You should know:

• Some businesses and restaurants will be closed on weekends, since they cater to the business crowd
• ByWard Market and Downtown Ottawa are two of the best neighbourhoods for tourists to stay in
• Many of the things to do in Ottawa are within walking distance of each other, so you may not need to rent a car

Ottawa Day 1 Itinerary (Partial Day)

Whether you fly or drive into the city, you’ll likely only have a partial day when you arrive (however, if you have a full day, consider skipping right to day 2). I think this is the perfect chance to get the lay of the land! Ottawa is a pretty walkable city and generally pretty easy to navigate. 

Now is a great time to check out the grounds around Parliament Hill and the free Bank of Canada Museum. 

Bank of Canada Museum

• Cost: Free
• Tickets: Visit the welcome desk when you arrive

If you’re interested in money (I am a personal finance writer, after all), the Bank of Canada Museum is a great stop! The museum is super interactive, and I enjoyed learning about the history of money and Canadian economics. 

Haunted Walk of Ottawa

• Cost: $29.99 per adult, $21.99 for youth up to age 14 (discounts apply on tours from Monday to Wednesday)
• Tickets: Book your spot online or at the office located at 46 ½ Sparks Street, Ottawa, ON, K1P 5A8

If you’re as into ghost tours as I am, Ottawa has a wonderful ghost tour through The Haunted Walk. This tour takes approximately an hour and 15 minutes and will take you to several locations throughout the city, highlighting important Ottawa history and its haunting stories.

I’ve personally taken a lot of ghost tours, and this one was a highlight of my Ottawa trip. The tour guide was knowledgeable, and I learned a lot about Ottawa’s history.

If you’re searching for more spooky or historic tours, Haunted Walk also offers a hotel tour of the Fairmont Château Laurier, a Ghosts of Bytown Museum tour, and even an opportunity to explore the Billings Estate National Historic Site for a paranormal experiment! 

Ottawa Day 2 Itinerary (Museum Day)

Ottawa is full of great museums; feel free to mix and match the museums you visit depending on your interests!

House of Commons at West Block

• Cost: Free
• Tickets: Book online in advance and arrive 45 minutes in advance for security screening

While the main Parliament Building, Centre Block, is currently closed for renovations (and isn’t estimated to reopen until 2032!), you can still visit the House of Commons, currently located in West Block.

On the guided tour, you’ll see the House of Commons and a committee room while learning how the Canadian Parliamentary system works and the building’s history. The tour takes approximately 40 minutes, and you’ll start and finish in the Visitor Welcome Centre, which includes a gift shop, washrooms, coat racks and water fountains. 

I personally really enjoyed the tour. As a Canadian, it’s important to me to understand how Parliament works, and seeing where it all takes place was worthwhile!

Senate of Canada

• Cost: Free
• Tickets: Book online in advance and arrive 25 minutes in advance for security screening

The Senate of Canada is also in a temporary home in the former Ottawa Train Station, just across the street from the Fairmont Château Laurier. The Senate tour includes a visit to the Upper Chamber Room and a committee room, while learning how the Senate operates and the history of the Ottawa Train Station building. 

I enjoyed this tour as well. The tour locations for the Senate and House of Commons are close together, so you could schedule them back-to-back.

Explore Rideau Canal

• Cost: Free (paid canal boat tours available)

After exploring Parliament, you’ll definitely want to spend some time exploring outside. The Rideau Canal National Historic Site is an important landmark in Ottawa and is the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America. You can walk along the canal and read the plaques near canal locks 1 through 8. 

A canal boat tour is another great way to see the Rideau Canal and learn more about its history. While I can’t personally recommend a company from personal experience, Ottawa Boat Cruises comes highly recommended! Their boats are 100% electric, and they have been in operation for over 40 years. Ticket rates fluctuate by day but start at $48 per adult and $36 per child for ages 3 to 11.

If you happen to be visiting in the winter, the Rideau Canal turns into a giant ice-skating rink when the weather allows. If you didn’t pack skates, no worries! You can rent skates, helmets, and even sleighs and kicksleds. 

Evening Activity: Show at the National Arts Centre

If you’re searching for an evening activity in Ottawa, check out what’s playing at the National Arts Centre! They have numerous events throughout the year, including concerts, plays, orchestra performances, comedy shows, and workshops. 

We travelled to Ottawa to see Beetlejuice the Musical, which was a travelling Broadway production, and it was fantastic! 

Other Ottawa Museum Options

There are so many museum options in Ottawa. Feel free to mix and match museums to your interests!

• National Gallery
• Bytown Museum
• Canadian Museum of Nature
• Canada Science and Technology Museum
• Canadian War Museum
• Canada Aviation and Space Museum
• Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
• Billings Estate National Historic Site
• Ottawa Art Gallery
• Museum of Classical Antiquities

Ottawa Day 3 Itinerary (Food & More Museums)

Welcome to your last day in Ottawa! Yes, more museums, but today is balanced with a lot of walking and some great food!

Major’s Hill Park

• Cost: Free

Hopefully it’s a nice day to wander through the park! Major’s Hill Park in downtown Ottawa was the first park in the city, and we enjoyed strolling through on our way to the ByWard Market area. Don’t miss visiting in the spring when the tulips are in bloom!

The northern end of the park is home to Header House, which used to be part of the Major’s Hill Park greenhouse complex, but today you’ll find the popular Tavern on the Hill. We didn’t stop by (since we were on our way to a food tour), but it is on my list for my next visit! The Tavern offers a great seasonal patio with views of Parliament and other Ottawa landmarks.

Behind the National Gallery and near the Alexandra Bridge Lookout at the far end of Major’s Hill Park is Kìwekì Point, which was newly opened when we visited. Situated on the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation, this spot offers some great views and the chance to learn more about the area through interpretive panels. 

Ottawa Food Tour/ ByWard Market

• Cost: $120 per person
• Tickets: Book online in advance

I’m a massive fan of food tours, but it can be challenging to find a food tour that can accommodate food allergies and a vegetarian diet. Luckily, we found an amazing company.

We booked the Taste of the ByWard Market Tour with C’est Bon Ottawa and had the best experience. Our tour took us to six different food stops around the ByWard Market District. I won’t spoil exactly where we went on our tour (but if you want to know, send me an email or DM me on Instagram!) 

Want to make your own food tour? The ByWard Market District has so many restaurants, it will be difficult to choose! Scroll below to see some of my Ottawa restaurant suggestions.

Royal Canadian Mint Tour

• Cost: $12 per adult, $8 for children, free for Indigenous Peoples and active and retired Canadian military members
• Tickets: Request online in advance or book at the boutique

Another money experience! Are you getting a sense of my interests? The Royal Canadian Mint Tour is a great way to learn about the creation of our Canadian coins, and you may even see some coins in production on your tour. You’ll walk along the hallways, which give you a bird’s-eye view of the production floor. As our financial world becomes more digitized every day, it’s fun to learn about actual physical money!

Ottawa Restaurant Suggestions

There are so many great restaurants in Ottawa that I couldn’t possibly list them all. However, here are a few of the places where we personally ate and enjoyed:

• Deccan Delights – South Indian food, everything we had was delicious, and the portions were great! 
• Bier Markt – A great place to grab a drink with some friends
• SconeWitch – I love a good cup of tea! Drop in for a scone or have a “SconeWitch” – a sandwich made with a scone
• Cocotte Bistro – This French bistro had such lovely vibes, and our dinner was delicious, although it is on the pricier side
• Zak’s Diner – There are four Zak’s Diner locations in Ottawa, and we actually ate here twice. The servings are huge, and we really enjoyed the classic diner atmosphere. On Friday and Saturday, the ByWard Market location is open 24 hours for late-night food!
• Shafali Bazaar – Inside the ByWard market, there are many food spots to choose from, but in my experience, Shafali Bazaar is the best. The Tikka wrap is one of the best things I’ve ever eaten!
• Piccolo Grande – Now, for dessert, the gelato is authentic and delicious. Unfortunately, I do have to say that my husband didn’t feel safe enough to eat here with his nut allergy, but we’re used to that at ice-cream or gelato places!
• BeaverTails – Last, but not least, when in Ottawa, you must have a BeaverTail. Of course, now there are many BeaverTail locations across Canada; the original can be found in the Byward Market. Locals told us that their favourite time to have a BeaverTail is from the hut on the frozen Rideau Canal in the winter. Although there are many, many flavours to choose from, my favourite will always be the Killaloe Sunrise: cinnamon, sugar, and a slice of lemon to squeeze over the top

Other Things to Do in Ottawa

If you haven’t noticed from my itinerary, Ottawa is heavy on museums, and there were a few we didn’t get to visit on this trip. But, if museums aren’t your jam, there are plenty of other things to do in Ottawa! So many things that I can’t wait to plan my next trip.

