Halifax 
Photo Credit: Fox Harb’r Resort
The Northumberland Shore mixes industrial Nova Scotia’s past and present with more warm-water beaches than any other part of Atlantic Canada. Beachgoers love the Northumberland Shore because of its relatively warm waters, but swimming is just one of the many activities you can enjoy in this part of the province.
This special area becomes much more memorable if you spend time exploring some gently rolling farmland and vineyards, fabulous golf courses, unique Nova Scotia festivals, along with concerts and performances in a variety of media and genres to all year round. You also can’t forget to indulge in the sumptuous local fare such as Nova Scotia lobster, local wine and spirits, maple syrup and blueberries while you are visiting this beautiful shore.
1. Jost Vineyards – Malagash Centre
Take a tour of Jost Vineyards, the pioneers of modern Nova Scotia winemaking who are best-known for their frizzante-style wine. Visitors to this Malagash Peninsula landmark also get to enjoy the beautiful sparkling shore views. So, relax and sip a glass of wine at the tasting bar while experiencing first-hand how the cool ocean water and fresh breezes of the Northumberland Shore play an important role in the production of their wines. Jost Vineyards
2. Tatamagouche Heritage Centre at Creamery Square – Tatamagouche
Creamery Square is an historic waterfront development site in Tatamagouche, located along the Northumberland Shore’s scenic Sunrise Trail. It offers visitors a unique combination of exciting and interactive activities at the Sunrise Trail Museum, Brule Fossils, Anna Swan Museum, and North Shore Archives. The Creamery Square market is a mix of indoor and outdoor vendors that is located in a beautiful area overlooking the Waugh River. Tatamagouche Heritage Centre at Creamery Square
3. Fox Harb’r Resort & Spa – Wallace
Stay and play golf at one of only five 5-star resorts in Canada. This gorgeous resort offers classic elegance with a variety of activities including the award-winning Fox Harb’r championship golf course and par 3 course. It also has a luxury spa and wellness centre, a tennis centre, a sporting lodge featuring skeet shooting and sporting clay, along with a private 4885 foot airstrip and deep sea marina that guests can use. You can enjoy exquisite meals in either The Five-Star Great Room dining room or The Willard restaurant during your stay. Fox Harb’r Resort & Spa
4. Go ‘Rock hounding’ at Arisaig Provincial Park – Arisaig
5. Drink some Hippie Dippie Pale Ale at the Tatamagouche Brewing Company – Tatamagouche
This Microbrewery is a family-owned and operated business that is located in an old, converted butcher shop where they make small batches of tasty, organic, handcrafted beer. So, stop in with your sweetheart and enjoy a flight of specialty brewed beers, such as Hippie Dippie Pale Ale and RR#2, along with some tasty corn nuts. They also have a great line of clothing and other merchandise that you can purchase. Tatamagouche Brewing Company
6. Go kayaking at Cape John with Coastal Spirit Expeditions – Cape John
Have a spirited adventure holiday, with certified guides, sea kayaking the beautiful shores of the Northumberland Strait and the tranquil waters of the Cape John estuary. The river winds through a wildlife sanctuary where you can see great blue herons, eagles, and cormorants. If you are lucky, you may just get to see a seal while you are kayaking. Ph: 902-351-2283 Coastal Spirit Expeditions
7. Seafoam Lavender Company – Seafoam
You can walk in the fields of lavender and have a free self-guided tour of the fields, where there are signs describing the types of lavender and how they are harvested and used. This small, family-owned and operated agricultural business, is dedicated to producing superior quality, direct-from-the-farm lavender products. All of their products are all-natural, made entirely with plant-, mineral-, or apiary-derived ingredients with no synthetic ingredients of any kind. Seafoam Lavender Company
8. Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre – Antigonish
It is well-known as one of the finest professional theatres in Nova Scotia because it brings together many of the best artists from across Nova Scotia and beyond. Every year, these talented artists create an award-winning Main Stage series, a Family Stage show, and other innovative artistic presentations. The festival is housed in the intimate Bauer Theatre on the campus of St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish. Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre
9. Pomquet Beach Provincial Park – Pomquet
Spend a relaxing day on this 3-km (2-mi) supervised beach that has the best example of dune succession in Nova Scotia, with a gentle slope and occasional sand bars. The park has other features like a change house, flush toilets, boardwalks, and an interpretive display. The Chez Deslauriers Acadian tea room, is located near the park, so you can get refreshments and snacks when you get hungry. Pomquet Beach Provincial Park
