A Perfect Bay of Fundy Day: Explore, Unwind & Restore
From mountain look-offs and coastal hikes to local cafés and a restorative Nordic spa experience, here's how to spend the perfect summer day along Nova Scotia's Bay of Fundy.
A collection of favourite Summer experiences in the Annapolis Valley. (L to R) A woman walks her dog through Canning’s charming Main St. A breathtaking view of the Annapolis Valley at the Look Off. Cascading waterfalls at Baxter’s Harbour. A L’acadie grape vine growing next to the Bay at Blomidon Estate Winery. And finishing off the perfect summer day at Saltair Nordic Spa, ready to relax, be restored, and create lasting memories.
There are few places quite like the Bay of Fundy in summer.
The world's highest tides shape everything here.
They carve dramatic coastlines, expose endless stretches of ocean floor, nourish fertile farmland, and create a landscape that changes by the hour. One moment you're standing beside the water. Six hours later, that same shoreline stretches hundreds of metres into the distance.
Whether you're visiting the Annapolis Valley for the first time or looking for a new adventure close to home, this corner of Nova Scotia rewards slow exploration.
Here's our favourite way to spend a summer day.
Hit the Trails
Begin your morning with one of the Valley's most iconic viewpoints.
Blomidon Look-Off, also known as the Canning Lookoff, is located on top of North Mountain in the Bay of Fundy & Annapolis Valley region not far from the village of Canning.
The Blomidon Look-Off, perched along North Mountain, offers sweeping views across farmland, the Minas Basin, and the Bay of Fundy beyond.
This small roadside stop offers an incredible panoramic view over farmland, forest, and the world’s highest tides in the Bay of Fundy and Minas Basin. On a clear day, it's one of those places that makes you stop talking for a minute, so you can take it all in.
Take your time to marvel at the patchwork quilt of farmland, red cliffs and blue waters.
Rising majestically from the shores of the Minas Basin, Blomidon Provincial Park is renowned for its spectacular views.
If you have more time, continue into Blomidon Provincial Park, where forest trails lead toward dramatic red cliffs and quiet beaches shaped by the world’s highest tides.
These natural attractions provide excellent opportunities for camping, hiking, beachcombing, photography or just appreciating nature. Picnic at the top, or the foot, of Cape Blomidon.
Note tide times, as you could be stranded until high tide recedes.
Chase the Coast
Cape Split, Nova Scotia (Photo Courtesy NS Parks)
Feeling adventurous?
Cape Split remains one of Nova Scotia's most celebrated hikes for good reason. The trail winds through forest before opening onto towering basalt cliffs overlooking the Bay of Fundy. Cape Split is a beautiful hiking experience.
The Cape Split Trailhead is just 30 minutes from Saltair. Hike Duration likely 4 to 6 hours.
If you're looking for something shorter, Baxter's Harbour offers another unforgettable stop. Depending on the tide, you can explore the shoreline, discover sea caves, or visit Baxter's Harbour Falls, where fresh water tumbles directly onto the beach.
Overlooking Saltair you can see the Bay of Fundy and beautiful forest - the Saltair Forest and Coastal Trails are found in the area in-between.
Explore Saltair’s Forest and Coastal Trails
Wander peaceful forest paths reserved exclusively for Saltair guests, where glimpses of the Bay of Fundy and distant views toward Cape Split invite you to slow your pace and take it all in.
Whether you choose to explore before your flow, between circuits, or after your final sauna, the trails are yours to enjoy at your own rhythm.
Directions - Park and check in at Saltair before navigating the trail network. We’ll have all you need to enjoy the experience.
Wander Through Canning
There’s always a warm welcome in Canning, where’s you’ll find some of the friendliest people.
Nestled between orchards, vineyards, and the Bay of Fundy coastline, Canning has long been a gateway to some of Nova Scotia's most iconic destinations—including Cape Split, Blomidon Provincial Park, Hall's Harbour, and the Look Off. But it's more than just a stop along the way. It's a place worth lingering.
Spend an hour—or an afternoon—wandering Main Street, where you'll find independent shops, local artisans, and cafés that invite you to settle in rather than rush through.
A few favourites include:
The Village Collective, a thoughtfully curated shop filled with vintage finds, home décor, books, clothing, and locally made goods.
The Village Coffeehouse, the perfect place to grab a handcrafted coffee and a fresh pastry before continuing your adventure.
Dickie Baxter Taproom & Bistro, a relaxed spot for lunch, local beer, or dinner on the patio.
Aspinall Pottery and local fibre artists, showcasing handcrafted work inspired by the landscapes that surround them.
Just outside town:
Blomidon Estate Winery, where award-winning wines and vineyard views celebrate the flavours of the Annapolis Valley.
Ross Creek Centre for the Arts, where walking trails, performances, workshops, and exhibitions come together on a beautiful hillside property just outside the village.
All just 16 minutes from Saltair
Be on the Water
Halls Harbour is a one of a kind spot to experience the power of nature over a glass of wine or between bites. Photo borrowed from Halls Harbour Lobster Pound and Restaurant.
The Lobster Pound and Restaurant in Halls Harbour
Front row seat for the worlds highest tides.
Feast on the efforts of local fishers while watching the coming’s and going’s of an active Nova Scotia small harbour.
The difference? This harbour handles the worlds highest tides twice daily.
Halls Harbour Lobster Pound & Restaurant is 15 minutes from Saltair.
End Your Day at Saltair
A perfect Fundy day includes a trip to Saltair Nordic Spa to take in the view while being restored inside out.
After a day of hiking, exploring, shopping, and sightseeing, there's no better way to slow your pace than with a Nordic spa experience.
At Saltair, your visit is yours to shape.
Move between cedar saunas, cold plunges, hot pools, and quiet spaces overlooking the Bay of Fundy. Stay for two hours or linger all day. Join a guided sauna ritual or simply enjoy a self-guided flow at your own pace.
Summer in the Annapolis Valley isn't meant to be rushed.
It's meant to be experienced.
Ready to experience it?
Saltair is open all summer long (we’re open the August Long Weekend!) Sunset Thursdays, All Day Flows, and guided rituals are available throughout the season. Explore current seasonal offerings, passes, enhancements, and special events, by visiting our promotions page for the latest details.
PLANNING TRAVEL TO SALTAIR…
90 minutes from Halifax
100 minutes from Digby
120 minutes from Truro