Autumn on the Authentic Seacoast

Many people think autumn is the best time to escape to the Nova Scotia Authentic Seacoast for a vacation getaway.  The beautiful green hills along Chedabucto Bay turn into magnificent hues of red, yellow and orange.  Morning dews create a magical glow that carry through to amazing starlit nights. And the fresh sea air and quiet create an atmosphere that restores the soul.

Here are our top 10 fall activities from the Authentic Seacoast 101 so you can experience the adventure, sounds, tastes and romance of our special region:

1. Hike the Trans Canada Trail
The Guysborough Harbour section of the Trans Canada Trail from the Marina to Fort Point was recently upgraded and is a wonderful fall walk. Park in the Marina lot (for free) and make your way to Fort Point at the mouth of the Harbour where the ruins of the ancient fort built by the French in 1636 still remain.

2. Nova Scotia Wine Tasting
The Nova Scotia Fall Wine Festival takes place every September and October and DesBarres Manor Inn hosts nightly Nova Scotia Wine Dinners to introduce people the culinary possibilities with Nova Scotia cuisine and wine. With a pre-dinner Nova Scotia wine reception and a five course dinner paired with a flight of Nova Scotia wine, these dinners will give you a true taste of the best of Nova Scotia.

3. Celtic Colours International Festival
For nine days in October, Celtic Colours presents dozens of Celtic music concerts, visual art presentations and Celtic culture workshops across Cape Breton Island. With as many as eight concerts a day, Celtic Colours distinguishes itself as one of Canada’s top cultural festivals.

4. Bird watching on the Canso Strait
The Canso Strait is a renowned spot for bird watching during the fall migration including gulls, grebes, dovekies, northern gannets and bald eagles. If you’ve never seen a gannet diving for herring before, you’re in for an amazing sight as you cross the Canso Causeway to Cape Breton Island.

5. Nova Scotia Cooking Classes
Class is in at the DesBarres Manor Inn kitchen this fall with cooking classes led by Executive Chef Shaun Zwarun.  With a focus on contemporary Canadian cuisine with an East Coast flair, Chef Shaun will teach you the secrets behind the renowned cuisine in the DesBarres Manor dining room.

6. Drive Route 16
Frommers described the drive along Route 16 between Canso and Guysborough as an “uncommonly scenic drive”.  This stretch of coastal highway is high above the ocean below and gives a panoramic view of the Atlantic Coast’s largest bay. Stop at the Halfway Cove Lookoff for a magnificent view of the fall colors and to read the historic plaque dedicated to Prince Henry Sinclair who is reputed to landed in Chedabucto Bay in 1398, almost a century before Columbus’ discovery of the new world.

7. Golf at Osprey Shores Golf Resort
One of Atlantic Canada’s most picturesque golf courses gets even more scenic when the fall colours arrive.  The vibrant colours on the Osprey Shores peninsula between Mussel and Cutler coves create a magical backdrop for a pleasant round of golf.

8. Antiquing and gift shopping on Marine Drive
Skipping Stone Crafts & Gallery and Days Gone By Antiques in the village of Guysborough are two places to shop for antiques and locally art and crafts.

9. Romantic picnic in a secluded cove
Fall is a great time for romance and nothing sets the stage better than a romantic picnic lunch on a secluded cove along the coast. DesBarres Manor Inn is offering special picnic lunch getaway packages to help people experience the romantic adventure of Chedabucto Bay.

10. Pettipas Market
Any season is a good time to visit the legendary Mr. Pettipas in Aulds Cove, but stop by in the fall for an oat cake and a chat with one of the Authentic Seacoast’s most colourful characters.

We hope our Fall activities capture your imagination and your desire to getaway to the Authentic Seacoast this autumn.

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