Nova Scotia in the fall is one of the best times to visit. The weather is cool and sunny, the trees start to change to red and orange, and it is less busy compared to the summer months. There are so many activities that can be done in Nova Scotia, and below I share the 10 best things to do in Nova Scotia in the fall!
1. Visit a maze
Nova Scotia has so many unique mazes that are fun for families, couples, groups of friends, and solo travelers. They are located about 1 hour away from Halifax, and make perfect day trips if you are just stopping by for a short amount of time.
Art maze
Open: July 1st – September 3rd
Bernart Maze, located off of the 103 Highway, is one of the most interesting mazes I have ever been to. The maze has art around every corner. There are sculptures, a vintage firetruck to climb on, games, a piano and so much more. It is always evolving with more art being added to it each year.
Sunflower maze
Open: August 15 to the end of September
Dakeyne Farm has a sunflower maze. And yes, it sounds just as Instagram-able as it looks. So hurry and go! On site there is a place to have picnics, games and they provide kites you can fly.
Corn maze
Open: mid-September – October 31 (check their websites for more details)
There are so many corn mazes to visit in Nova Scotia in the fall. As of 2020, times to enter the mazes need to booked online in advance, visit their websites for more details.
Noggins Corner Farm Market – Wolfville, NS. Dog friendly as well, you can go apple and pumpkin picking, a food truck, and a haunted house!
Riverbreeze Farm – Truro, NS. During the day there is a corn maze, a pumpkin parch, and at night this turns into a Fear Farm with 2 haunted corn mazes with 4 haunted houses. It is terrifying and SO much fun.
Indian Garden Farms – Bridgewater, NS. On the property there are pumpkin and apple u-picks, a farm market to buy local produce and baked goods, a garden centre and the resident sheep “Bert and Ernie”!
2. Go apple and pumpkin picking
The corn mazes mentioned above also have U-picks for apples and pumpkins. So if you have time, a visit to a U-pick and then the corn maze makes for a great day out.
3. Go Hiking around Nova Scotia in the fall
Going on a hike in the fall to breathe in the cool, autumn air and admire the fall foliage is one of the best things to do in Nova Scotia in the fall. And Nova Scotia has SO many trails to choose from! To find a hike near you, use the AllTrails app, or check out 8 of my favourite, most unique hikes.
4. Drive the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton
Driving the Cabot Trail in the fall when the tree leaves are at their peak is one of the top things to do in Nova Scotia in the fall. There is an abundance of hiking trails that offer gorgeous views of the fall foliage, waterfalls, and the drive is stunning.
Spend at least 2 full days driving around this beautiful part of the province.
5. Zipline at onTree
open: April – November (check website for hours)
What better way to admire the fall foliage than being in the trees? OnTree: Fun and Adventure Park is located in Windsor, Nova Scotia. Their park features 18 courses which involve rope courses, climbing walls and ziplines. They range from easy to difficult, so there is something for everyone.
6. Go on a Haunted Walk
What would autumn be without a little bit of spookiness. Going on a haunted walk to explore a new town and hear the dark side of it’s history will help you get in the Fall and Halloween spirit. A few notable haunted walks are:
Halifax Ghost Walk: Lively story-telling about Halifax’s history. Entertaining and always a little bit frightening.
Valley Ghost Walks Hear spooky tales and witness them come to life! Warning: you may see a ghost or two.
Haunted Lunenburg Walking Tour: Hear ghost stories and explore the historic town of Lunenburg and it’s cemetery in the dark.
7. Go to a Fall Festival
Scarecrow Festival – Mahone Bay
End of September ( Check out their website for exact dates)
Made famous by the TV show the Amazing Race, the town of Mahone Bay becomes decorated with Scarecrows. There is also an antique show, food stands and activities. At night there is a Pumpkin Walk where you can walk among carved pumpkins listening to local musicians play.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW: Since the festival becomes more popular each year, the Pumpkin Walk changes to accommodate for the growing crowd, so no pumpkin walk is the same. Sometimes the pumpkin walk gets canceled, so check the website for event details before going.
Pumpkin People Festival – Kentville
October 1-31
Every October in Kentville, Nova Scotia the town becomes decorated with hundreds of pumpkin people. Each year has a theme (in 2020 it was “Fables, Folklore & Fantasy”. Check out their website for more details.
Celtic Colours International Music Festival – Cape Breton
October (check their website for exact dates)
If you love Celtic music, seeing jaw-dropping scenery, waterfalls and going on road-trips then this is the festival for you. During Autumn when the leaves are at their peak, Cape Breton hosts the Celtic Colours International Music Festival. Musical performances of all sizes are held ALL over the island of Cape Breton.
8. Go Canoeing in Nova Scotia in the Fall
Seeing the fall foliage from the water is so peaceful and incredibly beautiful. There are a few places in Nova Scotia where you can rent a canoe or kayak, or go with a guided group. They are great for any skill level.
North River Kayaking Tours – North River, Cape Breton. See bald eagles and waterfalls on either a half day or full day guided kayak tour.
Whynot Adventure – Kejimkujik National Park (pronounced ked-gee-mah-coo-jick). They offer short and multi-day guided tours, and rentals for canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.
By Th’ Bay Kayak – Darmouth. Hourly rates for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding are available along Cow Bay Pond. Dog-friendly as well!
9. Tidal Bore Rafting in the Bay of Fundy
May 1 – October 31, 2020
A really fun activity that is unique to Nova Scotia is Tidal Bore Rafting. The Bay of Fundy features the highest tides in the world, and riding the tidal bores is adrenaline pumping, and SO much fun. If you’re nervous about trying it, sit in the back of the boat for a bit more smooth ride.
Tidal Bore Rafting Resort offers 2 hour and 4 hour tours for Tidal Bore Rafting. Warm suits can also be provided during your rafting adventure so that you don’t get too cold. And if you’d like, you can book a night in one of their cozy cottages, or eat in their on-site restaurant.
10. Relax at the Nordic Spa in Chester
Sensea is Nova Scotia’s first Nordic Spa, and located only 45 minutes from Halifax in the picturesque village of Chester. It is outside overlooking a lake among the forest, and a serene and perfect place to unwind. There is a Scandinavian Sauna, and hot and cold plunge pools. Relax by the lake in hammocks or lounge chairs, or meditate or practice yoga. Food and beverages are available, and there will be overnight accommodations opening soon.
Do you have a favourite activity to do in Nova Scotia in the Fall? Let me know in the comments below!
Find a place to stay in Nova Scotia in the fall
Liked this post? Save it for later!
