The BEST Things to Do in Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia
When we planned our move to eastern Canada, Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley was one of three regions we considered settling in. Even though it was the spot we’d spent the least amount of time in, we knew of its beauty, its reputation for incredible produce, and that the climate here is more favourable than other areas of the province. Now after being here for more than a couple years, we’re appreciating these truths, and also relishing in all of the incredible things to do in Annapolis Valley.
What’s weird, knowing as much as we do about “The Valley” now, is that many others know so little. It’s not a tourism hot spot (outside of the wineries around Wolfville), despite it having so much potential to be. As such, all-encompassing information about the region is a bit scant on the internet, and is why we’ve put this guide together of everything we love about it.
But first, where is Annapolis Valley?
Sometimes, it depends on who you ask. 😉
Statistics Canada defines the Annapolis Valley as including three counties: Annapolis, Kings, and Hants. Tourism Nova Scotia, however, extends the boundaries to include other Bay of Fundy counties like parts of Colchester to the east and Digby to the west.
For the purposes of this article, we have narrowed in on Annapolis, Kings, and Digby, only because that is where we have spent the most time. We intend to include Hants once we have dived into that county a bit more.
Coming from Halifax, to arrive in the Annapolis Valley, you must drive along Highway 101. Once you reach Windsor, this is the start of the Valley and upon leaving Windsor if you have time, we recommend getting off the highway and driving the back roads. Traffic will be much slower, and whether it’s the Evangeline Trail (Highway 1), or Highway 221, along these you will pass many farms, places of interest, and scenic viewpoints, especially in the fall when all the leaves are changing.
The Best Things to Do in Annapolis Valley
If you revisit this post over time, I can guarantee that you’ll find new things on it, considering that we live here and are going in new directions all the time! But for this specific point in time, below is the best of what we’ve found so far.
Eat, Eat, Eat
What we love most about living here is that even the smallest towns usually have something amazing on offer. Chain restaurants are present but not overwhelmingly so; it’s obvious that the locals love to support the small businesses as much as we do. And the very best part is that the highest-quality restaurants serve dishes featuring the highest-quality local products available. It truly is a virtuous (and delicious) circle.
Junction Sixteen – Bridgetown
This is our go-to, as it’s just 20 minutes from our house and offers some truly scrumptious Italian food, often served with a Nova Scotia spin. The pizza oven installed last year ensures that there is always something on the menu to pique interest, but it’s their pasta dishes that we really keep going back for. The chicken parmesan is always a solid choice, and whatever flavour du jour they stuff in the ravioli is guaranteed to be good. The Whiskey Teller and Founder’s House (both in Annapolis Royal) are owned by the same management group and while they are also good, they have not wowed us as much as Junction Sixteen regularly does.
Troy Restaurant & Grill – Wolfville
This was the very first restaurant we tried when moving here, and we’ve been back several times since. Troy’s Mediterannean dishes are always fresh and delicious, and their baked spicy feta will be a part of our order always and until the end of time. This is an especially good spot for vegetarians.
Juniper Food & Wine – Wolfville
Juniper occupies a small space in Wolfville so it’s not always the easiest to get into, but it’s worth the effort. For the last two years it has served as our company’s celebratory Christmas party headquarters (really, it’s just a dinner for two!) but we’re glad we save it for special occassions. The chef’s endeavour to incorporate the lush ingredients found throughout the Annapolis Valley in all their dishes, and they do that exceptionally well. Everything we’ve eaten there has been delicious, and the gnocchi I ate their on our first visit was declared my “Best Meal of 2023”.
Dickie Baxter’s Taproom and Bistro – Canning
We’re always shocked when we stop in here that such a small town as Canning can have such a top-quality restaurant. Drop it in any big city and Dickie Baxter’s would compete with the best of them! This small restaurant set in a beautiful heritage home serves up big flavours and is as good for brunch as it is for dinner. The menu changes a lot and there is always something new to try, but you can never go wrong with one of their eggs benedict varities early in the day or their stout glazed short ribs for dinner.
Jonny’s Cookhouse & Ice Cream Shop – Berwick
We drove by Jonny’s many times when there was always a thick line-up of people waiting to be served at the takeout window! So, once we finally made time for the regular line-up, we learned what all the fuss is about. Not only are their burgers the best we’ve had in Nova Scotia so far, but we discovered that their milkshakes and ice cream are what they are famous for. We don’t typically deviate far from the sweet Maria burger (for Pete) and their onion burger (for me).