• Escape from The Diefenbunker – About 30 minutes from downtown Ottawa, you’ll find the Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum. The museum itself looks interesting; however, what caught our attention is that this museum turns into an escape room on certain evenings and weekends. 
• Stay at the Ottawa Jail Hostel – Although I’m not usually a hostel person, I may make an exception for the Ottawa Jail Hostel! Staying here includes breakfast, organized activities and a free jail tour. Not staying overnight? You can still book a jail tour!
• Tour the Château Laurier – Although staying at the Château Laurier might be slightly outside of my budget, it is possible to tour the hotel! Secrets of the Château Laurier tours take place twice daily, and you’ll get to learn about the hotel, people who have stayed here, and a few secrets and hidden gems. Plus, you can always book an afternoon tea or eat at one of the restaurants. 
• CF Rideau Centre – If you need to do any shopping in Ottawa, head to the CF Rideau Centre, a three-storey mall just one block away from Parliament Hill. 

Final Thoughts on Ottawa

Ottawa doesn’t always get much love from travellers. Still, I have to say that Ottawa has everything I want when travelling: history, walkability, great food options, and a ghost tour (kidding-not-kidding on that last one). 

I hope you find this two (and a half) day itinerary in Ottawa helpful! Feel free to make it your own by swapping museums, adding different experiences, or getting out of the downtown area for a more complete view of Ottawa.

Ottawa FAQs

How many days are enough to visit Ottawa?

There are plenty of things to do in Ottawa, but a two-day trip is enough to see many of Ottawa’s landmarks and museums. If you want to explore more outside of the downtown and ByWard market area, stay for four or five days.

What is the best month to visit Ottawa?

In general, May to September is the best time to visit, but keep in mind that summer can be hot and crowded. To visit during the tulip festival, plan your Ottawa trip in early to mid-May.

What to do in Ottawa for free?

Free attractions in Ottawa include visiting Parliament (House of Commons at West Block and the Senate of Canada tours), the Bank of Canada Museum, the Rideau Canal National Historic Site, and Major’s Hill Park. Some museums, such as the National Gallery and the Canadian Museum of Nature, offer free admission on specific dates and at certain times.

About Sensea

Sensea is located in Chester, a little less than an hour outside of Halifax. 

They are open all year and 7 days a week. Right now their hours are 10am – 7pm Sunday through Thursday and 10am-9pm Friday and Saturday. 

You do have to book either a spa pass, or a spa service (which includes a spa pass in the price) in order to visit. Unfortunately the passes can be hard to get! Your best bet is to keep checking the online booking site, as people may cancel. When you book a spa pass it will give you a check in time, and you may stay as long as you wish. 

What Is A Nordic Spa?

Nordic spas are based on hydrotherapy that has been popular in Scandinavian countries for a very long time. The idea is that by making your body hot through saunas, or hot pools and then going directly into something old like a cold pool then relaxing before repeating, you’ll strengthen your immune system, decrease tension and feel less stress.

Spa Services

There are spa services such as massages and facials available, I haven’t personally booked one but it sounds like the ultimate in relaxation! Some of the massages are provided by a Registered Massage Therapist and therefore can be submitted to an insurance plan if you have one (they do not direct bill, so you would need to submit the receipt yourself).

How Much Time Do You Need?

You really need about 3-4 hours to get the full experience. Anything less than that you may feel rushed!

What To Do At Sensea

The idea is to warm up, cool down, relax and repeat. 

Warm Up

There are several hot pools around the property to relax in, 2 near the front of the spa and 2 at the other end. There are also a few dry saunas, a hammam, which is a heavily steamed room scented with oils, there is also a Scandinavian sauna and a Russian sauna. 

Cool Down

Beside the warm options there is always a cool down option. There are cold pools, showers (the hammam has a lovely shower with epsom salt scrubs), and cold water buckets to pull over your head. When I visited in January we mostly used the cold air outside to cool down

Relax

Relaxing is probably the most overlooked part of the equation. There are lots of chairs around fires for you to relax, hammocks (heated hammocks in the winter), and a relaxation hut where you can relax around a fire inside, and get food and drinks. 

When the weather is good, occasionally there is yoga by the lake. You can book one of the spa services as well.

There is a new facial hut where you can do DIY facials, but be warned, the line can be long!

Sensea In The Winter

The time of year you visit will undoubtedly impact your experience. In the winter being that it is cold outside, you may not want to partake in the cold pools, plus the cold water buckets are closed! 

That being said, Winter is an amazing time to visit Sensea! The hot pools and saunas feel amazing when it’s cold outside, and I think it’s a great way to beat those winter blues. 

My favourite place to relax was the relaxation hut (not just because there was food!). The fire in there made it so cozy, I wish that I had brought a book to read. 

Definitely make sure you bring a hat, and slip on shoes. 

What Should You Wear To A Nordic Spa?

Once I booked my first trip to the Nordic Spa, the first thing I wondered was what to wear!

Sensea provides towels included in your admission price. You can also rent robes, and buy sandals. I have rented a robe – and they are cozy, but the only downside is most other people are wearing the same one, so it can be easy to get confused! 

You should bring a bathing suit, a change of clothes, sunglasses, hat, and shoes that are easy to slip on/off.

Where To Stay Near Sensea

Sensea is building “Dream Cocoons” where you’ll be able to stay, however they aren’t finished yet!

Chester is a lovely town to visit, and there are lots of Airbnbs nearby. I haven’t personally stayed in Chester but my pal and podcast co-host Meggan has stayed at Mecklenburgh Inn and had a great experience

The Oak Island Resort is about a 20 minute drive away from Sensea, I love it there. 

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t made it to Sensea yet – do it! It is so relaxing and definitely worth the drive to Chester. 

Chester is such a great place to stop on your Epic South Shore Road Trip, you can check out some other destinations on the south shore here:

• Lunenburg & Mahone Bay
• Port Medway
• Liverpool
• Shelburne

Planning Your Trip To Nova Scotia

Getting Here & Getting Around

Nova Scotia has 2 airports, the main one outside of Halifax, and a smaller one on Cape Breton Island just outside Sydney. For the most part you will fly into Halifax Stanfield International Airport. 

Driving you’ll have to come through New Brunswick. You can also take a ferry from Prince Edward Island, landing in Caribou, just outside of Pictou. The seasonal CAT ferry will bring you to Yarmouth NS from Bar Harbour, Maine. 

For getting around Nova Scotia, for the most part you will need a car. Public transportation is available in Halifax and some smaller communities to a lesser extent. 

When To Visit

One of the most important things to consider is the weather and how that corresponds with what you want to do while you’re here! 

In general, late June through the end of September is the warmest weather, with the most to do. 

If you want to see the famous Fall colours in Cape Breton, you’ll want to visit around the beginning to mid October. 

We have several ski hills, and if you are planning to visit for Winter sports, January to the beginning of March is your best bet. If you’re visiting during the chilly months, check out my favourite INDOOR things to do!

Personally I would avoid March-May, because the weather is not great, and most tourist spots aren’t really open for the season yet. My personal favourite time to visit is August or September because the weather is good, and there’s lots to do!

