nova scotia

Contest Alert! Summer’s not over yet so we asked what’s on YOUR summer bucket list and this is what came back! We want to see you checking off your own summer bucket list! If you need suggestions, check out this list of must do’s before the leaves start to fall! Read through to find out how to enter!

Chasin’ Waterfalls
Hiking a new Trail
Cheers to Beers and Cocktails
Ice Cream Dreams
Tidal Bore Rafting
Have a meal on an outdoor patio
Plan a day trip -exploring, eating, site seeing!


Chasin’ Waterfalls
I know TLC told us not to, but you’ve got to go chasin’ waterfalls when there are so many practically in our own backyard!

1. Hidden Falls is located at the edge of the Cobequid Mountains in Five Islands near Parrsboro. You’ll hike past 3 smaller falls before coming to Hidden Falls which is around 21 meters high. Hidden Falls is on private property, but the owners allow access to the public. Click here for directions.
2. Economy Falls is found between Upper and Lower Economy, east of Parrsboro. This is one of the most visited falls in Nova Scotia. It is part of a trail system and is protected within the Economy River Wilderness Area. The trail is easy, but the long staircase (186 steps) can be tiring. There are benches (for resting) as you make the climb. Click here for directions.
3. Wentworth Valley Falls is a full bridal-veil falls. It’s beautiful and easy to get to. There’s no deep gorge to scale unlike other falls in this area. This falls is located in the Wentworth Valley, north of Truro. The trail is not part of a trail system, but should be easy to access. If you have children they might like to splash around at the base of this falls. As always, make sure it’s safe before allowing your children to play in the water. Click here for directions.
*Sourced from www.storyteller.travel. Check this page out for more Falls

Hike a New Trail
We literally want you to go take a hike. There are so many trails throughout Colchester to choose from, no matter what level of hiking you enjoy.

1. The Mi’kmawey Debert Interpretive Trail is a woodland trail with several stream crossings. Interpretive panels, with beautiful artwork by Dozay Christmas of Membertou Mi’kmaw Community, tell the story of the First People in Nova Scotia and their life in Debert.
2. Gully Lake – Nuttby Hiking Trail System is a 34-km wilderness hiking trail system, developed and managed by Cobequid Eco-Trails Society, is situated in the Cobequid Mountains near Earltown and Kemptown. It currently consist of three independent loops ranging from 6 km to 10 km, plus linear connector trails. Highlights of the trail system include Gully Lake Wilderness Area, Caribou Lake Brook, Taylor Lake, Earltown Lake and Rogart Mountain. The trails also pass by or near numerous waterfalls and ecologically sensitive marshes.
3. The Stewiacke River Park Trails are the “river trail” and the “upland trail”. Along the “river trail”, stroll under hemlock and pine trees beside the river. Benches along the trail provide places for rest and relaxation. Along this path you will also pass the playground, picnic shelters and washrooms. The “upland trail” follows a mowed path through mixed forest in the upper section of the park, away from the river. Watch for bald eagles, song birds and white-tailed deer in the park. In spring, look for woodland wildflowers, including trout lily and lady’s slipper. 
4. Rogart Mountain Trail at Sugar Moon Farm is 6.2 km. long, starting at Sugar Moon Farm, wanders through white spruce woods, stands of sugar maple and yellow birch, and, at its highest points, gnarly dwarf beech and old growth forest lichens. The trail passes old stone walls, 3 brooks, 4 look-offs, Jane’s waterfalls, 3 foundations, and 17 interpretive points. Though this trail has many steep climbs, the falls can be accessed on flat terrain by doing a shorter trip counter clockwise.
Click here for even more trails throughout Colchester.

Cheers to Beers and Cocktails
Nova Scotia is full of award winning craft breweries and distilleries. We’ve got a few in our own county you won’t want to miss! You might just discover your new favourite summer beverage!

1. Tatamagouche Brewing Co is a family owned and operated microbrewery where they make small handcrafted batches of organic beer. Over their 6 years in business, they have expanded 3 times and brewed over 45 kinds of beers. In 2018 they were voted Craft Brewery of the year by the Atlantic Brewing Association. My favourite is their summer brew of Rushton’s Peach Sour!
2. Uncle Leo’s Brewery produces fine ale in the traditional style of craft breweries. Their beer is made from various malts, hops, yeast and water with no added fillers or preservatives. Uncle Leo’s is one of only a few breweries that make beer from fresh well water. You’ve gotta try their smoked porter!
3. Salty Dog Brewing Co is brewed in the heart of Nova Scotia, with the Bay of Fundy and Cobequid Mountains in our backyard, this handcrafted beer
​embraces the spirit of adventure and living in the moment. I can’t go very long without grabbing a pint of their rhubarb wheat!
4. Coldstream Clear Distillery has expanded! Have you been to their new location at Mastodon Ridge in Stewiacke? They’re in the same building but larger location for shopping and sampling! Try out a flight of their cocktails and take your favourite mixes home! I can’t get enough of the peach iced tea!
5. Raging Crow Distillery features all-natural, small-batch, locally-sourced and handcrafted products. They have many unique products including their Spruce Tip Gin, Dill Pickle Vodka, Cajun Chocolate Liqueur, Haskap Gin, Nova Scotia’s only potato vodka, and Honey Liqueur. You’ll truly find something for everyone here. If you’re a caesar fan, the dill pickle vodka is not to be missed.

