Take it from me, as someone who lived here almost all my life: Autumn is the most magical time to be in the Annapolis Valley.
It’s easy to make my case. The orchards that were thick with blossoms in spring are now heavy with fruit. The vineyards shift from the quiet work of summer into the flurry of harvest. And the hillsides that frame this whole valley turn a slow, spectacular blend of crimson, gold, and burnt orange.
Come see for yourself! You’ll leave with a camera roll full of beautiful photos, a belly full of delicious food and drink, and a new appreciation for what the region offers. Read on for ideas to fill your Annapolis Valley fall getaway.
Things to Do in the Annapolis Valley in Fall
Chase Autumn Colours
Fall foliage in the Valley typically peaks in early October, and a handful of spots consistently deliver some of the province’s best views.
The Lookoff, perched on North Mountain near Canning, is widely considered the single best view in the entire Valley. It offers a sweeping panorama over farmland, orchards, and the Minas Basin that becomes even more dramatic once the trees below turn colour. It’s a short, easy stop that rewards you with one of the most photographed vistas in Nova Scotia.
Image provided by Tourism Nova Scotia credit Loren Bedelli
Veterans Memorial View Park, along the drive between Grand Pré and Avonport, offers another excellent lookout over the Minas Basin, North Mountain range, and Cape Blomidon, with the added bonus of passing through classic Valley farmland to get there.
Kejimkujik National Park, although technically just bordering the Annapolis Valley, is easy to reach and bursting with colour. Enjoy one of the park’s many hikes, or even hire a kayak or canoe for the day, in order to soak up the autumn atmosphere.
Image provided by Tourism Nova Scotia credit Loren Bedelli
See Harvest Season, Up Close
Fall is harvest season for both apples and grapes, and there’s no better way to feel that than getting hands-on. U-pick orchards across the Valley run into October, offering the chance to pick your own apples straight from the trees that made this region famous in the first place. Many orchards pair the picking with corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and fresh-pressed cider, making for an easy afternoon that works well for visitors of any age.
At the same time, the Valley’s wineries are in full harvest mode. Vineyards buzz with activity as grapes come off the vines, and many tasting rooms lean into the season with harvest-themed tastings, patio hours that make the most of crisp afternoons, and views that are genuinely hard to beat with the surrounding hillsides in full colour.
Our picks for where to best enjoy the harvest season:
- Dempsey Corner Orchards, very near to the Aurora Inn, is a fantastic u-pick option that the whole family will love, complete with farm games, delicious goods baked onsite, and even apple golf!
- Noggins Corner Farm, near Wolfville, boasts an 8-acre interactive corn maze, along with a popular u-pick.
- Benjamin Bridge Winery offers a variety of fall events, including a biodiversity harvest tour, a vineyard picnic, pumpkin painting, and more.
- Cideries are an especially delicious place to celebrate the Valley’s greatest produce: apples! Don’t miss Spurr Brothers Farm in nearby Wilmot – not only is it a fantastic cidery, but there’s also a market, snacks, and live music every second Friday. There’s also Maritime Express Cider Company in Kentville, Annapolis Cider Company in Wolfville, and more.
- Explore any number of Annapolis Valley restaurants that will assuredly offer the best local produce with sumptuous autumnal flavours.
Image provided by Tourism Nova Scotia credit Loren Bedelli
Pumpkin People Festival
One of the Valley’s most beloved autumn traditions is the Kentville Pumpkin People Festival, which is exactly as quirky as it sounds. Scattered throughout the town are whimsical pumpkin people displays (typically over 300) throughout October. Local businesses and residents turn pumpkins into fully costumed characters lining the streets, and it’s become such a draw that visitors travel from across the Maritimes to see them. It’s a fun, free activity that works well paired with a stop at a nearby market or orchard.
Image provided by Tourism Nova Scotia credit Adam Cornick / Acorn Art & Photography
Hike in the Crisp Air
Fall is arguably the best season for hiking in the Valley. Cooler temperatures, fewer bugs, and that same spectacular foliage combine to make trails significantly more enjoyable than in the height of summer. The Cape Split Trail, along the Bay of Fundy, is one of the most rewarding hikes in the region, ending at a dramatic clifftop viewpoint over the world’s highest tides. Closer to Kingston, sections of the flatter, easier Harvest Moon Trailway offer a gentler option that still delivers plenty of autumn scenery without a demanding climb.
Want more options? Click through to our article on the best Annapolis Valley hikes.
Take a Ghost Walk
For the grown-up kids in your family, take them on a Valley Ghost Walk! This historical production rotates between towns in the Valley and is led by Jerome the Gravekeeper and his ghostly friends.
Image provided by Tourism Nova Scotia credit Davey and Sky
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting the Annapolis Valley in Fall
When is peak fall foliage in the Annapolis Valley?
Peak colour typically arrives in early to October, though this can shift slightly year to year depending on weather. Late September through late October generally offers strong colour somewhere in the Valley.
Are u-pick orchards open in the fall?
Yes. Most Valley orchards run u-pick apple picking from late summer through October, often alongside corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and fresh cider.
What is the best lookout for fall foliage in the Valley?
The Lookoff near Canning, on North Mountain, is widely regarded as the best single view in the Valley, with sweeping panoramas over farmland and the Minas Basin that are especially striking once the leaves turn.
Is fall a good time to visit Annapolis Valley wineries?
Absolutely. Fall is harvest season, so vineyards are especially active and scenic, and many wineries offer seasonal tastings that make the most of the crisp weather and colourful surroundings.
What are the Kentville pumpkin people?
The pumpkin people are a beloved Valley tradition in which pumpkins are dressed up as full-costumed characters and displayed around the town of Kentville each fall, drawing visitors from across the Maritimes.
Is fall a good time for hiking in the Annapolis Valley?
Yes, many consider it the best season for hiking here, thanks to cooler temperatures, fewer insects, and foliage that adds extra colour to trails like Cape Split and the Harvest Moon Trailway.
Staying at the Aurora Inn in Kingston puts you at the heart of fall in the Valley, close to lookouts, orchards, and wineries in every direction. Ask our front desk for the current best spots for colour, u-picks, and market days during your visit.
Sarah is a co-owner of the Aurora Inn. She’s passionate about living in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley and being active in her hometown of Kingston. Apart from running the Aurora Inn, she is also a founder of the Kingston Farmers Market.