Best Places To Visit In Nova Scotia

It’s so hard not to say “all of it” because truly we live in an amazing province and I haven’t even seen it all! Here are a few ideas:

Halifax Area

The capital city has so much to do, I couldn’t possibly cover it all here, but here are a few highlights for you:

Downtown and The Boardwalk – the famous Halifax boardwalk is worth a stroll any time of year, but especially in the Summer. You’ll get great views, local shops and restaurants, plus a great feel for the city. The Downtown area has lots of great places to eat (The Black Sheep and Antojo are two of my favs). Lots of great shopping on Spring Garden Road, and make sure to spend some time in the Halifax Public Gardens. 

Museums – We have so many great museums like Pier 21, The Discovery Centre, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and more! The Halifax Citadel is now a living history museum you can wander through, with re-enactments happening throughout.

Dartmouth – Just a short ferry ride from downtown Halifax, Dartmouth is certainly worth visiting. Not only do you get great views of Halifax, there are amazing restaurants like The Canteen on Portland, and The Wooden Monkey. There’s also a cool Word Mural Walk, and many great shops. 

Peggy’s Cove – You can’t miss our beautiful and famous lighthouse! Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse is one of the most photographed lighthouses in Canada, and it just got a great accessibility upgrade. It’s quintessentially Nova Scotian and you shouldn’t miss it!

Only have 1 day in Halifax? Check out my suggested itinerary!

Halifax Public Gardens

Cape Breton

Cape Breton Island makes up the north east part of Nova Scotia and is connected to the mainland by the Canso Causeway. It’s a beautiful island with lots to see, and lots of hiking!

Sydney – The economic centre of Cape Breton and the largest community, there’s a lot going on in Sydney. I recommend checking out the boardwalk and the giant fiddle! There’s a great market on Saturdays, and I definitely recommend stopping into Island Folk Cider Co for a drink and possibly some live music!

Cabot Trail – The World Famous Cabot Trail is the reason most people head to Cape Breton. The trail is almost 300km long, and you really need 3-4 days to really explore (the more time the better!). There are 26 hiking trails of varying difficulties. We enjoyed hiking the Franey Trail (difficult) and the famous Skyline Trail (easy). If you’re a golfer, check out Cape Breton Highland Links, Cabot Cliffs or Cabot Links. Lastly, don’t miss the Alexander Graham Bell Museum in Baddeck.

Grab your Cabot Trail itinerary right here!

Fortress of Louisbourg – If you love history, the Fortress of Louisbourg is for you! Step back to the 1700s to see how the French lived in this fortified community. There are often re-enactments, and don’t miss the delicious bread baked at the King’s Bakery. 

Read more about visiting the Fortress of Louisbourg!

Cabot Trail

Annapolis Valley

Food and drink lovers, the Annapolis Valley is the place for you! It’s also one of my personal favourite places in Nova Scotia.

Wineries – There are currently 12 wineries in the Annapolis Valley, so you have lots of options! There is also the Magic Winery Bus Tour that will take you on a hop on hop off tour of several wineries. My personal favourites are Lightfoot & Wolfville, and Luckett Vineyards, both of which have amazing restaurants as well. 

Farmer’s Markets – The Annapolis valley is the best place in Nova Scotia to find farm fresh produce. There are many markets, and places where you can pick your own apples, blueberries, pumpkins, strawberries and more. I love Elderkin’s in Wolfville, and I’ve heard great things about the Annapolis Royal Farmer’s Market.

Wolfville – This university town has so much to do. Make sure to eat at Church Brewing Co, The Naked Crepe Bistro, and grab a drink at Annapolis Cider Company. To walk off the delicious food, check out the Irving Botanical Gardens, pick apples, or shop along Main Street. 

Read all about my fav things to do in Wolfville NS

Annapolis Royal – An often overlooked town, Annapolis Royal is a treat for those who love history and Victorian architecture. I recommend wandering through the Historic Gardens, visiting the Fort Anne National Historic Site, walking along Lower St George Street and the waterfront boardwalk. Nearby you can visit Port Royal Habitation and see one of the earliest European settlements in Canada, on land that is the traditional homeland of the Mi’kmaq.

Read more about visiting Annapolis Royal

Cape Split – Since I got engaged here, I must mention the hike at Cape Split! It is a moderate to difficult hike, and is about 15km round trip. The views at the end are definitely worth the climb!

Annapolis Royal

South Shore 

It’s hard not to be biased toward the South Shore, as I was born here and recently moved back. I still love it here, and it’s a wonderful place to visit, especially in the Summer. Here’s a handy post if you want to do an epic South Shore NS road trip!

Beaches – In my not so humble opinion, the South Shore has the best beaches in Nova Scotia. For the most part the beaches are large and have white sand, however the water is usually pretty cold! Some of my favourites are Summerville Beach, Risser’s Beach, Carter’s beach, and Beach Meadows beach.

Want to know all about the best beaches in Nova Scotia? I got a post for you!

Sensea Spa – The first Nordic Spa in Nova Scotia! Located in Chester, it is an amazing place to spend a few hours relaxing and enjoying nature – no matter the time of year! 

Read more about visiting Sensea here

Lunenburg/ Mahone Bay – These towns are quintessential South Shore! Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Mahone Bay is close by (which is why I usually visit them on the same day). There are plenty of shops, restaurants and things to do. I definitely recommend wandering around both towns, stopping into Lightship Brewing in Lunenburg for a drink, checking out the Lunenburg Academy, and getting a coffee and treat at The Barn in Mahone Bay.

Get your one day itinerary for Lunenburg & Mahone Bay!

Liverpool – My hometown! My favourite thing to do here (besides the beach) is stopping into 5 Girls Baking for a treat, walking along Main Street to the Fort Point Lighthouse, checking out the Queens County Museum, and wandering through the gardens at Cosby’s Garden Centre.

Plan your trip to Liverpool with these things to do!

Shelburne – I think Shelburne is one of the most underrated towns in Nova Scotia. Some of my favourite things to do have been walking the waterfront, learning about Dory building at the Dory Shop Museum, axe throwing and drinks at Boxing Rock Brewing, and visiting the Black Loyalist Heritage Museum. The town features plenty of old buildings, and fun architecture to look at as well!

Fall in love with Shelburne – read this post!

Carter’s Beach, Nova Scotia

Final Thoughts

I hope this has helped you jump start your planning to visit Nova Scotia. It truly is a special place with so much to do! I have lots of Nova Scotia content on my site, so make sure to dive a little deeper into each region.

Moving back to my hometown of Liverpool NS, has given me quite a different jumping off point for day adventures! We’ve checked out Shelburne a few times, and I think it’s definitely a Nova Scotia hidden gem. With tasty food and beer, unique museums, great beaches and fun shopping, what’s not to love?! Here’s the best things to see and do in Shelburne Nova Scotia.

Planning Your Trip

Shelburne is about 2.5 hours from downtown Halifax, so depending on where you are coming from and how much time you have, you might want to consider staying the night, or rolling it into an epic South Shore road trip!

You also might want to take the weather into account. Being that Shelburne is on the water, it may be foggy or chillier than it is inland! No matter the weather, plan to bring a sweater.

Where To Stay In Shelburne NS

While I haven’t stayed at any of these places personally, Cooper’s Inn B&B is in a great location and looked absolutely adorable, it is definitely where I would choose to stay.

There are also airbnb options where you can get a full house with a kitchen, which is a great option if you plan to stay a little while.

If you’d like to camp, The Islands Provincial Park is close-by and has unserviced camp sites, restroom and shower facilities, a comfort station, drinking water, and a place to launch your boat or canoe/kayak in the Shelburne Harbour.

Things To Do In Shelburne NS

Shelburne is a town full of history, and the downtown area appears as if it’s still the 1800s, with plenty of old buildings, and maybe a dory or two floating in the harbour! 

In 1783, over 5000 British Loyalists came from the USA with promises of free land, tools, provisions and freedom under the British flag. There are many museums, and lots to learn about the history of this maritime town.

My favourite thing to do (in any town really) is to wander around and see what we find! Shelburne is perfect for wandering, as most things are close together.