Rockin’ Rogi Diner – Middleton
Another restaurant that’s nice and close to us…almost too close. Dangerously close. My German/Ukrainian heritage means that pierogi were often a part of my family menu, and I personally have a recipe that I am proud to make every year. But to mix things up a bit (and spare myself the massive effort of pierogi making), we’ll head into the Rockin’ Rogi Diner to see what they have on the menu. There is always a solid array of flavours to choose from, some of them quite adventurous, and we love sampling the variety.
The Crow’s Nest – Digby & Hillsburn
One thing we find unusual about this region of Nova Scotia – there aren’t a lot of places to get good seafood. A lot of restaurants will serve a couple of things taken from the Bay of Fundy or the Atlantic, but there are very few spots dedicated to serving one of Nova Scotia’s greatest assets.
The Crow’s Nest, with locations in both Digby and Hillsburn, is one of those places. But don’t expect a full lobster dinner, the menu items are more convenient (lobster rolls and lobster club sandwiches), but also much of it is fried. Think fish and chips, fried clams, deep fried scallops and more), but all the seafood is fresh and worth a taste. (There’s also a whole page dedicated to dishes for the non-seafood eater – like me – so there is really something for everyone!)
As mentioned above, there aren’t too many restaurants for seafood in the Valley, but a popular one is the Halls Harbour Lobster Pound. Be forewarned, they charge tourist prices and the seafood in Pete’s opinion is average. You’re better off heading to Halifax or the South Shore for a good seafood feed.
Want more options of where to eat in Annapolis Valley and the wider province? Read our post on the best restaurants in Nova Scotia, or where to eat in Wolfville.
Drink Responsibly
Wineries, craft breweries, and distilleries all abound in Annapolis Valley. Add some (or all!) of these to your itinerary, but be sure to consume within reason. Trust us also when we say there are a LOT more than listed here, but these have been standout favourites for us after lots of testing (rough job, I know).
Roof Hound Brewing Co. – Kingston
Another go-to that’s a quick drive away, Roof Hound has one of our fave beers in the Valley – the Handsome Devil. It’s a bold stout, deliciously roasty with coffee notes. The Big Stink (IPA) is one that Pete particularly loves, and we’ve also both enjoyed Garage Band as well. Roof Hound also serves great burgers.
Church Brewing – Wolfville
When we have visitors, Church Brewing is always on our itinerary. Not only because it’s a very cool setting – as the name suggests, it’s a brewery in an old church – but especially for their beautiful beers. Recently visiting friends tried dozens of different brews across the region and declared Saltwater Joys (Gose) their standout favourite, and we agree. It’s a tangy and bold sour with a lingering saltiness that enhances it greatly.
Smokehouse Brewery – Berwick
This has become a go-to favourite for a couple of reasons, namely their Tangerine Sour and Berwick Brown. This small-scale brewery is really just getting started, and we’re always eager to try anything new that they produce.
Spurr Brothers – Wilmot
Spurr Brothers is a fifth-generation family farm, growing great produce in the Annapolis Valley since 1875. In 2022, a newly built market and taproom opened to bring fresh, local goods and their own amazing ciders to guests. This is a particularly special hangout for us (we even filmed part of our TV show there!), because not only do we love sipping ciders on their patio in summer, but they’ve also introduced to so many different types of apples that we consider ourselves apple snobs now! Our fave ciders are their Strawberry, Rhubarb & Haskap, Wild Blueberry, and the seasonal Rosé cider.
Benjamin Bridge – Wolfville
Neither of us are big wine drinkers, but often when we do indulge, Benjamin Bridge’s wines are what we drink. Their sweet and sparkly Nova 7 is a local’s favourite and great celebratory drink. I also particularly like their series of piquettes which are made from the second pressing of grapes, and can best be compared to a wine spritzer. Not only are their products excellent, but their spot in the Valley is one of our favourite to enjoy in summer. Think lush green valley, a beautiful adorned patio, and a snacking menu that’s perfectly aligned.
Lightfoot & Wolfville – Wolfville
Another of our favourites for wine (when we drink it). A standout is the Ancienne Chardonney, a pricier bottle but every sip makes it worth every penny. It’s also a fabulous spot for lunch with the winery’s polished but casual atmosphere, and always pleasing menu items. There are also weekly dinner features that we have yet to try, but are eager to.
Luckett Vineyards – Wolfville
If you’re looking to snag a selfie in front of a red English phone booth amidst rows of grapevines, this is the place. It’s a very popular tourist spot (for that reason), and during busy season the crowds can be overwhelming. For that reason it doesn’t rank too high on our list (the wine and restaurant are ok but not exceptional), but many people just want the photo, so we included a mention.
For more options, click through for Annapolis Valley wineries, breweries, and cideries.
