Chowder Trail
- The Chowder House: The Chowder House is a hidden gem located in Neil’s Harbour alongside a beautiful lighthouse overlooking the ocean. From the freshly caught local lobster, crab, and mussels, to steamy bowls of creamy chowder – they offer a treat for all.