Halifax 
Photo Credit: Hike Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is a magical place where it is easy to escape the huge buildings of the cities into a world of beautiful, vibrant colours. When fall comes, there are many things for visitors to do around Nova Scotia. No matter if you are looking to pick your own fruits and veggies, visit corn mazes, or go on hikes, there is definitely something for you to do.
Listed below are 65 things that you can do this fall in Nova Scotia.
U-picks
1. Daniels U-Pick – Windsor
Daniels U-Pick has been open for over 40 years and is open until mid-November. They have U-pick apples, pears and plums. You can also buy pre-picked apples, plums, pears, squash, and pumpkins. There are also wagon rides and orchard tours for visitors to enjoy.
2. Rendell’s Farm – Point Aconi, Mill Creek
Rendell’s Farm is best known for their strawberry u-pick, but they grow more than just strawberries on their farm. They also grow pumpkins, and you can walk the pumpkin patch to find your perfect pumpkin. They also grow a giant pumpkin every year.
3. Vista Bella Farm Orchard and Apiary – Malagash
During September and October, you can pick your own apples at the Vista Bella Farm Orchard and Apiary. There are kid-friendly activities to keep them entertained at the farm. There is the cidery for adults to check out, and their store sells hard cider, honey, and seasonal vegetables.
4. Dempsey Corner Orchards – Aylesford
Dempsey Corner Orchard grows nine types of fruits and vegetables including pumpkins. There is a lot of family fun to be had, including a farm-themed playground, a petting zoo, and a corn maze in the fall. There is also a bakery and a tea room on-site where visitors can stop for a snack.
5. Morse’s Farm Ltd. – Berwick
Located in Berwick, Morse’s Farm is a popular location for u-pick strawberries and pumpkins, along with fresh potatoes. From mid-September until Halloween, they offer a wide variety of pumpkins, squash, and gourds.
6. Boates Vinegar & U-Pick – Woodville
Boates Vinegar & U-Pick has been open since 1960. Today, they grow a variety of apples and pears. Boates uses as few chemicals inputs as possible, so you can trust your fruit is good for you. They also sell picked fruit, vinegar, and sweet cider.
7. Elderkin’s Farm Market and U-pick – Greenwich
Right outside of Wolfville is Elderkin’s Farm Market and U-pick. They offer u-pick apples, pears, strawberries, and pumpkins. You can buy pre-picked fruits and veggies at their store, along with Elderkin’s hard apple cider, fresh baked goods, and soft-serve ice cream.
8. Foote Family Farm – Woodville
On the North Mountain in Woodville is the lovely Foote Family Farm. They grow cherries, plums, pears, and apples. You can spend a day with the family picking your own apples, then after picking you can relax and enjoy a glass of freshly pressed apple cider.
9. Oakview Farm – Kingsport
Oakview Farm is a no-spray farm that offers u-pick fruits and vegetables, along with many varieties of flowers. You can check their Facebook page to see what fruits and vegetables are in season, along with the days and times when their U-picks are open.
10. Stonehenge Farm – Aylesford
This farm offers a unique program where you can adopt-a-tree for $50. You will receive a certificate and a sign will be placed under the tree. During a visit to Stonehenge Farm, you can also pick a variety of apples.
11. Willowbank Upick Farm – Port Williams
Willowbank Upick Farm opens the second weekend in September and is open until the end of October. There are apples and pumpkins ready for you to pick. While you are there, be sure to go on the wagon rides and visit the petting zoo.
12. Terra Beata Cranberry Farm – Lunenburg
Located in Lunenburg, the Terra Beata Cranberry Farm allows you to pick your own cranberries or buy them. They also have gourmet cranberries preserves in the Bog Store. They are one of the largest cranberry farms in Nova Scotia.
13. Howard Dill Enterprises – Windsor
Howard Dill was the four-time World Champion pumpkin grower and on his farm you can see the huge pumpkins that they still grow there. The farm also has a pumpkin patch with regular sized pumpkins that they pick and display around the farm, so you can pick one to buy and take home.
Corn Mazes
14. RiverBreeze Strawberries & Corn Maze – Truro
Open from September 8 until Thanksgiving Monday, the RiverBreeze Corn Maze is a full of family fun. Along with the 12 acre Corn Maze, there is a giant jumping pillow, cow train rides, human foosball, Wild West town, and much more. You should be sure to go see the kangaroos when you visit.
15. Noggins Corner Farm – Greenwich
Noggins Corner Farm is home to a 7 acre Corn Maze that takes you to the Family Fun area, which has tunnel sides, giant tire mountains, and rope mazes. During October, there is a Haunted House for visitors to explore. The farm also has a store and u-pick fruits and vegetables.