Spend a Day in Annapolis Royal
Visit the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens
I’m not typically one for visiting gardens, but knowing that my Dad would enjoy it, I took him there during his visit from Alberta. He loved it, and so did I (a bit unexpectedly). Our visit to the gardens really opened my eyes to what is possible for growing in this region, and also was simply a delight for all the senses. It was a bit early when we visited (mid-June), and so I’m eager to return later in the season to see different plants when in bloom. It’s a fun visit for anyone who loves colourful and unique flora, but be sure to wear good walking shoes as there is a lot of ground to cover.
Explore the Fort Anne National Historic Site and Port Royal National Historic Site
Hundreds of years ago, the region surrounding Annapolis Royal was one of the most fought-over pieces of land on the continent. Battles between the Scottish, French, and settlers from England meant the land changed hand seven times, and often drew the Mi’kmaq into their conflicts. This was also the birthplace of Acadian culture; when the French colonists set up homesteads surrounding Fort Anne in the mid-1600s, they began referring to themselves as Acadians for the first time.
Not only is there a lot of history to take in at Fort Anne, but it’s also a beautiful setting on the edge of the water. Across the bay you’ll also find Port Royal, a reconstruction of one of the earliest European settlements in North America.
Stroll on the Ocean Floor at Blomidon Provincial Park
The Annapolis Valley stretches alongside the Bay of Fundy, famously known for having the largest tidal range in the world (it averages 52 ft, while the worldwide range is only 3.3 ft). Given the range and strength of these tides, the exposed ocean floor (when the tide is out, twice daily) is everchanging. A stroll along it one day will be different from the last or next.
It’s very worth the time to do so, and Blomidon Provincial Park is an excellent place to do so. The red sandy floor is set dramatically against tall cliffs. Walking on the ocean floor is a must, but you can also camp, hike, picnic, and more within the park. Nearby Kingsport Beach is also an optional stop. Wherever you happen to make a stop on the Bay of Fundy, be sure to check the tide charts to ensure you safely explore the area.
Seek out the Famous Digby Scallops
Known as the “Scallop Capital of the World”, the town of Digby, on the SW corner of Nova Scotia, is where these bivalves are famously harvested. They have long had a stellar reputation for taste – the cold water in the area, combined with the giant swing in Bay of Fundy tides that bring in plenty of fresh food for the scallops – ensure they are plentiful and plump.
Digby Scallop Days, typically held in the second week of August, is a fun time to learn all about scallops and also sample them in a variety of ways. If you’re not there during that time, go to Crow’s Nest to try them (skip the deep-fried variety and try them just lightly pan-fried).
Go Whale Watching
Drive through Digby to Briar Island and explore your options for whale watching. (We haven’t gone specifically from there to whale watch, but have from the New Brunswick side of the Bay to a similar area.) By late June, humpback whales are plentiful in the region, but you might also see finback whales, minke whales, dolphins, and more. Research your options and book in advance here.
Go Lighthouse-Hopping
Nova Scotia has lighthouses a’plenty, with about 150 scattered around the province. And it’s not such that if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all, because so many have unique qualities. Not only will you naturally come across them while seeking culinary or other adventures (like the Digby Pier Lighthouse, Annapolis Lighthouse, and more), but there are others worth a side trip of their own.
Favourites of ours include the Margaretsville Lighthouse, with its unique black stripe and rumoured ghostly presence, and the Brier Island Lighthouse which is simply one of the most photogenic that we’ve seen in the province.
Visit Bear River – The Town on Stilts
When heading west, Bear River is an easy detour just before Digby. It’s just a wee town, but it is an excellent place to see the drama of the Bay of Fundy tides as they fill up the river of the same name that runs through it. Not only that, but it is home to one of our favourite art galleries/gift shops (The Flight of Fancy) and also has a couple of cafés and restaurants that are popular. Worthy stops are also the Bear River Vineyard and Lazy Bear Brewing in nearby Smith’s Cove.
Hike Cape Split
We’ve sampled a few trails in the Valley, with a lot more on our to-do list, but none quite compare to trekking this landmark hike in Cape Split Provincial Park. While a lot of the hike through old forest is fairly unexciting, the views at the end, looking across the dramatic cliffs at the peninsula tip, are worth the effort.
It is rated as moderately challenging and we would suggest that is largely due to the length (12.4 km return) than the elevation or the path itself. We did it as an out-and-back, but a loop option is possible closer to the southwest shore’s edge (which we’ve been told is less developed and quite difficult).
Step Back in Time at Grand Pré National Historic Site
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Grand Pré is as scenic as it is important. It stands as a monument to the Acadian people, both to signify their contributions to the region as well as to remember their historic mass deportation.
