Plan to spend some time learning about Nova Scotia’s history or just having fun with your friends and family on this special long weekend with these fun events and festivals happening during this long weekend: February 16 to 19, 2024.
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Things to Do this Winter in Nova Scotia
Valentine’s Day Romantic Getaways in Nova Scotia
Things to Do During Heritage Day Weekend in Metro Halifax
Winter Sportfishing Weekend
Anglers can take advantage of the annual winter sportfishing weekend Feb. 17 to Feb. 19, when residents and non-residents can fish in open winter sportfishing areas without a licence. The Nova Scotia Anglers’ Handbook is available online. Information on winter fishing regulations and open lakes are on pages 48-50.
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic – Halifax
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic celebrates Nova Scotia’s rich maritime heritage. Hear stories of events and people that have come to define Nova Scotia and its relationship with the sea. Celebrate Heritage Day with free admission on Monday, February 19th.
1675 Lower Water St, Halifax
Discovery Centre – Halifax
Head over to see Discovery Centre’s featured exhibit, ‘HOCKEY: Faster than Ever’, showcasing the origins and science of ice hockey! Visitors can test slap shot speed, discover ice’s slipperiness, see the Stanley Cup, and experience NHL gear in a locker room.
Wednesday – Sunday | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed on Heritage Day
Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street, Halifax, NS
$14.50 – $17.50 + HST
Museum of Natural History – Halifax
Explore Nova Scotia’s and the world’s history at the Museum of Natural History. See glittering gold, stunning Mi’kmaq artifacts, sea creatures, frogs, snakes and a whale skeleton. Interact with the Netukulimk exhibit and learn the sights and sounds of Nova Scotia’s forests or go to the Moon and Mars with our Science on a Sphere. Come visit Gus the Gopher Tortoise, who has been delighting Museum visitors for more than 70 years.
On view now is an incredible exhibition, Dinosaur Exploration. Visitors can view full-size skeletons, excavate dinosaur fossils, and marvel at the enduring wonder and might of this ancient era on Earth.
Daily | 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Open on Heritage Day
1747 Summer St, Halifax
$6 – $10
Sackville Snow Days – Lower Sackville
Snow Day Festival brings you a fun time in the snow. Enjoy colouring contests, various sports, movies, snowman contests, scavenger hunts, and more.
February 16–19, 2024
Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl – Peggy’s Cove
Enjoy lobster variations at over 20 restaurants, sip, savour, shop, stay, and explore lobster lore. Learn about the lobster industry and create nautical souvenirs while indulging in lobster dishes paired with drinks.
February 1 – 29, 2024
Various locations
Varies
Go Skiing at Ski Wentworth – Wentworth
Head to the largest ski area in the Maritimes this Heritage Day Weekend. Ski Wentworth is home to 25 alpine trails, 10km of cross country trails, a terrain park, and much more. Skiing and snowboarding lessons are available. If you need to warm up, there is a cafeteria and bar. On Heritage Day, they will be open from 9 am to 8 pm.
14595 NS-4, Wentworth
Day tickets: $40 – $54
Heritage Day at Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site – Louisbourg
Celebrate Heritage Day at Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site this February! Enjoy indoor and outdoor family activities like marshmallow roasting, sledding, and hands-on children’s activities.
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, 58 Wolfe Street, Louisbourg
February 18, 2024
Regular admission: $7 – $8.50
Getaway at White Point Beach Resort – White Point
Enjoy the long weekend by taking a short staycation at White Point Beach Resort. Their Family Beach Break is a great package that includes two night accommodation at the lovely hotel. Head to the nightly bonfires with marshmallows or s’mores, or head to our Founder’s Lounge for nightly live entertainment for big kids!
75 White Point Beach Resort Road, White Point
From $913 per family of 4 for 2 nights
Dine Around Nova Scotia – Halifax Metro
Every year, restaurants, pubs and bars across the province showcase an array of Nova Scotia products and creativity at an attractive price during Dine Around.
Halifax Metro
February 1 – 29, 2024
Menus will be priced at $10, $20, $30, $40, $50 or $60.
BOTTLED Truro Wine & Spirits Festival – Truro
Spend an evening sampling the best Nova Scotian wines, ciders, spirits and mead, all while enjoying delicious food and great entertainment.
Inn on Prince Hotel & Conference Centre Truro, 437 Prince Street, Truro
Saturday, February 17, 2024 | 6 pm – 10 pm
$0 – $67.84
Hit the Slopes at Ski Ben Eoin – Ben Eoin
Get ready to hit the ski and snowboarding slopes at Ski Ben Eoin, while taking in the stunning views of Cape Breton. Ski Ben Eoin has been open for over 50 years. There is something to do for all ages and skill levels at this popular ski resort.
5101 NS-4, Ben Eoin, NS
Varies in price depending on the package you want
Hike Around Miners Marsh – Kentville
In the heart of Kentville is Miners Marsh. The marsh is a Ducks Unlimited Site that is open year round. It is a great place to go for a winter hike and take breathtaking landscape photos. When the marsh is completely frozen over, local kids and adult go ‘Pond Skating’ or play ‘Pond Hockey’.
Miners Marsh, Kentville NS
Free
Family Winter Playcation – Cape Breton
Plan a family winter staycation at Inverary Resort in Baddeck with snowshoeing, outdoor skating, Cape Breton music session, and gourmet brunches.
Check out the hiking on local trails as well as the Cabot Trail scenic tour! Stroll along the village waterfront, enjoy the indoor pool, hot tubs and sauna, strap on your snowshoes and trek over groomed trails, rent some skis at the amazing Ski Cape Smokey and experience the gondola!