16. Stirling Fruit Farms – Greenwich
During the fall, Stirling Fruit Farms offers a pumpkin u-pick so you can pick the perfect pumpkin to make into a jack-o-lantern. They also have a fun corn maze to keep you busy and entertained. The hayrides that are offered around the farm make it easy to find the corn maze and pumpkin patches.
17. Hanks Family Farm – Milleville
There is a lot of family fun to be had at the Hanks Family Farm, which is open until November. They have u-pick pumpkins in the fall, and a huge corn maze. They also have a bakery on-site that offers freshly made pies made using fruits grown on the farm.
18. Haunted Hollow – Hammonds Plains
Get ready for the fright of your life when you visit the Haunted Hollow. This nightmare opens in October, and is open every Friday and Saturday night from 7:30 pm to 9 pm until Halloween. You should be sure to dress warm and come ready to be scared.
19. The Bloodfields at RiverBreeze Fear Farm – Truro
RiverBreeze Farm becomes a nightmare farm when the Bloodfields is open. It is a combination of a four- haunted houses and two haunted corn mazes, which make it easy to enter but difficult to leave. Be ready to run because the terror of the Bloodfields is not for the faint of heart.
20. Be aMAZEd- Canada’s First Art Maze – Maitland
Be aMAZEd is Canada’s First Art Maze. The maze is almost a kilometre long and is made up of sculptures, mosaics, murals, and gardens made by artists from across the world. It may not be a corn maze, but it is a unique maze that is even more beautiful with the autumn setting.
21. Evan’s Family Farm – Wilmot
Take the family out to get lost in the largest corn maze in the Annapolis Valley. You can test your maze skills by not taking the map at the start of the maze, or you can take the map and find the six stamps before heading out of the maze. They also have a hay bale maze and wagon rides. You can also pick your own pumpkin when you visit Evan’s Family Farm.
22. Indian Garden Farm – Hebbville
If you are looking for a challenging corn maze, you should check out this year’s corn maze at Indian Garden Farm. The farm is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm. You can buy fresh fruits and vegetables, which are grown at the farm, at the farm market.
23. Phantom’s Freakshow Haunted House & Corn Maze – Greenwich
Phantom’s Freakshow Haunted House & Corn Maze was created in 2015, and sets up at the Stirling Fruit Farm. So, bring your friends and get ready for some terrifying scares as you take a twisted journey into the tortured warehouse.
Festivals, Events & Activities
24. Hike NS Fall Guided Hike Series
Explore the amazing forest and trails across Nova Scotia with Hike Nova Scotia and 30 host organizations. The Hike NS Fall Guide Hike Series is made up of 58 hikes, which are led by locals. Most of the hikes are free, but some have pre-registration.
25. Foodie Walking Tour – Yarmouth until September 30th, 2019
Yarmouth is known for its amazing local foods and some of the freshest seafood in Nova Scotia. On this popular Foodie Walking Tour, you will meet Carole who will take you to restaurants that serve scrumptious seafood, local craft beer and wine, and much more. The tours take place on Wednesday and Saturday.
26. Kentville Ghost Walk – Kentville
Join Jerome the GraveKeeper for a two-hour tour of Kentville and its dark past. The tour is a spooky way of learning about the history of the area. To reduce the chills, make sure to bundle up as the Kentville Ghost Walks takes place rain or shine.
27. Wolfville’s Gravely Ghost Walk – Wolfville until October 31, 2019
Jerome the GraveKeeper and his ghostly friends are waiting to meet you on the Wolfville’s Gravely Ghost Walk. The tour is two hours long and is 1.5km walk with a steep hill in the Willowbank Cemetery. The tour has been taking place for over 10 years, and is a spooky way to get a local history lesson.
28. Trecothic Creek & Windsor Railway – Windsor until October 13, 2019
Trecothic Creek & Windsor Railway is a 1/8 scale railway that is nearly a kilometre long and has multiple model trains on its tracks. These model trains are suitable for children and adults to ride, no matter their age. The gates open at 10 am and the trains run until 3:30 pm.
29. Halifax Citadel Ghost Tour – Halifax until October 29, 2019
The Halifax Citadel and the city has a long, dark past that is full of things that cannot be explained. The Halifax Citadel Ghost Tour takes you to the areas that are claimed to be haunted. The tours are offered on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings until October 27. The tour starts at 8:30 pm, but you should be sure to arrive a little early, so you can get ready to be scared.
30. Windsor Ghost Walk – Windsor until October 10, 2019
Windsor was once known as the ‘Athens of Nova Scotia’, and has a fiery past that Jerome the GraveKeeper and his friends will describe to you in detail. There are creative spooks that will scare you along the Windsor Ghost Walk.
31. 7th Annual Starlight Festival – Argyle from September 22 to 28, 2019
Celebrate the ‘window to the universe’ at the 7th Annual Starlight Festival. The clear skies over Argyle allows for jaw-dropping views of the night sky, moon, and the Milky Way.
