September 26, 2022

Five Fun Date Ideas for Fall in the Maritimes

Looking for a memorable way to spend a fall day (or days) with someone special? Look no further! Here are a few fun fall date ideas you can try right here in the Maritimes.

Crisp days, changing leaves, snuggly sweaters, hot cocoa – fall is here and we couldn’t be more excited. While the summer is a crowd-pleaser, fall in the Maritimes just can’t be beaten. With our dramatic foliage, sprawling farmer’s fields, and roads that wind along the gorgeous coastline, it’s easy to romanticize this spectacular season. And, lucky for you, we have you covered with the crème de la crème of fall plans to partake in this season — and even know the best way to get you there (spoiler alert, it’s by ferry).

Apple Picking

A classic! Everyone loves an afternoon of apple picking. From the fun outfits and fresh fall air to the promise of baking and delicious seasonal treats, apple picking is a staple of outdoor fall fun. In Nova Scotia, you’ll want to head to the Annapolis Valley for a full day bouncing from orchard to orchard. Applelane Farm and Foote Family Farm are just a scenic drive up from the Digby ferry terminal. Want to cross the bay and explore the orchards just outside of Saint John? Bostwick’s U-Pick Apples and Mackay Apple Orchard are must-visits. Heading north across the Northumberland Strait? Wintermoor Orchard and Awesome Blossom offer picturesque views and top-notch U-Pick experiences.

Wine Tasting

Looking for a date that tastes great and lets you take full advantage of the end of patio season? Wine tasting gives you the chance to show off your experienced palette and spend time cuddling with your honey under the warm, fall sun. Spend a long weekend crossing all three provinces, starting on Friday in Downtown Saint John, New Brunswick, at Happinez Wine Bar, then head to Hampton for a bottle of Happy Knight Wine. Saturday morning, make your way over to Nova Scotia to sample the many wines in the gorgeous Gaspereaux Valley in wineries such as Benjamin Bridge, Blomidon Estate Winery and Avondale Sky Winery. Finally, on your way to the PEI for Sunday’s grand finale, make sure you plan a stop at Jost Vineyards, located along the coast for a stunning view as you wait for your crossing.. Lucky for you, the ferry terminal in PEI lands you next door to Rossignol Winery and Newman Estate Winery. Was there ever a more perfect multi-province trip? We think not.

Fall Festivals

There are festivals happening all over the Maritimes throughout the fall. And these events are always a wonderful time, whether it’s a friends date, a date with your partner, or you round up your coupled-up friends. On Prince Edward Island, the PEI Fall Flavours Culinary Festival and Ceilidh in the City will keep both your belly and ears full. New Brunswick has the Fredericton Fall Craft Show and Ballet by the Ocean – Fall Series to help you add a heaping worth of fall entertainment in the chilly months. And We can’t talk about fall events without mentioning the Celtics Colours International Festival in Cape Breton or the ongoing Ta’n me’j Tel-keknuo’ltiek: How Unique We Still Are exhibit happening in Halifax’s Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.

Hiking

Pack a picnic lunch and explore the great, open wild. We certainly aren’t lacking in outdoor space or amazing trails in the Maritimes. Some of our favourites are located along the ocean. Irving Nature Park is a hop, skip and jump from Saint John, N.B. and comprises 600 acres to explore. Fundy National Park not only has a stunning trail system but a front-row seat to coastal views and the Acadian Forest. Nova Scotia’s Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site is teaming with wildlife and has a mixture of well-groomed and backwoods trails. Long Island, NS, just below Digby, NS, is home to the iconic Balancing Rock. PEI offers a unique mix of hiking and walking trails. From the Island-wide Confederation Trail to the Devil’s Punchbowl, PEI is truly yours to explore.

Scenic Drives

With farm stands, quaint villages, sweeping views, and incredible landscapes, any drive around the Maritimes is a good drive. Spend the day finding your next camping spot, favourite mussels, the best caesar, or your potential future community to grow your family. Sometimes the best dates are the ones where you turn on the tunes, hold hands and wind your way along the beautiful Maritime coastline, no matter the province. Rather than give suggestions here, we challenge you to find YOUR perfect route. Of course, the most scenic routes begin, travel over, and end on either side of the ocean.

Make your next fall date something local, unique, and coastal

Whether you stay in your home province, travel to one of the other two, or visit them all on your epic Fall date day, let us take you there! Northumberland Ferries, travelling between Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, runs until mid-December, while MV Fundy Rose is a year-round service! Book your tickets today and make your fall as wonderful as the summer.