Wolfville, Nova Scotia, is a charming town nestled in the heart of the Annapolis Valley, known for its vibrant arts scene, renowned wineries, and scenic landscapes. With its proximity to the Bay of Fundy, visitors can experience some of the world’s highest tides and explore beautiful hiking trails along the coast. The town offers a variety of cultural attractions, from local art galleries and cozy cafes to the historic Acadia University campus. Wolfville and its surrounding areas provide a perfect blend of nature, history, and culture, making it a must-visit destination in Nova Scotia.
Wolfville has loads to offer from its famous wineries and market but it also serves as a great base to explore the nearby Bay of Fundy and the world’s highest tides, Grand Pre, Port William, Hall’s Habour and much more.
1. Visit the Wineries
If you only do one thing in Wolfville it must be visiting the local wineries for which the area is best known. I have written an entire separate article on the wineries in Wolfville but if you’re short on time here are some of the wineries to check out:
- L’acadie
- Benjamin Bridge
- Luckett Vineyards
- Grand Pre – the oldest winery in the area
- Planter’s Ridge
- Lightfoot and Wolfville – only one walkable from town
Read Next: Guide to the Wineries of Wolfville Nova Scotia
2. Visit the Farm Shops of Wolfville
The Annapolis Valley is the richest agricultural region in Atlantic Canada, so it’s no surprise there are a number of fantastic farm shops in Wolfville. Not only do they stock lots of luscious local produce, but there are many homemade ready-to-eat products for sale, plus some great photo opportunities. Here are just a few that I was able to visit:
- Noggins Corner Farmers Market
- Hennigan’s Farm Market
- Stirling Fruit Farms
- Elderkin’s Farm Market and Bakery
- Edible Art (not actually a farm shop but a gorgeous store/foodshop next to Noggins Corner)
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3. Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens
Based at Acadia University, the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens are dedicated to the flora native to the Acadian Forest Region. Visitors can explore a diverse range of plants that are native to the region. These beautiful gardens are very photogenic. And don’t miss grabbing a coffee in the beautiful Garden Room.
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4. Wolfville Farmers Market
If it’s Saturday morning and you’re in Wolfville, you must visit the bustling Wolfville Farmer’s Market. Open year-round, you’ll experience the best of the Annapolis Valley with local bakers, artisans, farmers, chefs and more displaying their wares. The market offers a great taste of this delicious region with everything from organic vegetables and gourmet cheeses to unique crafts and hot-prepared meals.
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5. Enjoy the local art
Wolfville is filled with some gorgeous street art and stunning murals. Find the Discover Wolfville mural just near Wolfville Farmer’s Market and Smile you’re in Wolfville is virtually across the road. Then head on to Main Street and turn left to see the well dressed old man against the yellow door. The maritime/nighttime mural is just off Main Street on Linden Avenue.
The Alex Colville Wolfville Gallery is an outdoor gallery on Main street. This famous Canadian artist lived in Wolfville from 1973 until his death in 2013. Nine of his iconic paintings have been reproduced in the gallery.
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6. Grab a drink at the Church Brewery
Located on Main Street, as you might have guessed, this brewery is housed in a beautiful old church. The interior of the Church Brewery is gorgeous, with a high domed wooden ceiling and some stained glass-style lighting. I visited for lunch and the atmosphere was buzzing and the food delicious! There is also a large outdoor seating area.
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7. Have a Tasting at Annapolis Cider Company
Founded in 2016, this locally-owned cider company is now one of Canada’s leading cider brands. Annapolis Cider sources some of the best apples in the valley and welcomes over 50,000 visitors annually to their Main Street outlet. It’s a great spot for a cider tasting.
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8. Take a Vintage Vino Wine Tour
If you’re looking for a different, more personalized way to explore the wineries of Wolfville, I highly recommend taking a Vintage Vino wine tour. This private vintage car wine tour is the perfect way to enjoy the journey as well as the winery destinations. Brennan will help to design an itinerary to suit your interests, whether local culture, great coffee, or your preferred grapes and the best wineries.
You’ll cover 3 wineries in four hours. Lunch is optional but I highly recommend heading to Luckett Vineyards and enjoying the amazing chicken pie.
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9. Walk the ocean floor at Evangeline Beach
Evangeline Beach in Nova Scotia was one of the highlights of my trip to Nova Scotia. I liked it so much I visited three times! The reason for visiting three times was to experience the beach at different tidal levels. The Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world. It fills and empties twice a day and it is quite the site to see the ocean floor and then, well, the ocean just 12 hours later.
Evangeline Beach also attracts loads of migratory shorebirds, particularly in late summer. It’s located in Grand Pre and perfect for a walk, picnic, or swim, depending on the time of day.
