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There are locations that sneak up on you. Locations you won’t anticipate to resonate with till you’re abruptly standing in the midst of them, glass of wine in hand, heat solar in your face, and considering, I might reside right here (properly perhaps in the summertime). For us, that was Wolfville, Nova Scotia.
On the tail finish of our weeklong street journey by means of this beautiful Canadian province (in partnership with Nova Scotia tourism), we landed in Wolfville for 2 nights. We thought it will be a enjoyable strategy to spherical off our journey with somewhat wine tasting and leisure. As a substitute, Wolfville drew us in with a lot extra.
The mixture of excellent summer season climate, a way of life that hums with the power of a college city but nonetheless feels laid-back, an agricultural area brimming with recent produce and world-class wines, and locals who radiate that uncommon capability to make you’re feeling immediately at dwelling – it was all too attractive.
It reminded us a lot of wine area residing again in Australia – the winery views, the relaxed tastings, the meals that celebrates what’s grown close by, and the overall ethos {that a} good life is lived in concord with nature, good firm, and good occasions.
For those who solely have two nights in Wolfville, you’ll get a scrumptious style of all of it: wine, wellness, historical past, meals, and that intangible sense of pleasure that appears to float by means of its streets and vineyards like a breeze off the Bay of Fundy. Right here’s an itinerary of how we spent our two nights in Wolfville and the way you would possibly plan yours. And because it’s solely an hour from Halifax, it’s also possible to simply go to on a day journey!
Notice: Nova Scotia Good Cheer Path is Canada’s first and solely vineyard, brewery, cidery, distillery and Meadery path. Accumulate stamps by visiting a surprising wine area, attempting a craft beer tasting, sampling a cider or taking a distillery tour.
However first: Examine into Planters Ridge Vineyard
We arrived in Wolfville within the late afternoon, driving in from Lunenburg, simply in time to verify into Planters Ridge, our vineyard dwelling for the subsequent two nights. There’s one thing additional particular about staying proper at a winery, particularly in a area that’s rapidly turning into often called Nova Scotia’s “wine nation.”
We saved all our exploring for the subsequent day and spent the rest of the afternoon and night having fun with the fruits of this vineyard come inn.
Planters Ridge is housed in a fantastically renovated 1864 farmhouse, perched amongst rolling vineyards with large valley views. Despite the fact that we arrived simply on closing time, the employees warmly welcomed us as company of the inn.
A desk was ready on the patio, the place we might watch the solar spill its golden gentle over the vines whereas sipping a flight of their premium wines: an unoaked chardonnay, a Riesling, and a pinot noir.
It was the proper first style – actually – of why Wolfville is so beloved. We ordered forward for meals from the kitchen (a lot of gluten free choices) that we might take pleasure in on the patio.
We loved the recent flavors of salmon crostini – so scrumptious with the pineapple salsa on tip -, a grazing board, backyard salad with rooster, rooster sandwich with a aspect of soup. All of this paired with a relaxing bottle of their Tidal Bay, Nova Scotia’s signature white mix.
Sitting on that patio felt like stepping right into a scene from dwelling in Australia’s Hunter Valley or Barossa Valley. Relaxed, scrumptious, and downright dreamy.
Our farmhouse room was simply as inviting: fashionable and opulent but grounded in its rural setting. Outsized bogs with soaking tubs and walk-in steam showers, customized birch furnishings, heated flooring, and considerate touches like wi-fi cellphone chargers and Netflix-equipped TVs made it laborious to depart. However the star of the present was the view — vineyards stretching throughout the horizon, the form of view you wish to get up to with a espresso in hand.
Professional tip: For those who’re arriving late, you may at all times save the wine tasting for the subsequent day. As company, we popped again within the following afternoon for an additional complimentary glass (chardonnay for me) earlier than heading into city for dinner. Company obtain one complimentary wine!
Day One: Wellness, Lobster, and Native Flavors
Our morning started with artisanal breakfast at Planters Ridge — gluten-free granola and bread for me, due to their gracious hospitality — earlier than driving a 30-minute drive north to the Bay of Fundy within the Annapolis Valley.
Cease 1: Morning at Saltair Nordic Spa
Tucked down a brief drive alongside a dust street above the shoreline is Saltair Nordic Spa & Wellness, a sanctuary that rapidly turned one in every of my favourite stops of our complete Nova Scotia street journey.
The setting is sort of otherworldly: infinity-style cold and warm swimming pools overlooking the Bay, panoramic saunas with wall-to-wall home windows framing the tides, hearth bowls, and strolling paths by means of 14 acres of coastal woodland.
We began with a guided class known as All of the Feels, which wove breathwork, meditation, and mild teaching into the hot-cold-rest cycle of Nordic spa custom. It was the proper strategy to settle into the rhythm of the spa.
Over the subsequent three hours, we floated between steaming saunas, icy plunge swimming pools, mud masks, and silent leisure rooms the place the one sounds had been birdsong and waves.
