A taste of Nova Scotia: ocean-fresh seafood, coastal foraging and unique wines

Discover the Canadian province’s vibrant culinary trails and beautiful landscapes, teeming with world-class produce

When you think of eastern Canadian fare, your mind may well conjure images of succulent lobster pulled fresh from the cold, clean waters of the North Atlantic. And while that’s a great place to start, Nova Scotia has plenty more delicious delights to reel you in, from hearty chowder and a spiced beef local delicacy to a booming wine and ale scene.

Plot your way round the numerous food and drink hotspots, and in between you can fit in spectacular hikes through national parks and coastal paths. With no fewer than six UNESCO-designated sites crammed into a province the size of Scotland – and only a six-hour flight from the UK – Nova Scotia is a true all-rounder destination that will dazzle your eyes and have your taste buds dancing.

For the love of lobster

Reputations grow for a reason, so when you want to sample the finest lobster on the planet, you should head to the North American Atlantic coast. Thanks to strong fishing roots and bountiful shores, Barrington in Nova Scotia plies such a strong trade in this sought-after seafood that it’s considered the lobster capital of Canada.

The designated Nova Scotia Lobster Trail features 25 of the province’s finest seafood restaurants. On the far south of the peninsula you’ll find Argyler Lodge and Restaurant, overlooking the picturesque Lobster Bay, while you’ll be treated to more spectacular sea views at the White Point Beach Resort in the province’s capital city, Halifax. For a more rustic setting, try the 18th century-inspired Restaurant de la Marine on Cape Breton Island.

Wherever you’re dining, start by trying the lobster fresh with melted butter and just a squeeze of lemon before the likes of lobster rolls, lobster mac and cheese, lobster tacos and more.

Plenty more fish

Another Nova Scotian signature seafood dish is, of course, chowder. So, you won’t be surprised to know there’s a dedicated trail for that, too. Each restaurant has its own take on this rich soup traditionally loved by fishermen, but you can expect an enticing mix of each day’s catch, which could include haddock, mussels, prawns, clams, scallops and, yes, lobster, along with corn, potatoes and onion, in a satisfyingly savoury and warming broth.

If you’re planning on hiking or biking along Cape Breton’s breathtaking Cabot Trail, there’s no better way to refuel than by grabbing a spoon and tucking in at The Chowder House in Neils Harbour.

If you want to take your Nova Scotian seafood odyssey to the next level, you can find plenty of unique experiences to immerse yourself in, including a tour of the working lobster pound at Halls Harbour. Or, for something extra memorable, sign up for a coastal walk and forage, followed by a three-course lunch perched on the red rock cliffs at the Bay of Fundy, the site of the world’s highest tides.

Local specialities aren’t confined to fish, however. Despite the city’s maritime heritage, Halifax’s official dish is the ‘donair’. Spiced beef is cooked on a spit, shaved into a pitta, then finished off with lashings of sweet garlic sauce – think of it as a Canadian kebab. From delectable Annapolis Valley apples to wild blueberries from Oxford, you won’t be short of gloriously sweet and juicy fresh fruit either.

Thirsty?

Despite the cooler climate, since the 1600s the province has enjoyed a rich tradition of growing wine grapes – in fact, it was one of the first areas to cultivate grapes in North America. The terroir favours unique and distinctive grape varietals, including L’Acadie Blanc, Seyval Blanc, New York Muscat, Baco Noir and Lucie Kuhlmann, which is named after the daughter of its creator, Eugène.

The jewel in this wine country’s crown is undoubtedly Tidal Bay – an appellation wine that distills all the finest local characteristics into a crisp, fresh and dry white. You can sample Tidal Bay, as well as craft ales and even single malt whiskies, on a tasting tour or at one of the vineyards, breweries, distilleries and bars along the Good Cheer Trail – the last of Nova Scotia’s culinary trails. With as many as 80 stops along the way, it’s the perfect way to experience the best in warm Canadian hospitality.

Bon Voyage

Experience Nova Scotia with Bon Voyage from £2100. Price per person includes Return Flights from the UK to Halifax, 7 nights of accommodation and Car hire for 5 nights.

Experience Nova Scotia

Reservations team number: 0800 316 3012 | www.bon-voyage.co.uk