Halifax 
Photo Credit: Cape Breton Tourism
Have some fun in the snow with your family and friends this winter in beautiful Nova Scotia. If you are planning to explore Nova Scotia this winter, listed below there are 50+ great things for you to do.
You may like: 25 Things to Do in Winter in Cape Breton Island
20 Outdoor Winter Adventures in Nova Scotia for Your Bucket List
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I. WINTER ADVENTURES & OUTDOOR FUN IN NOVA SCOTIA
Credit: Ski Martock
Ski Martock
Ski Martock is just minutes from HRM, the Shore, and Annapolis Valley, which makes it a very popular option for skiing and snowboarding. There is a beginner and kids area, so it is a great place to learn a fun, new skill. There are also harder areas that are designed for skilled skiers and snowboarders.
370 Ski Martock Road, Windsor
Ski Wentworth
14595 Route #4, Wentworth Valley
Ski Cape Smokey
Spend the weekend with your friends on the slopes at Ski Cape Smokey for Ski By The Sea. When you are at the top of the mountain, you will have a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean. Cape Smokey has a fantastic 305 metre vertical drop that skilled skiers and snowboarders absolutely love.
38696 Cabot Trail, Ingonish Beach
Ski Ben Eoin
Ski and snowboard down the hills in the picturesque Cape Breton Island at Ski Ben Eoin. The slopes have been open for over 50 years and have a community feel. There is a terrain park that has rails, jumps, and boxes that you can practice your skills on.
5101 NS-4, Ben Eoin
Visit Ross Farm Museum
Gather the family and travel back in time at the Ross Farm Museum, which is a living heritage site with much of the farm remaining the same since the 1800s. You can go on a winter sleigh ride, explore the farm, and meet the friendly farm animals.
Adult $10.00, Family (max. 2 adults) $25.00
Senior (65+) $8.00, Students (with Student Card) $8.00,
Child (6-17 years) $4.00, 5 & Under Free
Go Skating at the Emera Oval
Credit: Discover Halifax
Spend the day outside with the family and bring your skates to the Emera Oval. In the winter, it is an ice skating rink. Even if it is a warm winter day, the rink will still be open because it is artificially refrigerated.
North Park Street, Halifax North Common, Halifax
Sleigh Ride at Hatfield Farm Cowboy Adventures
Have some fun in the snow at Hatfield Farm Cowboy Adventures. From December 30, 2018, to March 31, 2019, on Sundays at 2 pm you can enjoy sleigh rides through the snow. After the sleigh ride, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate to warm up.
1840 Hammonds Plains Road, Hammonds Plains
10 Winter Getaways in Nova Scotia
Visit Peggy’s Cove
Peggy’s Cove is one of Nova Scotia’s most popular attractions and its lighthouse is iconic. While most people visit Peggy’s Cove in the summer, visiting in the winter is a great idea because the snow changes how the town and lighthouse look.
Learn Blacksmithing at FireHouse Ironworks
Blacksmithing is a unique skill with a long history from across the world. FireHouse Ironworks has opened its workshop doors to allow people to learn how to blacksmith and make their own metal items. There are two and four day courses. They also have a shop if you want to buy amazing hand-crafted iron items.
109 Main St, Whycocomagh
Go Skating at the BMO Centre
On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, there are free public skates taking place at the BMO Centre in Bedford. So, you can spend a fun family day with the kids skating and after the public skate is over, you can enjoy a hot beverage and a delicious snack at the on-site concession stand.
61 Gary Martin Dr., Bedford
Walk the Halifax Waterfront
Grab a hot drink from one of the many cafes around the Halifax Waterfront, and take a walk along the Halifax Waterfront. You can explore the shops, cafes, and other businesses, or just take a relaxing walk along the water with the family.
Go Snowshoeing at the Amherst Point Bird Sanctuary
The Amherst Point Bird Sanctuary is a wonderful place to go snowshoeing with the family. The trail is a wide and well-marked 3-mile loop that has plenty of beautiful water views, which make for gorgeous picture settings. There are many places where you can stop and feed the birds, chipmunks, and squirrels if you bring bird feed and peanuts with you.
Southampton Road, Amherst
Hike Miners Marsh
In the heart of Kentville is a Ducks Unlimited Site called Miner’s Marsh. The marsh is open year-round, and the winter creates breathtaking landscapes along the easy to walk trails.
