The 2022 Nova Scotia Culinary Bucket List

two people cheers a small flight of beer inside Tatamagouche Brewing

Calling all lovers of local food and drink! Make 2022 a year to remember with this Nova Scotia Culinary Bucket List – a list of must-try meals, extraordinary culinary experiences, and fun challenges. Winter, spring, summer, and fall, check off as many things as you can while tasting your way around Nova Scotia.

1. Eat more Nova Scotia products

Image of woman holding carrots at Noggins

This year we encourage you to purchase local products as much as possible. Whether it’s produce, a sweet treat, or even a local beverage, the choice is yours! Make sure to  follow @tasteofns on Instagram and Facebook for tips on sourcing in-season produce and other local food products. In Nova Scotia, you can find an abundance of local products, year round.

2. Try a new recipe

oak island halibut cheeks on a blue patterned plate

Wanting to try something new in the kitchen or something to add to your recipe list? Checkout the different recipes on our website for some inspiration! From the variations of meals, desserts, drinks and more, you can start this journey by trying out a new recipe every week! Start off your recipe endeavour with these Halibut Cheeks from Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre.

3. Explore the Culinary Trails

Three women cheers beer samples at Boxing Rock Brewing Company

The Nova Scotia Good CheerChowder, and Lobster trails allow you to explore the province with your taste buds. Visit trail stops, enjoy a taste of local, and earn your stamps! Our challenge for you is to earn stamps on all three of the trails. Are you up for an adventure? Visit the Culinary Trails website for more information and stay tuned for the 2022 launch of the trails this summer.

4. Download the Taste of Nova Scotia App

A hand holds a phone with the Taste of Nova Scotia app open over a bowl of chowder

Planning a culinary adventure, but aren’t quite sure where to start? We’ve got you covered! The Taste of Nova Scotia Mobile App, available to download on Google Play or the App Store, features listings for more than 200 Taste members, digital passports for the Nova Scotia Culinary Trails, locally-inspired recipes, a selfie photo booth, the opportunity to map out your own adventure and so much more! Download the app today and discover the best of what Nova Scotia has to offer.

5. Take a Culinary Staycation

Staycations never go out of style. Every season provides new adventurous opportunities, make it your mission to experience it all! This year, book your overnight accommodations at Amherst Shore Country InnArgyler Lodge and Restaurant, Digby Pines Golf Resort & SpaFox Harb’r ResortGlenora Inn and DistilleryInn on the LakeInverary ResortLane’s Privateer InnLiscombe LodgeOak Island Resort (pictured), Pictou Lodge Beach ResortQuarterdeck Beachside Villas & GrillChanterelle Country InnCastle Rock Country InnOld Orchard Inn and SpaThe Flying Apron Inn and CookeryWhite Point Beach Resort or Tattingstone Inn.

7. Enjoy a weekend brunch

On weekends, we brunch (and you should too!). In every region of the province, we have restaurants offering brunch menus featuring fresh local ingredients. Make it a new Sunday tradition to explore these locations and experience what brunch dreams are made of or create your own brunch at home featuring Nova Scotia products.

8. Visit a U-pick

Two sets of hands hold out berries - one blueberries and one raspberries in front of tall green grass

Apples, blueberries, and strawberries, oh my! Nova Scotia produces an abundance of fresh local fruit which can be enjoyed in your favourite dessert or as a nutritious snack. It’s one thing to taste the fruit, but to pick it yourself is a whole new experience! This summer and fall visit a U-Pick at Country MagicNoggins Corner Farm MarketStirling Fruit FarmsMillen Farms, or Lunenburg County Winery.

9. Enjoy a traditional lobster supper

Shore Club Lobster Suppers

If you’ve never had a traditional lobster supper before, it’s time to get cracking! Try suppers from Shore Club Lobster SuppersCapt. Kat’s Lobster Shack, or Hall’s Harbour Lobster Pound where you can personally pick out your own lobster, giving you a true taste of the Atlantic. If you’re looking to put on your chef’s hat and prepare your own lobster, order it fresh from Clearwater SeafoodsFisherman’s MarketEvan’s Fresh Seafoods, or Afishionado Fishmongers.

10. Visit a restaurant in every region of the province

red cap restaurant server with plate

In Nova Scotia, we’re lucky to have restaurants that value local ingredients, community, and extraordinary dining in every region of the province. From Yarmouth to Cape Breton, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a taste of local. We challenge you to visit a restaurant in every region of the province! Visit our member directory and use our category system to find Taste of Nova Scotia member locations in every region.

11. Go on a wine tour (or beer, cider, spirits or mead!)

four people cheers with orange coloured wine on a patio on a sunny day

We know you can’t wait to check this one off! We’re dreaming of warm summer days at vineyards, sipping on delicious local wine made from the grapes that surround you. Book your tours now with Grape Escapes Wine ToursWine and Beer Tours of Nova ScotiaGo North Tours, Ambassatours, or the Wolfville Magic Winery Bus. If wine isn’t your drink of choice, there are plenty of tours that feature cider, beer, spirits, and mead!

12. Taste your way around the Cabot Trail

Experience the natural beauty of the Cape Breton Highlands as you drive the famous Cabot Trail. What pairs well with spectacular views? Spectacular food! The trail has plenty of opportunities for pit-stops so you can truly taste your way around the island. Stop by The Dancing GoatThe Chowder HouseRestaurant 100KM at Chanterelle Country Inn, and Restaurant Avalon for some delicious dining options!

13. Enjoy fresh local seafood on a patio

evan's chowder with ferry background

Summer isn’t that far away in the grand scheme of things – soon enough you’ll be able to enjoy fresh local seafood on a patio while feeling the warm rays of sunshine drape over you. Our mouths are already watering over this seafood chowder from Evan’s Fresh Seafoods and Restaurant.

14. Enjoy fresh shucked Nova Scotia oysters

Hand on Local Oysters

The world is your oyster! Step out of your comfort zone and live 2021 to the fullest – yes, by this we mean getting your hands on fresh shucked oysters. Already a fan? Nova Scotia is home to several different oyster farms including d’Eon Oyster Company and Bay Enterprises. Why not Taste your way around the province, through oysters?

15. Have some winter fun!

Plan out your next winter adventure by enjoying some outdoor fun! Sugar Moon Farm offers access to over 30km of wilderness trails right in their backyard. The best part? Visitors are able to rent out snowshoes during the winter to make their hikes extra fun! Once you’ve finished your snowshoeing adventure, cozy up and enjoy a cup of their classic maple hot chocolate or a full maple meal! Book your snowshoeing adventure in advance on their website.

Looking for more winter activities? Authentic Seacoast Company also offers snowshoeing fun when you book a Yurt Winter Package! Not a fan of hiking? Give the outdoor skating rink at Benjamin Bridge Winery a visit! To enjoy some ice gliding fun, reserve your slot on their website!

For more of our Taste of Nova Scotia events, news and recipes delivered directly to your inbox, subscribe to our Taste of Nova Scotia emails.

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