Shelburne Museums

The Dory Shop Museum, Ross-Thompson House and Store Museum and the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre are all part of the Nova Scotia Museums, so if you plan to visit all 3, you could buy a Museum Pass instead of individual admission, and then you can also visit other great museums for a whole year! 

Dory Shop Museum

11 Dock Street, Shelburne, NS
At the Dory Shop Museum, you’ll step inside a (still working) dory shop, and learn about the history of these wooden vessels, and see how they are still made today. We had a short tour from a guide who explained the whole process of building the boats.

Shelburne County Museum

20 Dock Street, Shelburne, NS
Across the street from the Dory Shop, you can visit the Shelburne County Museum, which tells the story of the history of Shelburne County. 

Ross-Thomson House and Store Museum

9 Charlotte Lane, Shelburne, NS
At the Ross-Thomson House and Store Museum, you’ll step back to the 1780s to see what it was like to run a store in newly settled Shelburne. You can see what types of goods were being sold, and stroll the house and gardens. We particularly enjoyed the chickens in the gardens!

Black Loyalist Heritage Centre

119 Old Birchtown Rd, Shelburne, NS
A little outside of downtown Shelburne, you can visit the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre. Learn the stories of the largest free African population outside of Africa, walk in their footsteps as you visit the church, schoolhouse and a replica dwelling. It is an amazing museum, full of important history and stories that you should not miss!

Shelburne Restaurants

Boxing Rock Brewing Co.

218 Water St, Shelburne, NS
Even if you’re not a “beer person” Boxing Rock is not to be missed when you visit Shelburne! They have a great food menu (with some vegetarian options!) and lots of great beers to choose from. They also have cider, and non alcoholic options.

Sitting on the patio for a drink and a bite to eat is great, but to make your experience even better I recommend booking the axe throwing package! You’ll get a short lesson, followed by an hour of Axe throwing, and finish it off with a beer or tasting flight included in the price for $30 per person! You do have to book this experience ahead of time on their website.

The Ship’s Galley Pub and Eatery

156 Water St, Shelburne, NS
If you’re looking for some great homemade food, we definitely recommend the Ship’s Galley! The portions are huge, and everything we ate was delicious.

The Emerald Light

151 Water Street, Shelburne, NS

My personal favourite restaurant in Shelburne is The Emerald Light. The food is fresh and delicious, and they have lots of options for vegetarians. I’m still dreaming about the caramelized onion dip, so be sure to order it for me!

Charlotte Lane Cafe

13 Charlotte Ln, Shelburne, NS
You can’t mention Shelburne food without mentioning Charlotte Lane Cafe. They offer a fine dining experience, and the menu looks amazing. They also offer weekly Sunday Brunch and occasional prefix menu events.

Beandock 

10 John Street, Shelburne, NS
I love coffee and baked goods, so the Beandock Cafe is right up my alley! They serve breakfast and lunch, as well as take out coffee, desserts and ice-cream. 

Plus it’s located in this fabulous old building!

Beaches Close To Shelburne

Crescent Beach

Brighton Road, Lockeport 
About 25 minutes from downtown Shelburne, Crescent Beach is in the town of Lockeport. It’s a lovely beach, definitely worth the drive!

Roseway Beach

Shore Road, Shelburne 
About 20 minutes from downtown Shelburne, Roseway Beach is usually pretty quiet, and a great place to enjoy a sunny beach day or a walk along the ocean.

Sandy Point Beach

1586 Sandy Point Road, Shelburne 
Less than 10 minutes from downtown Shelburne, the beautiful Sandy Point Lighthouse in Shelburne is certain to make for amazing photos. The sandy beach is really only usable during low tide, so plan your visit accordingly. There’s also a canteen where you can get ice-cream, hotdogs, hamburgers and other treats!

Welkum Park

8946 Upper Clyde Road, Shelburne
If you’re looking for some fresh water swimming, Welkum Park is less than 15 minutes away from downtown Shelburne. It is a day use park with a small playground, gazebos, a dock, and more.

Final Thoughts

There are so many towns in Nova Scotia that get overlooked, and I think Shelburne is one of those towns! While it is small, and perhaps doesn’t offer as much to do as towns like Lunenburg, it is considerably less crowded, with plenty of hidden gems and lots of history.

Shelburne NS Map

Here’s a handy map of all the places I’ve mentioned

If you’d like to visit other small towns in Nova Scotia, here are my suggestions:

• Liverpool NS
• Bear River & Digby NS
• Long & Brier Islands NS
• Annapolis Royal NS
• Wolfville NS
• Lunenburg & Mahone Bay NS

While cider has been produced for as far back as we know, craft cider has exploded in popularity over the last decade, especially where I live in Nova Scotia. 

I couldn’t have been more excited the first time I tried cider, I love the idea of locally made craft beers, but the taste just isn’t my thing. The sweetness of the apples plus with additions of other flavors makes it an ideal alternative to beer, plus it’s usually gluten free, so that’s a bonus for people with gluten sensitivities!

We grow apples in Nova Scotia, so it only makes sense that we have places that make cider! I’m going to share all of the places that I can find in Nova Scotia that make cider with you in this article, I hope you’ll check some out.

Halifax

Chain Yard Urban Cidery

2606 Agricola Street, Halifax

Chain Yard Urban Cidery, located in the North End of Halifax has a great tap room with delicious food. You can also pop in and grab some cider to bring home. 

We stopped in for dinner and got a tasting flight. I really enjoyed the Foundation, it’s a bit on the dry side. We got 3 other seasonal flavors (the easy breezy arctic kiwi was amazing). They rotate season flavors, so you never know what you’ll find. 

Lake City Cider

35 Portland Street, Dartmouth

Next we go across the bridge to Dartmouth to check out Lake City Cider (probably my personal favourite of all Nova Scotian cider!). They have a small tap room where you can get a drink or a tasting flight and some merch. You can also buy cider to bring home.

We got a tasting flight and I really enjoyed the Strawberry Redhead (cider mixed with fermented strawberries) and the Darkside Rose, which is cider blended with fruit wine. They have lots of flavor combinations to try.

Lake City Cider, Dartmouth Nova Scotia

Sourwood Cider

Sadly Sourwood Cider closed their taptoom in Halifax, however they are available for purchase at Rockhead, Harvest, Westside, and Bishops Cellar.

Chill Street Craft Beverage Co

Elmsdale Plaza (200 – 269, NS-214), Elmsdale

Located outside the downtown area, you’ll find this delightful cidery. In addition to cider Chill Street also makes craft soda that is non-alcoholic. While they don’t have a tap room, they do have a storefront where you can buy your cider to bring home.

There are so many different flavors to choose from, you’ll have a hard time deciding! 

Annapolis Valley

The Annapolis Valley is known for their apple trees, so it’s no surprise there are plenty of cider options here!

Annapolis Cider Company

388 Main Street, Wolfville

Located in the heart of Wolfville, I love stopping in to Annapolis Cider Co every time I’m in town. They have a storefront and taproom where you can get a sample flight or full size drink.

One of my favorite things about them is that they always have a “something different” on tap, it’s always an interesting flavour combo like cherry & thyme, or grape & mint! Something Differents are only available for a short time, and part of every sale goes to a local charity.

On their regular line, I enjoy “The Classic” cider, and Earl Blue (cider blended with blueberry juice and Earl Grey tea). Both of which are available at NSLC stores as well.

If you’re a super fan, you can join their Cider Club and get a selection of 6 different ciders every May and November. These ciders have either only been on tap as one of the “Something Different” series, or they are exclusively made for cider club members.

Read Also: What To Do, Eat & See in Wolfville NS

Paddy’s Brewpub

460 Main Street, Wolfville & 42 Aberdeen Street, Kentville

Paddy’s Brewpub has been a pioneer in craft brewing in Nova Scotia. They currently brew several varieties of beer, and one cider called Fitz’s Strong Country Cider. 

Available at their restaurants, and in cans for taking home. 