Kentville
North Highlands Nordic Cross-Country Ski Facility
Gather your friends together and head to Cape North for a relaxing day of cross-country skiing at the North Highlands Nordic Cross-Country Ski Facility. They have over 10 km (6 mi) of groomed trails, which are groomed daily (weather permitting), that can be used for classic and skate technique. If skiing isn’t your thing, you can snowshoe on the winter walking trails.
29325 Cabot Trail, Cape North, Cabot Trail
Stargaze at the Burke-Gaffney Observatory at SMU
Enjoy a relaxing evening with your family just stargazing. One day each month at 7pm, the SMU observatory offers ‘free’ shows of the constellations that are visible all the way across Nova Scotia. These special evenings are a great way of seeing and learning more about the stars with your family.
5865 Gorsebrook Ave, Halifax
Go Tobogganing at The Pit
The Pit is well-known as one of the best tobogganing hills in Halifax. The slopes are located at the Marv Sullivan Park in Halifax’s North End. The handy path that goes back to the top makes it easy for tobogganers to get more rides throughout the day. It is recommended that all tobogganer should wear a helmet because the slopes are so steep.
Visit Sugar Moon
At the end of winter and the start of spring, it is time to start tapping maple trees to make a sweet treat, Maple Syrup. Sugar Moon Farms is a popular maple sugar woods. You can take a tour of the woods or enjoy a meal inspired by maple at the restaurant.
Cape Breton Highlights National Park
Cape Breton Highlands National Park is open year-round and you can explore the Highlands while they are covered in a blanket of sparkling snow. There are six campgrounds that you can stay overnight at, or you can just take a day hike through them.
Cape Split
Cape Split’s trail is a 6km one way trail that takes around four to five hours in the summer, so expect it to take longer in the winter. It does reward you with gorgeous panoramic views of the stunning cliffs and open ocean. Details
999 Cape Split Road, Scots Bay
Shubie Park
Dartmouth’s hidden gem, Shubie Park is home to well-groomed trails that follow the Shubenacadie Canal and connect Dartmouth Crossing and Mic Mac Mall. Bring some birdseed and small birds may come to eat them from your hands. Details
54 Locks Rd, Dartmouth
Victoria Park
This picturesque forest draw cross-country skiers and snowshoeing enthusiasts to Victoria Park. Almost 20km of cross-country ski trails are regularly groomed. Equipment can be signed out at the Douglas Street Recreation Centre. Details
29 Park Road, Truro
Keppoch Mountain
A former Alpine ski hill, Keppoch Mountain has been transformed into a four season outdoor recreation facility with over 10km cross-country ski trails. They have also expanded to have a 2km groomed cross-country ski loop. Details
193 Keppoch Road, Keppoch Mountain
MacLellans Mountain Sleigh Rides
Once there is enough snow on the ground, sleigh rides begin at MacLellans Mountain. After the sleigh ride, head inside to warm up next to the wood stove.
Details
257 Skyview Lane, MacLellans Mountain
Hamilton Sleigh & Wagon Rides
Hamilton Sleigh & Wagon Rides has been offering sleigh rides almost 30 years in Lower Onslow, which is just minutes from Truro. Make sure to book early since they are a popular sleigh ride company.
Details
12589 Highway #2, Lower Onslow
Sugar Bushes and Maple Tree Farms
Maple syrup is truly a Canadian product and early spring is the only time that you can see it being made and experience the exquisite taste of taffy on snow. Nova Scotia is home to many sugar bushes, so you are never too far from the liquid gold experience!
Plan a Romantic Winter Getaway
February is the month for romance. Plan a getaway!
Romantic Getaways in Nova Scotia
Taste Halifax Food and Beer Tours
Take one of four different driven tours around Halifax and visit local food trucks, trendy restaurants, breweries/cideries, wine bars and more. Enjoy scrumptious food, craft beer, Nova Scotia wine and locally made spirits during the stops at Halifax’s culinary hot spots.
Details
depends on the tour you take
Citadel Hill, Barrington Street, Halifax
from $49 to $149
Yarmouth Foodie Walking Tour
Experience a memorable food tour of Yarmouth that features delicious seafood, wine, local beer and delectable sweets. Carole, the guide, will also take you on a personalized tasting tour of the Farmer’s Market where you will meet the local farmers.