32. Louisbourg Lighthouse Trail
This trail has amazing views of the harbour and will take you from the Fortress of Louisbourg to the Louisbourg Lighthouse. The Louisbourg Lighthouse Trail is 2km long, well-maintained trail, so it is great for all hikers.
33.Grapely Ghost Walk – Grande Pre on September 20th, 2019 at 7 pm
Rain or shine, get ready for some bone-chilling stories when you join the Grapely Ghost Walk. The sunset is amazing over the vines and you can enjoy the local wines in the tasting room. The route is adjusted if the weather is too bad, so check the website on the day of your tour.
34. Harvest Festival at the Historical Acadian Village of Nova Scotia – Lower West Pubnico on September 19, 2019
Come and enjoy a traditional autumn buffet at the Harvest Festival at the Historical Acadian Village on Nova Scotia. Locally grown apples, pumpkins, cranberries and other fall produce are showcased in the mouthwatering dishes that will be served. There will also be live music to keep you entertained.
35. 11th Annual Annapolis Valley Giant Vegetable Growers Glad Gardens Weigh Off – Waterville from September 27 to 28, 2019
Giant veggies are grown across Nova Scotia, and are brought together at the 10th Annual Annapolis Valley Giant Vegetable Growers Glad Gardens Weigh Off to see which one is the largest. There are over 20 categories that growers can compete in. Along with the weigh off, there will be children’s activities, pumpkin decorating and much more.
36.Revolutionary War Encampment at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site – Halifax from September 21 to 22, 2019
Experience what it was like during the American Revolution, and what life was like for the thousands of Loyalists who immigrated to Nova Scotia. During the Revolutionary War Encampment at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, there will be camp cooking, musket and cannon firings, and military medical techniques displays.
37. The Deep Roots Music Festival – Wolfville on September 26 to 29, 2019
Wolfville is full of music during The Deep Roots Music Festival. The 2018 festival will be kicking off with a performance by Jim Cuddy at University Hall. The weekend is full of live shows, dances, and fun activities for people of all ages.
38. NSLC Festival of Wines – Halifax on September 25 to 28st, 2019
The Symphony Nova Scotia, Chris Smith, and David Myles come together to make an unforgettable meal, celebrating award-winning wines. The NSLC Festival of Wines celebrates North American wine, food, and music.
39. The Mahone Bay Scarecrow Festival – Mahone Bay from September 27 to 29, 2019
The Mahone Bay Scarecrow Festival is the largest fall fair in Atlantic Canada. Over 250 handmade, life-sized scarecrows are on display for the weekend. The weekend events include children’s crafts, activities, live music, yard sales, BBQ’s, and the Maritime’s largest antique show.
40. Halifax Oyster Festival – Halifax from October 4 to 5, 2019
This two-day festival celebrates all things oysters, and Halifax Oyster Festival has the largest raw bar in Canada. Along with oysters, the festival also celebrates the local wines, ciders, spirits, and craft beers that are produced in Nova Scotia. Over 20 Nova Scotian oyster farmers and chefs will be on-site to teach you about oysters and how to cook and eat them.
41. Kentville Pumpkin People Festival – Kentville from October 1 to 30, 2019
If you visit Kentville in October, you will see over 300 pumpkin people and dozens of displays set up around the town. To make sure you don’t miss a display, make sure to download the Pumpkin Person Map.
42. Celtic Colours International Festival – Baddeck from October 11 to 19, 2019
Celtic Colours International Festival is a unique celebration of Cape Breton’s living traditional culture. The nine-day festival is packed with hundreds of activities and events across Cape Breton. Celtic Colours has grown to be one of Canada’s premiere musical events and cultural highlight, which continues to grow with each passing year.
43. Lumiere 2019 – Sydney from September 27th to 29th, 2019
Lumiere 2019 is an interactive, engaging, educational and accessible festival that showcases the importance of cultural democracy and public participation. There are over 40 projects and events that will be showcased during the festival. public participation. There are over 40 projects and events that will be showcased during the festival.
44. Annapolis Valley Trail System
The Annapolis Valley Trail System is over 200km of linear paths that go from Wolfville all the way to Yarmouth. The trail system is divided into 21 sections of trail and each one has its own name. It is a well-groomed trail that is suitable for cyclists, runners, and hikers of all abilities.
45. Halifax Pop Explosion Music Festival – Halifax from October 23 to 26, 2019
The Halifax Pop Explosion Music Festival is most often called HPX. The festival presents over 150 artists, speakers, and comedians at over 15 venues across Halifax. The festival is a long-standing tradition and showcases some of the best new music from across Canada and the world.
46. Nova Scotia Forest Festival – Lake Charlotte on October 26, 2019
Dress in your best plain and head to the woods for an exciting a day at the Nova Scotia Forest Festival. Connect with Nova Scotia’s forest and the people who make their livelihoods in the them. Enjoy a day of fun activities in the fall air.
