Parks & Hikes

In warm weather there’s nothing better than getting outside to hike or relax in a park. There are so many parks in and around Halifax that it would be impossible to list them all, but here are a few of my favorites.

Point Pleasant Park

It’s hard to imagine a visit to Halifax without mentioning Point Pleasant Park. This park makes up the entire southern tip of the Halifax Peninsula and has 39Km of walking trails. It is dog friendly with some areas being off leash. Not only is the park beautiful but it has a rich history. You can find the Prince Of Wales Tower, which was built in 1796, it was used as a powder magazine, and it is a National Historic Site of Canada. 

Public Gardens

The Public Gardens opened in 1867 – so it’s as old as Canada! They are Victorian style gardens with a couple of ponds, fountains and lots of places to sit and relax. It is only open seasonally from May 1st until November 1st.

Sir Sandford Fleming Park

Known as The Dingle to most locals, this park is located on the North West Arm of Halifax. This park was donated to Halifax by Sir Sandford Fleming – the creator of standard time zones! There are paved walking/biking trails, a sandy beach with a boat launch and lots of bird watching to be had. Make sure to climb to the top of the Dingle Tower for some great views!

Peggy’s Cove & Swissair Flight 111 Memorial

A bit outside of Halifax but Peggy’s Cove is iconic to Nova Scotia, and free to visit! Explore around the lighthouse, just stay off the black rocks! You can hike Polly’s Cove and get a different view of the area. Just down the street you can visit the Swissair Flight 111 memorial, where you can learn and remember the 229 people that died in the crash in 1998. 

The Beach

One of my favorite things about Nova Scotia is how close we are to the ocean. I love visiting the beach, although they are a little far away from Halifax, you can have your toes in the sand after a short drive. Crystal Crescent Beach is only about 40 minutes from downtown and has beautiful white sand and free parking! Rainbow Haven is closer if you’re on the Dartmouth side, and is a nice beach that has change rooms and washrooms onsite. 

Related: The Best Beaches In Nova Scotia

Crystal Crescent Beach

Bluff Trail

The Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail is located in Timberlea and is comprised of 4 loops. The full 4 loops are 30km long, and would require camping. The first loop called the Pot Lake Loop is 9km long and should take 3-4 hours to complete. Parts of this hike are difficult, but the wilderness is beautiful. 

Duncan’s Cove

If you’re looking for a hike with beautiful views in Halifax, this is the one! Duncan’s Cove is about 35 minutes from downtown. It can be a bit challenging at times, as it is not maintained. The hike will likely take you 3-4 hours round trip during this 8K hike. The views of the Atlantic ocean are amazing, and you can explore 2 WW2 era bunkers. 

Museums

Luckily there are some free museums in Halifax, and also some free museum nights at some museums that aren’t normally free. You can learn a lot about Halifax history and art.

Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame

**Currently closed and will reopen in a new location**

The Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame highlights Nova Scotian athletes in all sports. Athletes like Sidney Crosby, Colleen Jones and Ellie Black all have a place in the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame!

Halifax Naval Museum

The Halifax Naval Museum is located on the Canadian Forces Base Halifax (Stadacona) and showcases the history of Canadian Naval forces throughout the years. You can view uniforms, weapons, documents, models and more. It is free to enter, you just need to show government issued ID at the Gottingen Street gate to CFB.

Listen To Jenn and Meggan on the The Travel Mug Podcast chat about Halifax

Free Museum Nights

Discovery Centre

The Discovery Centre is a “hands-on” science centre that is definitely kid approved! Learn about energy and its many forms, health and how our bodies work, explore flight in a flight simulator and explore oceans and weather. It is only free on Wednesdays from 5-8pm (not currently due to Covid-19)

Related: Indoor Things To Do In Halifax

Art Gallery Of Nova Scotia

FREE ADMISSION Daily July 1- August 31 2021!

The Art Gallery Of Nova Scotia highlights mostly Canadian and Nova Scotian artists with some international artists as well. Although all of the art is interesting, I love seeing Maud Lewis’ house and art showcased. Her home was restored and brought into the museum, and you can see so much of her work on display.

Architecture & History

We have lots of interesting architecture in Halifax if you look for it. Some of it new, and some of it as old as Canada with a rich history, there’s lots to explore!

Halifax Central Library

A visit to the Library is always a great way to spend the day, and the Halifax Central Library has so much to do. First you can check out the amazing architecture, since it was built in 2014, it has won awards for it’s design. The criss cross staircases always remind me of a modern Hogwarts! The library hosts workshops and also has space to use to record music, podcasts, etc. and many areas to sit and read!

Province House

Did you know that you can actually take a tour of Province House? You can actually watch proceedings of the Nova Scotia House Of Assembly, and the building itself is a National Historic Site that you can tour and learn about its history. It also has a library that you can use. 

Citadel Hill & The Clock Tower

Citadel Hill and the Halifax Town Clock are almost synonymous with Halifax. Although you have to pay to go into the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, you can take in views of Halifax from the top of the hill for free. There are plaques that describe how Halifax was destroyed during the Halifax explosion in 1917. The “Old Town Clock” was built 1803, and is now a Classified Federal Heritage Building. Unfortunately you can’t go inside at this time.

Related: Visiting The Halifax Citadel

St. Paul’s Anglican Church

St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Halifax’s Grand Parade is the oldest building in Halifax, and also the oldest existing Anglican place of worship in Canada. It was built in 1750, and still hosts weekly services and community events. They have free guided tours all year round. The building survived the Halifax Explosion with little damage. However you can still see a “face” in one of the windows, it is said to be the profile of a deacon that was standing there when the explosion took place. Despite attempts to clean the glass, the outline remains!

Sports & Activities

Playing a sport and being active doesn’t have to cost money! There are so many ways to play and try different things in Halifax

Halifax Common

Almost the heart of Halifax you’ll find the Halifax Common, or to us locals “the Commons”. It is a large park with softball diamonds, a cricket ground, tennis courts, a playground and a skateboard park. You can relax on the grass or meet up with some friends for a game of frizbee! There is also a city-owned pool for those hot summer days. 

The Oval

The Emera Oval is in the Halifax Common and opened in 2011 for the speed skating event at the Canada Games, which was hosted in Halifax that year. Now it is a free spot to go ice skating in the winter, with free skate rentals, and rollerblading in the summer, also with free skate rentals! 