Details
Wednesdays and Saturdays from 11 am – 2 pm
417 Main St., Yarmouth
$55
The Bite House
The Bite House is a 12 seat restaurant located in a 100 year old farmhouse in Baddeck, on Cape Breton Island. It has a set 9-course menu of smaller bites and larger dishes that changes monthly. The dishes are prepared with the best local ingredients possible. The restaurant has a small selection of spirits, beer, cider, juices and wine that most diners enjoy.
Details
Thursday – Saturday from 6 pm to 9 pm
1471 Westside Baddeck Rd, Baddeck
$80 per person
Edna
Edna is a popular, hip, shabby chic restaurant that is located in the North End of Halifax. The seasonal menu highlights the very best local produce and seafood with thoughtful dishes that will delight even the most discerning ‘Foodie’. Just keep in mind that Edna only seats 60 people and doesn’t take reservations, so arrive early or wait a long time for a table.
Details
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday from 5 pm – 10 pm, and Friday & Saturday from 5 pm – 11 pm, Closed on Mondays
2053 Gottingen St, Halifax
Grand Banker
The Grand Banker Bar & Grill is located on the historic Lunenburg Waterfront. They have a menu that is dedicated to using products from local farmers and fishermen. Patrons can enjoy a large selection of local wines and craft brews that the popular restaurant has on tap.
Details
Sunday – Thursday from 11 am to 11 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am – 12am
82 Montague St, Lunenburg
II. WINTER FESTIVALS & EVENTS IN NOVA SCOTIA
Sheffield Mills Eagle Watch
Along with the population of eagles, the watch now features other events such as pancake breakfasts, musical entertainment, crafts for children, and local art. Details
Festival: January 25th & 26th and February 1st & 2nd, 2020.
Watch: From eagles are fed daily from January.
Festival: Sheffield Mills Community Hall
98 Black Hole Road, Sheffield Mills
Eagle watching takes place on the corner of Middle Dyke and Bains Roads. Please drive slowly and be mindful of pedestrians.
Halifax Celtic Festival
Celebrate and learn about Celtic culture over a weekend at the 7th Annual Halifax Celtic Festival with free events at the Halifax Forum. Some of the free events are a Youth Ensemble Concert, a Celtic Family Day and a Celtic Kitchen Party.
Details
January 29 to February 2, 2020
Halifax Forum Multipurpose Centre, 2901 Windsor Street
Dine Around
Explore Halifax’s growing culinary scene as dozens of restaurants throughout offering prix-fixe menus for February. Taste your way around Halifax without breaking the bank.
Details
February 1 to 29, 2020
Halifax
Groundhog Day
Will there be six more weeks of winter, or will spring coming early this year? Will the groundhogs across Nova Scotia agree or will they disagree on the coming of spring?
Visit Shubenacadie Sam at Shubenacadie Provincial Wild Park or TR Tunnel at Two Rivers Wildlife Park, and see whether you have to endure Nova Scotia winter for 6 more weeks!
Details
February 2, 2020
Shubenacadie Provincial Wild Park, Shubenacadie & Two Rivers Wildlife Park, Mira
Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl Festival
The Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl is the most delicious annual event held on the South Shore of Nova Scotia. Gather your family and friends together, so you can sip, shop, savour, stay and enjoy devouring your way through more than 150 amazing lobster experiences together at the Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl. There are unique overnight getaways and family-friendly events taking place each day of the festival.
February 1 to 29, 2020
Various, South Shore.
Valentine’s Chef Nights at Sugar Moon Farms
Chef Craig Flinn is cooking up a maple-inspired dinner with NS wines for Valentines Chef Nights. The dinner will have live jazz and the lovely forests around Sugar Moon Farms to create the mood.
February 6 & 7, 2020
221 Alex MacDonald Road, Earltown
Imbibe: A Cocktail Event
Imbibe has brought together Nova Scotia’s best mixologists for just one night. Sample over 30 cocktails and learn how to make them yourself. There will be special snack pairings that event participants can enjoy with the special drinks.
Details
February 6th, 2020
Lord Nelson Hotel, 1515 South Park Street, Halifax
Downtown Dartmouth Ice Festival
Get outside and celebrate the winter at the annual Downtown Dartmouth Ice Festival. This year, the festival has expanded to three days. Free events including live ice sculpting, live music, hot chocolate and much more.
