Adventure Elopements on the East Coast
We live in a gorgeous province and there is no shortage of incredible backdrops and experiences for your Canadian Adventure Elopement.
Most people picture two people on a mountain top outside Canmore, Banff or Jasper - but adventure elopements are so much more than mountains and helicopters. Shake it up and hit up the east coast for some true maritime adventure! We have helicopters too!
Photo by Chris & Amber Photo
Maybe it’s the rocky cliffs of the Bay of Fundy, or it’s the wide open beaches on the South Shore. Maybe it’s the breathtaking vistas from the Cabot Trail in fall, or the hiking views from Cape Split. Maybe it’s all of these things. There’s just something about Nova Scotia.
We can (and we do) talk non-stop about how this beautiful little province is the perfect place to elope. But we’re not the only ones who thinks so.
We asked Jonathan Riley from Hike Nova Scotia to collaborate on a list of favourite hiking spots for elopements. He’s a Hike Nova Scotia board member and a Trail and Open Spaces Coordinator with the Municipality of Digby.
Here’s our list of Fav Hikes for Elopement Adventures in Nova Scotia:
Crystal Crescent
Just 40 minutes from downtown Halifax, Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park is a string of discrete beaches with soft white-sand, meandering trails, meadows and more. Hike the rugged coast to Pennant Point then lay back for a romantic surf-side picnic.
Crystal Crescent Elopement, Janette Downie
Brier Island
Escape from it all to an island in the middle of the Bay of Fundy. You feel like you’re on the edge of the world and no wonder, it is two hours from Digby, NS and takes two ferries to reach Brier Island, the second island of the Digby Neck, but you’ll immediately breathe easier in tune with the slower gentler pace of life. Watch seals, migratory birds and even whales from the island’s coastal trails or charter a whale watching cruise on the Mega Nova with Brier Island’s most established whale watching company, Brier Island Whale and Seabird Cruises. You can check ferry times here, and don’t forget to visit the Balancing Rock on Long Island.
Brier Island Wedding, Samson Photography
Milford House & Trails
Milford House, perfect for nature lovers of all ages, and renowned as a premier destination for outdoor activities, Milford House is a place to really disconnect from the world at large all while reconnecting with family, friends and nature. Slip off into thw woods hand in hand with your special person, paddle to one of the many lake islands. Rent a rustic cabin nestled in the ancient woods. This is pristine wilderness, undisturbed for over 100 years, the idyllic backdrop for photos on your special day. Bonus: Thanks to a long time guest and naturalist, Etta Parker, you will find small markers along the roads and trails through the woods with numbers that identify many of the plants and trees; these are keyed to descriptions available on site.
Milford House Elopement, Samson Photography
Cape Split
Jutting out roughly 6kms into the wild and powerful Bay of Fundy, Cape Split is just over 13km of looped trail through old growth forest, with moderate up-hills along the way. You definitely wouldn’t want to hike it in your wedding attire, so plan to use some bushes to get fancy if that’s your style. The cliffs are over 300 feet, and the views are spectacular. Please use caution at all stages of this hike and check tide times if you plan to hike down to the ocean floor.
Cape Split Elopement, Chris & Amber Photo
Pollett’s Cove
Pollett’s Cove is far off the beaten path in Cape Breton. An 14km in and out hike AFTER driving to what can sometimes feel like the end of the earth. Make sure you get an early start hiking the coastline to the cove, keeping your eyes open for seals in the waters below. The trail is up hill, down hill, up hill, down hill, has you crossing brooks and more until you reach your destination. It’s here you can camp among wild horses (yes, wild horses!) and fragrant roses, stroll the beach with driftwood and up the meandering brook that flows out the middle, or hike the encircling hills for panoramic views of the cove. We recommend camping overnight and exploring the cove. Don’t forget to have a snack waiting for you in the car when you return. If a hike isn’t your thing but you still want to see Pollett’s Cove consider a boat ride in. Oh yeah, and there’s no cell reception so be safe and all that stuff. Keep in mind this is privately owned land, be respectful.
Pollett’s Cove, Nova Scotia by Samson Photography
If you’re looking for a wild and beautiful place to get married, Nova Scotia’s secluded coastlines and ancient hills provide endless opportunities for escape, privacy and epic backdrops. This short list is a mere few of our favourites and we’ve got so many more, some are popular hikes - some top secret - so we’re certain we can help bring your Nova Scotia adventure elopement dreams to fruition.