Whether looking to fill a Saturday afternoon or plan a Nova Scotian staycation, exploring the culinary trails gives you three easy ways to eat, drink, and explore your way around the province! Collect trail stamps with the paper passport, the digital website passport, or on the Taste of Nova Scotia app to keep track of where you’ve been and where you want to go next.
With these culinary trails you can;
- Tap into craft beer, wine, cider, mead, and spirits using the Good Cheer Trail as your ultimate guide to the Nova Scotian craft beverage scene;
- Dive into countless bowls of made from scratch Nova Scotia seafood chowder with the Chowder Trail, which boasts 44 businesses ready to show off their unique take on a Maritime classic; or,
- Crack into a hearty lobster dinner or lobster roll with the Lobster Trail, which highlights 29 businesses around the province who offer lobster menu items, lobster retail or interactive lobster experiences
Keep reading to see examples of what each region of the province has to offer, and how you can experience the some of the best of Nova Scotia!
Halifax Metro
As the bustling capital of Nova Scotia, the Halifax region provides vibrant waterfront experiences, a dynamic bar and restaurant scene, along with numerous unique neighbourhoods – each with their own unique flare and personality.
Good Cheer Trail
Compass Distillers: Capturing the true Nova Scotian experience in a bottle, Compass Distillers boasts a cozy cocktail bar, a view of the modern production facility, and a stunning top-floor Airbnb- all within Halifax’s vibrant North End.
Lobster Trail
Fisherman’s Market: Fisherman’s Market is your local, one-stop shop for your fresh fish and seafood needs. Stop by to pick up some fresh Nova Scotia lobster, sold live or cooked, for your next celebration. They also sell lobster rolls from their deli!
Chowder Trail
Evan’s Seafood: Located on the Dartmouth waterfront, Evan’s offers delicious fare for take out or eat in. Their seafood chowder is brimming with fresh, local seafood and pairs perfectly with iconic views of the Halifax ferry, just outside. Evan’s is also a stop on the Lobster Trail, so make sure to try their lobster roll while there!
South Shore
Home to fresh seafood, picturesque coastal communities, and the iconic Bluenose II, the South Shore is just a short drive from the Halifax and the Annapolis Valley, and is a perfect culinary trip location!
Good Cheer Trail
Boxing Rock Brewing Company: Recipient of the Taste of Nova Scotia award for 2022 Producer of the Year, Boxing Rock Brewing Company has been brewing legendary beer on the South Shore since 2013. Boasting a retail shop, taproom and patio, locally inspired food offerings, and even Beer School, Boxing Rock has something for everyone!
Lobster Trail
Betty’s at the Kitch: Betty’s is centered around famous Nova Scotian hospitality and locally inspired fare. Offering both a lobster roll and classic lobster dinner, Betty’s at the Kitch will have you wanting to go back for seconds. They even host weekly ceilidhs featuring performances from local Celtic musicians and singers.
Chowder Trail
Salt Shaker Deli: Perfectly located on the Lunenburg waterfront, Salt Shaker Deli has both a cosy dining room and ocean-facing patio. Focusing on a from scratch menu, their smoked seafood chowder is a fan favourite. The casual and fun atmosphere is perfect for families, summer lunches, or meals with friends!
Yarmouth & Acadian Shore
Full of fresh seafood and rich in Acadian culture and history, the Yarmouth & Acadian Shore is a great place to connect with community heritage.
Good Cheer Trail
Rudder’s Seafood Restaurant & Brewpub: With both a restaurant and brewery on-site, Rudder’s serves fresh seafood and microbrewed beers. Specializing in traditional English style ales and lagers, the beer brewed here is crisp, refreshing, and uses natural carbonation. They also have a beer store on site. As a bonus, this location is also a trail stop on both the Lobster and Chowder trails – one of the few places where you can collect three stamps at once!
Lobster Trail
Argyler Lodge & Restaurant: Watch the sunset over Lobster Bay while enjoying a seaside lobster boil. Their Lobster Bay Culinary Experience is not to be missed! Don’t forget to stay overnight and try their chowder the next day; the Argyler is also a Chowder Trail stop.
Chowder Trail
La Cuisine Robicheau: Specializing in Acadian cuisine that features local ingredients, La Cuisine Robicheau offers an authentically Acadian dining experience. Using an unadulterated view of St. Mary’s Bay as the back drop, the staff here pair home-cooked fare like fresh seafood chowder with warm, friendly hospitality. This is another great chance to get two stamps, as they’re also on the Lobster Trail!
Bay of Fundy & Annapolis Valley
Home to wine country, rolling apple orchards, and the worlds highest tides, the Bay of Fundy & Annapolis Valley region is the agricultural hub of the province and boasts an excess of exciting trail stops.
