Staycation series: Exploring outdoor adventures in Nova Scotia

by Bianca Bujan

Surrounded by lakes, parks, beaches and trails, there’s lots of outdoor adventures to be had if your home province is Nova Scotia. From a family trip fit for train-loving tots, to a romantic seaside stay in a luxury dome, these staycation ideas should help you plan the perfect summer getaway as you venture beyond your own town and explore your province further.

 

For family fun: Tatamagouche

Just over an hour and a half drive from Halifax, the village of Tatamagouche is an idyllic spot for a small-town beach vacation with kids. Located in Colchester County, this seaside village features beautiful beaches, hiking and biking along the Trans Canada Trail, and a variety of quaint museums and markets to browse during your visit.

Consider a stay at Train Station Inn, where train-lovers can sleep in The Cabooses — a series of restored railway cars, some dating back as far as 1911. Take a ride on the Tatamagouche Road Train, which gives visitors a sightseeing tour around the village and along the Trans Canada Trail. Then head to Sugar Moon Farm where you can dine on maple-inspired comfort food and hike over 30 kms of wilderness trails that can be found on the property.

 

For a couples trip: Pleasant Bay, Cape Breton Island

Nova Scotia’s only 5-star, eco-conscious, luxury geodesic dome experience, True North Destinations can be found tucked along Cape Breton Island’s Cabot Trail coastline, offering spectacular ocean views and mountainside lodging. Enjoy private decks, private hot tubs, privacy pergolas, and breath-taking ocean views from one of the 10 domes on the property.

Sign up for the Highland Haven luxury package to enjoy a two-night stay in a geodesic dome. Plus, receive Whale Interpretive Center passes, a whale watching tour (zodiac or Cape Island Style), seafood appetizers with wine, yoga supplies for private practice during your stay, firewood and s’more kits, and propane for your private BBQ — setting you up for the perfect couples getaway by the sea.

 

For a wellness weekend: Chester and New Albany

Before you head out of town, consider taking a few moments to give back to your community. Donating blood is a selfless way to give patients in need the possibility of a stronger tomorrow — and donating blood to ensure someone else’s wellness is a great way to feel good yourself. The blood donation process is simple, and about an hour of your time could save someone’s life. All it takes is a quick stop in Halifax, and booking an appointment is easy.

Then, take a wellness weekend road trip and wind down as you escape the city and enjoy some rest and relaxation. First, head to Sensea Nordic Spa in Chester — the first Nordic spa in Nova Scotia, where a $50 day pass will grant you access to all the hydro and thermo therapy installations on site. Inspired by Nordic spa culture, the experience consists of raising the temperature of your body through saunas, hammams, and hot baths, and then cooling down with the cold plunge, waterfall, shower buckets, or ice fountains. Repeat the hot and cold cycle a few times with rest breaks in between, and you’re sure to feel exhilarated, and then deeply relaxed.

After your spa day, head to New Albany, where you can lounge lakeside in your own private vintage 1974 Boler trailer, fully restored and parked in a small cove on the scenic shore of Zwickers Lake. Outfitted with a dock and two kayaks, a canoe and a paddle boat, guests can enjoy fun on the water while taking in the serene surroundings of the quiet lake. No Wi-Fi means unplugging from everyday life and connecting with nature. Swap screen time for sunsets and connect with nature in this tiny house paradise.

 

Bianca Bujan is an award-winning travel writer with bylines in Lonely Planet, Food & Wine, Canadian Geographic, Chatelaine, WestJet Magazine, The Globe & Mail, and others. She is also the Editor for WestCoast Families magazine. When she's not off on a new adventure or sharing stories of her travels, Bianca is exploring the outdoors with her family on BC’s North Shore where she calls home. For more travel inspiration follow her at bitsofbee.com, or on Instagram @bitsofbee.