Top Things to do in Southwest Nova Scotia
Top Hotels in Southwest Nova Scotia
- 1. Days Inn by Wyndham Bridgewater Conference Center
- 2. Rum Runner Inn
- 3. Bayside Inn
- 4. Best Western Plus Bridgewater Hotel & Convention Centre
- 5. Dockside Suites
- 6. Tru By Hilton Yarmouth
- 7. Lakelawn B&B Motel
- 8. Rodd Grand Yarmouth Hotel
- 9. Smugglers Cove Inn
- 10. A Seafaring Maiden Bed and Breakfast
The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in Southwest Nova Scotia, Southwest Nova Scotia
Discover the best top things to do in Southwest Nova Scotia, United States including Ocean Explorations Whale Cruises, Kejimkujik National Park Seaside, The Flight Of Fancy, Gaff Point Trail, Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens, Hall's Harbour, Cape Forchu Lighthouse, Port-Royal National Historic Site, Gaspereau Vineyards, Cape Split Hiking Trail.
Restaurants in Southwest Nova Scotia
1. Ocean Explorations Whale Cruises
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 304 reviews
Ocean Explorations Zodiac Whale Cruises is the maritimes ORGINAL Zodiac ("ocean rafting") whale/seabird adventure! Celebrating 30+ seasons, founded by biologist Tom Goodwin, in 1986! "one of the best" (Lonely Planet) and the most recommended by accomodation providers in the area. Ask them "who is the BEST?" and go with THEM (ie. we'll see you then) We are the 'premium' option - using only ONE 'commercial grade' professional "zodiac" (type) boat - rugged commercial construction with twin engines is the professional standard. Biologist Tom Goodwin is one of the most 'famous' and qualified/experienced whale guides, IN THE WORLD. (see the world famous Triple Breach video online, link from the website, or google it). He is doing 95% of the tours himself now. It is the ONLY professional grade zodiacs in use in nova scotia and only biologist/owner (too). If this site doesn't allow quoting websites. google triple breach and/or Tom Goodwin (he's not the baseball player one! :-) )
Reviewed By randybV9476ZN
Followed a couple of humpback whales around while one put on a tail slapping dance. Tom Goodwin was an excellent guide. Be sure to see balancing rock formation. The trail is less than a mile away ( short trail with some steps but an incredible view).
2. Kejimkujik National Park Seaside
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 102 reviews
Reviewed By dorisdaigle - Moncton, Canada
This is a fabulous almost pristine nature hike to be enjoyed by anyone who can walk, simply! I say almost pristine as the trail is maintained and so it makes for a better hike but of course that part is man made. The trees, the bogs, the flora and fauna is fabulous, the scents magical, and you eventually get to a spellbindingly beautiful coast and beaches, turquoise waters and soft while rocks polished by erosion. My second visit, just as wonderful as the first.
3. The Flight Of Fancy
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By BackpackingGrannie - Canning, Canada
An amazing showcase of incredible art by local artisans. A must see in a quaint village off the beaten path.
4. Gaff Point Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By Justtravelling4 - Halifax, Canada
We thoroughly enjoyed hiking this trail, it really had a little bit of everything. A beautiful beach, stunning water views, and stunning treks through wooded areas. The walk through the fir trees was one of my favourite portions of the trail, the smell was amazing. There are some exposed roots in places and the walk across the beach rocks is a little challenging on the ankles, but overall a pretty easy to moderate trail. I recommend walking the farm land area over the hill instead of the entire beach as it gives you a break from the sea rocks. The owners have it marked and don’t mind as long as the horses are not in the field. Once you get to the loop we went to the right first. It means you finish on the water view side of the trail. The trail in total including walking Hirtle Beach is about 6.6 km. We finished the entire trail in about 90 mins, this included stopping for pics etc. I highly recommend for anyone of any age, definitely a trail I’d return to.
5. Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 733 reviews
ESCAPE from the hectic pace of everyday life with a visit to Annapolis Royal’s beautiful Historic Gardens!In a beautiful setting overlooking a tidal river valley, the 17 acre Historic Gardens is a premiere Nova Scotia attraction showcasing gardening methods, designs and materials representing more than four hundred years of local history. Highlights include a Rose collection of more than 270 cultivars, an Acadian House representing pre-deportation 1671 time period, and much more…
Reviewed By BenLar137 - Calgary, Canada
We visited early October, and so, while there were flowers, the blossoms were not at their peak. Also, it was a little early in the autumn colour season, and so the leaves had just started turning. BUT, we had a fantastic visit nonetheless! The Acadian cottage is quite charming, the main garden spaces were still green and meticulously maintained, with a few blossoms still popping. For us, we were most impressed by their garden innovation section, where we learned about several techniques that we could use in our own garden. Their statue collection in the garden was also amazing. Staff were pleasant and helpful, and we would say this is a must-see, extremely highly recommended attraction for this fabulous part of Nova Scotia.
6. Hall's Harbour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
Reviewed By PaulH4266
It is always nice to be by the water and to comb the beach. The highest tides in the world. Beautiful sunsets. Gift shops and fine seafood. Watch fishing boats come in to dock , or go on their way out to make their living.
7. Cape Forchu Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 508 reviews
Welcome to Cape Forchu, a Light Like No Other. This spectacular and unique "apple core" lighthouse is the second most photographed lighthouse in Nova Scotia and located just 10 minutes outside the Town of Yarmouth. The Cape has been welcoming visitors since 1604, when Samuel de Champlain landed and named the area "Cap Forchu," meaning "Forked tongue of land."
Reviewed By PitaLemon - Melbourne, United States
It's not just a lighthouse to take photos. It is a beautiful location to hike and enjoy the cool breezes on a hot summer day. Nice people working in the gift shop, too.
8. Port-Royal National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 413 reviews
1939 re-creation of Canada's first permanent settlement includes costumed interpreters engaged in traditional handicrafts like woodworking.
Reviewed By PaulRaps - Granville Ferry, Canada
This is a remarkable site. One can feel the presence of the Order of Good Cheer and almost envisage the sailing ships anchored in the Annapolis Basin. Champlain lives here.
9. Gaspereau Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
Wine Boutique offering tastings, retail, & tours May-December, seven days a week with seasonal food service under our Vine-Side patio canopy, nestled against 35 acres of vines. Known for exceptional aromatic whites and food friendly, approachable reds.
Reviewed By why68 - Halifax, Canada
Visited this beautiful spot last weekend. The food and the red wine,Lucie Kuhlmann Barrel Select was amazing. It was all so great we returned again this weekend for another visit
10. Cape Split Hiking Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 245 reviews
Reviewed By 2015eastcoasters - Nova Scotia, Canada
A long hike along a trail to a beautiful view. Wear comfortable footwear because its a long walk but worth the time.
