Day trips from Halifax/Dartmouth

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1. Visit the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia’s agricultural center. Visit beautiful Wolfville, home of Acadia University and stop by Hennigars for ice cream. See beautiful Grand Pre and learn the history of the Acadians and of their expulsion. Hike out to Blomidon. Mudwalk in Hantsport when the world’s highest tides are out.

2. Peggy’s Cove visit. Can be done on your own or as part of a tour

3. South Shore drive. Get off of the highway and take this meandering shore road through beautiful Chester. Stop to see the quaint houses. Head next to Mahone Bay. Be sure to note the picturesque 3-churches as you crest the hill coming in to town. Take the time to stop at some of the many artisan’s shops and craft stores along the way. Then head along to Lunenburg, home of the Bluenose. Note the old school, coming into town, and don’t miss the waterfront. A perfect place for an evening seafood dinner.

4. New Ross farm. A period museum of ongoing agriculture. Great for kids.

5. North Shore – see Pictou, home of the Hector. Stop in Stellarton, where you must stop at the fabulous Museum of Industry. If time permits, head farther north to Antigonish, the Catholic Archdiocese for the maritimes and home of St. Francis Xavier University, of X-ring fame

6. Shubenacadie Wildlife Reserve Located about an hour from Halifax/Dartmouth, a great hit when we were kids. Lots of animals. This is different from Shubie park in Dartmouth and the Shubie canal trails.

7. Oak Island – Home of the famous Money Pit and inspiration for the book, “The Hand of Robin Squires”. Digging for pirate treasure here has been going on for over two centuries.
Oak Island Mystery
Oak Island wiki

8. Do the Beaches tour – from Dartmouth take Main street (#7 highway) until the turnoff for Marine drive. Take a right on Marine drive and follow the beautiful coast line. Stop at Lawrencetown beach for some surfing. Get back on Marine Drive, which turns into Lawrencetown Road, and turn off again onto Marine Drive (also called Bisset Road). Follow this to Rainbow Haven, where you can enjoy some nice sandy beach. Continue along Marine Drive and be sure to stop to see the Moose on your way to Cow Bay. In Eastern Passage stop at Fishermen’s wharf for some ice cream, a walk along the boardwalk, and some craft and art stores.
Other good beaches:
Martinique Beach – beyond the turnoff for Marine Drive
Clam Harbour – site of the annual sand castle competition. Even farther along the #7 highway
Crystal Crescent Beach – on the Halifax side. Very cold water, great rock climbing, but you’ll get a surprise if you go too far along the rocks (our nudie beach)