Maritime Express

325 Main St. Kentville

Maritime Express is located in what was once the stone patio of an iconic railway hotel, the setting is absolutely stunning. They have a full menu, which looks delicious, and a wide variety of ciders (including one that is non-alcoholic). 

You can buy their Dayliner cider at NSLC stores.

Elderkin’s Farm Market, Bakery & U-Pick

10362 Nova Scotia Trunk 1, Wolfville

Also located in Wolfville, Elderkin’s is an amazing place to spend a Fall day. They make cider from apples grown right there on the farm.

I highly recommend visiting for an afternoon of apple picking, and then picking up some cider and baked goods to enjoy at home after. 

Their cider is only available at their farm!

Meander River

906 Woodville Road, Ashdale

Meander River is not just a brewery/cidery, it’s a FARM! You can visit and actually volunteer to lend a hand at the farm by harvesting the hops, or helping to care for the animals. You can also take a guided tour, or simply have a pint of the beer or cider they make. 

Too far away? Meander River Farm Cider is available at NSLC.

Casa Nova Fine Beverages

2635 Clementsvale Rd, Bear River

Ever since I visited in Summer 2020, Bear River is one of my favorite spots in Nova Scotia. Casa Nova is a delightful winery and cidery. They make several types of cider including Buddy’s Craft Cider, Blueberry Buddy’s Craft Cider, Cherry Cider, and Pear Cider. 

My personal favorite was the cherry cider. It was perfectly tart and bubbly. It’s also available at NSLC, as is the Buddy’s Craft Cider. 

Read Also: Visiting Digby & Bear River, Nova Scotia

South Shore

Saltbox Brewing

363 Main St, Mahone Bay

If you need a spot to spend an afternoon or evening meeting new people and having an all around great time, Saltbox Brewing is the place to be.

They make beer, cider, soda and wine, and my pal & co-host of the Travel Mug Podcast Meggan loved their Haskap cider – but be warned: it is strong! 

Read Also: Lunenburg & Mahone Bay Day Trip

Bulwark

7155 Highway 12, New Ross & 1518 Dresden Row, Halifax

Bulwark Blush was the first cider I fell in love with. It’s not too sweet, and I love the added flavour from the berries. In addition to blush, they have an original apple, a hopped version, and a version with fruit and honey added (yum!)

The original spot in New Ross is also Muwin Winery, so you’ll be able to sample both! The newer Bulwark Cider House in Halifax is a taproom with food as well! 

Bulwark cider varieties are available at NSLC as well!

Northumberland Shore

Malagash Cider

2859 Malagash Road, Malagash
Made at Vista Bella Farm, they made several small batch varieties, including a honey-ginger that sounds AMAZING! They also have a U-pick farm, and a farm store where you can grab fresh local produce.

Beehaven is available at NSLC stores!

Cape Breton

Island Folk Cider House

52 Nepean St, Sydney

Island Folk is the only craft cidery on Cape Breton Island! Their flagship cider, Good Company is my favorite, but I’d also like to try the Easy Beezy cider (with Cape Breton honey)! They have a brand new taproom that is beautiful, they host trivia nights and encourage you to pull up a chair and make new friends. 

Good Company is available at NSLC. 

Final Thoughts

If you’re a cider lover in Nova Scotia, I think I just gave you a pretty amazing bucket list of places to try!!

Let me know how many you’ve tried and which one is your fav!

Listen To The Travel Mug Podcast chat about Nova Scotia:

While it’s a small village, it’s large on charm, so here’s why you should head to Port Medway on your Nova Scotia road trip!

Here’s a handy map around Port Medway, NS, so you can find your way around! You’ll see it’s a pretty small place, so most things are close together.

Rosefinch Mercantile & Tea Room

As you pull into Port Medway, you’ll notice the green building of the Rosefinch Mercantile. If you’ve read the previous iteration of this post, it is the former Port Grocer. Bought and lovingly restored by owners Audra and Haritha. The store features a lovely selection of gifts, paper items, crafts, and so much more. Plus, Rosefinch is the only restaurant in Port Medway. Their tearoom serves soup and sandwiches every day, and offers Afternoon Tea on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Community Garden

Be sure to walk behind Rosefinch Mercantile and enjoy the community garden, where locals maintain a lovely vegetable and flower garden. Bring a book, chat with locals and visitors, and enjoy the space!

Carroll Baker Mem’ries Centre

Next door to Rosefinch, you’ll find the Carroll Baker Mem’ries Centre inside the former Port Medway Baptist Church. The Mem’ries Centre is a tribute to Canada’s First Lady of Country Music, Carroll Baker. 

Sea Port Gifts and Treasures

Ever wander into a gift store and know you could spend an hour or more there? That’s how I feel at Sea Port Gifts and Treasures. There’s so much to see, and the selection is ever-changing which means you can visit over and over. They have a great selection of plants for those of you with green thumbs, and I love the selection of kitchen stuff!

Salt-Water Ballad Books

I absolutely love wandering through a bookstore, and Salt-Water Ballad Books is a special one. It is located in an old barn on the owner’s property, and inside you can find new and used books, records, VHS tapes, cassettes, and more. Be sure to have a chat with owner Jeremiah and browse through all of the treasures!

The hours may change depending on the week, so check ahead.

Seely Hall

Seely Hall was built in the mid-1800s to be a general store, warehouse and shipping office with public space on the second floor. Since then, it’s been used by the community for various events like dances, church pie sales, a radio repair business, storage for fishing equipment, a cabinet shop, an antique store and kayak rentals. The current owners bought it in 2016, and now you can visit the hall and learn about the area’s history. Plus, it is used free of charge for community events.

Port Medway Lighthouse Park

Just past Rosefinch Mercantile and Sea Port Gifts & Treasures, you can relax at the Port Medway Lighthouse Park. Although it is a small park, it has nice views, and you can sit at a picnic table and relax for a while. Bring your coffee and a friend, and it sounds like a lovely place to spend a while. The Lighthouse, built in 1899, is a Registered Heritage Property.

The public boat launch is also located by the park, so bring your boat & fishing gear and head out for the afternoon!

Old Port Medway Cemetery

For some reason, I enjoy visiting cemeteries. They’re always a reminder of the history of an area and the importance of learning about history while we travel. This cemetery dates back to the late 1700s and includes over 300 monuments representing settlers of Port Medway. 

Old Meeting House

The Old Meeting House was built in the 1830s by the Free Will Baptist congregation, and it stands today relatively unaltered. It is a recognized heritage property. It also hosts the Port Medway Readers’ Festival annually.

Port Medway Readers’ Festival

The Port Medway Readers’ Festival takes place in July and August, and it provides an opportunity for readers to listen to and meet local and international authors. The Festival continues the tradition of the Tennysonian Reading Circle, started by the women of Port Medway in 1903.

Proceeds from the ticket sales support the upkeep of the Old Meeting House and the Port Medway Cemetery.

Stay in Port Medway

If you’ve read this far and think that you need a few days to really soak in all Port Medway has to offer, there are a few options for accommodations in Port Medway. 

First, Rosefinch Mercantile offers a lovely vintage camper by the community garden. Imagine sleeping under the stars and wandering into the tearoom in the morning for a cup of coffee and delicious baked goods. It’s the stuff dreams are made of. 

Additionally, there are a few Airbnbs in the area, including The Idle Hour, The Periwinkle, and Waterfront Cabin in the Woods.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, Port Medway has so much to offer; it is the perfect place for a little day trip, or stay for a night or two to really explore the area. It’s definitely worth the detour off the highway!

Where To Next?

Nova Scotia has so much to offer on the South Shore!

• Check out the Ultimate South Shore Nova Scotia Road Trip
• Or plan your trip to Lunenburg & Mahone Bay
• Don’t miss visiting Liverpool, NS
• And I can’t recommend enough staying at the Quarterdeck Beachside Resort

Port Medway FAQs

What is the population of Port Medway?

About 200 people currently live in Port Medway. Although at the village’s peak, about 5,000 residents called Port Medway home. 

How far is Port Medway from Halifax?

Port Medway is approximately 137 kilometres from Halifax, which will take you about 90 minutes to drive.

