The 2022 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 and Good Cheer Trails! This year, there are three easy ways to collect stamps – the passport, the website or our Taste of Nova Scotia mobile app.
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 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 several trail stops.
- Where to stay
- Lane’s Privateer Inn: While staying at the beautiful Lane’s Privateer Inn, enjoy the view overlooking the Mersey River. With live music and patio parties all summer, this is the perfect place to stay on your culinary adventure to the South Shore. An added bonus is that Lane’s Privateer Inn is on both the Nova Scotia Lobster Trail and the Nova Scotia Chowder Trail.
- Good Cheer Trail
- Ironworks Distillery: Located in an old marine blacksmith shop, Ironworks Distillery carries on the tradition of fine craft in their own way. They distill and infuse premium spirits and fruit liqueurs, all made with local produce. Visit them for a taste of their products in a unique historical environment.
- Lobster Trail
- Shore Club Lobster Suppers: For 85 years, the Harnish family have been welcoming guests from all over the world to the Original Nova Scotia Lobster Supper. With lobster cooked the traditional way, in ocean water and served right out of the pot, served with salads, roll, mussels, and dessert, you can’t go wrong by making sure you complete this stop on the trail.
- Chowder Trail
- Salt Shaker Deli: With spectacular views of the Lunenburg Harbour and a carefully crafted menu, the Salt Shaker Deli and Inn is a must stop. Created by award-winning chef, Martin Ruiz Salvador, their menu pays special attention to showcasing the region’s fresh seafood, locally-grown produce and artisinal products. Their seafood chowder is a customer favourite, making this a must stop along the trail.
Yarmouth & Acadian Shores
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 both the Nova Scotia Lobster Trail and the Nova Scotia 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 stamp on all three culinary trails!
- Chowder Trail
- La Cuisine Robicheau: Upon entering La Cuisine Robicheau, you get a true at-home feeling. With a spectacular view of the beautiful St. Mary’s Bay, they specialize in local seafood, home-cooked meals and traditional Acadian dishes.
Halifax Metro
Explore all that Halifax Metro has to offer through shopping, live music venues and of course, Good Cheer, Lobster and Chowder trail stops!
- Good Cheer Trail
- Propeller Brewing Company: Propeller Brewing Company has been Halifax’s North End craft brewery for 25 years. Their commitment to quality led to their India Pale Ale being one of the best-selling craft beers in Atlantic Canada for the past decade. Now with three locations in the HRM, they’re a must stop on the Good Cheer Trail.
- Lobster Trail
- Waterfront Warehouse: Located right on the Halifax Waterfront, Waterfront Warehouse offers delicious seafood. Make sure to add this repurposed Atlantic Shipbuilding site to your list of trail stops.
- Chowder Trail
- Durty Nelly’s: Walking into this legendary Halifax institution, Durty Nelly’s Authentic Irish Pub, has the warm, welcoming effect that feels like coming home. With smiling staff and the traditionally decorated space, Durty Nelly’s has the ability to make everyone feel good.
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 a plethora of trail stops!
- Where to stay
- Digby Pines Golf Resort & 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 also a stop on the Nova Scotia Chowder Trail.
- Good Cheer Trail
- Schoolhouse Brewery: Located along the waterfront at the heart of downtown Windsor, Schoolhouse Brewery showcases their array of quality craft beer in a cheery, school-themed taproom. A unique must stop along the Nova Scotia Good Cheer Trail.
- Lobster Trail
- Hall’s Harbour Lobster Pound & Restaurant: Witness the highest tides in the world while savouring Bay of Fundy lobster and seafood in their harbourside restaurant. Halls Harbour Lobster Pound offers an interactive experience. You can observe fishermen coming and going, as well as choose your own lobster from the tank.
- Chowder Trail
- Nook & Cranny Brew Pub: With Truro’s largest patio, live entertainment and 25 beer on tap, Nook and Cranny is the place to eat, drink and enjoy local. Their diverse menu showcases local producers, popular dishes and of course, chowder.
Northumberland Shore
The Northumberland Shore’s warm water beaches make it the perfect place for your beach staycation — plus, there are lots of opportunities to collect culinary trail stamps.
- Good Cheer Trail
- Jost Vineyards: 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. Their distinctive wines have won many national and international awards.
- Lobster Trail
- Gabrieau’s Bistro: Nestled in Nova Scotia’s Highland Heart, Gabrieau’s Bistro has a menu that features the best of local produce. Winner of the Taste of Nova Scotia Restaurant of the Year award in 2013, you’ll want to make sure you stop here as you complete the Nova Scotia Lobster Trail.
- Chowder Trail
- Main Street Café and Lounge: The Main Street Café offers a delicious and fun experience. Their menu of authentic, home cooked food that is made from scratch will leave you wanting more. Bonus: You can also stay the night at this location!
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 Company 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. Bonus: you can also stay the night at this location!
- Chowder Trail
- Rose and Rooster Café: The Rose & Rooster 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
- Breton Brewing Co.: After opening their doors in 2015, Breton Brewing Co. has established itself as a must-see destination on Cape Breton Island. Their welcoming taproom and beer garden offer a lighthearted atmosphere where patrons can sit and enjoy a flight if tasters, or a pint of natural, unfiltered and preservative-free ales and lagers.
- Lobster Trail
- Miller’s Seafood & Chophouse: Cape Breton’s neighborhood restaurant, Miller’s and the Church Street patio offer a casual, relaxed atmosphere. Their menu features a variety of local flavours.
- Chowder Trail
- Restaurant de la Marine: Surrounded by period-inspired architecture and hand-crafted reproduction furniture, you’ll feel as if you’re eating in the 18th Century. Located at the Fortress of Louisbourg, not only is the food delicious, but it’s an amazing culinary experience!
Visit the links below for a complete list of trail stops:
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