Beach Combin‘
Did you know we have the warmest waters of all the beaches in Nova Scotia? Check out these tips for finding sea glass!

1. Melmerby Beach, Little Harbour was named after the barque “Melmerby” which sank off the beach on October 12th, 1890 returning from Quebec City. Its one of the warmest and busiest beaches. It has flush toilets, showers and a life guard on duty during the day.
2. Blue Sea Beach, Malagash is a wide, 1.4 km long beach located in Malagash, on the Northumberland Strait. Great place for bird-watching and snorkelling. It is also a stop on the Out of Bounds Foodie Tour!
3. Rushton’s Beach is located in Marshville, east of Tatamagouche. It features wide sandbars (low tide) and a salt marsh that is home to many varieties of birds. There is a wheelchair accessible boardwalk to the beach and sheltered picnic area.

Ice Cream Dreamin‘
I can’t let a sunny day go by and NOT get some delicious ice cream. Lucky for me (unlucky for my waistline) there are lots of places to grab this tasty treat!

1. Tatamagouche Ice Creamery is new this year to Main Street, Tatamagouche and these handmade artisanal ice creams are worth the drive!
2. Fundy Scoops, formerly Molly’s Dairy Bar, is a social enterprise for the Big Brother’s Big Sisters of Colchester, meaning every dollar spent goes right back to programs for children and youth in the community!
3. Noveltea Bookstore & Cafe now also offers Ice Cream!

Tidal Bore Rafting
This is a time honoured tradition in this part of the province with options for the nervous first timers and the seasoned thrill seekers! This is on MY summer bucket list!

1. Shubie River Wranglers www.gotidalborerafting.com 902-456-2673
2. River Runners https://riverrunnersns.com/ 1 800-856-5061
3. Shubanacadie River Adventure Tours http://www.shubie.com/ 1 (888) 878-8687

Have a Meal on an Outdoor Patio
This year we have more outdoor patio areas than ever! The weather is hot, the drinks are cool and the food is incredible! Check out this blog on outdoor patios in Colchester County! Bonus points if it’s a restaurant you haven’t tried before!

Plan a day trip!
There are so many awesome places you can visit in a day around northern Nova Scotia full of scenic views and delicious local treats!

1. Explore Great Village and Economy with the Artsy Antiquey tour! This is great for families and couples alike! Check out hidden treasures a Great Village Antique Corner while enjoying a coffee and treat from the newly opened Wayside Cafe & Gallery in the historic St James United Church Building. Explore the monuments at the Veteran’s Memorial Park before heading to the Dutchman’s Cheese Farm to enjoy samples of their house made cheese. You’ll love exploring their animal and nature park where you can interact with and feed the animals! After that, you’ll grab your lunch or upper from Diane’s restaurant and head to Five Islands Lighthouse Park to enjoy your meal with beautiful seaside views.
2. Go Mud Sliding in Maitland! This Nova Scotia rite of passage is not to be missed this summer! Grab your kids, bubble families and friends and enjoy some local treats from Coldstream Clear Distillery and Made with Local along the way! You’ll be surprised how smooth (and fast!) the muddy banks can be!
3. Eat and drink your way through Tatamagouche on a Foodie Tour! You’ll want stretchy pants for this day trip! It’s full of local products like handmade chocolates and ice cream, locally brewed craft beer and roasted coffee, sumptuous seafood chowder and MORE! Not to mention a trip to Blue Sea Beach (mentioned above). This is the ultimate day of local indulgence!
4. Bike your way through Truro! Sure, you’ve seen the town but have you ever biked from downtown to the Fundy Tidal Centre to see the tidal bore come in? Enjoy Truro on two wheels and see it as you’ve never experienced it before. You’ll also get shopping discounts from downtown locations!

To Enter our Summer Bucket List Contest: Tag Truro Buzz in your post and use the hashtag #tbsummerbucketlist and we’ll draw a winner of a Truro Buzz Prize pack on Aug 31! (*note: if your account is set to private, we won’t be able to see the tag. You can email your entry pic to info@trurobuzz.com and we’ll share it on Truro Buzz!)