You’ve probably heard of the Cape Breton’s Cabot Trail, but the Ceilidh Trail is also amazing and worth a drive while you’re visiting the island! You’ll get to visit some of the lesser known spots on Cape Breton Island, while still experiencing the views and hospitality that the Island is famous for.

General Advice For Visiting Cape Breton

Weather wise, you’ll likely want to visit between mid May and mid October. July and August are normally the best months for warm weather and beach days. To see the leaves changing colours, you’ll want to visit around the first or second week of October.

Note that most businesses shut down around mid October, so things may be closed if you visit after Canadian Thanksgiving. Definitely check before you plan anything! 

Always watch for wildlife when you are driving and hiking, Cape Breton is home to deer, moose, bears, coyotes and more. Plan to carry a stick and/or bear spray while hiking, and be especially careful driving at night, wildlife may wander into the roads. 

Read More: Advice For Driving The Cabot Trail In The Fall

Ceilidh Trail Map

Here’s a handy map of our destinations!

Celtic Shores Coastal Trail

The Celtic Shores Coastal Trail is a 92km long multi-use trail that you could take all the way from Port Hastings to Inverness. Of course you don’t have to do the whole thing!

You can walk, bike, run, ski, quad (4-wheel), horseback ride, snowshoe, or snowmobile your way, taking in all of the beautiful scenery along the way. It’s well marked with interpretive panels along the way. 

Stops On The Ceilidh Trail

You’ll be following Route 19 from the Canso Causeway to Inverness. It should be pretty easy to navigate but you may want to have a GPS, cell service may be spotty in some places!

Port Hastings

The first community once you cross the Canso Causeway is Port Hastings. Although there isn’t too much to do in the area, it’s a great place to start your journey and get your bearings. There is a visitor information centre, and you can visit the Strait Area Museum, which has free admission (and an ice-cream barn!). Visit the Balache Point Lighthouse, and if you’re lucky you’ll get to see the Canso Causeway in action, swinging open to let boats through. 

Judique

Our next stop is home to the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre… which is likely why it’s called the Ceilidh Trail! A Ceilidh is a traditional Scottish and Irish social get together with music, dancing and yes, usually drinking. The Interpretive Centre will take you through the history of Celtic Culture in the area, and if you’re lucky there will be a Ceilidh happening!

I highly recommend staying at Archer’s Edge Luxury Camping Domes in Judique. We had such an amazing stay, and it’s very central on the Ceilidh Trail! 

Port Hood

When I was little the only reason we would go to Port Hood was for hockey tournaments… but there’s so much more than an arena (although it is the birthplace of hockey legend Al MacInnis!)

Port Hood has several amazing beaches, and the water tends to be warmer than the rest of Nova Scotia, so you can actually go swimming!

Cold or rainy day? Check out the Chestico Museum and learn all about the history of the area.

Mabou

Our next community is home to the Rankin Family who formed a family band known as The Rankins, and achieved National success. You can visit Rankin family owned Red Shoe Pub and enjoy live music 7 days a week.

I highly recommend visiting the Mabou Farmers’ Market on Sundays. I picked up this great mug from vendor Fire and Stone Coffee and I love it so much! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Glenora Falls

Just north of Mabou, Glenora Falls isn’t really a community, but you can find a pretty great waterfall if you look for it! Just a quick little stop to stretch your legs

Another 7 minute drive North and you can stop at Glenora Inn and Distillery. Guided distillery tours and tastings are available, or you could have dinner and a drink in their restaurant. Glenora makes North America’s first Single Malt Whisky (can’t call it Scotch because it’s not made in Scotland!). It’s worth a stop on your drive through!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Inverness

Welcome to Inverness (no, you haven’t traveled all the way to Scotland). If you enjoy golf, then you’ll be happy to know that Cabot Cliffs golf course is rated #1 in Canada by Score Golf Canada and Cabot Links Golf Course is rated #5! 

Inverness beach is a first wheelchair accessible beach, offering the use of Mobi-chairs and Mobi-mats to provide access to the beach and water

Hungry (or thirsty)? Check out Route 19 Brewing for a bite to eat and some local beers.

How Long To Complete The Trail?

The whole trail from Port Hastings to Inverness would only take you an hour if you drove straight through, which means you only really need 2 days to complete the whole trail while stopping! Of course more time is better, especially if you plan on golfing and taking in all the sights. 

Where To Next?

Well you can continue on and explore the Cabot Trail by heading up to Cheticamp and around through Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Read More: Long Weekend Cabot Trail Itinerary

Or head over to Sydney and explore the largest town on Cape Breton Island. We also recommend heading out to the Fortress of Louisbourg!

Cape Breton is one of the most beautiful places I’ve had the chance to explore. There’s always a hidden gem waiting to be found.

Although you might equate the Quarterdeck Beach Resort in Summerville Nova Scotia with summertime fun, I recently visited in November and decided it’s the perfect place to go any time of year!

Bonus: the resort is usually a bit cheaper in the off season! So grab your partner or some friends and head down to the South Shore for a night or two. 

Important Info

Phone: 1.800.565.1119
Address: 5 Willow Lane, Summerville Centre, Nova Scotia
Check in time: 4pm
Check out time: 11am

Checking In

The main building is across the street from the beach! We aimlessly wandered around trying to find it… I don’t want you to do the same! In the main building you’ll get your keys, and you can pick up a souvenir or a light snack. The front desk was really helpful when we had to call for an extra robe & towel. 

Quarterdeck Room Types

The first thing you’ll notice when booking at the QD (that’s short for Quarterdeck!), is there are several different types of rooms available. I’ll go through each type here so you can decide what is best for you!

All rooms are non-smoking, and feature air conditioning/ heat that you control. 

Beach Villas

These are probably the rooms you are thinking of if you have ever driven by the Quarterdeck Resort! They are right on the beach and have amazing views! All of the beach villas are 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and feature a full kitchen, private balcony and sleep up to 6 people. The Deluxe villas have a 2-person jacuzzi tub as well!

Shoreline Rooms

These rooms are quite small and made for 2 people. They are located right on the beach with great views of the Atlantic Ocean. They have a private deck and feature a microwave, coffee maker and mini-fridge with Queen sized beds.

Shoreline 3 Bedroom

Also located right on the beach. These units feature a full kitchen, 3 bedrooms with 2 queen beds and one single bed, as well as a pull out sofa to sleep up to 7 people. They have 1.5 bathrooms and a private balcony.

The Lofts

The Lofts are across the street from the beach, and still offer great views. There are a few different sizes which range from studio to 2 bedrooms. All of the rooms except the studio feature a kitchenette, including a fridge, microwave, coffee machine, tea kettle and toaster. Some of the rooms have a stove-top (no oven).

Hilltop Rooms

Behind the lofts and past the Rec Centre, you’ll find the Hilltop Rooms. They are the only rooms at the Quarterdeck that are pet friendly. All of these rooms feature a queen size bed, bathroom with a shower, a microwave, coffee maker and mini-fridge and a private deck with distant ocean views. These rooms sleep 2 people.

Our Room Review

We booked the 2-bedroom loft which featured a bedroom with a King sized bed, plus a bunk bed room, and a laydown sofa. It felt spacious for the 3 of us on our girls weekend trip. 

The Living room area had some chairs and a sofa, plus a little dining area. The kitchenette was equipped with everything we needed (yes, including the corkscrew!). We had a private balcony with chairs overlooking Summerville Beach in the distance.

The bathroom was great, I loved the products provided in the shower. We had a great time hanging out in the cozy robes provided for us.

We didn’t mind being across the street from the beach and The Grill. It was a short walk down, and a very quick walk to the rec centre.

Quarterdeck Property Amenities

Rec Centre

The Recreation building, located between the Loft rooms & the Hilltop rooms, has a small pool, sauna, fitness room, lounge room with games and a private 18 seat theatre. It is open from 12-8 daily, all year round. 

Outside the building you’ll find the hot tub/ swim spa. 

During our visit in November 2020, we booked a time to use the hot tub due to Covid-19 restrictions. You also had to pre-book the use of the rec centre building. 

