2020 will be the summer of the Nova Scotia staycation. If you’re the type who’s normally chasing adrenaline rushes around the globe, this year you’re going to want to look a little closer to home. Thankfully, Nova Scotia in summer is an adventure filled paradise. If you love getting outdoors and exploring nature or chasing your next adrenaline rush, you’ll find plenty to do here.
Whether you like floating on the water, flying through the air, or keeping your feet on terra firma, there’s an adventure here for you this summer.
We’ve rounded up ten outdoor adventures that you need to have in Nova Scotia this summer so that you have the greatest staycation of anyone who’s ever staycationed. Which tops of your Nova Scotia summer bucket list?
Tidal Bore Rafting
The highest tides in the world make their home in the Bay of Funday. Twice a day waters surge with such force that it creates a wave on the Shubenacadie River that travels upstream against the current. What this means for you is a super fun rafting experience! Join the Tidal Bore Rafting Resort for their 35th year of tidal bore rafting in Nova Scotia and get ready yell-laugh for hours.
12215 Highway 215, Urbania, NS
$63-$95
Learn to Surf
Surfing in Nova Scotia? You betcha! You don’t need to travel to Hawaii to get your surf fix this summer. Perfect waves for learning are accompanied by warmer waters in the summer months, while larger waves grace our numerous point breaks through fall, winter and spring. East Coast Surf School have been teaching people how to hang 10 since 2005 so you know you’re in good hands.
4348 Lawrencetown Rd., East Lawrencetown, NS
$65-$95
Zip Through the Trees
Nova Scotia’s first and biggest zipline lives in Pictou County and is open for you to have your own George of the Jungle moment. At Anchors Above Zipline you can ride two lines swishing you over a combined 2000′ and dropping you over 16 storeys, all with beautiful scenery. How’s that for a Saturday afternoon rush?
464 Macgrath Mountain Road, French River, NS
$20-$30 – Cash only
Tandem Skydive
Looking for an even bigger adrenaline kick in the sky? Take in the views from 10,000 feet with an experienced instructor, as a passenger on a parachute built for two. With a tandem skydive at Atlantic School of Skydiving you get to do a half minute freefall followed by a fun parachute flight and landing. Your experienced instructor will do all the work while you get the thrill of the dive.
9922 Highway 215, Maitland, NS
$280-$355
Climb Some Trees
Outdoor play isn’t just for kids. Make your way through some of the most epic obstacle courses around as you conquer challenge after challenge high up in the treetops. Keep that adrenaline pumping at Ontree Fun and Adventure Park’s high ropes course. Choose from a variety of high rope courses, climbing walls, Tarzan swings, ziplines and more than 180 different obstacles amongst the trees of Martock that will test your physical limits.
RR#3 370 Martock Road, Windsor, NS
$22-$40
Float in a Balloon
Like your sky adventures with more awe? Why not try a hot air balloon ride with East Coast Balloon Adventures? During your flight you will get a spectacular bird’s eye view of the beautiful Annapolis Valley and will drift silently over the countryside. Keep an eye out for wildlife, take in breathtaking views of forests, lakes, and vineyards and talk with envious onlookers down below. After landing take part in the oldest of ballooning traditions: a Champagne toast.
Wolfville, NS
$275-$325
Go Mud Sliding
Indulge your inner child with some mud sliding after your Bára Whitewater rafting tour. Slide down the super slick banks of the Shubie shore! This just might be one of the best kept secrets in this neck of the woods. The thick mud creates a natural slide with a splash finish. Perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
Wolfville, NS
Free on all Bára Whitewater rafting tours
Go on a Trail Ride
Saddle up at Spirit Reins Ranch and have yourself an outdoor adventure of the equine variety near Parrsboro. One of the best and most relaxing ways to experience the beauty of nature is on horseback. Enjoy wooded trails, waterfalls, beaches, or you can even ride your horse along the floor of the Minas Basin.
432 Prospect Road, RR#1, Parrsboro, NS
$55-$175
Take a Hike
Nova Scotia is chock full of beautiful hiking trails and you shouldn’t let the summer pass you by without taking in the world renowned Skyline Trail in Cape Breton. A dramatic headland cliff overlooks the rugged coast from the end of the 8km looped trail. You can enjoy an eagle’s view of the Cabot Trail as it winds its way down the mountain while you watch for whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
19685 Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Highlands NP, NS
Free
Spot a Whale
There’s nothing quite like getting eye to eye with a whale. Their size and majesty is truly awe-inspiring. Take a tour this with Mariner Cruises near Brier Island and keep your eyes peeled for finback whales, minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, or harbour porpoises. Each tour is narrated by local naturalists so you’ll also learn something during your pleasure cruise. Best of both worlds!
325 Water Street, Westport, Brier Island, NS
$28-$50
