Winter Activities in the Maritimes

Winter in the Maritimes is a magical season that offers a variety of activities for every traveller. Whether you are an avid adventurer who loves snowshoeing and skiing or you prefer to cozy up by the fire and watch the snowfall, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Come and join us to discover a magical winter wonderland of festive events, getaways and outdoor activities, all conveniently near our ports!

The winter season in Saint John, New Brunswick, is a highly anticipated time of the year to visit due to all the exciting cold weather activities it offers. CNN has even recognized Saint John as one of their top places to visit in 2024, praising its local charm, range of accommodation options and impressive food scene (and we couldn’t agree more!).

One event that you’ll definitely want to attend is Fundy Winterfest. This vibrant six-week celebration offers a variety of outdoor, cultural and entertaining activities that are perfect for the whole family. Save the dates (February 1 to March 10) and visit their Facebook page for a complete, up-to-date list of upcoming events and exciting winter activities.

For some outdoor adventure, hit the slopes at Poley Mountain. With 30 trails suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, there’s excitement for everyone. And the best part? It’s just a short 45-minute trip from Saint John terminal. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more peaceful and scenic journey, explore Saint John’s beautiful parklands. Take a trip to the nearby Irving Nature Park and immerse yourself in its natural beauty. Keep an eye out for enchanting Moonlight Snowshoeing events held throughout the winter!

To add a touch of nostalgia to your winter experience, Snider Mountain Ranch offers magical sleigh rides — the perfect family activity to enjoy the great outdoors! And finally, to make your snowy season getaway complete, enjoy a peaceful stay at Ridgeback Lodge in Kingston, New Brunswick. This enchanting lodge offers unique accommodations like the Dream Dome and Stargazer Domes.

There is something special about experiencing the beauty of the frosty season in Digby, Yarmouth and Acadian Shores, which offer some of Nova Scotia’s coziest and most unique wintertime experiences.

If you love being outdoors, make sure to check out Leif Erikson Park. This park is home to rugged trails that are perfect for enjoying a scenic winter walk. Another outdoor destination to visit is Ellenwood Park, where you can borrow cross-country ski equipment or snowshoes free of charge to explore the ski trails.

To warm up indoors with a hot drink and tasty eats, visit the popular local spot, Sip Café, nestled in the heart of Yarmouth. Here, they serve delicious coffees, teas, soups, sandwiches and more. For delicious local craft spirits and cocktails, check out Boatskeg Distilling Co. and sip on one of their signature drinks while enjoying the scenic views of Pubnico Harbour. And to wrap up your Maritimes food tour, make your way to Digby. Seafood lovers can indulge in tasty scallop dishes at Digby’s Captain’s Cabin Restaurant or The Crow’s Nest.

After all the adventure and activity, there are plenty of beautiful and unique places where you can relax and extend your stay. Consider visiting Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa, which offers a wide range of enjoyable activities and events for guests of all ages throughout the winter season. Or, book a stay at Auberge Thon Jaune, a charming boutique hotel where you can fully unwind by taking a dip in their outdoor hot tub and sauna. For an extra unique experience, you can choose to sleep under the stars and enjoy an unforgettable winter glamping experience at Sissiboo River Retreat.

Pictou County has plenty of outdoor activities to fully embrace the magic of the winter season.

One of the best attractions in Pictou is Sugar Moon Farm, an excellent destination for family entertainment that will transport you to an enchanting winter wonderland. Here, you can explore more than 30 kilometres of trails, take a guided tour of the maple sugar camp and savour delicious sweet treats. Additionally, keep an eye out for winter events that take place at the farm throughout the season.

For even more winter excitement, venture beyond Pictou to Keppoch Mountain or Ski Wentworth. Keppoch Mountain, formerly an alpine ski hill, now offers a vast outdoor recreation area with 40 kilometres of wilderness trails. Ski Wentworth, located in the Wentworth Valley, is Nova Scotia’s largest alpine ski hill. It boasts over 20 trails and a massive terrain park, making it an excellent destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

In Pictou, you can take your winter adventures to the next level even more by treating yourself to a sleigh ride at MacLellans Mountain Sleigh Rides. This thrilling experience provides an opportunity to be pulled through the scenic snowy landscape by horse, creating winter memories that the whole family will cherish!

When you visit PEI during the winter, you’ll discover a variety of winter activities that allow you to fully embrace and enjoy the snowy season.

Throughout the wintertime, PEI hosts fantastic events for the whole family. Be sure to mark your calendars for the Prince Edward Island Beer Festival (February 23-24), WinterDine (January 22 to February 11) and the Jack Frost Winterfest (February 16-19 and 23-25). These events offer fun outdoor activities like skating and sledding, as well as delicious food, drinks and captivating entertainment (we’ll see you there!).

Outdoor enthusiasts will love Prince Edward Island’s many winter walking trails, which are perfect for snowshoeing, hiking, cross-country skiing, or just a relaxing stroll with friends and family. And in the heart of Charlottetown, you can experience the magic of the season at one of their outdoor skating rinks and glide through a winter wonderland.

After all the outdoor fun, indulge in the best of PEI’s renowned food scene. Downtown Charlottetown is home to amazing eateries such as Churchill Arms for British cuisine and the Brickhouse Kitchen and Bar for delicious cocktails.

Whether you’re from the Maritimes or just visiting, we guarantee that your winter Maritime adventures will be love at frost sight! For more tips and ideas on exploring the East Coast, visit Explore the Maritimes. You can also start planning your next adventure now by booking a trip on the MV Fundy Rose, which will be sailing the Bay of Fundy all season long!

Hero image:
Location: Wentworth, Northumberland Shore
Credit: Tourism Nova Scotia / Photographer: Acorn Art & Photography

Feautured image:
Location: Sugar Moon Farm
Credit: Tourism Nova Scotia / Photographer: Acorn Art & Photography