The Grill

The restaurant at the Quarterdeck is called The Grill, and is located right on the beach. The restaurant offers stunning views, and in the summer you can choose to dine outside or inside. The hours will vary depending on the season.

We dined here for dinner, and again the next morning for brunch. Being a non-seafood eater, I was slightly worried about finding something to eat, but they had lots of non-seafood dishes and options for vegetarians. I ordered the Clubhouse sandwich and really enjoyed it, and I have to say the fries were especially delicious! Our dessert of homemade ice-cream was a bit of a miss, however. The flavor was yummy, but the texture left something to be desired.

Brunch the next morning was great, however we did wait a long time for our food. Overall I would definitely plan to eat at The Grill on your trip. They recommend making reservations by calling them directly at 1 902 947-2050.

Things To Do Near The Quarterdeck Resort

Summerville Beach

Although part of The Quarterdeck sits right on Summerville Beach, it does not own the beach. Summerville Beach Provincial Park is probably my personal favorite beach along the South Shore of Nova Scotia. It’s the perfect place for a beach day, but if you are visiting in the winter like we did, it’s still a great place for a walk along the ocean. It also has great sunsets… don’t miss visiting this beach!

Read more about the Best Beaches In Nova Scotia

Thomas Raddall Park & Keji Seaside Adjunct

If you want to spend some more time outside, check out Thomas Raddall Provincial Park for some hiking, biking or kayaking (maybe not kayaking in the winter though!). Nearby, Keji Seaside Adjunct also offers hiking trails, and bird watching opportunities. 

Liverpool

The closest town is Liverpool, about a 15 minute drive away. In Liverpool you can get groceries to bring to your room, and any other provisions you might need!

If you’re looking for something to do (in the winter), I suggest visiting Hell Bay for a drink, grabbing a pastry at Five Girls Baking, and walking along Main Street to Fort Point to see all of the old houses & see the lighthouse. There are shops along Main Street for you to grab a local souvenir as well!

There are also several interesting museums like The Queens County Museum, Rossignol Cultural Centre and Hank Snow Home Town Museum. They all have differing hours in the winter months, so be sure to check ahead before you visit!

Read more about What To Do, Eat & See in Liverpool, NS

Final Thoughts

The Quarterdeck resort is a great place to stay, even when it’s cold outside! Summer is so short here in Nova Scotia that we really shouldn’t limit ourselves to just traveling in July & August! I hope you’ll check out the QD soon, let me know what you think!

By now you’ve probably seen those white camping domes all over your Instagram, but what’s it like to actually go “glamping”? I had to find out for myself! This Fall we planned a trip to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and booked two nights at Archer’s Edge Luxury Camping Domes in Judique. I’ll be honest, I’m not usually into camping, but luxury camping? That I can get behind!

About The Domes

First of all, what the heck IS glamping? Well the word is a contraction of “glamorous” and “camping”. Don’t be fooled by the simple appearance of the domes. They hide a lot inside! Glamping is not exclusive to Nova Scotia – you can find glamping domes all over the world!

So what makes it luxury? You have heat/air-conditioning, running water & power.

Archer’s Edge Luxury Camping Domes are all built for couples. When you first walk into the dome you’ll see your small kitchen with a mini fridge, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, kettle, and dishes. The queen sized bed faces toward the window part of the dome, which gives you amazing views of the water. You have a few chairs with a small table as well. Around the wall from the bed is the bathroom complete with a shower, toilet, sink and storage area.

Just so you know before you book – there is NO DOOR for the bathroom. Just make sure you’re extra comfortable with whoever you are sharing a room with.

The domes are heated / cooled by a heat pump that you can control, plus there was an extra heater in the bathroom so you can be extra cozy getting out of the shower. 

Outside there is a BBQ outside for you to use (exclusive to your dome), you also have a small deck with two chairs that face the gorgeous view.

Details

2 night booking minimum. Prices as of November 2020 are $239 per night + tax. Payment is due at time of booking.
Check In – 4pm, Check Out – 10am
Check In only on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays

It’s worth noting that children and pets are not allowed at Archer’s Edge.

Phone: +1 902 435-5844 
Address: 1660 Shore Rd, Judique, Nova Scotia
E-mail: archersedgeluxurycamping@hotmail.com 
Website: https://www.archersedge.info 

Location

Judique is a small community on the Western (Inverness) side of Cape Breton. You’ll find most locals pronounce it “Judic”. If you’re arriving from mainland Nova Scotia, Archer’s Edge is only about 25 minutes from the Canso Causeway. Driving from Cheticamp takes about 1hr 25 minutes. 

We really enjoyed the fact that Archer’s Edge is off the beaten path. You drive down a long driveway to a quiet oasis; and with only 5 domes, there’s not too many people around. Some other glamping domes in Nova Scotia are right on the highway, which I can only assume means that you’ll hear lots of traffic at all hours of the day. 

Property Amenities

Besides the domes, there’s not too much on the property. The owner’s provide a parking area, and wagons you can use to bring your belongings from your car to your dome.

There’s also a firepit that everyone can use, and the owners provide wood & matches nightly. Extra wood can be bought for a $5 fee.

Archer’s Edge does not have wi-fi or television, to encourage you to unplug and enjoy the nature that surrounds you. You won’t miss it, promise! 

Popular Attractions Close By

I think this area of Cape Breton is under-explored in favor of the more popular Cabot Trail, and while the Cabot Trail is beautiful and worth exploring, this area also has plenty to do, but mostly in the summer. After Canadian Thanksgiving (early October) most businesses shut down for the winter season. Here are some popular attractions close to Archer’s Edge:

Judique (5 minute drive or less)

If you’re interested in learning about Celtic music, check out the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre. It’s part museum, part live music space. You can take in a performance, and it’s open all year.

The Celtic Shores Coastal Trail runs through Judique, although it starts in Port Hastings (the Causeway), and ends in Inverness. You can bike, walk, run, ski, snowmobile, horseback ride or quad (4-wheeling). 

Port Hood (11 minute drive)

If you want to head to the beach, Port Hood is the place for you! There’s 5 sandy beaches and the water is some of the warmest you’ll find in Nova Scotia.

Also, the Co-op Port Hood is the closest grocery store to the Domes. 

Mabou (20 minute drive)

Home of the Rankin Family! Visit the Red Shoe Pub, or the Red Shoe Pub for some local eats and drinks. Check out the Mabou Farmers Market (Sundays; early June to mid October & Christmastime) for some local crafts & produce.

Our Review of Archer’s Edge

I was so excited when we booked Archer’s Edge for our Cape Breton, Nova Scotia glamping getaway! Staying in a dome was on my bucket list!

On our check in day, owner Scott gave us a call to let us know which dome we would be staying in, and that it would be ready early if we wanted to check-in before 4pm.

Once we arrived we parked and went to our dome. The Domes open by a zipper and do not have locks, so you never have to check-in or out with anybody (very Covid friendly!).

Skip to 9:10 to see the dome tour!

The bed at the domes was very comfortable, and the view was incredible. The large window does have curtains for privacy, but basically no one walks in front of your dome.

Like I said, the bathroom is lacking a door for privacy, but the shower water pressure was nice, and the water stayed hot. They provide towels (but please don’t bring them to the beach).

I recommend packing games to play since there is no wi-fi or TV. We had a blast hanging out, playing games and enjoying the sunset.

We were definitely happy with the amenities in the dome. Our dome was missing coffee pods when we checked in, but a quick message to the owners and 6 pods were left on our doorstep a few minutes later.

I wish I had brought some slippers – since we went in October the floors were a bit chilly, and I didn’t want to have to put on my sneakers to walk around. If you go in the summer, this probably won’t be a problem.

Our Final Review Thoughts…

Final Thoughts

We had a BLAST glamping at Archer’s Edge. I think it’s the perfect spot for a couples getaway for a few nights. Cape Breton is a beautiful area worth exploring, 2 nights might not be enough!