Inverary Resort, 368 Shore Road, Baddeck
Victoria Park – Truro
Located in the heart of Truro is an urban park that features a gorge, a winding river, cascading waterfalls, and an Eastern Hemlock forest. Enjoy hiking, photography, birdwatching, picnics, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, cycling, and more.
29 Park Road, Truro
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Go on a Guided Hike
Go for a Guided Hike with Nova Scotia HikeGet outdoors this Heritage Day weekend with a guided hike. Many Nova Scotia hikes are free and some will need pre-registration. Local folks and guides will take you through and around the amazing trails around Nova Scotia.
Various Locations
Free; Register
Ski Cape Smokey – Ingonish Beach
Spend the long weekend hitting the slopes at Ski Cape Smokey. At the top of the mountain are breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Ski Cape Smokey has an amazing metre vertical drop that skiers and snowboarders love.
38696 Cabot Trail, Ingonish Beach, NS
Various prices
Valentine Weekend’s Concert with Dylan Devoe – Cabot Shores
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Cabot Shores. Dylan Devoe, from the band Pirate Jenny, will perform at Cabot Shores on February 17, 2024, hosted by the Good Health Festival Society. Enjoy his energetic blend of blues, folk, and rock! You can choose to stay one or two nights and enjoy an all-inclusive Valentine’s Dinner and Concert Package. Begin your evening with a delectable two-course dinner at the Cabot Shores Bistro. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, seafood enthusiast, carnivore, or in between, their menu promises something to satisfy.
February 17, 2024 | 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
30 Buchanan Dr., Englishtown, NS
$15
Truro Winter Long John Festival – Truro
Embrace winter with over 25,000 sparkling lights at Civic Square. Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including ice festivals and skating, while participating in exciting contests. Dive into the festive atmosphere, win fantastic prizes, and celebrate the joy of winter with friends and family.
February 16 – 19, 2024
1840 Hammonds Plains Road, Hammonds Plains
Free and ticketed events
Ski Martock – Martock
Just minutes from Halifax, Ski Martock is a great option for a weekend getaway and something to keep the boredom away during a long weekend. There are 8 trails and two terrain parks that will challenge all levels of skiers and snowboarders. They also have a nice lounge where you can warm up after being on the slopes.
370 Ski Martock Rd
Varies due to packages
Visit Sugar Moon Farm
Sugar Moon Farms is one of Nova Scotia’s most popular maple sugar woods. Snowshoe the trails, try your hand at “sugar-on-snow”, enjoy a take-out meal, and more. Sign up for Sugar Camp Tour & Tasting to hear stories, learn about maple, taste the terroir of NS maple syrup and the iconic sugar-on-snow.
221 Alex MacDonald Rd, Tatamagouche
Call 1-866-816-2753 or 1-902-657-3348 for hours
Varies depending on the item ordered; Reserve in advance
Cape Split Provincial Park – Scots Bay
Overlooking the Bay of Fundy, Cape Split is a popular hiking site. If you are planning a hiking trip here, plan ahead to view the impressive action of the Bay of Fundy tide. You can also custom order a picnic basket from Tatting Stone Inn. You can choose from a traditional wicker basket or a backpack-style packet filled to order with an assortment of charcuterie style snacks, or a traditional gourmet sandwich with the fix-“in’s”!
999 Cape Split Road, Scots Bay
Regular admission
North Highlands Nordic Cross-Country Ski Facility – Cape North
Spend a relaxing day cross-country skiing around the North Highlands Nordic Cross-Country Ski Facility. There is over 10km of groomed trails that are groomed daily, weather permitting. If you are not a fan of cross-country skiing, you can snowshoe along the winter walking trails.
On Saturday, February 17, enjoy an intro to the NHN Trail System skiing on the yellow trail!
29481 Cabot Trail, Cape North, NS
DAILY RATES: Adult Trail Pass – $20.00, Student Trail Pass (Primary – Grade 12) – $10.00
Go Snowshoeing at the Amherst Point Bird Sanctuary – Amherst
Go snowshoeing or snowmobiling at the Amherst Point Bird Sanctuary. The trail around the bird sanctuary is wide and well-marked. The 3-mile loop will take you to plenty of water view areas. You should be sure to bring some bird feed with you because there are many places where you can stop and feed the local winter birds.
946 Southampton Rd, Amherst, NS
Free
Sheffield Mills Eagle Watch – Sheffield Mills
From December to February Sheffield Mills, outside of Canning, becomes a great sightseeing destination for those who enjoy eagles.
Eagle watching takes place on the corner of Middle Dyke and Bains Roads. Please drive slowly and be mindful of pedestrians.
Free
Go Skating at the Emera Oval – Halifax
Spend some time outdoors with the family during the long weekend at the Emera Oval. This is the largest outdoor, artificially refrigerated ice surface East of Quebec City equivalent to the size of three NHL hockey rinks.
5775 Cogswell St, Halifax
Ross Farm Museum – New Ross
Travel back in time and learn about Nova Scotia’s history at the Ross Farm Museum. The living heritage site has remained the same since the 1800’s. While you are there, you can go on a sleigh ride and meet the farm animals.
On February 17 and 18, jopin for Winter Frolic at the Museum. Explore the farm workshop, savor homemade ice cream, enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowshoeing, and sledding. Warm up with hot chocolate and engage in games.
Daily | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
4568 NS-12, New Ross, NS
Adult -$10.00, Senior (65+) – $8.00, Student (University/College with Student ID) $8.00, Child (6-17) – $4.00, Child (5 & under) Free, Family (max 2 adults) – $25.00