Explore the Rising Tide Shores
Take the scenic Highway 215 and travel along our beautiful shore. View our world-famous natural attractions, the world’s highest recorded tides and the tidal bore. Have an outdoor adventure hiking, biking, beach-combing on the ocean floor or tidal bore rafting. Sample mouth-watering local food, wine & beer. Learn about our history, take in the arts and find a treasure to take home in our museums, art galleries and gift shops. There’s something for everyone on the Rising Tide Shores!
If you make a special trip to visit one of these sites, we recommend calling before you go to verify hours of operation. Many rural businesses are seasonal or have changing hours of operation.
Summerville (Home of The Flying Apron)
Hobarts Beach
At low tide, you can find the remnants of what was once one of two major shipping building wharf in the area. You now find a picturesque spot to walk along the Minas Basin, capture the setting sun, or try your luck with a fishing rod. And it’s a perfect 10 minute walk from The Flying Apron.
Ashdale Area
Meander River Farm & Brewery
This is a lovely spot with beautiful gardens, a retail shop, and tastings available at the craft brewery. Tours available and you are welcome to walk the property as well. Open year-round. Visit their website for more information.
Smileys Provincial Park & Campground
In addition to the lovely Provincial campground, there is a lovely hiking trail. More info and park map available on their website.
Brooklyn Area
The Bread Gallery
Where fine art and fine baking come together! They offer a variety of freshly-baked products and lunch specials using fresh local ingredients whenever possible. Adjacent to the bakery is a unique gallery space where they host and cater smaller or individual art shows. Open year-round. More information available on their website.
Irishman’s Road Recreation Site
Tucked in West Hants, towards the Rawdon Hills near Windsor, is a hidden gem of a recreation site full of newly created hiking and biking trails to explore! There are approximately 7 kms of trails in the recreation site. There are also a few soccer fields and an archery club! Address: 151 Irishman’s Road, Newport Station. Located just off HWY 14 near Exit 5 of the 101. Trail map available here.
Tidal Bore Viewing
Watch the tidal bore from the Mantua Bridge. Learn more about the bore, get viewing tips and find times here.
Avondale Area
Avondale Sky Winery
The winery is located in an old church that the owners bought and floated down the Minas Basin. It’s a beautiful location with the vineyard, winery, restaurant, and retail shop. Wine tastings are available. Open year-round. Learn more on their website.
Avondale Community Trail
There are two trail options in Avondale: the Westbrook trail (2.3 km loop, trailhead at Avondale Community Hall) and the Mosher’s trail (2.0 km, trailhead at Avondale Sky winery, ending at the Avondale Community Hall). The trails take you over through rolling hills and through Acadian Forest. Parking is available at the Winery or the Community Hall. Trail map available here.
Avon River Heritage Museum and Gallery
This is a lovely little museum featuring Planter & Acadian history. They have a great gift shop and a cute little cafe as well. There is a beautiful view of the river from here. Seasonal operation. Check out their website for more.
Kempt/Cheverie/Bramber Area
Kempt Quarry Recreation Site
The former gypsum quarry is managed by the municipality of West Hants and provides a scenic spot to have swim and cool off on a warm summer day. Picnic tables available. More info here and here.
Cheverie Salt Marsh Trail
The trail is about 1 km of easy walking through the woods and over a boardwalk near a large restored salt marsh. It’s a lovely walk and a great place to view birds visiting the marsh. The distance and terrain make this a very accessible hike. There is also a “camera obscura” there where you can enter & view Blomidon projected onto the floor through a series of mirrored lenses. Picnic area available. More information is available here and the trail map is here.
Cheverie Beach
At low tide, you can walk on the beach in either direction from the Cheverie causeway (across from the salt marsh trail). If you walk to the left, there are beautiful gypsum cliffs (take care not to get too close though as they do fall from time to time). Walk to the right for great beach glass hunting. Take care to keep a close eye on the tide to avoid getting your feet wet! Tide times available here.
Bramber Weir
This is the only fishing weir remaining in Hants County and an amazing structure to see. Contact the owners to arrange a visit during low tide when they’re fishing the weir, or drive out to the end of the road to see the weir off in the distance. Seasonal operation. Learn more on their Facebook page.
East Hants (East from Walton along HWY 215 toward Truro)
Walton Lighthouse
This is the only original lighthouse remaining in Hants County (c. 1873). The history of Walton is presented on the second floor and on the third floor you can view the Minas Basin and the tides from a telescope. There is also a walking trail to a look-off, a café, a gazebo, flower gardens, and a wishing well. Seasonal operation. Check it out on their webcam and get more info here.
Burntcoat Head Park
Home to the World’s Highest Recorded tides. It is a beautiful park and experience when traveling through the area. If your schedule allows, the Tidal Reveal: A Shoreline Exploration tours are highly recommended. Seasonal operation. GEt more information or book a Tidal Reveal tour on their website.
Anthony Provincial Park
Located in Lower Selma, Fundy Shore and Annapolis Valley region. Enjoy the park’s interpretive display and an open picnic area overlooking Cobequid Bay. Exposed red sand area at low tide offers a great opportunity for walking and wading in the warm water. Find out more here.
Maitland Area
Art Gallery 215
A truly Nova Scotian Gallery. Showcasing all artistic Mediums, including Jewelry, Fibre Art, Iron Work, Scrimshaw, Photography, Woodturning, Rug Hooking/Design, Stone, Glass, Sculpture and Paintings (oils, acrylics, watercolours, pastels). Learn more on their website.
Lawrence House Museum
In 1874, William D. Lawrence secured his place in marine history by constructing the largest wooden-hulled, fully-rigged ship ever built in Canada. Come explore his bright Victorian home and its 23 rooms, featuring photographs, exhibits and the Lawrence family’s heirlooms. Discover the era of shipbuilding and hear tales of the Golden Age of Sail in Maitland; Nova Scotia’s first designated Heritage Conservation district. Details available here.
Frieze and Roy General Store
Nova Scotia’s oldest General Store in Maitland has been in operation since 1839. It is even rumoured to be the first ever General Store in Canada! Take a step back in time and stop in for a visit. Find out more on their Facebook page.
Bing’s Eatery & Social House
Bing’s is a casual eatery with something for everyone. Check out their menu and hours on their website.
South Maitland
Tidal Bore Rafting
Powered by the world famous Bay of Fundy tidal bore, Nova Scotia’s tidal bore rafting tours are unlike any other rafting experience on the planet! Find an operator here.
The Fundy Tidal Interpretation Centre
Visit the Fundy Tidal Interpretive Centre in South Maitland and learn about the famous Fundy tides, the highest tides in the world, and the unique Tidal Bore. The Interpretive Centre staff and interpretive displays tell of the “reversing river” and the Tidal Bore, and explain the rich heritage of the area. There is free Wi-Fi and our tidal Observation Deck offers a spectacular view of the Shubenacadie River and its red clay slopes. Other area features include a nature park with trails, bird and eagle watching areas, and a marsh and pond system. Learn more here.