Welcoming Wintervention
Northern Nova Scotia offers plenty of winter activity options
NEW GLASGOW - The Nova Scotia government’s recently launched ‘Wintervention’ initiative promotes the idea there is plenty to see and do in the province 12 months of the year.
It’s a welcomed approach for Destination Eastern and Northumberland Shores (DEANS) managing director Cindy Mackinnon who described some seasonal experiences in their coverage area (Pictou County, Antigonish, Eastern Shore) as, “untapped.”
“I’m thinking of Keppoch Mountain and Trenton Park as two really good examples of activity options people may not be aware of which offer so much,” Mackinnon said. “I think it’s a great opportunity for us to tap into that program and make sure our operators are aware.”
Both locations offer snowshoeing and cross-country skiing as well as other winter activities. Mackinnon said she finds more people wanting to get outside where, with COVID still a factor, they feel safe.
“And with that, we’re starting to take advantage of some things we didn’t realize are in our backyard,” Mackinnon said. “In the past, we were putting off the local activity for the get away, but now we’re staying in the area. I think that will be a trend for the next little while until people are feeling safe.”
Mackinnon said she thinks DEANS has a good grasp on drawing people and promoting what is available from June to August.
“People know what is happening during those months and things like that, but I think we have to tap into the resources and experiences people don’t necessarily realize are here during the other months,” she said. “We have things for them to do; we just need to do the job of making sure people realize what is here.
”Town of Truro Manager of Economic Development Alison Grant said Truro is wellpositioned for Wintervention objectives.
“What we tend to focus on when we’re promoting winter tourism is, really, Victoria Park and the winter activities we offer here … and the affordability aspect,” Grant said.
“You can come to Truro for the week or a weekend, and you can snowshoe, crosscountry ski or fat-bike in the park, or skate downtown at Civic Square.”
As far as affordability, Grant said all those activities are free to access. She added equipment is available from the town to rent except for the fat bikes but both Truro bike shops – Hub Cycle and Bike Monkey – provide that service.
“Those who are interested in those activities find Truro an easy location to come and do those things,” she said.
And for skiers, she said Ski Wentworth is only a half-anhour away.
“We feel Truro is well-positioned for four seasons of tourism,” Grant said. “The natural location of it, the hotel assets we have here, the restaurants.
“We’re not like a seasonal destination where all of our accommodations, businesses, are running from May to midoctober. Or our attractions, for the most part, and facilities are open year-round.”
WINTERY BUSINESS
In Pictou County, but only 40 minutes from Truro, is Smith Rock Chalets.
Located in Scotsburn on Fitzpatrick Mountain, the business attracts many looking for a winter get-away.
“We have done well,” said manager Terry Casey, adding their 10 chalets have been booked for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day as well as New Year’s Day.
“Even with COVID, there were still a lot of people who came because they enjoy just being in the cabins. It’s different than being in a motel,” Casey said.
She pointed to hiking, crosscountry skiing, and snowshoe trails around the property as significant draws in the winter.
“There are some people who like to go through the woods,” she said of an option.
“We don’t keep them groomed in the wintertime, but there are avid walkers, so a lot who still go depending on the weather.”
Wood stoves in the chalets and an outdoor hot tub add to the winter getaway experience.
“Then, if we don’t have a whole lot of snow, the fire pits are there to have a fire which some people still like to do,” Casey said.
“They’re out in the country and enjoying nature. We find rest and relaxation is what they like, what they’re going for.”