Do: Annapolis Valley
It may not be as big, but there's definitely something of a 'little New York' feel about Nova Scotia's capital. Then again, New York doesn't benefit from a stunning winemaking area on its doorstep. Drive less than an hour and you'll wind up in the Annapolis Valley, a place full of rolling green hills and picturesque wineries (obviously). Go to the tourist info office in nearby Wolfville and you'll be shown a trail of ten or so within 15 minutes' drive. We stopped by Luckett Vineyards, and Grand Pre, where a tour and a tasting is less than $10. Bus tours will take you to six or more if you don't fancy the drive. valleytourism.ca
Stay: Prince George Hotel
You'll find a generous slice of luxury at this hip hotel – there's great access to the downtown area (including a bustling farmers market, chock full of artisans), but the roomy bedrooms, gorgeous decor and excellent Level Bar make it hard to leave. There's also an adjoining fine-dining restaurant, Gio, that serves some of the most contemporary, progressive food in the city. princegeorgehotel.com
Eat: The Five Fishermen
As histories go, the Five Fishermen's is particularly storied: originally a 19th-century schoolhouse, the building, which later became a mortuary, played a significant role in the rescue operations when the Titanic sunk (Halifax was the nearest major port to the wreck) and bore the brunt of a massive explosion in Halifax five years later, when thousands died. The restaurant's more colourful staff swear the building's haunted; all we know is it's the best place in the city for Nova Scotia seafood and Alberta beef, cooked by head chef Carmelo Olivar. fivefishermen.com