Book your 2021 trip to Archer’s Edge soon – dates are already filling up!

Planning your stops on your Cabot Trail road trip can be daunting! The views on the drive are amazing any time of year (but especially in the Fall). Cape Breton has plenty of things to do, whether you are looking for hiking, golfing, relaxing or checking out museums! It’s the perfect long weekend road trip.

What Is The Cabot Trail?

The almost 300km Cabot Trail is a popular tourist attraction in Nova Scotia. The Cabot Trail refers to the road that you are driving, but the best parts are in the small towns along the way. 

Here’s a handy map of our stops!

How Long Does It Take To Drive The Cabot Trail?

Without stopping, you can drive the Cabot Trail in about 4 hours. But trust me, you’re going to want to stop! We recently spent about 2.5 days on the trail, but you could definitely spend a week exploring (and hiking the 26 trails in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park). 

A highly controversial question… should you drive clockwise or counter-clockwise? Well it doesn’t REALLY matter but we enjoyed traveling counter-clockwise because you’re driving on the outside lane, you get some great views. 

Long Weekend On The Cabot Trail

As an example:

Day 1: arrive in Baddeck from mainland Nova Scotia in the afternoon, check out Alexander Graham Bell Museum and walk the main street.

Day 2: Drive to Ingonish in the morning and hike the Franey Trail, have lunch in Ingonish or wait to drive to Neil’s Harbour to check out Chowder House. Next stop is Beulach Ban Falls and then Lone Shieling. Stay in Cheticamp or Pleasant Bay for the night.

Day 3: Hike Skyline Trail and then explore Cheticamp. Hike the Gypsum Mine trail and stay the night in Cheticamp or drive back to Baddeck

Day 4: Eat at the Dancing Goat for breakfast before heading home!

If you’re not into hiking, substitute golf, or just relaxing. It really is a choose your own adventure type of trip!

Cabot Trail Itinerary

We’re going to start in Baddeck for the purposes of this post, but you can start wherever you like. In fact we came from Sydney and started in Ingonish on our trip. If you’re coming from outside of Cape Breton, you might take Highway 105 to Baddeck and start there, or follow Route 19 – The Ceilidh Trail to Margaree and start there! 

Baddeck

Once you drive into Baddeck you’ll realize just how many hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts there are. In fact this town of 700 residents has over 600 rooms for you to stay in! The main road; Chebucto Street has so many great shops and restaurants. We loved stopping into Bean There Cafe to grab a drink before wandering around the town.

To eat, you may want to try the Freight Shed Bistro on the waterfront. The food is imaginative and delicious.

One of the main attractions in Baddeck is the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site. It is a museum dedicated to the life of Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone and Baddeck summer resident. Bell was a pioneer in deaf education, and also experimented with aeronautics. Baddeck was the site of the first controlled powered aircraft flight in Canada in 1909 on the Silver Dart, designed by Bell and the Aerial Experiment Association.

Ingonish

Ingonish is a cluster of 5 communities (Ingonish Ferry, Ingonish Harbour, Ingonish Beach, Ingonish Centre and Ingonish) with lots of great things to do. First; it is the Eastern entrance to Cape Breton Highlands National Park. There is a small visitor’s centre where you can pay for your day pass ($7.90 per adult) and grab a map. 

If you’re up for a bit of a challenge, we recommend hiking Franey Trail. It is a pretty difficult hike because it is mostly uphill but the views at the top are worth it! It is about 7.5KM long and took us just over 2 hours, but we walk pretty speedy so it may take you a bit longer. 

If you’re looking for a place to stay, the famous Keltic Lodge in Ingonish is a great choice. It started as a private residence but in 1936 the Corson family sold the property to the Canadian Government to be turned into a luxury resort. The Cape Breton Highland Links golf course is on the same property and was designed by Stanley Thompson. He called it the “Mountains and Oceans” course, and it’s currently sitting at #9 in Canada according to ScoreGolf Canada.

To eat, we recommend Salty Rose’s & The Periwinkle Cafe. Salty Rose’s is a cute gift shop, selling locally made clothing, home decor, jewelry and gifts. In the same building you can order a delicious bite to eat and coffee from Periwinkle Cafe. There are a few seats outside and inside. If they happen to have the roasted squash and sage soup when you visit, I highly recommend getting that!

Neil’s Harbour

Neil’s Harbour is a quaint fishing village that most people probably drive past! We stopped in and visited the lighthouse, which serves ice-cream in the summer (sadly not in October!). Just over from the lighthouse is The Chowder House. I have it on good authority that the seafood chowder is amazing, however we did not stop in! 

To continue on your Cabot Trail journey, you could leave Neil’s Harbour and get back on the Cabot Trail road, however we recommend taking New Haven Rd through White Point for better views (it only adds about 10 minutes to your trip). In Dingwall you’ll have the option to continue on the Cabot Trail or detour up to the Aspy Bay and Meat Cove. If you have the time it is a lovely area with great views and hikes! If not, continue on the Cabot Trail…

Beulach Ban Falls

Our next stop is in the middle of nowhere, but on the side of the road in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park you can see Beulach Ban Falls This 65’ waterfall is impressive, and the best part is there is no hiking to get to it! The parking lot is just steps away from the bottom of the falls. Beware: it can be very busy here!  There is a 10km hiking trail that leaves from the same parking lot called Aspy Trail. 

Pleasant Bay

Our next stop is also along the side of the road; Lone Shieling is a replica of the huts built on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. You can also walk the short trail through a 350 year old sugar maple forest! It was magical in the Fall!

Pleasant Bay is a great place to go on a whale watching tour. There are several companies offering tours May through mid October. We did not take a tour this time around (we did have a great experience whale watching on Brier Island in southwest Nova Scotia though). 

There is also a Whale Interpretive Centre where you can learn about the whales, dolphins and porpoises that visit Cape Breton waters every year.

Skyline Trail

The Skyline Trail might be one of the most popular hikes in Cape Breton! The views are amazing, but even though the hike is long, it is fairly easy and flat. You have the option of a 7km in and out hike, or 9km loop. We opted for the loop and it took us about 2 hours from start to finish (but we walk fast!).

We saw people of all ages on the trail, which has washroom facilities both at the start of the trail and throughout the trail. 

Cheticamp

Cheticamp is the biggest town along the Cabot Trail, with a population of almost 4000 people. French is the native language of 38% of people who live in the Cheticamp area due to the large Acadian population. 

It’s the second entrance/exit to the Highlands National Park, and you can find a Welcome centre with a campground to pay your park fees and get a map and park information! 

Another great hike is the Gypsum Mine Trail. It’s private land but all well marked. There are several trails, but just follow the sign that says Lake (or Lac in French). The views are amazing at the end, and you can swim in the lake in the summer. You will have to climb a bit for the classic views, but it’s worth it!

For the golf enthusiast, Le Portage Golf Club offers an amazing course with spectacular views. Although this course isn’t as popular as the Highland Links or nearby Cabot Cliffs or Cabot Links, it’s a bit of a hidden gem!

Now for my favorite topic; food! You must stop at Aucoin bakery to grab some sweets and bread for your trip! We grabbed some cinnamon rolls, a donut and an apple fritter and everything was delicious. For lunch we ate at The Doryman Pub & Grill, and really enjoyed it! They serve classic pub food, and they are known for their live music. 

Margaree Valley

Once you leave the Cheticamp area, you’ll drive through the Margaree Valley to connect back to Baddeck. 

I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about the Dancing Goat Cafe, but sadly we did not stop in. Along the Cabot Trail road you’ll find lots of gift shops and local craft stores to stop into. The Margaree Salmon Museum will teach you all about the famous Atlantic Salmon (sadly closed for the 2020 season!) in an old one room schoolhouse.

Final Thoughts

There’s no rule that you have to do the WHOLE Cabot Trail. We skipped Maragree and kept heading down the coast to follow the Ceilidh Trail through Inverness and Port Hood. Check out more tips to plan your Cabot Trail trip.

Cape Breton also has so many more amazing destinations like Sydney, and the Fortress of Louisbourg.