Winter Top 10

Winter Getaways on the Nova Scotia Authentic Seacoast

Winter is a quiet time on the Nova Scotia Authentic Seacoast as Chedabucto Bay goes into its annual slumber.  It’s a time of long starlit lights and evenings by the fire with family and friends.

Our insiders share some of their favourite tips for a Nova Scotia winter getaway with our top 10 winter activities from the Authentic Seacoast 101 so you can experience the beauty and hospitality of winter on the Authentic Seacoast:

1. DesBarres Manor Inn 19th Century Hearth Fireplace
Built in 1837, the original hearth fireplace still stands in DesBarres Manor Inn.  Warm up by the fire with a glass of red wine from the Inn’s award-winning wine cellar. A special winter highlight is the annual DesBarres Manor Inn Fire & Ice dinner celebrating the Nova Scotia Winter Icewine Festival on Valentine’s weekend. Dining is only available for groups of six by reservation over the winter months. The Winter & Family and Friends getaway is the perfect winter escape for your group.

2. Star Gazing
With beautiful clear dark skies, the Authentic Seacoast is a remarkable place for winter stargazing. The centerpiece of this dazzling display is Orion the Hunter. As the son of Neptune, it’s fitting that this excellent fisherman dominates the magical night sky.

3. Coasting Parties
On Chedabucto Bay we call tobogganing “coasting” and the road down to Mussel Cove at Osprey Shores Golf Resort is a popular spot. It’s a fun, curving ride down to the dock.

4. Puzzle Building
The private dining room at DesBarres Manor is the puzzle building centre during the winter months. There’s a big collection, so plan a long stay.

5. Make a Snowman
Dive into the DesBarres Manor Inn tickle trunk to find the latest in snowman fashion and make a snowman on the front lawn to greet guests.  The wet snow along Chedabucto Bay is the perfect building material.

6. Cross Country Skiing on the Trans Canada Trail
Sign out some cross country skis from the Guysborough Fitness Centre (yes, they’re also free!) and ski the 26 kilometre trail that takes you from the harbour to the back woods above the bay. The North Odgen swinging bridge over the Salmon River is a beautiful spot on the trail.

7. Snow Shoeing at Osprey Shores Peninsula
Sign out some snowshoes from the Guysborough Fitness Centre (they’re free!) and take in the breathtaking views from the Osprey Shores Golf Resort peninsula.

8. Snow Balls
You’re too busy for snowballs in the City with all the rushing and meetings.  Channel that inner kid during a weekend getaway with a friendly snowball challenge.

9. Walk the Guyborough Waterfront Trail
Beautiful at anytime of year, the Guysborough waterfront trail is a scenic walk along the historic Guysborough harbour.

10. Ice Fishing
Milford Haven is a popular spot for ice fishing.  Fishing huts dot the Haven as locals fish for smelt in the cold waters while eagles watch overhead.

Visit Authentic Seacoast 101 to learn more about all the activities on Nova Scotia’s Authentic Seacoast.