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 30 things that you can do this fall in Nova Scotia.
1. Hike NS Fall Guided Hike Series 2018
Explore the amazing forest and trails across Nova Scotia with Hike Nova Scotia and 30 host organizations. The Hike NS Fall Guide Hike Series 2018 is made up of 58 hikes, which are led by locals. Most of the hikes are free, but some have pre-registration.
2. Starlight Festival – Argyle
Celebrate the ‘window to the universe’ at the Annual Starlight Festival. The clear skies over Argyle allows for jaw-dropping views of the night sky, moon, and the Milky Way. from September 1 to 22, 2018
3. Return to the Past, Louisbourg 1749: A Historical Lantern Tour – Louisbourg
1794 is an important year for Louisbourg because it is when the King George’s War ended. Join Captain Michael Degannes for a two-hour long tour of the Fortress of Louisbourg to learn about the turbulent history of the colony. The tours take place on Tuesdays at 7 pm from September 18 to October 23, 2018
4. Harvest Festival at the Historical Acadian Village of Nova Scotia – Lower West Pubnico on September 20, 2018
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 dishes that will be served. There will also be live music to keep you entertained.
5. Annual Annapolis Valley Giant Vegetable Growers Glad Gardens Weigh Off – Waterville
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. from September 21 to 22, 2018
6. Country Harvest Festival – East Gore
Bring the family to the Country Harvest Festival for a day packed with fun, farming, and food to celebrate what the farming community has done. There is something for everyone at this popular festival. There will be a corn boil, log rolling, obstacle runs and many more activities for visitors to take part in. on September 22, 2018
7. The Deep Roots Music Festival – Wolfville
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. on September 27 to 30, 2018
8. NSLC Festival of Wines – Halifax
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. on September 27, 2018
9. The Mahone Bay Scarecrow Festival – Mahone Bay
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. from September 28 to 30, 2018
10. Halifax Oyster Festival – Halifax
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. from September 28 to 29, 2018
11. Kentville Pumpkin People Festival – Kentville
If you visit Kentville in October, you will see over 300 pumpkin people and dozens of displays set up around the town. The 2018 Kentville Pumpkin People Festival theme is ‘On the Go!’ To make sure you don’t miss a display, make sure to download the Pumpkin Person Map. This year’s festival will also have a Pumpkin Person Scavenger Hunt. from September 29 to October 30, 2018
12. Celtic Colours International Festival – Baddeck
Celtic Colours International Festivalis 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. from October 5 to 13, 2018
13. Kejimkujik Thanksgiving Weekend – Maitland Bridge
Enjoy the beautiful fall colors at Kejimkujik during the Thanksgiving Weekend. Take part in the annual pumpkin carving contest, cold turkey swim, and haunted jaunt. You should be sure to book your campsite early because it fills up quickly. from October 5 to 7, 2018
14. Fall Festival of Colours – Wentworth
During the Thanksgiving Weekend, Ski Wentworth is open and is packed with family fun. You can ride the chairlift to the top of the mountain to get an amazing view of Wentworth Valley. There will also be a kid zone with a rock climbing wall, pony rides, petting zoo, and much more for the kids to enjoy. from October 6 to 7, 2018
15. Halifax Pop Explosion Music Festival – Halifax
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. from October 17 to 20, 2018
16. Liverpool International Theater Festival – Liverpool
Theatre troupes from across the globe travel to Liverpool for the annual Liverpool International Theatre Festival. The shows cover a wide range of styles and themes, so there is something for everyone to enjoy. from October 18 to 21, 2018
17. Devour! The Food Film Fest – Wolfville
Devour! The Food Film Festis 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. from October 23 to 28, 2018
18. Diwali Carnival – Festival of Lights – Halifax
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. from November 16 to 18, 2018
19. 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. until October 31, 2018
20. Skyline Trail
Photo Credit: Hike Nova Scotia
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.
21. 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.
22. 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.
23. 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.
24. Kentville Ghost Walk
25. Wolfville’s Gravely Ghost Walk
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. until October 31, 2018
26. Trecothic Creek & Windsor Railway
Trecothic Creek & Windsor Railwayis 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. Until October 14, 2018
27. Halifax Citadel Ghost Tour
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. Until October 27, 2018
28. Windsor Ghost Walk
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. Until October 25, 2018
29. Get Fall Vegetables and Pumpkins from U-pick Farms
- Daniels U-Pick – Windsor
Daniels U-Pickhas 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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BL47T7wBIJr/?taken-at=1018166191604437 - Rendell’s Farm – Point Aconi, Mill Creek
Rendell’s Farmis 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. - 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. - Parker’s Farm Market – Durham
Parker’s Farm Marketis a lovely farm that offers both u-pick strawberries and pumpkins. They also have other vegetables and pumpkins available at the U-pick in the fall. - Dempsey Corner Orchards – Aylesford
Dempsey Corner Orchardgrows 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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BnaJC-rAEyn/?taken-at=363721170 - 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. - Boates Vinegar & U-Pick – Woodville
Boates Vinegar & U-Pickhas 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. - 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. - 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. - Gates U-Pick – Port Williams
Gates U-pickgrows over 20 varieties of apples, so there is always at least one variety ripe from early September to late October. It is an ‘all you can eat’ apple orchard while you are picking. They also offer educational tours and free wagon rides for visitors - Oakview Farm – Kingsport
Oakview Farmis 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. - 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 place under the tree. During a visit to Stonehenge Farm, you can also pick a variety of apples. - Willowbank Upick Farm – Port Williams
Willowbank Upick Farmopens 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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BaB6yG0je2n/?taken-at=1014442668 - Terra Beata Cranberry Farm – Lunenburg
Located in Lunenburg, the Terra Beata Cranberry Farm allows you to pick your own cranberries or buy them or gourmet cranberries preserves in the Bog Store. They are one of the largest cranberry farms in Nova Scotia. - Howard Dill Enterprises – Windsor
Howard Dillwas the four-time World Champion pumpkin grower and on the 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.
30. Visit a Corn Maze
- 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. - Noggins Corner Farm – Greenwich
Noggins Corner Farmis 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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZjlu7olpSd/?taken-by=nogginscorner - 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 hay rides that are offered around the farm makes it easy to find the corn maze and pumpkin patches. - 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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZ_giodBFO2/?taken-at=682428715233326 - Haunted Hollow – Hammonds Plains
Get ready for the fright of your life when you visit the Haunted Hollow. This nightmare opens on October 5th, 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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 9am to 6pm. You can buy fresh fruits and vegetables, which are grown at the farm, at the farm market. - Phantom’s Freakshow Haunted House & Corn Maze – Greenwich
Phantom’s Freakshow Haunted House & Corn Mazewas 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.