St Mary’s Boat Club

I had no idea, but you can borrow canoes and stand up paddle boards from St. Mary’s Boat Club on weekends from June 1st to September 30th for an hour for free! They will also supply all safety equipment! What a great way to try out some water sports for free.

Snowshoe and Sport Equipment Rentals

You can rent Snowshoes from many HRM recreation centres. Perfect for those snowy days! Some recreation centres have Nordic walking poles, skateboards, tennis rackets, and other sports equipment. Check out this list to see what the closest rec centre to you has. 

Free Festivals & Events

So many free festivals around Halifax throughout all seasons! We have checked many of these out, and will be attending new ones this year.

The Buskers

July 31st – August 2nd 2021

The Halifax Busker Festival has been a staple on the Halifax Waterfront for more than 20 years. Every summer performers from around the world come to our city to show us their talents. We love checking out some of the performances. While it is technically a free event, the performers do rely on donations since they are not paid to attend the event. See the schedule and more information here.  

Halifax Jazz Fest

July 14th – 17th 2021

Halifax Jazz Festival is the largest music festival in Nova Scotia! The event has concerts all throughout the week that you have to buy tickets for, but the afternoon concerts are generally free! They also put on concerts in the Spring concerts for free. Check out their website for the 2021 event calendar! 

Nocturne

October – 2021 dates TBD

Nocturne: Art At Night is a free festival that showcases visual arts. It takes place in downtown Halifax and downtown Dartmouth, and numerous businesses and community organizations get involved. Wander around in search of art, you’re sure to find something awesome! For all the official info check out their website.

FIN Outdoor

In the summer FIN puts on a series of free movies in parks around Halifax for everyone to enjoy! Last summer the theme was sing-a-longs, and they showed classics like Grease, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. See their website for more info.

Nova Multifest

VIRTUAL in 2021 Alderney Landing, Dartmouth.

At Nova Multifest you’ll be able to experience performances, demonstrations and exhibits that highlight the multiculturalism of Nova Scotia. Admission is free, but delicious food from around the world will be available to purchase!

East Coast Kite Festival

August 21-22 2021, Citadel Hill

This family-friendly free event takes place on the Garrison Grounds at the Halifax Citadel. There will be a bouncy castle, face painting, kite workshops, kites for sale or rent and a display of unique kites! You can bring your own to fly as well. See their Facebook page for more information

Holiday Parade Of Lights

November 2021 -Date TBD

The Holiday Parade Of Lights in Downtown Halifax is a great event to kick off your holiday season. This approximately 2 hour parade will have festive floats, marching bands, dancers, great costumes, and of course, Santa!

Halifax Waterfront

You can’t have Halifax without the water, it’s really in our blood. Luckily there’s lots of free things to do on the Halifax waterfront!

Halifax Seaport Market

The Halifax Seaport Market is the oldest farmer’s market in North America, and for good reason! The market itself is free to enter, although there are a lot of delicious foods, beautiful art, and unique crafts available to purchase. On Saturdays local musicians usually provide some nice background music while you browse the vendors. 

Related: One Day In Halifax Nova Scotia

The Boardwalk

How can you mention Halifax without mentioning our beautiful waterfront boardwalk. It is 4km long and the most visited attraction in Nova Scotia. It’s also totally free to walk along. Of course there are many shops and restaurants along the way, and sometimes ice-cream is worth splurging on!

Scotiabank Family History Centre at Pier 21

If you are researching your family history, someone at the Scotia Family History Centre inside the Pier 21 Immigration Museum can help you find immigration records, and ship information. It is free to go in (you don’t have to pay the entrance fee to Pier 21), the only thing you have to pay for is if you want copies of records.

Free Day Trips From Halifax

There are lots of free things to do outside of Halifax too! Here are my favourite day trips from Halifax that will only cost you gas money:

Burntcoat Head

Experience the world’s highest tides by walking on the ocean floor at Burntcoat Head Park, only about an hour and 14 minutes from downtown Halifax.

Read more about Burntcoat Head Park

Cape Split

Cape Split is my favourite hike in Nova Scotia, not just because I got engaged there! It is about 15km long round trip and it takes about 4-5 hours to complete. It is about an hour and a half from downtown Halifax.

Read more about Hiking Cape Split

Oak Island Interpretive Centre

If you’re obsessed with The Curse Of Oak Island TV show like I am, then you probably want to visit Oak Island! The tour tickets sell out fast, but you can visit the Oak Island Interpretive Centre for free! It’s a small museum that displays things found on the island.

Read more about visiting Oak Island

Final Thoughts

See?! I told you there were so many free things to do in Halifax! Did I miss anything? What is your favourite free thing to do in Halifax?

World’s Highest Tides

The Bay of Fundy is located between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, and as I mentioned when I wrote about Burntcoat Head Park – it is home to the world’s highest tides! Every 12 hours and 25 minutes the tides rise and fall, but this tide rises 52 feet! While the tide is rising up to 1 inch per minute, it causes something exciting to happen in the Shubenacadie River…

The Tidal Bore

As the tide rises, more water flows into the rivers off the Bay of Fundy, and the Shubenacadie river is one of them. As the water rushes into the river, the first wave is called the tidal bore! But here’s where it gets interesting…  all that water rushing in causes the river to change directions! As the river changes direction to inland, at 30 km/hr it rushes over sandbars and islands causing rapids that have 4 foot and up to 18 foot waves! 

Where & When To Go Tidal Bore Rafting

The Shubenacadie River is on the Western side of Nova Scotia, and there are several companies that offer tidal bore rafting tours. All of the tours start from around the same general area. We went with Fundy Tidal Bore Adventures which is located at 45 Hwy 236, Green Oaks, Nova Scotia, it was about an hour from downtown Halifax.

Tours are usually offered mid May through September, but I would recommend going in the summer as it’s usually still chilly here in May & June. Tour times depend on the tide schedule, so sometimes tours are in the morning and sometimes they are in the late afternoon. 

Fundy Tidal Bore Adventures Review

We opted to go with Fundy Tidal Bore Adventures and we were not disappointed! First we got to their main building about an hour before our tour was scheduled to pay and sign the waivers. You have to wear close toed shoes on the boats (and no crocs) so if you forgot to bring your own then they have some there that you can use. They supplied life vests for all of us to use and made sure we were ready for our adventure.

