Although the end of summer is just around the corner and the weather is beginning to cool down, there are still tons of fun date ideas to enjoy in Nova Scotia this fall. One of our all-time favourite dates is heading outside with a warm drink, cozy blanket, and picnic basket, and enjoying that crisp autumn air before the cold winter sweeps in. Don’t let Netflix and your cozy couch scoop you up for the season just yet; grab your date and explore all the incredible fall sights Nova Scotia has to offer!
Here are our top picks to fully embrace fall in Nova Scotia.
Unama’ki, Cape Breton Island, is located on the north-eastern tip of Nova Scotia and offers one of the most incredible, scenic views in Canada. Tourists from all over the world plan a visit to the island during the fall to watch the leaves change across the rolling highlands, enjoy numerous hiking trails, and drive the iconic Cabot Trail.
From October 7-15, you can also enjoy the Celtic Colours International Festival that will feature 48 concerts, 200+ community events, and one unforgettable fall date experience.
Named for the Shubenacadie Canal, Shubie Park is a 40-acre urban park in Dartmouth that is nestled between Lake Micmac and Lake Charles. The park features several significant historic canal features, well-maintained multi-use trails, and numerous interpretive panels.
Are you and your date history buffs? You can enjoy a history hike this fall up till October 29th on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11 a.m. from the main entrance of the Fairbanks Centre.
Looking for more of an active date idea to enjoy during your visit? Wildwood Water Sports offers canoe and kayak rentals near the Fairbanks Centre on weekends.
Wolfville is one of the sweetest towns in the Annapolis Valley to visit in the fall! The town is home to Acadia University, beautiful wineries, picturesque walking trails, and cute shops and restaurants.
You can also enjoy Devour! The Food Film Fest from October 24-30. This local festival is the largest food film festival in the world, hosting 100+ events, celebrated filmmakers, and high-profile chefs from around the globe. The festival has become a destination for celebrities and notable chefs including Anthony Bourdain, Phil Rosenthal, Dominique Crenn, Chuck Hughes, Michael Smith, Jason Priestley, and Bill Pullman.
Nothing beats a walk through the beautiful fall colours in the Halifax Public Gardens. For a romantic date idea, grab some coffee and takeout from a local downtown restaurant and have a picnic in the park!
Free one hour horticultural and historical tours of the Halifax Public Gardens are also offered daily at 10:30 am, 12 pm, 1:30 pm, and 3 pm.
Old Town Lunenburg is one of only two urban communities in North America designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This picturesque town features colourful buildings, amazing restaurants, distilleries, breweries, artisans, and unique shops. Paired with the changing leaves, it’s truly like something out of a postcard!
Looking to plan your south shore getaway to Lunenburg? Click here to read our best travel tips!
Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site is the perfect place to connect with nature and Mi’kmaw culture. The park offers a variety of camping experiences, hiking trails, and rich knowledge of Mi’kmaw traditions such as petroglyphs, traditional encampment areas, and canoe routes.
You can enrich your visit to Kejimkujik with a guided petroglyph tour to learn more about the 500-plus petroglyphs that are found on the shores of Kejimkujik Lake. These fascinating stone-carved depictions make up one of North America’s largest collections and have been vital clues for reconstructing regional history.
Dill’s Atlantic Giant is home to some of the world’s largest pumpkins, setting world records at over 1,000 pounds! Grab your date for the perfect pumpkin patch adventure, and pick out the perfect pumpkin for your fall and Halloween decor this season!
This Canadian Maple Syrup farm located deep in the sugar woods of Tatamagouche offers amazing educational and culinary experiences, hiking adventures, and a retail store where you can purchase the most delicious locally-made maple products!
New for Fall 2022 is their Maple Indulgence experience where you can enjoy a maple-infused, after-hours evening at the farm with a fire-side multi-course dinner paired with NS wines. Fall dates will be announced soon – visit their website here for updates!
Point Pleasant Park located in the south end of Halifax, is a historic 75-hectare wooded park crisscrossed with 39 km of easy winding trails and wide multi-use paths (many which are wheelchair-accessible). There are several points of interest to check out during your visit including a Martello Tower and the ruins of several forts. Other park features include a beach and off-leash dog walking areas.
P.S. Did you know you can get married at Point Pleasant Park? Book your special day here!
Leighton Dillman Park, also known as the Dartmouth Commons, is a 120-hectare space with walking trails and an incredible view of the Halifax Harbour and Downtown Halifax. The park is surrounded by nature and and the colourful trees would make the perfect backdrop for a couple/engagement photoshoot!
Planning travelling this fall? Click here to explore date ideas all across Canada!