Good Cheer Trail
Tangled Garden: To step foot into the serene gardens of Tangled Garden is akin to entering a fairy tale. Bursting with florals and herbs, the botanicals grown here are used to infused an innovative collection of house-made liqueurs. Meander through the gardens or enjoy the on-site Tea Room to experience the full delight of this trail stop.
Lobster Trail
Masstown Market: As a family owned business, Masstown Market is built on a reputation of great service and fresh, local offerings. Offering both a classic lobster dinner and a variety of alternative lobster options, Masstown Market is a must-see stop along the trail. Be sure to visit Masstown Butcher and Masstown Creamery while you’re there!
Chowder Trail
Planters Ridge Winery: Housed in a 160-year-old timber framed barn, the Planters Ridge tasting room is the perfect back drop for enjoying a hearty bowl of chowder with a glass of their 2022 Tidal Bay. On warmer days, you can move to their patio which has an unencumbered view of the rolling vineyards and dykes surrounding the property.
Northumberland Shore
Filled with warm water beaches and coastal vineyards, the Northumberland Shore is a picturesque location for a beachy staycation.
Good Cheer Trail
Steinhart Distillery: Overlooking the Arisaig wharf, Steinhart Distillery specializes in award winning London Dry and infused gins. Enjoy a cocktail and bite to eat on their newly-constructed patio, or take a tour and distilling crash course with Thomas Steinhart, the master distiller.
Lobster Trail
Gabrieau’s Bistro: Nestled in Nova Scotia’s Highland Heart, Gabrieau’s Bistro has a menu that features the best of local produce. Winner of the Taste of Nova Scotia Restaurant of the Year award in 2013, this is a must-see stop. Settle in and savour their lobster bisque to get a taste for Northumberland Shore lobster.
Chowder Trail
Fox Harb’r Resort: Dine by floor-to-ceiling windows as you enjoy a bowl of locally-sourced chowder with a view of Fox Harb’r’s pristine golf course. With a menu inspired by the shore it calls home, dining at Fox Harb’r is a truly East Coast experience.
Cape Breton Island
Single malt whiskey, Celtic and Acadian culture, fresh seafood, rugged scenery- these are just a few of the experiences to be had during a Cape Breton Staycation.
Good Cheer Trail
Glenora Inn & Distillery: Cradled in the picturesque Mabou Highlands, Glenora is the perfect trail stop if you are looking to enjoy fine handmade spirits and unsurpassed scenery. Featuring Celtic music and extensive guest quarters, Glenora is a must-see when visiting the Cape Breton highlands. This stop is also on the Chowder trail.
Lobster Trail
Kiju’s Restaurant: Located in the community of Membertou, Kiju’s believes in fostering long-lasting relationships with the local artisans who have shaped the community. Featuring panoramic views of Sydney, Kiju’s dining room is the perfect place to crack into a classic lobster dinner. Kiju’s is also a stop on the Chowder Trail!
Chowder Trail
The Chowder House: The name says it all! A hidden gem located in Neils Harbour, enjoy the freshest bowl of chowder with a view of a lighthouse and the ocean that sources their seafood. Aside from chowder, The Chowder House serves fresh mussels, crab, and even lobster, meaning it’s also a stop on the Lobster Trail!
Eastern Shore
The outdoor adventure capital of the province, the Eastern Shore boasts year-round surfing and wild coastal scenery.
Good Cheer Trail
Authentic Seacoast Company: Known for their award-winning spirits and craft beer, Authentic Seacoast boasts a wide selection of artisanal beverages to choose from. Enjoy a pint and take in the natural beauty of the Eastern Shore!
Lobster Trail
Liscombe Lodge Resort & Conference Centre: Liscombe Lodge Resort & Conference Centre delivers the Nova Scotian experience you’ve been looking for. Enjoy traditional meals made with the freshest local ingredients.
Chowder Trail
Lupin Dining & Pantry: Lupin is a small farm-to-table restaurant, highlighting Maritime flavours with Italian and French influences. Explore the kitchen gardens where their ingredients are grown, along with the pantry where they sell seasonally curated gift baskets, house made preserves, and other house made products.
For a complete list of all 3 culinary trails and their stops, head to our app or to each trail’s respective website. Please contact each business directly for information regarding offerings, availability, and hours of operation.
Follow the trails. Capture the moments. Collect the stamps. Get the prizes. What will you discover on the Nova Scotia Culinary Trails?
This story has been adapted from an original article available at: https://tasteofnovascotia.com/2023-nova-scotia-culinary-trails/.