Once you are out in the boats they took us to mud hills to slide down while we waited for the tidal bore! It was so much fun to play in the mud. You will get very very dirty on this tour even if you don’t slide in the mud, so wear old clothes! Once the tidal bore came in that’s when the fun really started. Our tour guide Morgan owns the company and it was clear he knew the river like the back of his hand. We spent the next couple of hours screaming and laughing until our faces hurt because we were having so much fun! The boat really bounces around so you have to hold on tight but no one fell out. At the end you get a little time to swim after the river has calmed down, and then you head back to home base.

At their main building they have showers that you can use to clean off. They also have picnic tables and lawn games if you want to spend some time hanging out before or after your adventure! They supplied water and a granola bar snack after the tour was finished.

Important Info:

You must make a reservation for the tour as it does fill up! Book your tour with Fundy Tidal Adventures through email or by phone.

They have 2 options for tours: a 2 hour or a 4 hour tour. 2 hour tours are $60+tax for adults and $50+tax for children. 4 hour tours are $89+tax for adults and $79+tax for children.

Children must be over 6 (or over 9 for extreme wave days).

Final Thoughts

Tidal bore rafting is one of the most adventurous things that you can do while visiting Nova Scotia! We had such a great time and are looking forward to doing it again. If you’d like to explore other places in the area, I recommend Burntcoat Head Park!

Wondering why it’s called Wolfville? Thankfully it’s not because it’s overrun with wolves! When the English came (more on them later…) the town was named Mud Creek, but in 1830 the name changed to Wolfville in honour of Elisha DeWolf, who was the town’s postmaster. 

How To Get To Wolfville

Wolfville is in the Annapolis Valley region of Nova Scotia, which is on the Bay of Fundy. 

From downtown Halifax you’ll take Highway 102 to exit 4B, then Highway 101 to exit 10. It will take about an hour from downtown Halifax.

If you’re coming from the South Shore like Liverpool or Lunenburg, the quickest way is to take Highway 103E to exit 9 and then take Trunk 12-N. It will take about an 1 and 20 minutes from Lunenburg.

Related: 1 Day In Lunenburg and Mahone Bay

Where To Stay

You may want to stay for more than a day, because there are so many things to do and delicious things to eat! We have stayed at the Blomidon Inn twice, and have been very happy both times. It is a historic building, it was a sea captain’s mansion. The rooms are lovely and the gardens are beautiful. Your stay includes a continental breakfast and also afternoon tea. 

Blomidon Inn Website
195 Main Street, Wolfville NS

Things To Do In Wolfville

Wolfville is a fairly small town with one main street, so some things are walking distance, or at least along the main drag. Some things are a short drive away, but everything is pretty close together!

Grand-Pre National Historic Site

If you’re coming from Halifax, make your first stop at Grand-Pré National Historic Site to learn about the Acadian people who settled this area. It is open daily from mid May to mid October, and costs $7.90 for an adult, free for youth 17 and under.

You’ll learn about the Acadian people who settled the area around Wolfville and Grand-Pré, who were later deported by the English because they would not declare allegiance to them during the Seven Years War. 

Grand-Pre Website
2205A Grand-Pré Rd, Grand-Pré, Nova Scotia

Tangled Garden

Just a few minutes outside of Wolfville, Tangled Garden is a beautiful place for a stroll. It costs $8, and there is also a lovely tearoom for an afternoon snack. You can also pick up some jams, jellies or herb oils to bring home with you.

Tangled Garden Website
#11827, Hwy 1, Grand Pré, Nova Scotia

Farmer’s Markets and U-Picks

The Annapolis Valley has always been the agricultural area of Nova Scotia, and as such you can find many farmer’s markets and U-Picks in the area, depending on the season. 

We have picked apples many times at Elderkin’s Farm Market, and they also have strawberry, blueberry, pears, peaches and cherries depending on the time of year you go.

Related: What To Do During The Fall In Nova Scotia

Elderkins Farm Market Website
10362 Hwy 1, Wolfville, NS

We have enjoyed the Corn Maze at Noggin’s Corner Farm, which is just a few minutes outside Wolfville. They also have Pumpkin and Apple U-picks in the Fall season.

Noggins Farm Website
10009 Hwy #1, Greenwich, NS

About 15 minutes outside of Wolfville, we have gone blueberry picking at Blueberry Acres in Centreville. I’ve heard their restaurant is great but we haven’t eaten there yet! 

Blueberry Acres Website
1225 Middle Dyke Rd, Centerville, NS

If you’re not into picking anything yourself, The Wolfville Farmers Market happens every Wednesday and Saturday near the waterfront park. On Saturdays you’ll find 70+ vendors with lots of local produce, meats, baked goods and handmade items. 

Wolfville Farmers Market Website
24 Elm Ave, Wolfville, NS

Shopping

There are plenty of locally owned stores along Main Street in Wolfville, selling all kinds of home decor, books, and vintage clothing.

Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens

Part of Acadia University is the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre and the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens. Even though it is part of the University, anyone can visit. Inside you can see where university students are experimenting, and outside in the gardens there is plenty to explore. We love that the plants are labeled so you know what you are looking at!

KC Irving Centre Website
32 University Ave, Wolfville NS

Blomidon Look Off Provincial Park

The look off is exactly what it sounds like – a great look off point. The views of the Annapolis Valley are beautiful. It can be easy to drive by as it is just a small parking lot on the side of the road but it is worth the stop!

Blomidon Provincial Park website
3374 Hwy 358, Arlington, NS

Hike Cape Split

Once you’ve stopped at the Look Off, keep driving until you get to Scots Bay, so you can hike Cape Split. This is one of my favorite hikes in Nova Scotia (not just because we got engaged here!). It is a 6.5km hike and will take about 4-5 hours. It can be challenging in spots, but the views at the end are so worth it! Take a picnic lunch and enjoy. 

Read more about Hiking Cape Split

Parks Nova Scotia Website
999 Cape Split Road, Scots Bay, NS

Where To Eat & Drink

Eating and drinking are two of my favorite things to do, and Wolfville has no shortage of options for both! Here are a few of my favorite spots.

Winery Tours

The land around the Annapolis Valley is also great for growing grapes, and there are several wineries around and close to Wolfville. To make a day out of it, I suggest booking a tour through Magic Winery Bus Tours, which start and end in Wolfville, and take you to 5 different wineries on a hop on hop off double decker bus! You’ll have time to spend about an hour at each stop, so you can have a glass of wine and get that perfect Instagram selfie! 

