If you’re thinking about popping the big question, but you’re stuck on the best place to do it, never fear, Nova Scotia is here! In all seriousness, proposals are a big deal, and they deserve a special setting. You might choose a place with significant memories for both of you, a place that celebrates a common interest, or a brand new place that just feels right. Best of luck to those proposing, and hopefully this list will give you some inspiration!
Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens
Four hundred years of gardening have created the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens, and those efforts have been well worth it. The gardens overlook the Bay of Fundy (more on that later), and with seventeen acres to explore, you’re sure to find the perfect place to pop the question. From the Rose Collection with thousands of romantic blooms to the Innovative Garden that teaches you how to create a perfect urban garden, your green-thumbed themed proposal can take place wherever the beauty matches the beauty of your love. Plus there’s a café so you can have a snack before you start texting everyone about your engagement.
Where: 441 St. George Street, Annapolis Royal; 1-902-532-7018
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The Bay of Fundy
Now, the Bay of Fundy is incredibly large, and there are dozens of places you could propose all around it. From Brier Island to the lookoffs to the ocean floor at low tide, you might have a hard time deciding. But that’s what makes it special—you can have fun deciding how you want to represent your love by the Bay. And if you make it a couples’ outing, you might stumble on the perfect place by happenstance. Just keep an eye on the tide!
Blomidon Look-Off
This is a small park with a huge view. Blomidon is in the Fundy Shore region, so if you are trying to be sneaky about proposing you could always just say you want to go for a drive. If you have the patience, I suggest waiting for a clear day. You can see five counties spread out below you on such clear days, and so it’s like you’re laying the world at the feet of your beloved.
Where: 3374 Highway 358
Cape Forchu
Standing at a lighthouse at sunset is wonderfully romantic, and standing on the edge of the province, where when you look out to sea and there’s nothing between you and the Caribbean islands, makes it even more unique. Cape Forchu Lighthouse has a fascinating shape (kind of like a lollipop), it has a restaurant with fantastic food, and a short trail to the shore. If the ocean is important to both of you, and you love watching sunsets turn into stars, you should make a trip down to Yarmouth.
Where: Along route 304. Detailed directions on the website; 902-740-1680
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Cape Smokey
This location is worth waiting until summer 2021, when the Tree Walk is going to be finished, Cape Smokey has a tremendous view of the ocean already, and when there’s nothing between you, the sky, and the sea, you might just find that your nervousness is gone and all you can think about is the person standing by your side (or sitting, if you’re proposing in the car). One very important piece of advice—bring ginger Gravol because the road gets a bit windy.
Halifax Central Library
Alright listen very carefully: this might be a ridiculous place to propose if you’re not proposing to a bookworm, but as a bookworm myself, I would be super happy to be proposed to there. There’s lots of private nooks and the view from the 5th floor is gorgeous. Celebrating the next chapter of your love story surrounded by stories is very romantic. Also, the Dewey Decimal call number for weddings is 395. You’re welcome.
Where: 5440 Spring Garden Road; 902-490-5700
Crystal Crescent Beach
Proposing on the beach is a classic (just be CAREFUL WITH THE RING). And Crystal Crescent Beach is a good choice. In the first place, there are technically three beaches linked together, so you can find the least-populatedone if you want some privacy. Secondly, it’s close to Halifax, so if that’s where you live it might not seem suspicious to go for a drive (if you’re going for surprise). Finally, there’s a boardwalk that makes it safer, so if you’re worried about dropping the ring, you can stand there instead and still get the gorgeous scenery.
Where: 223 Sambro Creek Road, Sambro Creek
Dingle Tower
The Dingle Tower is in Sir Sandford Fleming Park, and my aunts can attest that it’s an effective and beautiful place to propose. You really have two options here; you can go into the Tower and climb all the way to the top. The view of the Northwest Arm is lovely, and depending on the time of year you might get to see some baby birds. But if one (or both) of you is afraid of heights, you can stand at the bottom of the tower and propose by the bronze lions, with the Arm as your backdrop.
