What To Do

Outdoor Adventuring

Birding
Bring your birding books & guide and binoculars and start scanning the shorelines and wetlands, woodlands and meadows for the host of birds that inhabit our region. Some 450 bird species are residents or visitors to our region each year, and there’s always the chance of encountering a real rarity, like a pelican or an endangered species, like a Piping Plover.

Along the South Shore you’ll want to explore Cape Sable Island, connected to the mainland by a causeway, and visit two Important Bird Areas on the Island at Daniels Head and The Hawk. Other great birding sites in the South Shore region are found at Port Joli, Western Head, Port Clyde, Jordan Falls and of course at Kejimkujik National Park Seaside.

Sheffield Mills, in Kings County is home to the largest over wintering population of Bald Eagles in North America, the area celebrates every year with the Sheffield Mills Eagle Watch. Head to the mudflats near Wolfville, Grand Pre, and Kingsport to check out the shorebirds, or stroll the dykelands for a variety of meadow birds and birds of prey.

One of the most popular places to go birding is Digby Neck, and the two small islands, Brier and Long Island. Both are great places to spot arriving migratory birds, as well as rare visitors.

Canoeing & Kayaking
Do you love exploring nature’s watery wonders? Do you enjoy feeling the smoothness of the water as it guides you across a lake or carries you to an island off the coast? Try canoeing or kayaking the bays, inlets and rivers of Southwest Nova Scotia. From the many islands of St. Margaret’s Bay to the wonders of Kejimkujik National Park’s river system to the challenges of the Bay of Fundy and the tidal rivers, there is a channel perfect for your level of expertise. Whether you bring your own craft or rent one while you’re here, explore our watery oasis!

Water Adventures
If surfing is your passion, catch the waves along our South Shore beaches, where the rolling Atlantic combers will give you a chance to hang ten. Catch the wind on a harbour cruise, do a little deep-sea fishing or take a trip on an authentic lobster boat and learn how lobstermen catch those tasty crustaceans. Take in our deep sea adventures and experience the wonders of the ocean!

Equestrian
Have you ever dreamed of riding along trails overlooking the ocean, the cool, offshore breezes sweeping you along the coast? Or perhaps you’d enjoy a deep woods trail where you can visit the peaceful forest and escape to nature. Take a day trip and wander along the rolling countryside and marvel at views of colourful orchards and never-ending fields. Come explore on horseback.

Trekking & Cycling
Whether you’re hiking or cycling, snowshoeing or snowmobiling there’s a trail perfect for you. This area is home to many provincial parks, and the breathtakingly beautiful Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site of Canada. Keji has many hiking and biking trails that take you on a tour of a wildlife treasure where you’ll explore a region where rare animals, like the southern flying squirrel live. Staff eagerly teach visitors about the natural flora and fauna to be found in the park. You can also learn more about the Mi’kmaq culture by hiking with experts who explain and demonstrate traditional skills and occupations.

The many provincial parks offer interpretive trails and displays that introduce you to places you’ll never forget, like Cape Blomidon, Graves Island, Risser’s Beach, Ellenwood Lake, Valleyview at Bridgetown, and Thomas Raddall at East Port l’Hebert. You’ll also find unique walking and hiking trails throughout our region where you can pause for a hike of whatever duration you desire. Try the Delap’s Cove Wilderness Trail and Cape Split Trail on the Bay of Fundy, Mickey Hill, Port l’Hebert Pocket Wilderness trails, and the Aspotogan Trail on the South Shore, Wedgeport Point Nature Trail and the Liverpool Harbour Loop Trail, to name but a few. Grab your biking gear, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to park a while in our parks.