If you wish to drive yourself (with a designated driver of course) or just visit for lunch, my favorites are Lightfoot & Wolfville, which serves amazing woodfired oven pizzas along with their wine. Lunch at Luckett’s Vineyards is also delicious, plus you can get your photo with a red phone booth straight from England. 

Magic Winery Bus Website
Starts at 11 Willow Ave, Wolfville, NS

Annapolis Cider Company

Cider is my favorite alcoholic drink, and the Annapolis Cider Company doesn’t disappoint! The apples are grown at closeby orchards, and the cider is made onsite. Get a tasting flight and enjoy class and more adventurous flavors. When I last visited I really enjoyed the cherry-coriander option!

Annapolis Cider Company Website
388 Main Street, Wolfville, NS 

Church Brewing Company

As the name would lead you to believe, this restaurant and brewery is located in an old church! I love the atmosphere in here. The patio is great on a nice summer or fall day, and the food is fantastic! Heads up, there’s usually a wait to get in on weekends, and sometimes the food takes a while to come out of the kitchen. Have a beer and relax, it’s worth the wait.

Church Brewing Website
329 Main St, Wolfville NS

The Library Pub

This place will always hold a special place in my heart. I would visit with friends that lived in Wolfville going to University, and we would eat here! It’s not very big, but I’ve always loved the food and atmosphere. It feels like you’re eating in a British library! Make sure to get the flatbread fingers.

Library Pub Website
472 Main Street, Wolfville NS

Naked Crepe Bistro

Definitely my favorite place in town to grab breakfast or a light lunch. The Naked Crepe makes amazing (and filling) crepes and thin crust pizzas. There’s also usually a wait on weekends, but they will text you when your table is ready so you can enjoy nearby shops.

Naked Crepe Website
402 Main Street, Wolfville NS

Just Us! Coffee Roasters Co-op

You always need to be able to find a great cup of coffee, wherever you go! We usually stop at Just Us! on the way in to town, but there is a location on main street as well. Just Us! is Canada’s first fair trade coffee roaster, and it is roasted right here in the Annapolis Valley! They also have fair trade and organic teas and hot chocolates.

Just Us! Website
11865 Highway 1, Hortonville & 450 Main Street, Wolfville, NS

The Real Scoop – Ice Cream & Espresso Shop

Is it any surprise that an ice cream shop has found its way onto this list (and into my heart)?! I was so excited to finally stop in this fall, and it did not disappoint! The ice cream is made fresh on site and they have vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. If you’re more adventurous you can choose mix-ins – they have 30+ to choose from! The homemade waffle cones make the experience even better. For those that are dairy free, they have many sorbets to choose from as well. I can’t wait to go back.

The Real Scoop Website
10 Gaspereau Ave, Wolfville NS

Final Thoughts

If all that isn’t enough to convince you to visit Wolfville then I don’t know what will! It really is one of my favorite places in Nova Scotia and even though I’ve been many times I always look forward to visiting again. Have you been to Wolfville? What are your favourite things to do there?

Headed to other Nova Scotia towns on your road trip?

• One Day In Halifax
• What To Do In Liverpool NS
• Sugar Moon Farm
• Indoor Things To Do In Halifax
• Fortress Of Louisbourg
• Oak Island
• Best Beaches In Nova Scotia

If you’ve ever gone to Niagara Falls you’ll know there is no shortage of places to stay. The Canadian side is filled with hotel after hotel, some offering casinos, some offering great views, and some offering the convenience of a waterpark attached! As I’ve said in other posts I tend to research a lot before booking a hotel. I want to be close to attractions but also have a nice place to stay that doesn’t eat up too much of my budget. We found a winner with Vittoria Hotel & Suites.

Pin it for later:

Important Info

5851 Victoria Avenue
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada  L2G 3L6 
Phone: 1-800-263-2553
Email: resinfo@vittoriahotels.com
Website: vittoriahotels.com

Vittoria Hotel & Suites Location

Location is so important to me when booking a hotel. I hate having to travel long distances to get to the middle of the action. Vittoria Hotel & Suites is conveniently located on one of the main streets. Basically everything you want to do will be within walking distance from the hotel. It is close to all the fun on Clifton Hill, as well as casinos, and most importantly the Falls. 

Clifton Hill- 5 minute walk
Hornblower Cruise – 10 minute walk
Queen Victoria Park / Falls View – 11 minute walk
Rainbow Bridge to USA – 13 minute walk

Check out this video where we give a tour of our room:

Vittoria Hotel Room

When we checked in to our room the front desk told us we had a great room, and we did! We were able to see the American Falls and we had a great view of the fireworks right from our bedroom.

We booked a junior suite with one king bed, and the sofa was also a pull out bed. 

They also have junior suites with 2 queen beds and a sofa bed, and a family suite with 2 queen beds and a sofa bed with more space than the junior suite. 

All rooms have a mini fridge, coffee maker, flat screen TVs, a safe, and include free Wi-Fi. 

The bathroom area was really nice. The sink area was separate which made it easier to get ready in the morning. The bathroom featured a large walk in shower.

It was easy to tell that the hotel had been recently renovated. Everything felt fresh and clean from the lobby to our room. 

Hotel Amenities

This hotel packs a lot into one building! We checked out the pool and hot tub one afternoon and it was a nice place to relax for an hour or two. 

The hotel also has a fitness centre, and meeting rooms available if needed. 

One big bonus is that Vittoria Hotel has onsite parking which costs $15 per night. 

There is a restaurant onsite that is open for breakfast and lunch from 7am-12pm. We paid $17.99 each for a buffet breakfast to fill us up before we headed out for the day. The buffet had plenty of options, and they also have an a la carte menu for other breakfast items. 

Final Thoughts

We made a great choice when we booked with Vittoria Hotel & Suites in Niagara Falls! The staff were great anytime we had to go to the front desk. Our room was not ready when we arrived but they were able to store our luggage until it was. We ended up with a great home base for exploring Niagara Falls and I wouldn’t hesitate to stay there again.

Related Posts:

• Niagara Falls On A Budget
• Niagara Falls USA vs Canada
• How To Choose A Hotel

Budget

We booked our stay at Vittoria Hotels & Suites on Hotels.com and chose to pay at the hotel.