When starvation struck, Saltair’s café — run in collaboration with an area chef — provided recent snacks, espresso, and even a scrumptious gluten-free brownie that paired fantastically with the view. Rumor has it they’re including on-site lodging quickly, and if that’s true, I’d return in a heartbeat. I’d return even with out it!
Learn our full evaluation of Saltair Nordic Spa & Wellness on the Bay of Fundy
Cease 2: Lunch at Corridor’s Harbour Lobster Pound
After such serenity, it was time for one thing quintessentially Nova Scotian: lobster. Simply west of Saltair is the tiny fishing village of Corridor’s Harbour, the place the tides of the Bay of Fundy rise and fall dramatically, leaving fishing boats excessive and dry at low tide earlier than lifting them dozens of ft again up once more.
The tidal actions listed here are the most important on the earth (rise has excessive as 54 ft with motion change averaging 11.6 m) – a truth I’ve identified since we labored at Kuri Bay pearl farm in Western Australia, dwelling of the second greatest tidal actions on the earth. So being on the Bay of Fundy was a particular expertise for us.
Besides… I clearly can’t learn a tidal chart as we arrived at excessive tide and missed the expertise! I suppose I actually do have to return again now. (You may stroll on the ocean ground twice in a day – so that you do have two possibilities to get it proper)
However we nonetheless loved a hearty lunch on the Lobster Pound and Restaurant, a well-liked spot to take pleasure in some recent native seafood. Craig’s lobster roll was recent and basic, whereas I attempted a lobster poutine — a decadent twist I didn’t know I wanted.
Confession: lobster has at all times felt a bit overrated to me, however there’s one thing about consuming it in Nova Scotia that feels virtually like a ceremony of passage. If you’d like the total “lobster within the tough” expertise, time your go to with low tide for essentially the most dramatic views.
Notice: The Nova Scotia Lobster Trail highlights eating places, retail and fisheries which have among the freshest lobster dishes and lobster-related experiences in Nova Scotia.
Cease 3: Afternoon espresso and gardens
On the way in which again to Wolfville, we stopped at Just Us! Coffee Roasters, Canada’s first honest commerce natural espresso roaster. Their Grand-Pré café served up a superb flat white — proof that Australia has educated my espresso palate for all times.
Subsequent, we wandered the quirky grounds of Tangled Garden, a labyrinth of overgrown herbs, sculptures, and flowers. It felt somewhat wild and unkempt, however that was a part of its allure.
The proprietor transforms her harvest into jewel-like jellies, vinegars, and even liqueurs, and the entire place smelled like a therapeutic apothecary. For those who’re quick on time, you may skip it, however backyard lovers will take pleasure in its eccentricity.
Cease 4: Wine and cider tastings
Again in Wolfville, it was time to dive deeper into what the area does finest: wine and cider.
- Domaine de Grand Pré Winery – The oldest farm vineyard in Atlantic Canada, run by the Swiss-born Stutz household for the reason that Nineteen Nineties. Their wine flights showcased the variety of Nova Scotia varietals, from crisp whites to daring reds, all in a convivial ambiance. Their on-site restaurant, Le Caveau, is world-renowned for high-quality eating if you wish to splurge on dinner.
- Annapolis Cider Company – Whereas we’re not normally cider drinkers, we couldn’t resist stopping by after studying they’d simply gained Canadian Cidermaker of the 12 months. Their tasting flight included a Geneva crab rosé, a standard Gravenstein, and a hopped pear — gentle, fruity, and surprisingly complicated. We sat on their out of doors patio watching downtown Wolfville hum with life. I appreciated the friendliness and cider ardour of the servers who shared the cider corporations’ tales and ciders with us.
By this level, Wolfville had absolutely labored its allure on us. The small city buzzed however by no means rushed, and each dialog we struck up with locals appeared to finish in laughter.
Cease 5: Dinner in Wolfville
Downtown Wolfville is a energetic place to be of a night so price consuming at one in every of their many eating places.
A neighborhood favourite is Church Brewing Company, set inside a restored stone Presbyterian church, which took me again to residing in London and visiting a couple of pubs in church buildings. The hovering structure, landscaped out of doors patio, and elevated pub meals made it a spotlight of the journey.
My maple soy-glazed salmon dragon bowl was each hearty and refined, whereas Craig declared his brisket sandwich the most effective he’d eaten in Nova Scotia. Bonus: they typically host reside music, making it a vibrant night spot when you can time it.
For those who’re after one thing extra intimate, locals raved about Juniper Food & Wine., a comfy, farm-to-table restaurant with a pared-down however beautiful menu. A tip given to us by the homeowners of Nature Folks Nordic Spa in Halifax – extra on that later.
And when you’re not fairly able to name it an evening, head to The Library Pub, a comfy tavern the place cabinets of ale exchange cabinets of books. We popped upstairs for reside music — they host bands on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays — and it felt just like the form of place the place conversations with strangers simply flip into friendships.
Day Two: Farmers’ Market and a Farewell Feast
Cease 1: Breakfast at Wolfville Farmers’ Market
On our closing morning, we headed to the Wolfville Farmers’ Market — and wow, what a group hub. Each Wednesday and Saturday morning from Waterfront Park, greater than 50 distributors collect right here with recent produce, meats, breads, cheeses, crafts, and ready-to-eat meals.