10. Cape George Heritage Trails and Lighthouse – Cape George
11. Bay Enterprises – Malagash
Visit the Purdy family at their 200-acre sustainable oyster farm and have an excellent “oyster experience”, where you will be told about all aspects of bottom culture of oysters with any questions answered about oyster farming and its history. The experience also includes oyster samples and a shucking demonstration. You can also have a “dig your own quahogs” experience, where you harvest quahogs from an area in safe approved water and pay for what you dig. There’s also a picnic area and fire pit on site. Bay Enterprises
12. Glasgow Square Theatre – New Glasgow
Glasgow Square presents a wide variety of the performing arts – dance, music, live theatre, comedy and more. They put a strong emphasis on regional and local performers as well as other touring acts. The theatre has a side wall that can rock back to make the intimate theatre into the stage for the big open-air theatre. Glasgow Square Theatre
13. deCoste Performing Arts Centre – Pictou
This building is best-known as Northeastern Nova Scotia’s centre for the performing arts. Many shows, plays, and informal ceilidhs, including local and international artists perform at this beautiful, acoustically superior theatre. It also has a bar along with a nice large outdoor patio that is a great spot to have a drink with your partner and enjoy the harbour view before the show. deCoste Performing Arts Centre
14. Crombie House – New Glasgow
If you are a lover of Canadian Art, you should take a tour of Crombie House. This fantastic home was once owned by Frank Sobey and his wife Irene, who filled it with art including several of Emily Carr’s paintings and the largest private collection of the famed Group of Seven artists. Refreshments are usually served afterward along with some treats from Sobeys. Crombie House
15. Funtopia Indoor Playground – Stellarton
Spend a day with the kids at this indoor playground for kids up to 12 years old. They also have an infant play area as well for kids who are too small to climb the structure. There are lots of drinks and snacks on hand for kids. They also have a few kinds of specialty coffee and mini cheesecakes available for the adults, along with free WiFi. Funtopia Indoor Playground
16. Riverside International Speedway – James River
Take a trip to the Riverside International Speedway located near the beautiful James River, just 10 minutes from the Town of Antigonish. The whole family will enjoy watching a NASCAR Pinty’s Series Race at the only stock car racing facility in Canada east of Quebec. Before the race, buy snacks and merchandise from the concession stands. Riverside International Speedway
17. Uncle Leo’s Brewery – Lyons Brook
If you a craft beer connoisseur, take a trip to Uncle Leo’s Brewery for a tour of the brewery and flavourful, bold and refreshing brew to sip on. This award-winning brewery produces fine ale in the traditional style of craft breweries, with their beers made from various malts, hops, yeast and fresh well water with no added fillers or preservatives. After the tour, fill up a “growler” with pure, on-site, brewed pleasure and buy the local sausage that’s made with their beer. Uncle Leo’s Brewery
18. Lismore Sheep Farm – River John
Enjoy a day with the family learning about how wool and yarn are made. You can visit the sheep and other animals in the barn. The barn also has an interpretive display that will interest people of all ages. They also make wooden knitting needles on the farm that are sold in many prominent yarn stores across North America & Europe. There is also a farmers market on Sunday mornings where you can see products from other crafters in the area. Lismore Sheep Farm
19. Hector Heritage Quay – Pictou
Visit a living-history heritage attraction with the family. The Interpretation Centre tells the story of 18th-century Scottish migration to the New World and the Ship Hector’s important role in making Pictou the “Birthplace of New Scotland”. There is a full-size replica of Ship Hector dockside that you can take a guided tour of. They also have a rigging and carving shop, carpentry shop, and blacksmith forge that you can visit, and you never know when a bagpiper will play a song. Hector Heritage Quay
20. Old Barn Gallery & Gardens – Pomquet
Located in the French Acadian village of Pomquet, the owners opened the gallery in a former horse stable on a piece of 300-acre land. This impressive structure with its massive beams is now the setting for sculptures, paintings, antiques, folk art, fabric art, vintage quilts and hooked rugs, and much more. The farm is a visual delight for garden and nature lovers. Outside the old barn doors is a wonderful courtyard garden where you can sit with a cup of tea and pat the friendly barn cats. Old Barn Gallery & Gardens