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10. Visit Grand-Pre National Historic Site
The Grand Pré National Historic Site commemorates the history of the Acadian people and the 1755 Acadian Expulsion. The site preserves the remnants of the Acadian settlement. The Visitors centre has exhibits telling the stories of Acadian life, culture and the tragic deportation that led to this community being scattered across North America. Don’t miss the beautiful Memorial Church, a symbol of Acadian resilience, and its beautiful gardens.
The entire site is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is because of both its historical importance and the stunning landscape.
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11. Be Blown away at the amazing Tangled Garden
A store, a garden, an artfully designed landscape, an orchard, a tea house – the Tangled Garden is all this and much more. This unique store/garden has an atmosphere I can only describe as magical. Let’s start with the store. Created by artist and gardener Beverly McClare, the store is filled with artisan preserves made from the garden’s herbs, fruits and flowers. The jams, jellies and vinegars are unique and delicious. Several jars returned to London with me.
After delighting in the beautiful store and its tasty goods, head to the amazing gardens. Make sure you allow some time as the gardens are large and best rambled and wandered and ideally find yourself a bit lost to make the most of the magical Tangled Garden.
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12. Blomidon Look Out
If you’re looking for a fantastic view of the Annapolis Valley then don’t miss Blomidon Lookoff. It is a perfect place to see the size and scale of the Bay of Fundy and to enjoy the rich greens of the valleys of Annapolis.
The Look Out is a roadside pull over on Highway 358.
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13. Blomidon Provincial Park
Blomidon Provincial Park is known for its dramatic red cliffs, dense forests and some fantastic views of the Bay of Fundy. The park offers a range of hiking trails as well as campgrounds and picnic areas. To be honest, I didn’t have time to venture far into the park. This shot was taken just near the entrance to the park. Just before the park office, pull over into the car park and follow the path down to the beach.
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14. Minas Basin
You’ll pass Minas Basin if you’re driving to Blomidon Provincial Park. This inlet is part of the Bay of Fundy (I am a bit obsessed with the Bay of Fundy). I pulled my car over on Pereau Road and then just walked to explore this area. Do check tide times before visiting.
15. Baxter’s Harbour
Baxter’s Harbour in Nova Scotia is a secluded coastal gem known for its rugged cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic tidal shifts. During low tide you can walk along the rocky shore as I am doing above. Not in this shot is a very cute waterfall hidden behind the rocks to my right.
Baxter’s Harbour is only about a 15 minute drive from my next thing to do in Wolfville.
16. Hall’s Harbour
This picturesque fishing village is known for being extremely cute, home to one of the best lobster restaurants in Nova Scotia and one of the most amazing sunsets I have ever seen. I suggest organizing your visit around having either lunch, dinner, or both at the fantastic Hall’s Harbour Lobster Pound restaurant (make sure you book).
Take some time to explore this insanely charming fishing village (complete with colourful houses) before heading in to enjoy some lobster. There is a fantastic gift shop with everything lobster-related, lobster selfie opportunities, and wow, the food! I went with the standard lobster and chips and it was amazing!!!
The staff was then good enough to let everyone in the restaurant know that an extraordinary sunset was taking place over Minas Channel – so if you’re visiting in the evening, try to time it for sunset.
Where to stay in Wolfville – Planter’s Ridge
Okay this is actually in Port William rather than Wolfville but it is very close! The Stay at Planter’s Ridge is a renovated farmhouse that dates back over 150 years. There are three luxurious bedrooms with spa like bathrooms.
Planter’s Ridge is one of Nova Scotia’s top wineries. Don’t leave without enjoying a tasting. I highly recommend their Tidal Bay (the appellation wine of Nova Scotia) as well as their sparkling rose. The winery also does fantastic platters. I enjoyed an excellent cheese platter on their beautiful terrace, watching the sunset.
Where to stay in Wolfville – The Inn at Grand Pre
So this one is in Grand Pre rather than Wolfville but again it is very close by! Grand Pre Winery is the oldest farm winery in Nova Scotia; this family-owned and operated winery opened in 1994. I highly recommend their winery and tasting experience. Also, the winery is home to six luxurious bedrooms in its converted farmhouse, the Inn at Grand Pre. The rooms are modern, with cozy soft furnishings and wooden floors, all creating a charming atmosphere.
And don’t miss dinner at Le Caveau. Le Caveau is one of the best restaurants in Nova Scotia and it is located at the Grand Pre Winery so after an amazing dinner of local delicacies (don’t miss the scallops) it’s a short stroll to your comfortable bed. And you can even organize breakfast in bed from the ultimate indulgence the next morning.
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Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.