47. Devour! The Food Film Fest – Wolfville from October 22 to 27, 2019
Devour! The Food Film Fest is the largest culinary film festival in the world. Gather your ‘Foodie’ friends and celebrate together at the festival with great local wines and scrumptious food. Wolfville has been called Canada’s Secret Foodie Destination’ by The Hollywood Reporter, since it is surrounded by many wineries, farmers and other producers. There are over 90 events that make up this popular festival.
48. Diwali Carnival – Festival of Lights – Halifax from October 18 to 20, 2019
The Diwali Carnival is the festival of lights. The weekend is packed with events celebrating Indian culture. There will be food, live music, art, dances, and an amazing firework show.
49. La Fheill Michiel/St. Michael’s Day – Iona on September 29th, 2019 from 2 pm – 4 pm
St. Michael is the Scottish and Irish patron saint of horses, travel, seafarers and the sea. On St. Michael’s Day people celebrate by eating a struan, which is a multi-grain bonnach. Struan and traditional tea will be served at a special St. Michael’s Day Milling Frolic in the Centre Chimney House at Highland Village.
50. Light The Night Halifax – Halifax on October 19, 2019
Light up the night and walk to help support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. The event takes place across Canada and over 35,00 supports gather to help raise fund for blood cancer research and support programs for patients, survivors, and caregivers.
51. Nocturne: Art at Night Festival 2019 – Halifax on October 17 to 19, 2019
Named one of the top 10 reasons to visit Halifax 2019 by Discover Halifax, Nocturne: Art at Night is a must-see event. The free annual event showcases contemporary professional in Halifax/K’jipuktuk.
52. Hal-Con – Halifax On October 26 to 27, 2019
If you are geek, nerd or love sci-fi, horror, comics or pop culture, then you need to make your way to Hal-con this October. It is a weekend filled with great panels, vendors, and you can meet some of your favorite stars at this Halifax convention.
53. Space – The Halloween Party – Lawrencetown on October 31, 2019
SPACE is this year’s theme for the Halloween party at Lunn’s Mill Beer Co in Lawrencetown. How hard can it be to find a costume for this scary night? You have Aliens, Planets, Star Wars, Star Trek, Doctor Who and many TV shows, movies and book characters to pick from. The bBest costumes will win prizes.
54. DevFest Halifax 2019 – Halifax on October 4, 2019
GDG DevFests are coming to Halifax. Speakers offer sessions across Google products and there may even be an all-day heck-a-thon. Every DevFest is different since the event is tailored to the needs of the developer community.
55. Horton Harvest Craft Fair – Greenwich on October 14, 2019
Over 165 Tables with amazing items from local crafters and artisans. There are two floors to check out at he Horton Harvest Craft Fair. Pick up great fall items, or start shopping for Christmas gifts. The show is celebrating 24 years.
56. Savour the Trail – Kejimkujik National Park on October 5, 2019
Taste what Mother Nature has been growing along the trails of Kejimkujik Natural Park. Sample amazing nature inspired dishes crafted by NSCC Lunenburg Culinary students. The tour starts at 12pm and departures are every 10 minutes.
57. Harvest Festival – Josh Vineyards, Malagash on October 12, 2019
Experience the fruits of Josh’s harvest. Celebrate the harvest with wine tastings and fall inspired food pairings. Live music on the patio will be provided by the Unforeseen.
58. Thy Fair Ladies Annual Fall Craft Market – Dartmouth on October 19 to 20, 2019
Thy Fair Ladies Annual Fall Craft Market is back for its second fall craft market. It is a great chance to grab some fall and weather items. Lots of great vendors will be at the Cole Harbour Place.
59. Fall in Love with Small Business – Truro on October 16, 2019
Celebrate small businesses and meet the people behind them at this fall-themed small business expo. To make it even more fall-themed, businesses are asked to bring their jack-o-lanterns to be voted on to find out who has the most creative designs.
Trails
60. Half Day Sea Kayak Tour – Terence Bay
East Coast Outfitters (ECO) offers some of the best sea kayak tours in Nova Scotia. The guides are highly trained and qualified paddlers in the area. This tour is a great way of getting a unique view of all the gorgeous fall colours in the area.
61. Skyline Trail
The Skyline Trail has an eagle’s view of the Cabot Trail and the mountains. There are a number of view decks that you can stop at along the trail, so you can take pictures of the beautiful scenery.
62. Meat Cove Mountain Trail
Meat Cove Mountain Trail offers amazing views of Meat Cove and surrounding area. In the autumn, you can see the leaves on the trees in the beautiful forests change from green to other gorgeous colours. It is a challenging hike at some points, so be prepared if you start the hike.
