Hello friends,
It's hard to believe it's already mid-June and that the first official day of summer will be upon us soon! As calendars fill with weekend activities and getaways and our winery is buzzing with the beginning of our peak season visitors, we’d like to take a moment to share our guide to the quintessential Annapolis Valley day trip, personally curated by our Benjamin Bridge team of locals and city-dwellers alike.
The Charm of Summertime in The Annapolis Valley
There's nothing quite like summertime in the Annapolis Valley. Rich with local, family-owned shops and businesses, farm wineries, craft breweries, picturesque hiking trails, tidal beaches, and mouthwatering culinary destinations, it's the perfect place to plan a day trip, staycation or weekend getaway with family and friends—you’d be hard-pressed to run out of things to do around here!
Start Your Day at Bedard Bakery
If you're travelling from the Halifax Metro area, we recommend your first stop be Bedard Bakery in Windsor, just before the Annapolis Valley. Our team often stops here to pick up some coffee and goodies to share for a midday pick-me-up. Bedard Bakery offers a wide and incredibly delicious variety of pastries, cakes, and bread (we recommend the sesame tahini sourdough), all baked from scratch, making it a must-stop for sweets and snacks to fuel your adventures for the day.
Discover the Beauty of Avonport Beach
Your next stop, just a 15-minute drive from Bedard Bakery, is Avonport Beach. This hidden coastal gem is perfect for folks searching for a peaceful beach with beautiful views of the Bay of Fundy. Although the water might be a tad too chilly for swimming just yet, when the tide is out, the beach stretches as far as the eye can see, making it the ideal place for a serene stroll, building sandcastles or stretching out a towel for a quick rest.
Experience the Magic of Tangled Garden
Tangled Garden is a glorious hidden gem nestled just down the road from Just Us and is nothing short of a magical experience. Enjoy a walk through their seven-circuit flowering labyrinth, with walls of flowers and lush garden paths, and seating overlooking the Bay of Fundy. This is a must-stop on your Valley trip to gather up some jams and jellies, and don’t forget your camera, as every twist and turn offers a beautiful photo-op to remember your day!
Lunch and Wine Tasting at Lucketts
If you’re seeking a true authentic Annapolis Valley meal paired with arguably the best view of the Bay of Fundy, look no further than our friends over at Luckett Vineyards! Their new lunch menu is delightful, featuring shareable dishes, fresh salads, and plates. Our top picks? The Steak Sando and LV Chowder are must-tries! While you’re there enjoying the food and views, make sure to visit their wine shop and tasting bar to try their locally farmed wines, and don’t forget about the iconic red phone box, sitting in the middle of their picturesque vineyard—the perfect photo-op!
Explore Gaspereau Valley Fibers
On your way to your next stop (spoiler alert, it’s us!), stop in to Gaspereau Valley Fibers—a family-owned farm and wool shop located on Gaspereau River Road. With a flock of over 60 Cotswold sheep, their shop is filled to the brim with yarn and washed and dyed locks, along with locally grown fibers and yarn. Take a peek around their cozy shop, and say hello to the sheep sunbathing in the pasture, and the llama, too!
Wine Tasting at Benjamin Bridge
Next up is visiting us at Benjamin Bridge! Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Gaspereau Valley, our winery offers a peaceful escape just a convenient five-minute drive from the bustling town of Wolfville—a tourist hot spot in the summertime. We welcome guests of all ages to our farm winery, where you can enjoy drop-in wine service on our terrace offering breathtaking views or book a guided tasting appointment in advance. Walk-ins for tastings are also welcome, pending availability. We invite you to wander through our licensed vineyard, with lawn games to play with friends, and walking trails in between the vines leading down the Gaspereau River, where you can sip a glass of bubbly next to the babbling water. Stop into our wine shop to take home a bottle of your favorite wine after your visit! Our winery and facilities are all wheelchair accessible.
Explore the Town of Wolfville
The Town of Wolfville is a popular summer destination for tourists and locals alike, and for good reason! Nestled beside the Minas Basin, which connects to the Bay of Fundy (home to the world’s highest tides), Wolfville is surrounded by natural beauty and a vibrant community. For nature enthusiasts, Wolfville has plenty of picturesque walking trails, provincial parks, and beaches nearby, perfect for experiencing summertime in the Valley. In the heart of the town, Main Street buzzes with plenty of shops to explore, cozy coffee spots, and restaurants for a bite to eat. If you’re in town on a Saturday, we recommend you stop by the legendary Wolfville Farmers Market known for its bountiful array of farm vendors, artisanal crafts and other goods. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, historical sites, or a bit of everything, Wolfville is the perfect place to explore.
Love Local at Hennigar's Farm Market
A summertime visit to the Annapolis Valley wouldn’t be complete without stopping by Hennigar’s Farm Market, especially for children! This charming market brims with local delights, offering farm fresh produce, tasty baked goods, flowers and plants, oh, and we can’t forget the ice cream! We recommend you stop by to check out their products, grab an ice cream, and take a walk through their nature trails. On your travels, you’ll find a pond home to ducks and geese, and adorable goats, rabbits and chickens that the kids can feed from corn kernel vending machines.
Dinner at The Noodle Guy
As the day winds down, it’s time to treat yourself to a wonderful Valley dinner experience at The Noodle Guy in Port Williams! This charming, small restaurant is renowned for its artisanal pasta and sauces that are made fresh daily in small batches, with an emphasis on using local ingredients. Choose from their list of handmade pasta, fresh salads, snacks and starters. Not feeling like a bowl of pasta? No worries—their “Not Pasta” menu ensures there’s something for everyone. Our favourites are the basil and garlic stuffed ravioli, the Japanese Soba, and of course, the classic spaghetti and meatballs!
A Night at The Evangeline Inn
If you’re planning a weekend getaway in the Valley, we recommend staying overnight at the updated Evangeline Inn in the hamlet of Grand Pré! Situated on five picturesque acres, this lovely property offers several accommodation options for groups both big and small. Dining at Longfellow Restaurant on the property is a must during your stay. This local favourite was once an old-fashioned tea house known for its homemade pies, and is now a modern yet approachable spot to enjoy brunch, lunch, and dinner offerings—with plenty of local beverage options including our Pet Nat by the glass! Conveniently located minutes away from the heart of Wolfville, the Evangeline Inn is the perfect place to make your headquarters for experiencing the best of the Annapolis Valley.
We hope this guide helps you plan a memorable day trip to the Annapolis Valley. Happy exploring!
