5 ways to hold onto fall in Nova Scotia

What are you waiting for? Get out and take advantage of this incredible season while you can!

waterfall Photo: Jason Petersson

With fall soon coming to an end, it may feel as though there’s nothing to do but study these days. Fear not! Here are some suggestions for what to do with the last few free moments of this amazing season before finals take over.

1. Take a hike

There are so many beautiful hikes in the Halifax and Truro areas that have stunning fall colours and can help you get a breath of fresh air between assignments.

No car? No worries! There are many that are accessible in Halifax with your bus pass, including trails at Long Lake Provincial Park, the Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail, and Kearney Lake.

Don’t want to go alone? Join the Dalhousie Outdoor Society (DOS) or Trips By Transit on any of their hikes!

If you're on the Truro Campus, you can head to Victoria Park for some amazing hiking trails (and waterfalls!). If you want to get out of town, check out the Mi'kmawey Debert Interpretive Trail.

2. Go apple picking

One of the most quintessential Canadian fall activities is apple picking. At Dal, we’re luck enough to be a stone’s throw from the Annapolis Valley (aka “The Valley”), home to dozens of pick-your-own apple orchards! So grab a couple friends and hit the road for a day trip to pick apples, and stock up for all your pie, crumble, and cobbler baking needs.

3. Cozy up at a local café

Cafés are the perfect place to pass a rainy fall afternoon. Many local cafes offer seasonal pumpkin and cinnamon-themed fall drinks (yum!) and also lots of cozy space to snuggle up and get that essay done! Some personal favourites are Dilly Dally on Quinpool and The Nook on Gottingen, but you can check out this article for more Hali café spots and this one for places in Truro.

4. Shop for some local produce at a farmers’ market

Shopping at the farmers’ market is a great way to support local businesses and eat some yummy local produce! This is a great option for those who can’t make it out to the apple orchard, but still want fresh apples.

5. Go rollerblading at the Oval

Go quick! Every day until October 28, you can grab some friends and rent rollerblades for FREE at the Emera Oval on the North Commons! This is a great way to get outside and explore the city in the fall while learning a new skill. (If you don’t make it out by the 28th, you can always hold off until the ice comes and rent skates for free.)