21. Steinhart Distillery – Arisaig
If you are a gin or vodka aficionado this distillery is a ‘must’ visit. Take a tour and then visit the beautiful tasting room that it has a fantastic view of the Northumberland Strait and the Arisaig wharf. Try a sample board of their spirits such as Blueberry Gin and Maple Vodka. This distillery has unique bottle shapes and labels, some of which peel off to reveal beautiful artwork from Nova Scotian artists. Steinhart Distillery –
22. Train Station Inn – Tatamagouche
The Train Station Inn has lots to offer for a day of fun. The dining car at the Train Station Inn in Tatamagouche offers a unique dining experience. Carefully restored, the dining car offers the charm and nostalgia of years gone by. After dinner, you can relax in the Vice Royal lounge car or tour the restored Train Station, railway museum, café, and gift shop. Train Station Inn
23. Mountain Bike at Keppoch Mountain – Antigonish
Keppoch Mountain is a former alpine ski hill that has been revamped by a non-profit organization as a four-season outdoor activities facility that has a clubhouse that offers bathrooms, a warm seating area, staff offices, a canteen, tool storage, outside decks, and a picnic area. The Keppoch Mountain has 15 km network of mountain bike trails for all bikers of all levels. There are six downhill cycling trails that vary from 1 – 1.5 km in length all originating from the summit and intersecting at the base of the mountain. A mountain bike shuttle service is offered which transports both rider and their bike to the top of the mountain. Keppoch Mountain
24. Visit the McCulloch Genealogy Centre – Pictou
The McCulloch Genealogy Centre features local historical and craft exhibits, and the interpretive panels in the home tell the story of Rev. Thomas McCulloch and his efforts to establish the Pictou Academy. The Centre is a treasure trove if you are interested in researching your Scottish history because it has family and community histories, including church, cemetery, census and shipping records, and newspapers available for you to search through. McCulloch Genealogy Centre
25. Spend a day or evening skiing at Ski Wentworth – Wentworth
Ski the slopes at Ski Wentworth, the Maritime’s largest ski area that is 238 vertical metres high, which is 815 vertical feet. It has 25 gorgeous alpine trails, 10 km of cross-country trails, a terrain park, aerials and moguls sites, snowshoeing, and a variety of trails that will challenge you. They have 3 different lifts which include a quad chair, a T-bar and their New Magic Carpet conveyor. There is also a ski shop, a repair shop, ski and snowboard rentals and lessons, along with a cafeteria and bar for you to enjoy.
26. Nova Scotia Museum of Industry – Stellarton
Atlantic Canada’s largest museum, the Nova Scotia Museum of Industry tells the story of work and workers. Here you will find early 19th century steam engines, vintage autos and interactive displays, a beautiful pressed glass collection, and coal mining equipment. The kids will love the play area on the wooden train and a few other areas such as the chocolate factory production line, the small-sized construction machines, and the water demos. Nova Scotia Museum of Industry
27. Sutherland Steam Mill Museum – Tatamagouche
If you love all things mechanical and innovative, this is the place for you. You can take the family to visit the Sutherland Steam Mill that operated from 1894 through to 1958 and get a taste of the past. The Sutherland Steam Mill is a ‘hands-on’ museum and very little of what you will see is behind glass. The kids can discover pulleys and how they work with hands-on exhibits just for them. Sutherland Steam Mill Museum
28. Enjoy a cup of coffee at Ceilidh Coffee Roasters – East Earltown
29. The Northumberland Fisheries Museum – Pictou
The Northumberland Fisheries Museum in Pictou pays tribute to the fisheries industry of the Northumberland Shore region by preserving the rich sea heritage and culture of the Northumberland Strait. The main museum, which contains artifacts depicting the heritage and culture of the fishing industry and boat building. A gift shop is also on this site. The Lighthouse Museum and Research Centre, is a replica 1905 lighthouse that showcases artifacts, photographs and research material. The Northumberland Fisheries Museum
30. Sugar Moon Farm – Earltown
Visit this maple syrup farm that has a beautiful log restaurant. A Locally inspired maple brunch is offered all day, featuring an all-you-can-eat whole-grain buttermilk pancakes, maple baked beans, smoked sausages, and more. Take a free tour and taste the amazing sweet treats in their working sugar camp, shop for maple products or hike the beautiful Cape to Cape Wilderness Hiking Trails. They also have a “Chef’s Night,” which is a gourmet dining experience that features guest chefs, live music and wine tastings. Sugar Moon Farm