Details
February 7 to 9, 2020
Dartmouth
Pictou Winter Carnival
Details
February 7 to 9, 2020
Pictou
Craft Beer Cottage Party
If you are missing the long days of summer, you will love the Craft Beer Cottage Party. Sample craft beers while overlooking the Halifax Harbour. There will be picnic tables set up and beer-friendly food available.
Details
February 8, 2020
Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market, 1209 Marginal Road, Halifax
Nova Scotia Icewine Festival
Hosted in the heart of the Annapolis Valley at the Lightfoot & Wolfville Winery, the Nova Scotia Icewine Festival features wines from across Nova Scotia. There will be great local foods created by amazing local chefs for you and your friends to enjoy with the specialty Icewines.
February 14 to 23, 2020
Lightfoot & Wolfville Winery, Wolfville
BOTTLED Truro Wine & Spirits Festival
One of the most exciting Valentine’s Day events for both couples and singles is BOTTLED Truro Wine & Spirits Festival. Spend the evening sampling the best Nova Scotian wines, ciders, spirits and food.
Details
February 15, 2020
Holiday Inn Truro, 437 Prince Street, Truro
$5 to $39
Sackville Snow Days Festival
Sackville Snow Days Festival is back for its 6th year. Over the four days, events will be held around Sackville and include skating, crafts, sledding and the Sackville Snow Day Parade. Create an amazing snowman to see if you can win the snowman photo contest.
Details
February 14 to 17, 2020
Lower Sackville
Truro Winter Long John Festival
Grab your long johns and head to Truro for a weekend packed with winter fun.
Details
February 14 to 17, 2020
Truro
Nourish: A Restorative Winter Experience
Nourish yourself over a long holiday weekend with a restorative winter experience. Take in the peaceful elements of the outdoors on guided snowshoeing tours, and star gazing from the hot tub, or relax inside in front of the fire, or play games in the game room.
Details
February 15 to 17, 2020
Cabot Shores, 30 Buchanan Drive RR#1, Englishtown
$440 to $670
Bridgewater’s Craft Beer Festival
Celebrate the amazing craft beers of Nova Scotia at the Lobster Crawl Craft Beer Festival. There will be over 20 craft breweries/cideries, a food truck or two, games and activities and live music!
Saturday, February 15, 2020
Bridgewater Best Western & Convention Centre, 527 Highway 10, Bridgewater
$25 to $55
Savour Food & Wine Festival
Returning for its 17th year, the Savour Food & Wine Festival showcase over 70 of Nova Scotia’s finest restaurants, wineries, and beverages. Let your taste buds runs wild as you sample the most delectable food, legendary cocktails and fine wines.
Details
February 20, 2020
1650 Argyle Street, Halifax
NSLC Festival of Whisky
Discover the wonderful world of whisky at the 9th annual NSLC Festival of Whisky. This popular festival is made up of three days of whisky themed events and sampling. Visit the festival store to take home your favourites.
Details
February 26 to 29, 2020
Halifax
Rare and Fine Wine
Details
February 28, 2020
Casino Nova Scotia, 1983 Upper Water Street, Halifax
Rendez-vous de la Francophonie
The month of March is packed with events that are a part of the 22nd annual Rendez-vous de la Francophonie. A full list of events will be released on a date that is closer to the event.
March 1 – 31, 2020
Sackville Sandwich Week
Celebrate winter with great sandwiches. Participating Sackville restaurants will be offering exclusive sandwiches during this special week. Visit, try and enter to win exciting prizes!
Details
March 7 to 14, 2020
Sackville
La Mi-Careme
Celebrate mid-Lent the Acadian way. Disguise yourself or guess who is in the costume as a watcher. All week long, unique workshops showcase Acadian traditions, food and culture.
Details
March 15 to 21, 2020
51 Old Cabot Trail, Grand Etang
Nova Scotia Craft Beer Festival
March is Nova Scotia Craft Beer Festival, and there is not better way to celebrate then going to the Nova Scotia Craft Festival. All the beers are 100% Nova Scotian and come from local breweries.
Details
March 21, 2020
Cunard Centre, 951 Marginal Road, Halifax
$35 to $60