2 nights in July 2019 in a Junior Suite with 1 king size bed – $377.88 including tax

Buffet breakfast for 2 – $35.98

Total spent at Vittoria Hotel & Suites – $413.86

Niagara Falls at a Glance

• Both sides of Niagara Falls have great views and things to do
• You’ll need a passport to go between the USA and Canada
• The Canadian side of Niagara Falls is busy, while the American side is much quieter

Niagara Falls, Ontario

In Canada, Niagara Falls is about an hour and a half from our biggest city, Toronto. If you’ve been to the Canadian side, you’ll know that there is a lot going on! It is a busy area with lots of places to eat, to stay and things to do.

Where to Stay in Niagara Falls, Ontario

There are many hotels in Niagara Falls, Ontario, so it may be difficult to choose. We enjoyed staying at Vittoria Hotel & Suites, which is conveniently located close to Clifton Hill, the Hornblower Cruise, and Queen Victoria Park, where you’ll see the falls.

Niagara Falls, New York

On the United States side of Niagara Falls, things couldn’t be more different. The Falls are surrounded by a State Park with lots of green space, walking trails and a whole lot less flashing lights. There are restaurants and shopping in the town as well.

Going from Canada to the USA

If you want to travel from one side of the border to the other, you’ll have to cross a bridge! There are 3 bridges within 10 kilometres of the falls. The most popular (read: busy) is Rainbow Bridge, which does offer really great views. You can also walk across the Rainbow Bridge like we did.

It’s important to note that you will need a passport. It does seem like it’s all the same place, but you are crossing an international border, and you need a passport or a visa, depending on where you are from. You will also have to declare any purchases made when coming back to your home country.  

Niagara Falls USA vs Canada

To compare both places, you need to take a few things into account: Things to do, the view, and the overall feel.

Attractions

There are so many attractions on each side, but I’ll start with the one they have in common: a boat tour. In Canada, it’s called The Hornblower, and on the US side, it’s The Maid Of The Mist. They are both basically the same. We had a blast on The Hornblower!

The Canadian side has so many haunted houses, arcades, wax museums and other places to spend time (and money) if you’re into them! Which means it can be difficult to visit Niagara Falls on a budget. While you’ll find a few of these things on the US side, there are not as many. You’ll also find a very popular aquarium on the US side: the Aquarium of Niagara. 

On the Canadian side, you’ll find the Journey Behind The Falls tour, where you’ll be able to experience the falls from the tunnels behind and below the Horseshoe Falls. 

On the US side, you can take the Cave Of The Winds tour for a more unique look at the falls. With special shoes and a poncho, you’ll descend to walkways that are just feet from Bridal Veil Falls; there’s a reason it’s called the “Hurricane Deck”! This is definitely the closest you will get to the falls!

View of the Falls

If you’ve always heard that Canada has the best views of the falls, it’s because from the Canadian side, you’re looking straight at all three waterfalls, and there are so many places that you’ll be able to see them.

I believe that the US side also has a unique view of the falls; you’ll be able to stand at the top and look straight down. You really feel the power of the falls when the river is rushing beside you and then dropping 100 feet into the water below.

Overall Impression

It’s hard to pick a side, since they are so different, even though they are built around the same natural attraction!

The Canadian side is busy. If you want lots of things for kids to do, then the Canadian side is probably for you. It is very commercialized, but there are lots of activities. The views of the falls are amazing, but it can be very crowded. 

In the United States, the Niagara Falls State Park is much quieter. There is not as much to do, but you can still find lots of things to do. The views of the falls are interesting, but not quite as spectacular as the Canadian side.

Niagara Falls: Which Side Should You Visit?

Both! We enjoyed visiting both sides of Niagara Falls. I would stay on the Canadian side and walk across to the US for a couple of hours. Which side would you visit?

Read Also:

• Visiting Niagara Falls On A Budget
• Where to Stay in Niagara Falls
• 2 Days in Toronto

Niagara Falls FAQs

Niagara Falls USA vs Canadian side, which is better?

In general, the Canadian side of Niagara Falls is better for views of the falls, access to restaurants, shops, and hotels. The American side is quieter and great for hiking.

Can you go to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls without a passport?

Because you are crossing an international border, you will need a passport to visit the Canadian side of Niagara Falls if you are coming from the USA, and vice versa. You can drive across the border, or opt to walk across Rainbow Bridge. No matter what route you choose, you will need to present your passport to border security.

Can you go behind Niagara Falls on the US side?

No, no tour takes you behind Niagara Falls on the US side. Tour options on the US side include the Maid of the Mist boat tour, which takes you close to the falls on a boat and the Cave of the Winds, which is a boardwalk taking you to the base of the falls. 

Do your clothes get wet on the Maid of the Mist?

Yes, it’s likely that your clothes will get wet on the Maid of the Mist or Hornblower tour at Niagara Falls. Both companies provide a poncho; however, your legs and shoes will likely get very wet on the tour. Wearing quick-dry clothing and shoes is a smart idea for your tour!

The fact that I was 28 years old and had never been to Niagara Falls was surprising to me, I mean it’s a huge tourist destination in my own country. We decided to head there from Toronto, since it is not far! We were newly debt free, and I hadn’t had a chance to save up a lot for this trip, so we were headed there on a budget!

Niagara Falls can be expensive, and I was surprised how commercialized it is. We made some mistakes (mostly with food) so here are my tips for visiting Niagara Falls on a budget.

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Pick Your Hotel Wisely

Picking hotels is one of the hardest things to do when planning a vacation. You don’t want to spend too much, but you don’t want to stay so far away from everything that you are spending a lot of time (and money) getting to where the attractions are. I knew I wanted to stay central so that we could walk around easily.

We ended up picking Vittoria Hotel and I’m so glad we did! I got a good deal on Hotels.com and the location was amazing. Our room overlooked the Falls as well, couldn’t get much better than that!

Read more about my review of Vittoria Hotel and Suites

Don’t Get A Rental Car

You don’t need a car to get around Niagara Falls. As long as you stay central, everything is within walking distance. Uber is also available if you don’t want to walk somewhere. Parking is usually expensive and hard to find. 

Avoid Clifton Hill

Some might love Clifton Hill, and some of you, like me, might dislike it. Whichever way you feel about it, it can be a budget buster. Full of “haunted houses”, arcades, and wax museums there are a million ways to spend money here. We avoided them all. If you really want to do the attractions here, look into getting the Fun Pass for $30, which gets you into 6 different attractions for about half the price. 

Choose Restaurants Carefully

I told you everything was expensive here didn’t I? We walked into Denny’s and right back out because of the prices on the menu. Denny’s is usually pretty reasonably priced but not on Victoria Ave in Niagara Falls! Definitely head off of the main streets to find more budget friendly food, or be prepared to pay a premium price!