Where: 260 Dingle Road, Halifax
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Frost Park
Parks have played host to proposals for generations (that’s why there are a few more on this list), and what better way to continue that tradition than by proposing at Frost Park, which is over 150 years old? This little park takes you into a quieter part of downtown Yarmouth, and there are gorgeous photo opportunities everywhere, including the 150 year old fountain (seasonally decorated with lights), the compass rose, or the tiny gazebo?
Where: Main Street, Yarmouth
Grand Pré
This is a great proposal place for very specific groups of people: either people with Acadian heritage, or people who adore Nova Scotian history in general. If you belong to one or both of those groups, the gorgeous grounds of Grand Pré celebrate the history, tragedy, and rebirth of the Acadian people. Sometimes making new memories on the grounds of a complicated history is the best way to honour those who lived and loved there before. Besides, the most famous Acadian story is Evangeline, a love story; may yours contain just as much love and much less separation.
Where: 2205 Grand Pré Road, Grand Pré; 902-542-3631
Gypsum Mine Trail
Is hiking your favourite thing to do as a couple? How about exploring places where nature has taken back the manmade? How about just really gorgeous places? You’ve answered yes to at least one of those, I’m sure, which is why Gypsum Mine Trail in Inverness County could be a great option for you. The trail is a former railroad track out to the mine, and the quarry at the end is now a very deep lake (good for swimming in the summer months). At nine kilometres in and out, it’s not the shortest walk, but that gives you plenty of time to enjoy the moment together and observe the peaceful nature all around you.
Where: Cabot Trail, Chéticamp
Halifax Waterfront
Halifax’s Waterfront stretches through time and space to create one of the most varied walks in the city. If you walk the whole way you’ll pass museums, modern buildings, dozens of food options, and so much more. Your options for a proposal spot are just as varied, and it really comes down to what speaks to your relationship. My only recommendation is that you avoid it during Canada Day and Buskers’ week, it gets really crowded then and hard to get a Beavertail.
Jost Vineyards
Going on a wine tasting and tour is a wonderful way to sample some local beverages, and Jost vineyards provides this and more. In the summer months you can walk and even bike through the vineyards, and then head to the café to enjoy local foods and wine. If food and drink is an important part of your relationship, and you like your Jost, this is a great place to celebrate that part of your relationship, and if all goes well, you can get a head start on deciding which wines to serve at your wedding!
Where: 48 Vintage Lane, North Shore; 902-257-2636 or 1-800-565-4567
Kejimkujik
This is definitely off the beaten path (in more ways than one), but if the outdoors and camping are special to you both, then Kejimkujik National Park is a great place to propose. There are lots of activities to do outside (everything from kayaking to biking to backcountry hiking), and the surrounding woods means that privacy will be relatively easy to come by, even on a busy day. If you want to do a nighttime proposal, this is also a great place for it, because the Dark Sky Preserve means that as long as the nights are clear, there will be hundreds of stars to light your proposal.
Where: 3005 Kejimkujik Main Parkway, Maitland Bridge; 902-682-2772
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Lunenburg
Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the most beautiful small town in Canada, and home to the Bluenose II. With all the history and beauty, it makes sense to add it to your own romantic history. There are tiny shops to explore, delightful restaurants, and lots of walking trails, so you can wander to find the perfect spot. Just don’t wander too long; they might get suspicious.
Melmerby Beach
Melmerby Beach is one of the best known beaches on the Northumberland Shore, which means you might want to come early or late in the day to get your desired level of privacy. The water is nice and warm and there are 2.5km of beach to enjoy on your proposal day. Pop the question and then enjoy the waves…just be careful with the ring!
Where: 6280-6380 Little Harbour Road, Melmerby Beach
Peggy’s Cove
Peggy’s Cove is a classic place for a proposal. It’s a beautiful fishing village, and the lighthouse is iconic for photographs all over. This is another family proposal location—my uncle proposed to my aunt here, and they’re still going strong! If the ocean is important to you, asking someone to spend the rest of their life with you by the sea is a powerful gesture.
