Take some time away from the everyday to enjoy all that there is to be thankful for as you relax in the fresh air, with good food and time with the people you love most on this Thanksgiving Weekend in Halifax itinerary.
The Plan
Day 1: Saturday: Gather the local harvest at the Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market, then take an afternoon sail to experience spectacular fall colour
Day 2: Sunday: Connect with nature at Hope for Wildlife on the Eastern Shore, then enjoy dessert with a side of stunning harbour views
Day 3: Monday: Explore tower & trail in Sir Sandford Fleming Park, then let the pros do the work and enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner To Go!
Day 1 - Saturday
Gather the local harvest
Get up-close-and-personal with the fall harvest at the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market. It’s the peak of harvest season, and dozens of local vendors, makers and farmers are offering up food, drink and handicrafts made with the harvest bounty from across the province! Plan to browse and brunch your way though their fresh local offerings.
Local recommendation: Ironworks Distillery makes a Cranberry Liqueur using cranberries from Heckman’s Island, just outside Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Pick up a bottle at Ironworks' market stall to give as the perfect Thanksgiving host gift!
Take an afternoon sail to see spectacular autumn colours
Board the Tall Ship Silva for a Fall Colour Sail! Enjoy the reds, yellows, oranges and golds of the changing leaves as you pass Point Pleasant Park and tour the Northwest Arm, where the fall foliage is particularly impressive during this time of year!
Day 2 - Sunday
Connect with nature at Hope for Wildlife
There’s a world of wildlife to be discovered on the Eastern Shore! Hope for Wildlife is a wildlife rehabilitation organization in located in Seaforth, Nova Scotia that rescues, rehabilitates, and releases over 4,500 wild animals each year!
Visitors will meet a variety of animals who are permanent residents at Hope for Wildlife, and learn more about the organization, the hospital, and learning centre. There is even a small gift shop! There is no charge to visit, but donations are welcome and greatly appreciated.
Take care of a little early holiday shopping! Give a unique and truly thoughtful gift by sponsoring an animal in someone's name! Learn more here.
Take your time heading back to the city
Meander home along the Eastern Shore, taking time to enjoy the stunning fall colours along the way. If you're hungry, make a stop at a local bakery or restaurant - try the Rose & Rooster Café, just up the road in Grand Desert.
Dessert & ocean views
After a long day of autumn adventures, relax under the covered waterfront patio at Murphy's on the Water and enjoy dinner with a view, while staying warm and dry in the event of bad weather. Warm up with a specialty coffee and dessert, accompanied by harbour views on three sides!
Day 3 - Monday
Explore tower & trail in Fleming Park
Head to Sir Sandford Fleming Park on the Northwest Arm and stretch your legs with a short walk around Frog Pond Trail near the Dingle Tower - a favourite spot for fall photos with the kids. The tower is open between 8am and dusk form April 1 - October 31, so you'll be just in time to see panoramic views of the phenomenal fall colour from the above!
Fun fact: The Dingle Tower once belonged to the estate of Sir Sandford Fleming, creator of Standard Time Zones and designer of much of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
Thanksgiving dinner - To Go!
The Westin Nova Scotian is preparing Thanksgiving dinner to go, which means you can relax and let the pros do the cooking! All you have to do is pick up your feast, then sit back and enjoy the holiday with friends and family.
Your turkey to-go is even provided with creative chef-inspired tips, and tricks to make the most of your leftovers!
Call 902-496-7960 to place your order by October 8, 2020. Pick up at the Westin Nova Scotian October 10-12.
Where to Stay
Steps away from the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market, the Westin Nova Scotian is one of Halifax’s grandest hotels. Built in the golden age of rail in the 1920s, the hotel retains its historic charm since being thoroughly renovated to welcome the 2020s.
Pack & Prep
- Be sure to book ahead for the Fall Colours Sail aboard the Tall Ship Silva
- Hope For Wildlife is open to the public on Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 4pm, October 1-May 14
- Look for fall colour hotspots on social media - start by searching #nsleafwatch for inspiration!
