Nova Scotia is well known for its ice wines, which are produced from grapes frozen on the vine. Harvested in the late fall, ice wine is known for its exceptional sweetness. Every February, this rare dessert wine is celebrated throughout the province with festivities that include dinners, games, ice sculpting and, of course, wine tastings.
The holidays are a delightful time to visit Nova Scotia. Depending on the locale, visitors can take in a variety of parades, lighting ceremonies, balls and home tours. These activities not only help celebrate the holidays but provide visitors with a genuine look into the warm local culture.
Whether you prefer downhill or cross-country, generous Nova Scotia snows are a skier's dream. Ski Wentworth, the largest skiing facility in Nova Scotia, offers a wide selection of trails ranging in difficulty, including trails for snowboarding. Martock offers plenty of opportunities for cross-country skiers, including night skiers. And the island of Cape Breton is among snow bunnies' favorite destinations in Nova Scotia for its downhill skiing to the coast. Snowshoeing is another excellent way for the whole family to explore the wintry wilderness of Nova Scotia. Snowshoeing trails located throughout the province enable visitors to take an unforgettable, rigorous wintertime hike.
Wintertime is prime time to check out Canada's national sport in action. Nova Scotia is home to many semiprofessional teams, including the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Halifax Mooseheads and the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles. Bundle up and cheer on your favorite team, or find yourself an ice rink, strap on the necessary equipment and play your own game.
The province capital of Nova Scotia, the seaside city of Halifax has a variety of activities to keep its visitors entertained. For a step back in time, visit the Hydrostone. This historic district dates to 1920, offering distinctive, well-preserved architecture and a number of one-of-a-kind, European-style boutiques. For those who love the suds, take a tour of Alexander Keith's Nova Scotia Brewery, one of Canada's oldest working breweries. The city offers a wide range of restaurants and cafes to tempt the pickiest of palates.