As we all know, travel options are limited at the moment. In normal times, many of us take advantage of March break to go on much-needed vacations far, far away. This year, we’ll have to make do with more local entertainment. That’s not necessarily a bad thing! This March break, you can enjoy some Nova Scotia staycations to help you feel relaxed and disconnected, even though you can’t jet off to a faraway paradise.

Keep in mind some of these options might come with COVID-19 restrictions. Plan ahead and stay safe while you enjoy your mini holiday!

Cottage rentals

March break is the gateway into spring, and spring gets us all excited for cottage season. Take advantage of this time off to rent a cottage for a few nights with your family, partner, or even for some alone time. Airbnb is an easy way to find a cottage that fits your budget and size requirements, and you can search for specific locations depending on where you’d like to stay.

Chester is a prime spot to find a nice cottage rental. The village is full of little shops, parks, and beautiful scenery. It’s a perfect place for a mix of relaxation and outdoor activities. Liverpool is another town with an excellent cottage setup. It also hosts a variety of parks, as well as museums and the Western Head Lighthouse.

Cottages don’t just have to be a summer adventure. There’s lots of opportunities to have fun at a cottage with a winter/spring setting!

Spa getaways

For a more luxurious staycation, you can also head to a spa this March break. Old Orchard Inn & Spa (in Wolfville), White Point Beach Resort (in Hunts Point), and Inverary Resort (in Baddeck) are popular spa locations. These are the perfect places to unwind and relax, and might be the closest thing to a tropical beachside resort. You can also decide whether you’d like to just stay for a day, or stretch your treatments into an overnight (or week-long!) experience.

All of these locations have increased sanitation and safety practices in place to deal with COVID-19. Most destinations require bookings in advance, so keep that in mind if you’re considering a spa getaway!

Hiking

Nova Scotia is home to endless hiking trails for you to enjoy. Depending on your skill level and commitment to exercise, you can choose trails that vary in length and difficulty. Nichols Lake Hiking Trail, for instance, is a fairly easy journey that takes you through a forest setting with pretty streams along the way. This 1.6km hike is perfect for families and beginners. A more advanced hiker can check out a trail like Hobsons Lake, which is longer and a bit harder to navigate. 

Cape Breton also offers some incredible hiking opportunities. Cape Breton Highlands National Park is home to dozens of trails, so it’s really a choose-your-own-adventure situation there. While it’s a further journey that will likely require an overnight stay, it’s definitely a worthy March break substitution.

Skiing & snowboarding

You might catch the tail end of the skiing and snowboarding season this March break. If you’re into winter sports, this might be the perfect little staycation option for you. Nova Scotia has lots of skiing and snowboarding hills for you to check out, but Ski Wentworth and Ski Martock are two well-known great locations.

Both locations offer hills ranging in difficulty, so they’re ideal for groups with mixed abilities and comfort levels. Wentworth even offers an “experts only” section, while Martock has designated slow zone areas. Both spots have night skiing and freestyle terrain areas, as well.

You can purchase lift tickets in advance on both websites, and choose what kind of pass you’d like. This is a perfect option for those looking to be a little more adventurous this March break!

Winery tours

For those who like to enjoy a nice glass of wine, why not tour a winery? Nova Scotia grows perfect grapes for wine, and there are tons of tours available year-round. Even in the winter, you can’t go wrong with a good wine tasting experience!

During the winter months, and in light of COVID-19, some locations are only offering private tours. Others still have the classic group tours, but you still need to book ahead!

Your vacation plans will definitely look different this March break, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the time off! With all that Nova Scotia has to offer, you’re sure to find an attraction to keep you in good spirits this year.

We want to help you understand your financial options. If you’re thinking about refinancing your mortgage to leverage your home’s equity, or buying a home in 2021, reach out today! Give us a call at Centum Home Lenders at 506-854-6847, or get in touch with us here.