Managed by Parks Canada, there is plenty to see and do on this large site. Enjoy a guided tour, 110 km of hiking and cycling trails, camping, and much more. Photographers will also love the views of the Valley and New Minas Basin, visit at sunset to get beautiful shots of the sun dipping behind the century-old Memorial Church.
Marvel at The Lookoff
On your drive to Blomidon or Cape Split Provincial Parks, you’ll drive right past The Lookoff, which, as the name suggests, is a notable lookoff point! After driving up the north mountain, make a stop here (you can’t miss it) to take a look back over the entire Valley and the New Minas Basin. During summer months there is an ice cream shop across the road, but it’s undoubtedly worth a stop, even without the promise of a cool treat.
Visit a Farmers’ Market
Due to the Valley being so rich in farmland (the Harvest Highway runs the length of the Valley and beyond), Farmers’ Markets are plenty in the region, but these are a few of our favourites.
Annapolis Royal
Open from May to October, this is a Valley favourite, featuring live music, food, artisans and locally grown food on Saturday mornings. It also happens to be Nova Scotia’s longest running outdoor market! Learn more here.
Wolfville
This year-round Saturday morning market features 60+ vendors selling a wide-array of local goods. In summer the market expands slightly, opening serving counters in the outdoors, with live music also filling the air! More details here.
Kingston
This may be a smaller market than others (and runs on Thursday, whenmost are on Saturdays), but the organizers do a lot to make it stand out. Not only do you get the best of local produce and unique artisan goods, but they have also added fun touches like a large puzzle for all to contribute to, cute picnic spaces, workshops, and more. Learn more here.
Enjoy U-Picks Galore
Apples, strawberries, blueberries, and so much more are available throughout the summer months. While you can u-pick hop for a couple of days around Kentville and Wolfville and still not hit them all, there are plenty that stretch out along the entire Valley. Not only do they save you money on fresh produce, but visiting a u-pick it can also be a fun family outing.
Dempsey Corner Orchard
While there are no shortage of u-picks in the area, this one stands out because of everything else they offer. Think: live music, a petting zoo, tractor rides, festivals like Peachy Palooza and more. And while many u-picks focus on just one or two types of produce, Dempsey grows a wide variety, and you can track the harvests (to help plan your visit!) on this page.
Go Antique Shopping
For those hunting for unique pieces to fill their homes, you have lots of options for antique shopping in the Annapolis Valley. Even though we’ve found most of what we need for our home, we still love to stop in and see what’s available. We love to especially pop in at Leslie J. Langille Antiques (inside an old church with a beautiful setting!) and Treasures & Collectibles.
Find a Festival
There seems to always be a reason to celebrate in the Annapolis Valley! Notable ones include the Apple Blossom Festival, the Bear River Cherry Carnival, Devour! The Food Film Fest, and Kentville’s Pumpkin People Festival.
Yes, most of them are about food. Which, if it isn’t obvious by the rest of the content in this article, is largely what the Annapolis Valley is all about!
Where to Stay in the Annapolis Valley
Your choice of activities may dictate where you stay in the Valley, and we’ve outlined some options below.
Wolfville
Stay here if you are most interested in visiting a lot of wineries in a short amount of time! Wolfville is also a scenic University town with great restaurants and a youthful vibe. Here are two options for accommodations:
The Tattingstone Inn
The Tattingstone Inn is a tastefully restored 19th Century farmhouse. This historic landmark has been transformed to a boutique hotel situtated on 1.5 acres of beautifully manicured grounds. It has 21 rooms (7 luxury suites) and breakfast is included with your stay. Centrally located in Wolfville, it’s a great option for all your adventures in the Annapolis Valley.
Old Orchard Inn
The Old Orchard Inn sits just outside of Wolfville, and has everything you could need. It has an on-site restaurant, lounge, full service spa, swimming pool and a panoramic patio sundeck. In addition to standard rooms, there are also quaint cottages onsite.
Annapolis Royal
Stay here if you want to visit each edge of the Valley, as you’ll almost be right in the middle. And we adore Annapolis Royal, so it’s worth a relaxing day on its own!
Annapolis Royal Inn & Suites
Enjoy this charming boutique hotel from one of its 26 rooms designed for comfort. Guests rave about the personalized service and the heated salt-water pool open in summer months.
Digby
Stay here if you want to enjoy an early morning whale-watching experience. Be sure to induge in a plate of fresh and famous Digby scallops!
Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa
If you want your accommodations to provide you with ultimate comfort and all the trappings of a coastal escape, then this is your place. Overlooking the Annapolis Basin, Digby Pines serves as a secluded getaway complete with a spa, golf resort, fantastic restaurant, and just about anything else you could want.