There was reside music and even a dance class throughout our go to, giving the entire house a joyful, communal vibe. For those who’re the sort who likes to style your approach by means of native specialties, don’t miss this market. You could possibly spend hours sampling jams, chatting with farmers, and filling a basket with picnic provides.
Cease 2: Downtown Stroll and Espresso
Earlier than leaving city, we wandered Wolfville’s boutique retailers. Market General Merchants provided artisan items, whereas Wild Lily was a trendy clothes boutique price a browse. Take note of the road artwork as you wander the principle streets of Wolfville and chances are you’ll come throughout some lovely plant coated buildings like this one …
For one final espresso repair, we popped into TAN Coffee, an area roaster dedicated to honest commerce and sustainability. Their flat white was spot-on.
Cease 3: Lunch at Luckett Vineyards
We had saved the most effective wineries for final: Luckett Vineyards. Perched on a hill overlooking the Gaspereau Valley, it’s one of the crucial picturesque spots within the area.
A purple phone field sits in the midst of the winery — sure, the basic British sales space — and you may even name anyplace in North America without spending a dime from it. Naturally, it’s develop into one of the crucial Instagrammed spots in Nova Scotia.
We sat on the coated patio for lunch, and it was one in every of our favourite meals of the journey. My taco al pastor with braised lamb, pineapple, and roasted poblano was excellent, paired with a crisp chardonnay. Craig went for a shrimp and lobster roll, which he declared his journey favourite.
The wines had been excellent, and we realized we’d really loved one in every of their reds earlier within the week with out figuring out it. Even higher, we had lunch with very long time journey running a blog pals, Dalene and Pete Heck (who helped set up this journey) and we lastly received to satisfy in actual life and be taught much more about why this area of Canada is so particular they selected to reside right here!
It was the proper word to finish on — bellies and hearts full, overlooking a valley that felt each rooted in historical past and brimming with chance.
Further Solutions
By 2:30 pm, it was time for us to go to the airport. However when you’re something like us, you’ll already be plotting your return. We had been meant to go to lunch at Lightfoot & Wolfville, as advisable by Dalene and Pete, but it surely was closed for a personal occasion. So, in case you are searching for one other vineyard to go to, this one’s additionally liked by locals!
If in case you have extra time in Wolfville, listed here are a couple of extras price contemplating:
- Wine Excursions: From the Magic Winery Bus (a hop-on-hop-off expertise by means of a number of vineyards) to chauffeured classic automobile excursions, there are a lot of methods to discover with out worrying about driving. We met individuals on the wineries on this tour having a good time.
- Grand-Pré National Historic Site: A transferring monument to Acadian historical past, telling the story of the 18th-century Deportation and celebrating the tradition that endures immediately. Visit this site to see totally different sights inside the Panorama of Grand Pre UNESCO web site.
- Extra Wineries: Lightfoot & Wolfville, Gaspereau Vineyards, and Blomidon Property Vineyard are all inside minutes of city.
- Devour! The Food Film Fest: In case your go to coincides with this worldwide occasion, don’t miss it. It’s the biggest competition of its form on the earth, celebrating meals and movie aspect by aspect.
- Real Scoop Ice Cream – In hotter months, the Actual Scoop is claimed to be the place to go to get award-winning scratch made ice cream
- Deep Roots Music Festival – Happening on the finish of September, this competition is the biggest annual celebration of tradition and heritage in Wolfville. It’s run by the City of Wolfville and Acadia College and is a charity occasion that includes reside music and community-focused occasions.
- Blomidon Look Off – A viewpoint in North Mountain with sweeping views of forests, Wolfville, and the Bay of Fundy within the distance.
Ultimate ideas
Wolfville is wealthy in historical past. Simply outdoors city lies Grand-Pré Nationwide Historic Website, a UNESCO World Heritage Website marking the Deportation of the Acadians within the 1700s, a tragic chapter that formed the tradition of this area.
Right now, Wolfville feels just like the epicenter of renewal, a spot the place vineyards flourish, creativity thrives, and food and drinks festivals draw guests from all over the world.
I’ll be trustworthy: earlier than this journey, Nova Scotia wasn’t on the prime of my journey record. I’d heard it was fairly, however I didn’t anticipate to fall so laborious. Wolfville, particularly, left us smitten. It was the proper finale to our street journey for its mix of wine, wellness, meals, historical past, and people intangible vibes that make you wish to linger.
From sipping Tidal Bay because the solar set over the vines, to plunging into icy spa swimming pools overlooking the Bay of Fundy, to chatting with pals in a sure wine type paying homage to dwelling, Wolfville provided us a style of life well-lived. And isn’t that what we’re all looking for once we journey?
For those who’re planning a Nova Scotia journey, make certain Wolfville is in your record. Keep two nights when you can — extra if doable. As a result of when you arrive, chances are you’ll discover, like we did, that two nights simply isn’t sufficient.
Learn extra from our Nova Scotia Highway Journey
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