Gone Fishing: Winter Holidays in Nova Scotia

Summer in Nova Scotia has long attracted tourists who delight in our temperate climate and plentiful beaches. With such magnificent coastline and outgoing people, there’s no shortage of activities, festivals, concerts and fun to be had. Let it be known though, that if you love the outdoors and aspire to take advantage of seasonal fun, winter in Nova Scotia is just as beautiful and full of potential!

There are plenty of breathtaking views to take in from winter-friendly accommodations across the province, where you can cozy up next to a fire and enjoy a glass of fine Nova Scotia wine. Or, turn off your cell phone, get out and cast your lines! Fish caught during the winter in the frigid waters have a different taste and texture than fish caught during the summer. For this reason, anglers gear up and cut holes in the ice of lakes and rivers throughout Canada. Although there's fishing all over the province, one of the greatest spots to set up an ice-fishing shack is on the LaHave River in Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia. Read more in this article that recenlty appeared in the Cape Breton Post.

Spent too much time behind the wheel? Take a break and experience one of the lesser used modes of transportation. On Cape Breton Island, you can ride a sled or scooter powered by Canadian Eskimo Dogs at the Crown Jewel Resort Ranch in Baddeck. This year-round resort offers half-day and daylong trail runs and is guaranteed to offer you a new perspective on wilderness.

If you prefer to work your own dogs, then rely upon those two feet of yours and walk atop the snow in a pair of snowshoes at the Wreck Cove Wilderness Cabins along the Cabot Trail. Start out on the seaside warm-up trails and then head inland for a cross-country hike unlike any you’ve experienced before.

Maybe the stealth of a pair of cross-country skis is more your speed. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skier looking for new territories to explore, visit the Mickey Hill Pocket on the Evangeline Trail near Annapolis Royal or climb aboard the Trans Canada Trail and ski Nova Scotia’s arm of this national system of trails.

For those seeking greater slopes, Nova Scotia has multi-use resorts boasting a full-range of downhill skiing accommodations for families and groups of all sizes. Ski Ben Eion near the Bras D’or Lakes offers complete rental services and long-term leases available on skiing and snowboarding equipment as well as accommodations for travelers. Check out Ski Martock and Ski Wentworth, two other great location and scenic ski choices.

After a few days of outdoor excitement you might want to treat yourself to a visit to one of Nova Scotia’s world class spa facilities. The Oak Island Resort on Nova Scotia’s western shore has a full service spa where you can experience everything from a facial to a massage, sea salt exfoliation, manicures, pedicures and more. At one of the Interlude Spa’s in Halifax or Dartmouth you can enjoy aromatherapy, healing stone massages, steam and sauna and much more. Embracing the great outdoors mid-winter is that much more enjoyable with the prospect of warming oneself in a spa!

So if you’re interested in getting away this winter why not take advantage of all that Nova Scotia has to offer. Visit Tourism Nova Scotia’s Experience Winter site where you’ll find links to many more destinations and activities.