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Point Pleasant Park
Am I suggesting Point Pleasant Park because it has a gazebo and I think gazebos are the perfect place to propose (thank you Sound of Music)? Maybe. But Point Pleasant Park has a lot to offer. There are secluded places, great views of the Harbour, wooded trails…Whatever your aesthetic might be, Point Pleasant Park can match it. Just make sure you bring a coat, it can get chilly by the water.
Where: 5718 Point Pleasant Drive, Harbour ; 902-490-4700
The Public Gardens
Home to wedding pictures galore (including my Mom and Dad’s, actually), the Public Gardens are picturesque and perfect for romantic events. It’s calm and peaceful, and the abundant flowers and water features provide a lovely backdrop. I would suggest taking a look around for any bridal parties before you pop the question, and stay away during Prom Week (last week of June usually). That way you have some control over the space and a sense of uniqueness…or you could just head to the gazebo!
Where: Corner of South Park Street and Spring Garden Road
The Silva
Proposing on the shore is romantic, but how about on a boat? The Tall Ship Silva has tours around the Halifax Harbour ranging from historic tours to beer tasting, and she’s a gorgeous ship. This is a proposal you need to plan in advance, and I’d recommend doing it during a less gory part of the history tour, but if you get it right you can literally sail into the sunset with your future spouse. And if you want to continue the ride, you can actually plan a wedding on the Silva!
Where: 1655 Lower Water Street, Halifax; 902-420-1015
Skyline Trail
Do you want to propose on top of the world? Then head for the Arctic—I’m just kidding. If you want the view from the top of the world, the Skyline Trail in the Cape Breton Highlands is a great place to go. The trail itself isn’t too difficult because you drive up most of the slope, but you can look down on the Highlands from this Highest Land. Like Smokey, there’s nothing between you and your love and the sky, which helps put everything in perspective.
Where: 19685 Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Highlands National Park; 902-224-2306
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Sugar Moon Farm
This one is a bit offbeat, but I think this could be a very sweet place to propose. This maple syrup farm has tours that take you through the process from tree to pancake topper, and you can have a pancake meal to go with it. You can also walk through the woods on your own, and the people there are very nice. Think your partner is the sweetest thing on earth, or they really love maple syrup? Sugar Moon might just be the key to a honeymoon.
Where: 221 Alex MacDonald Road, Earltown; 1-902-657-3348 or 1-816-2753
Sydney Waterfront
Is Sydney, Cape Breton your hometown, or at least close by? Then you don’t have to worry about the perfect place to propose, it’s already been built. Seriously though, the Sydney Waterfront is charming and provides a nice walking opportunity for visitors and locals alike. If you both love music, you should head for the world-record-breaking giant Fiddle. It’s a popular picture taking place, so if you’re doing a surprise proposal they won’t be suspicious of you stopping there to ‘take a picture’ (hint: the picture should include the ring).
Uisge Ban Falls
I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who didn’t appreciate waterfalls, so that makes the Uisge Ban Falls a pretty safe bet. The falls are gorgeous, and there’s a nice trail out to them through the trees. It gives you a quiet outing in the Baddeck woods, and a chance to build up to the proposal by talking about your relationship as you approach the falls. It also provides some pun opportunities—after all, you did fall in love with them, right?
Where: 715 North Branch Road, Baddeck Forks
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White Point Beach Resort
If you’re already raising kids together, why not make your proposal a family vacation? White Point has dozens of activities year-round for people of all ages, and its family-oriented design allows everyone to have fun. Propose when you’re all together as a family, or when you’re having some adult time, or even as you’re walking on the beach together while the kids build sandcastles. Your kids will be involved in your future, so why not make them part of the present proposal too?
Where: 75 White Point Beach Resort Road, White Point; 902-354-2711 or 1-800-565-5068