31. Thinkers Lodge National Historic Site – Pugwash
The Thinkers Lodge, originally named “Pineo Lodge” was purchased by Cyrus Eaton, a Pugwash native, in 1929. It is best known as the site where the Pugwash Conferences of Science and World Affairs took place in 1957. Visionary industrialist Cyrus Eaton hosted 22 scientists from both sides of the Iron Curtain to discuss the threat of nuclear weapons. This conference and its spiritual leader, Joseph Rotblat, were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1995. You can see Rotblat’s Nobel Medal on display, as well as the Lenin Peace Prize won by Cyrus Eaton in 1960 in this Heritage home. Thinkers Lodge National Historic Site
32. GROHMANN KNIVES FACTORY – Pictou
At Grohmann Knives, making knives is as much an art as it is a trade. Take a free 20-minute tour of this Knife factory and learn about their award-winning knives. Their top-quality knives are produced with as many as 53 steps between the starting point and the finished product. There is also a factory outlet store on site where you can purchase lobster tools, giftware, souvenirs, and discount items. GROHMANN KNIVES FACTORY
33. Wallace Area Museum – Wallace
Visit the beautiful village of Wallace that has a diverse cultural heritage, where the Acadian dykes and remnants of Mi’kmaq habitation are visible reminders of its first Native and European settlers. The museum displays much of Wallace’s history such as maps, stories, boats, war medals, and so much more. You can also stroll through the approximately four kilometres of trails that are open to visitors. Wallace Area Museum
34. The New Glasgow Farmers Market – New Glasgow
Spend a day at the market with the family and experience real Nova Scotia hospitality. The New Glasgow Farmers’ Market provides a venue for home-grown, local produce and meats, baked goods and a wide variety of high-quality local art & crafts. It’s a must-see destination for visitors who want to experience a social gathering place where you can listen to great music, eat great food, and meet friends & neighbours. The New Glasgow Farmers Market
35. Northumberland Links – Pugwash
If you and your partner are avid golfers then this is a ‘must’ play course for you. This gorgeous course has everything any golfer could want – challenging but fair layouts, a good variety of groomed consistent greens, an incredible view, and a friendly staff. The clubhouse, with its breathtaking views of the Northumberland Strait, has a professionally stocked pro shop along with a full-service restaurant and lounge. Northumberland Links
36. Caldera Distilling Inc . – River John
Visit Caldera for a taste of their handcrafted blended whisky that is a traditional drink made from the area’s homegrown and regional grains. They use traditional still makers, so they have customized their still design to give them the right reflux for their recipe. While you are there make sure to ask about the story behind their barn and the real reason they call their current product the ‘Hurricane 5’. Caldera Distilling Inc .
37. Knoydart Cheese Farm – Merigomish
Enjoy Nova Scotian artisan cheese, made from organic milk from certified organic milk from their own grass-fed Holstein and Jersey cows. They produce organic cheese curds and cheddar cheeses in a variety of flavours, including cranberry, dill caraway, garlic, and peppercorn are all produced on the farm. Their cheeses are also available at many specialty stores in the Maritimes including Pete’s and select Sobeys stores, local farmer’s markets, as well as at their Cheese House next to the farm. Knoydart Cheese Farm
38. Tidnish Bridge Art Gallery – Tidnish
39. Balmoral Grist Mill – Tatamagouche
Treat yourself to the experience of a waterside grist mill from Nova Scotia’s past at the Balmoral Grist Mill Museum. It is a picturesque three-level grist mill (c 1874) tucked away in a wooded gorge on the Matheson Brook near Tatamagouche. Take in the aroma of over 135 years of maple wood smoke used to dry oats in the kiln. Bring a romantic picnic and linger in this shady and peaceful place, or take a leisurely stroll along the 1-km walking trail as it winds along a scenic gorge and mill stream. Balmoral Grist Mill
40. Carmichael-Stewart House Museum – New Glasgow
Visit one of Pictou County’s most historic Victorian structures. This home was built in 1880 by Senator James W. Carmichael, who was a prominent citizen and heir to a prosperous shipbuilding company. The house, which is adorned with original hardwood floors and beautiful stained glass windows, contains an amazing clothing collection, an extensive photo collection, Trenton Glassware, and many other unique Pictou County treasures. Carmichael-Stewart House Museum
41. Pictou County Sports Heritage Hall of Fame – Pictou