Walk The Gardens

Between all the gaudy haunted houses and casinos you can find quite a bit of green space. We enjoyed walking through Queen Victoria Park (right across the street from the Falls) and don’t miss Oakes Garden Theatre close to Clifton Hill. 

Visit The American Side

People always say the best views are on the Canadian side, which may be true but that doesn’t mean the American side isn’t worth visiting! On the US side, it is a state park with lots of (free!) walking trails and it offers a different perspective on the Falls. I loved that it was less crowded and more relaxed. 

Read more about how the USA side is different from the Canadian side

The Falls Are Free

The Falls are what you came to see right?! Luckily viewing Niagara Falls is completely free. They also have fireworks over the Falls every night in July and August, and select nights in May, June, September, October, November and December. 

Fun Fact: The Fireworks are best seen between the American and Canadian Falls. We were in a spot more overlooking the Canadian side and had to run over to get a new spot, obstructed by a tree!

Pick Your Splurge

We decided to splurge a bit on the Hornblower Cruise to get up close to the Falls, and I’m glad we did! Depending on your budget, it can be a bit expensive, we paid about $65 Canadian for the 2 of us to go. We had a great time and I’m glad I did it. A lot of people say that the Journey Behind The Falls tour is worth it, but we decided it wasn’t within our budget. I would advise you to do some research and decide if splurging on a tour is right for you!

Related: Travel Bloggers Share Their Favourite Splurges During Their Travels

Check Packages / Groupon

When you’re planning don’t forget to check deal sites like Groupon, or check into packages like the Adventure Pass which gets you in to many popular attractions. I’m all for doing whatever you want to go on vacation, but it doesn’t hurt to save a bit of money on it if you can!

Niagara Falls Budget Final Tally

Just to help you out, I thought I would share our Niagara Falls Budget. We went at the end of July which is peak tourist season and the prices below are for 2 adults:

Bus to and from Toronto: $76.84
Vittoria Hotel 2 nights: $377.88
Uber: $14.74
Hornblower Tour: $65.43
Food: $203.02
Souvenirs: 36.13
Rainbow Bridge to USA (walking): $2
Final Tally: $776.04

We could have spent a lot less on food had we chosen different restaurants, but no regrets! We had a great time during our 2 days in Niagara Falls!

Do you have any tips for doing Niagara Falls on a budget? Let me know in the comments!

Find more things to do in Halifax 

This weekend I got the chance to check out one of my new favorite places; The Tartan Tea House on the Bedford Highway, just outside of Halifax Nova Scotia. I had been looking for a place to take my Mom for her birthday and this seemed like the perfect fit! I had way more fun than I could have imagined so naturally I have to tell you about it too! The Tartan Tea House is very unique because it is the only place to find traditional british afternoon tea in Halifax! Complete with tea, scones and homemade clotted cream, you’ll be transported across the pond for the afternoon. 

Important Info

The Tartan Tea House is open Wednesday through Friday 11am-5pm and Saturday & Sunday 12pm-5pm. The last sitting for afternoon tea is at 4pm. Reservations are recommended but not required. You can book online using their website or call them directly at 902-832-0439

Location

The Tartan Tea House is located at 1149 Bedford Highway, Bedford. It is about 20-25 minutes by car from downtown Halifax. It is also accessible by Halifax Transit on route 80 from Sackville or downtown Halifax. There is parking onsite however there are not many spots. 

Looking for other indoor things to do in Halifax? Check it out here!

Menu

The menu at Tartan Tea House has 7 different afternoon tea services with different sandwiches, sweets, quiches, and traditional scones which are all served with your choice of tea. If you don’t want afternoon tea they also have a dessert menu to choose from. Everything looked so delicious it was hard to choose! There is also a tea service for young “princes and princesses” that comes with some more kid friendly options and your choice of tea, hot chocolate, juice or milk.  My Mom ended up choosing the Victorian Delight, which included 2 sandwiches, a scone with either lemon curd or jam and clotted cream, and 3 little desserts with a pot of tea. I went for all sweets and chose the Bedford Sweet Bliss which included a scone with either lemon curd or jam and clotted cream, and 4 delicious sweets with a pot of tea.  The tea menu is extensive with many different varieties. The ones we chose were black tea. My mom got the Earl Grey tea, and I chose the Tartan Tea House signature tea “Tartan Chai”. I like how the menu described each tea and it’s origins so you really knew what you were getting. Our server, the owner told us if we didn’t love the tea we chose not to worry – she would get us another! I really enjoyed both mine and Moms.  Tea is served a teapot which you strain into your cup. They also refilled our pot with hot water, so we had plenty of tea to go with all our treats.

The Experience

What really sets the Tartan Tea House apart from any other place is the service & experience. The owner, Amal was our server and you can tell how much she loves the Tea House. She explained everything on the menu and was proud to tell us that most things on the menu are made in house, with the exception of the bread for sandwiches and a few of the sweets which are sent from a bakery in Montreal.  All of the beautiful china teacups and dishes are mostly picked by Amal herself from thrift stores, she was happy to show us her collection of cups, Royal Dalton figurines and other decorations. She has a collection of hats to wear during tea, if you don’t have your own to bring from home! We enjoyed playing a bit of dress up while waiting for our tea to be served.  One of the best parts of the experience is that you don’t feel rushed. Afternoon tea is meant to be a leisurely event, and Mom and I were able to take our time, savoring each of our treats and enjoying our tea. 

Final Thoughts

We’ll be back! I can’t say enough good things about the tea house and all it has to offer. I hope you’ll visit for afternoon tea in Halifax!

Visiting Halifax? Check out all our Halifax posts!

Lunenburg and Mahone Bay are two of the most popular tourist destinations in Nova Scotia, and once you visit you’ll know why. They are both lovely towns where you won’t mind spending time just strolling around, visiting shops and taking in the views. Here’s what to do if you only have one day to experience Lunenburg and Mahone Bay.

How To Get To Lunenburg and Mahone Bay

Lunenburg and Mahone Bay are very easy to access, especially from the city of Halifax. To get from Halifax to Lunenburg you’ll take Highway 103 and get off at Exit 11 where you’ll drive straight into downtown Lunenburg. Driving from Halifax to Lunenburg will take just about an hour. 

Visiting Halifax as well? Check out What To Do With 1 Day In Halifax!

