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
Countries
What to do and see in Southwest Nova Scotia, Southwest Nova Scotia: The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups
Discover the best top things to do in Southwest Nova Scotia, United States including Ocean Explorations Whale Cruises, Kejimkujik National Park Seaside, Glimpses Theatre Troupe, Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens, Cape Forchu Lighthouse, Port-Royal National Historic Site, Gaspereau Vineyards, Anne Murray Centre, Joggins Fossil Cliffs Centre.
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. Glimpses Theatre Troupe
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 123 reviews
4. Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 902 reviews
2020 Guided Tour Experience In order to keep our visitors and staff safe during the Covid-19 pandemic, we have adapted the museum experience we offer this season. We are offering a guided tour of the first floor. The small group sizes allow for easy physical distancing and the wearing of a non-medical face mask is strongly recommended while on site. This high value experience gives the opportunity to discover how our ocean connects to our maritime identity. Small groups sizes allow for the benefit of a 1 to 5 staff to visitor ratio, and our staff are wow makers! Our ocean is a pillar of Nova Scotia’s natural and cultural heritage. We identify with our ocean but what are we doing to protect it? This tour will touch on some ocean preservation initiatives plus more! To book your tour: Call 902-930- FISH (3474)
Reviewed By cliffl973
My wife and I visited in late September. We expected to breeze through in maybe half an hour. Actually spent a couple of hours, and it was educational and informative and very entertaining. They have the best collections of shipbuilding tools I've seen, and a wonderful old birchbark canoe—just two of the many highlights of our visit. And make sure to view the cod-cleaning video by Rosie Tanner (I bough a DVD copy at the well-stocked gift shop for a friend who fancies himself an expert fish cleaner). Lisa, the interpretive guide at the aquarium, was personable, enthusiastic, and a font of knowledge. My only suggestion for the acquarium might be that they provide a nook or crevice for the Wolf Fish to retire to when he's feeling shy. On our two-week driving tour of Western Nova Scotia, this was certainly one of the most enjoyable experiences.
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. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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
9. Anne Murray Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
All that glitters is gold at the Anne Murray Centre. The Centre is a tribute to the legendary singer’s amazing career. Rows of gold and platinum albums, and glittering trophies of all shapes and sizes fill every inch of the room. It’s breathtaking even to those who’ve been in the room before, but for those who haven’t, it’s like walking into a fantasy – a spectacular visual you’ll remember long after you’ve left the Centre!
Reviewed By virtus18 - Australia, null
Before Celine...before Shania.....before kd......there was the Snowbird herself - Anne Murray! About 28 years ago, the Anne Murray Centre opened in Springhill, NS and is a wonderful way to revisit Anne's life and music. The museum (although Anne reputedly isn't keen on calling it that, still being very much alive) offers a chronological view of her life from her birth in Springhill through to her retirement, covering her professional, her personal and pubic achievements. It's all there - the music, the gold (and platinum) records and her other awards including her Order of Canada and Order of Nova Scotia. The gift shop on the premises offers not only memorabilia relating to Anne but also items created by craftsmen and women and artisans in Nova Scotia and particularly from the local region. In addition to this, the Centre also supports local musicians with their Music at Noon sessions on Fridays during the summer months. The staff are fun, friendly and enthusiastic - a great group of people. And for those who are able to be there - Anne Murray Day takes place on the last Saturday of July each year, with Anne herself appearing for a meet and greet with her fans.
10. Joggins Fossil Cliffs Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 366 reviews
Temporarily closed for the season. We will re-open from April 23, 2019 to October 31, 2019. Looking forward to finding fossils with you in the Spring of 2019!
Reviewed By birdmarg - Atlanta, United States
Make sure to time your trip to Joggins around low tide- this way you will get to see as much of the beach as possible. The museum and information center are lovely and worth the admission fee. The exhibits explain the history of the area (ancient and more recent), really framing the importance of the sight before you go down to the beach. After reading about the area, walk down the cliffs (could be difficult if mobility is a concern) and just walk along the beach and marvel at the fossils. If you look closely you realize they are everywhere! A great day for both kids and adults. Could easily spend about 3 hours there total with museum, but less depending on interest. The information center offers guided tours of the beach based on low tide (included with price of general admission) and there is a cafe inside the center as well. We went on a rainy day and it was still a splendid experience. Highly recommend!