Pay a visit to this Hall of Fame to see an impressive number of Pictou County’s outstanding athletes. It has over 2,000 artifacts are on display including an array of medals and scrapbooks, along with a video library that complements the archive. The facility is currently working to improve the accessibility of information in their archives. New interactive elements will be added to the exhibit including basketball and boxing activities. Pictou County Sports Heritage Hall of Fame
42. Mrs. MacGregor’s Shortbread – Tatamagouche
If you or your partner are shortbread enthusiasts, visiting Mrs. MacGregor’s is a ‘must’. Prepared in small batches, they bake with only the finest ingredients, from creamy butter to Belgian chocolate. Using a generations-old family recipe, their classic Scottish Shortbread is the heart of their other yummy shortbread flavours such as Canadian Maple, Lavender & Lemon, Ginger, Whisky, and Chocolate. Mrs. MacGregor’s Shortbread
43. Melmerby Beach Provincial Park – Little Harbour
44. Pictou County Military Museum – Westville
The museum features information and artifacts relating to the contributions of Pictou County Military Personnel. It currently has a collection of over 12,000 objects, from hat badges and uniforms, to ship hat tallies and regimental buttons, and weapons including a C1 Howitzer. Pictou County Military Museum
45. Seagull Pewter – Pugwash
Stop in during tourist season and take a tour of Canada’s largest pewter giftware, tableware, and home decor manufacturer. Seagull Pewter creates, designs and handcrafts their products in the tiny fishing village of Pugwash. Their designers are inspired by Nova Scotia’s coastline, flora and fauna. They have a large selection of giftware for your home, from their fine pewter to their own studio line, including figurines, home decor and their very popular wall art. Seagull Pewter
46. Anne Murray Museum – Springhill
The Anne Murray Centre has welcomed more than 400,000 visitors from around the world since it opened in 1989. The Centre is a tribute to the legendary ‘Songbird’s’ amazing career. There are award-winning exhibits filled with rows of gold and platinum albums, and glittering trophies of all shapes and sizes. It’s breathtaking even to those who have visited the centre before, but for those who haven’t, it’s like walking into a fantasy world. It is a spectacular visual that you will remember long after you’ve left the Centre. Anne Murray Museum
47. The Glooscap Heritage Centre – Millbrook
48. Shubenacadie Wildlife Park – Shubenacadie
The Shubenacadie Wildlife Park has over 75 species of animals, spread out over 40 hectares of country. Taking a stroll through the 50-acre Park will bring you safely face-to-face with black bears, Sable Island horses, cougars, wolves, beavers and eagles. Many of the animals that live there were born and raised in captivity. Others make their home there due to injuries that would prevent them from making a successful return to the wild. There is also a canteen and gift shop on site. Shubenacadie Wildlife Park
49. Springhill Miners Museum – Springhill
The Springhill Coal Mining National Historic Site of Canada is a former coal mine located in an industrial park in Springhill. The focal point of the site is the one-storey redbrick building known as the lamp cabin, which dates back to the early 1900s. Take the family to tour the depths of a Springhill coal mine, which is famous in song and legend, with one of their knowledgeable guides. The Miners’ Museum displays unique artifacts of the history of the town and its remarkable industrial heritage. The site also had a picnic area, a gift shop, and a parking area with trailer access to free water hookups. Springhill Miners Museum
50. Joggins Fossil Cliffs – Joggins
Joggins is famous for its record of fossils from a rainforest ecosystem approximately 310 million years ago, which date back to the Pennsylvanian “Coal Age” during the early Carboniferous Period. It is one of the easiest places in the world to find early Pennsylvanian coal fossils. The Joggins Fossil Centre features many exhibits and displays about the vast geological history of the cliffs, and an extensive fossil specimen collection. There is also a snack shop on site that serves simple hot sandwiches, cookies, and drinks. Joggins Fossil Cliffs
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This could be a great list IF it was accurate. 🙁
At a quick glance, I found several things on this list that aren’t on the Northumberland Shore (or in that region of the province).
For example, the Anne Murray Museum, Miner’s Museum, and Joggins are all in the Bay of Fundy & Annapolis Valley region.
Best to plot the attractions on this list on your own map when planning your trip to see if they’ll be near you if you’re visiting the Northumberland Shore.
Check out Melmerby Adventures for Kayaking, Paddle Boarding and pedal Boating activities at the famous Melmerby Beach Provincial Park.