If you’re coming from the Annapolis Valley area, you can take NS Trunk 12-S before merging onto Highway 103 and taking Exit 11. It will take about 1hour and 20 minutes from Wolfville. 

To get from Lunenburg to Mahone Bay you can drive The Lighthouse Route along the coast, or Route 324-N, which is just slightly shorter.

Lunenburg

I like stopping in Lunenburg first, it is a bigger town with more to do. Plus so many places to eat! The town of Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s easy to see why. The colourful buildings and classic architecture are perfect for Instagram! Finding parking downtown can be a bit of a pain, but luckily once you park the rest of the town is walkable. 

Best Things To Do

Shopping

Perhaps one of my favorite things to do in Lunenburg is to wander around the shops. There are so many unique stores, you’re sure to find something to bring home as a little souvenir of your trip. Some of my favorites are Jenny’s Jib, Dots and Loops,  and if you’re into second hand shopping, definitely check out Mom’s Buy & Sell. 

St. John’s Anglican Church

The St. John’s Anglican Church was the first church built in Lunenburg in 1754, and it is the 2nd oldest Anglican church in Canada. On Halloween night in 2001 there were over 22 different fires in the town of Lunenburg, the church caught fire and suffered significant damage. The bell tower was completely destroyed by fire, and unfortunately firefighters had to damage windows in order to fight the blaze. The church was restored and reopened in 2005. The fire was completely devastating to those in Lunenburg and around the South Shore. When you visit the church you can see how they’ve restored it, go down to the crypts where 18 people are buried, and get a sense for how old this church is and how much it means to the community.

Fisheries Museum Of The Atlantic

If there’s one thing that has shaped the South Shore of Nova Scotia it is the ocean. Fishing has been a huge industry in Lunenburg county, and Nova Scotia in general. This bright red building is a former fish processing plant where you’ll learn about traditional and current methods of fishing. 

Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic is open seasonly

Adults $13, Children ages 6-17 $3.50, Children under 6 free. Discounts for seniors and students with valid ID.

Lunenburg Academy

You can’t miss this huge building towering over the town of Lunenburg. The Lunenburg Academy was built in 1895, and is one of the few large scale wooden buildings still standing in Canada. Some of the interior is original including door handles, trim, staircases and some classrooms. It still functions as a school, but it also houses a public library, a music performance school, and other offices. Even if you don’t go inside, walking around outside is worth the trip up the hill!

Walking Tour

If it’s your first time in Lunenburg, or you want to make sure you don’t miss anything, you might want to check out a walking tour.

The walking tour starts from Lunenburg Academy daily at 10am and 2pm during the summer months for $25 per adult, $15 for youth ages 6-17, and free for children under 5.

Best Places To Eat & Drink

Sweet Treasures

Once you walk into Sweet Treasures, you’ll know you made the right decision. The smell of homemade waffle cones fills the air, and they have several flavors of homemade ice cream, as well as commercially made flavors. I always stop here when I’m in town. 

Big Reds

I love Big Reds. Maybe it’s nostalgia but I can’t get enough of their pizza when I’m in town. The dining room has a lovely view of the waterfront and their menu is very family friendly! We like to get a takeout pizza and eat it down on the waterfront.

The Old Fish Factory

Like the name says, The Old Fish Factory was once a fish factory (it’s attached to the Fisheries Museum of The Atlantic), however now they are a restaurant with a focus on local seafood, wine and beer. They also have lots of options for gluten free, vegetarians or those that prefer chicken/beef. 

Ironworks Distillery

While not a place to eat, I had to mention one of the best places in Lunenburg to get something local to drink. Ironworks micro distillery makes rum, gin, liqueurs, vodka and brandy. My favorites are the flavored liqueurs, cranberry and the rhubarb was delicious! Don’t forget to get some samples, and they do tours daily in the summer months which you can book online. Ironworks is also part of the Good Cheer trail, so don’t forget to get your stamp in your passport!

Lightship Brewery Taproom

Just outside of the main downtown area, the new Lightship Brewery Taproom is such a great place to grab a beer, cider, coffee or a snack and enjoy the views! Bring a sweater though, it gets a bit windy!

Mahone Bay

Mahone Bay is a smaller town, a 15 minute drive from Lunenburg. I love this little town, especially during the Scarecrow Festival in the Fall. The people are friendly, there’s lots of coffee shops and patios to enjoy.

While you’re in the area, you might want to check out Oak Island! Especially if you’re addicted to The Curse Of Oak Island like I am!

Best Things To Do

Shopping

Similar to Lunenburg, there are lots of unique shops to stop into. If you’re a shoe lover make sure to check out the Mahone Bay Trading Company, they have a huge selection to choose from! 

3 Churches

The view of Mahone Bay you’ll see on the post cards is of the 3 churches. The 3 churches are side by side, each of them being built in the late 1800s or early 1900s. One Anglican, one Evangelical Lutheran and one United church, they hold concerts in the summer months. 

Image from Dennis Jarvis from Flickr

Amos Pewter

Amos Pewter has been in business since 1974, making beautiful pewter jewelry, home decorations, Christmas ornaments and more! My favorite part about stopping into Amos Pewter in Mahone Bay is that you can watch them make their items! See how molten hot pewter becomes a beautiful ornament in the mold and through the polishing process. 

Best Places To Eat

Oh My Cod

Besides the super fun name, Oh My Cod also has delicious food! We loved sitting out on their patio for a light lunch. As the name suggests, there is a lot of fish on the menu, but if that’s not your thing, there are also salads and fancy grilled cheese. 

Mug and Anchor

If you’re looking for classic pub food, then this is it! Mug & Anchor has lots of delicious options from chicken wings and potato skins to burgers, fishcakes and meat pies. Their patio also has a great view over Mader’s wharf.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! All my favorite things to do around Lunenburg and Mahone Bay. You can definitely hit up both towns in the same day, or stretch it out a little longer and stay the night, then you don’t have to miss anything! Let me know if I’ve missed your favorite thing to do in either Mahone Bay or Lunenburg so I can check it out.

Know Before You Go

Airports

There are 2 airports that serve Toronto, the large international Toronto Pearson Airport, and the smaller Billy Bishop/Toronto City airport. Pearson Airport is a bit outside the city, but the UP train will take you into downtown in about 25 minutes. It costs $12.35 per person for a one way ticket. The Billy Bishop/Toronto City airport is in downtown Toronto, and you can easily walk from the airport to the downtown sites. Not many airlines fly into the smaller airport, but if it’s an option for you, then I would book it!

Stay Downtown

For the ease of getting around I would recommend staying downtown. It may be tempting to book something further out because of the price, but the time spent commuting probably isn’t worth it. 

Don’t Drive

Also don’t drive into downtown Toronto if you can help it. Traffic is crazy and parking is expensive and hard to find. I would park outside the city and take a train in. Most things in the downtown area are within walking distance of each other and therefore you won’t need a car while you’re in the city. 

Things To Do In Toronto For 2 Days

Walk The Waterfront

I love walking along the waterfront in most cities. It is usually vibrant and full of things to do. In the summer you might find a festival or two happening as well. We enjoyed stopping at The Goodman Pub and Kitchen for a drink and a bite to eat. For more waterfront strolling, you can take a ferry out to Toronto Islands where you’ll find beaches, an amusement park and lots of green space.

See Old Town Hall/ Nathan Phillips Square

Since you’re in Toronto, you’ll definitely need your photo taken by the Toronto sign in Nathan Phillips Square! In the winter the fountain is frozen so you can skate on it, and in the summer it’s a great place to relax. Next door is the old city hall, a beautiful building built in 1899. It is still the courthouse for the Ontario Court of Justice. 

Yonge-Dundas Square

Visit Toronto’s version of Times Square at the intersection of Yonge and Dundas. Often you can find public performances, art displays and events. 

Toronto Eaton Centre

The Eaton Centre is a mall with over 200 stores and services, you can find something for everyone! If you’re not into shopping, the Eaton Centre is also part of the PATH network, so you can get from point A to B in downtown Toronto without walking in the too hot/cold/rainy weather!

Hockey Hall Of Fame

For a hockey fan, the Hockey Hall of Fame is a must visit. You’ll find jerseys, sticks, goalie masks, and many other memorabilia from famous hockey players. The interactive area is great for kids and kids at heart to play, you can be a goalie, player or sit at the TSN desk and try broadcasting. Head upstairs to get your photo taken with the Stanley Cup and see the other trophies handed out by the NHL.

$20 for adults, $14 for youth aged 3-13.

Go To A Sports Game

You don’t even have to be a sports fan to enjoy going to a live game. I went to my first baseball game to see the Blue Jays play, and the atmosphere is so fun, you can’t help but be into it. Toronto has professional hockey, basketball, baseball, soccer, football, lacrosse, rugby and cricket teams, so you’re sure to find a game going on while you’re visiting!

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Aquarium

As a couple without kids, I wasn’t sure how much we’d enjoy the aquarium, but I really enjoyed it! The Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Aquarium is a great opportunity to see fish and other marine wildlife that you would otherwise never be able to get close to. I loved the tank that the sharks swam right over your head! 

Adult prices vary from $32-$39 depending on the time. I recommend buying tickets online to avoid the line.

Graffiti Alley

Ever wonder where Rick Mercer used to film those rants? Look no further than Graffiti Alley. A true alley, it’s interesting to see all the graffiti art and wonder who did it. Take your time wandering and don’t forget the side alleys too! 

Final Thoughts

It was fun to finally visit Canada’s biggest city! I know Toronto has something for everyone so you’re sure to enjoy your time here, no matter what you do.

What would you do with 2 days in Toronto? Let me know in the comments!

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Where Is Burntcoat Head Park?

Burntcoat Head Park is in the community of Noel, on the western shore of Nova Scotia. It sits right on the Bay of Fundy.

From Downtown Halifax, it will take you about an hour and 15 minutes to get to Burntcoat Head. It’s also easily accessible from the Annapolis Valley and Truro area. 

Looking for other things to do in Nova Scotia? Check them out right here! 

Important Info

Entrance to the park is totally free!

Burntcoat Head park is open from mid May to mid October, and the park is open from dawn until dusk.

There are washrooms located close to the parking lot, and they were very nice and clean when we visited! The washrooms and lighthouse are open 10am-5pm.

There is plenty of parking available. There is also a picnic area to enjoy before/after you visit the park.

Bay of Fundy Tides

When planning your trip, you’ll want to make sure you visit around low tide because if not, it will all be underwater! Check their website for high/low tide times daily. 

The tides at the Bay of Fundy are the highest in the world. Tides rise and fall depending on the gravitational effect of the moon, and lunar tides occur twice a day; every 12 hours and 25 minutes. Here at Burntcoat Head the world’s highest tide has been recorded: 16 meters or 52 feet! Meaning at low tide you can walk on the ocean floor, but 12 hours later, it is 52 feet underwater!

Check out Burntcoat Head Park’s time lapse video! 

It’s especially important to pay attention to tide times when visiting the park, as water can rise by up to 1 inch per minute, you could easily get trapped by the rising tide. Signs posted at the entrance to the park tell you what time you should be back on higher ground!

Closeby in some rivers, you’ll find the phenomenon of a tidal bore; a wave of water heading up river against the tide from the incoming high tide. You can watch from dry land, but the most fun you can have experiencing it is in the water! There are many companies that will take you tidal bore rafting; similar to white water rafting! You’ll have so much fun riding the waves and trying to hold on!

The Lighthouse at Burntcoat

The first thing you come to when you get to Burntcoat Head Park is the lighthouse. You can go inside and find a small store with local crafts, some snacks and drinks. There is a display of fossils that have been found in the area, even fossils of things that pre-date dinosaurs! 

On the second floor of the lighthouse you’ll find displays explaining the history of the area and of the lighthouse. The lighthouse you are visiting is a replica of the original lighthouse, since the original fell into disrepair and was demolished. 

Make sure to climb up to the very top of the lighthouse for some amazing views!

Walk The Ocean Floor at Burntcoat Head Park

A short walk away from the lighthouse, you’ll find the entrance to the ocean floor – at low tide of course! We spent a few hours walking along, exploring little inlets and looking at all the flowerpot islands. 

You have to be careful walking, since some places are extremely slippery. 

The area immediately down the stairs is usually quite busy with people not wanting to go too far. We walked about 2km to the right and got away from the crowds. We also found a small waterfall! 

Once you’re walking around, you’ll see some periwinkles and you may even see a crab or a clam so be careful where you step.

There is a guided tour option if you are interested in learning more about the area. Tours must be booked 24 hours in advance and times depend on the tides! Cost is $18 for adults, $14 for children, $10 for seniors, children under 5 are free,  and there is a family rate available. Check their website for more info.

Have you been to Burntcoat Head park? Let me know what you thought!

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