One of the Nova Scotia itineraries - The Sunrise Trail
We're on one of Nova Scotia's travel routes – the Sunrise Trail in Nova Scotia! "The sunrise trail" sounds tempting, doesn't it? We're on the trail long after sunrise, but it's still beautiful. The route runs along Nova Scotia's north coast, following the Northumberland Strait, which separates Nova Scotia from Prince Edward Island. The island province appears on the horizon again and again.
We set off from Pictou We're taking a day to explore this part of the Nova Scotia coast in more detail. We want to find out what the people in this area earn their living from. We're traveling alone this time, so we've compiled a list of places we want to visit. We hope to learn more about this region from these places.
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From Pictou Lodge We follow Three Brooks Road, which takes us to the Sunrise Trail. Although this is the road closest to the ocean, we don't see it at first. The route continues inland for a few kilometers. To reach the ocean, we would have to drive out into Caribous and Munroe's Island Provincial Park or take one of the side roads that end directly at the ocean. However, since the Shore Road, despite its name, only actually leads over river mouths and around bays in a few places, we choose the direct route to the Sunrise Trail instead.
Nova Scotia Road Trip on the Sunrise Trail
It's not until Toney River that we finally reach the sea. At this harbor, the river of the same name flows into the Northumberland Strait, and in the small harbor basin, several fishing boats bob at the quay, indicating that the people here make their living primarily from the lobsters they catch from the waters offshore. Large trawlers, however, are nowhere to be found here. These are small boats used by the fishermen to set out their lobster cages.
Since everyone's currently in the harbor, I assume it's not fishing season. A look at the information pages of the Pictou Antigonish Library also shows that the lobster season in the Pictou region runs from early May to late June, and now—in August—the fishing boats are actually waiting for the next season. A few lobster buoys dangle in the breeze on the harbor entrance, and a few seagulls circle loudly above us, squawking loudly, but otherwise, not much is happening in Toney River Harbor at the moment. We take a few photos and videos and then continue north.
Rushton's Beach Provincial Park
We cross the St. John River, and a few kilometers further on, a sign points the way to Rushton's Beach Provincial Park. There, we turn off Highway 6 and drive through a small forest to a parking lot. The friendly lady at the tourist information office in Pictou recommended this provincial park to us. Rushton's Beach is known for its warm, shallow waters and is ideal for swimming and birdwatching, especially in the salt marshes.
To avoid mosquitoes at Rushton's Beach Provincial Park, however, it's recommended to visit the park in the late morning or early afternoon and use insect repellent. Petar walks down to the beach through a small patch of forest. Beyond, a dune landscape awaits, as does a sandy beach separated from the forest edge by salt marshes.
A detour to the Sutherland Steam Mill
At Brulé Corner, we first leave the Sunrise Trail in Nova Scotia and turn onto Highway 326, which takes us inland on a road that is more reminiscent of a roller coaster. Sutherland Steam Mill We finally stop. This sawmill once processed logs. A steam-powered saw sawed the logs that farmers had gathered from the mill during the winter. This happened every spring for over 60 years. The sawdust served as fuel for the boiler. Inside, you can also see what was made from the wood: floorboards, roof shingles, the intricate ornamentation we often see on 19th-century houses, wagons, sleighs, and even bathtubs.
Sutherland Steam Mill
3169 Highway 326, Denmark, Nova Scotia
+ 1 902-657-3365
sutherlandsteammill.novascotia.ca
Opening hours (2025)
Season start:
July 1, 2025
End of season:
2 October 2025
entrance fees
- Adults (18+): 3,90 CAD
- Children and adolescents (6–17): CAD 2,80
- Seniors (65+): 2,80 CAD
- Families (max. 2 adults): 8,65 CAD
- Children under 6: free
Hidden in the forest: the Balmoral Grist Mill on the Sunrise Trail
We follow Highway 326, but a few kilometers later we turn onto Balmoral Road (Highway 256) and follow the signs that lead us to Balmoral Grist Mill This flour mill is hidden in a wooded area. A large sign on the highway finally shows us the way to the parking lot. A wooden bridge leads over to the mill, from inside which we can hear the grinding of the millstones. Flour is still milled here for visitors today. However, we decide not to look inside. Instead, we enjoy the beautifully situated facility in the middle of the forest and watch the mill stream cascading into the depths below the bridge.
Balmoral Grist Mill
660 Matheson Brook Road, Balmoral Mills, Nova Scotia
+ 1 902-657-3365
balmoralgristmill.novascotia.ca
Opening hours (2025)
Season start:
July 1, 2025
End of season:
2 October 2025
entrance fees
- Adults (18+): 3,90 CAD
- Children and adolescents (6–17): CAD 2,80
- Seniors (65+): 2,80 CAD
- Families (max. 2 adults): 8,65 CAD
- Children under 6: free
Eating on the train in Tatamagouche on the Sunrise Trail
Back on the Sunrise Trail in Nova Scotia: For our lunch break, we chose the Train Station Inn in nearby Tatamagouche. While there might be better food to be found there, it's hard to imagine a more unusual place to eat. Since 1989, the colorful historic railway carriages at Tatamagouche Station have no longer been used for transportation. Some of them now serve food. Others offer overnight accommodation. Even the Governor General, the Queen's representative in Canada, has done so.
The old carriages seem a bit plush, and there isn't much space. But the carriage quickly fills up after we order our light lunch. A mussel soup with toast takes us back to the days when traveling by train was still something special. After a cup of tea to finish off—somehow it fits in this setting—we head off to the former dairy in TatamagoucheToday it houses a museum dedicated to the history of the area - from paleontology with its dinosaurs to modern times. Amazing what you can find in some village museums.
Tatamagouche Heritage Centre
39 Creamery Road, Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia, B0K 1V0
+1 (902) 657-3449
www.tatamagoucheheritagecentre.ca
Opening hours (2025)
May: Saturdays from 9:00 to 13:00
June: Saturdays from 9:00 to 13:00, Sundays from 13:00 to 16:00
July and August:
Sunday to Friday from 10:00 to 16:30
Samstags from 9:00 to 16:00 Uhr
September & October: Daily from 9:00 to 17:00, Saturdays from 9:00 to 16:00
entrance fees
- Adults (19-54 years): CAD 10,00
- Seniors (55+): 8,00 CAD
- Students (12–18 years): CAD 6,00
- Children under 12 years: free entry
- Special offer: Free admission to the Farmers' Market every Saturday morning from 9:00 to 10:00
Special events & highlights
- Tatamagouche Farmers' Market: Every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 13:00 p.m. on the grounds of the Heritage Centre.
- Grace Arts Centre: Regular theatre performances, concerts and art exhibitions.
- Ice House Gallery: Changing art exhibitions by local and regional artists.
- Special exhibitions: Exhibitions on local history, butter production and the famous Anna Swan are planned for 2025.
Wine in Malagash on our Nova Scotia Road Trip on the Sunrise Trail
Our last stop on the Sunrise Trail in Nova Scotia is this Winery Jost in Malagash just twenty kilometers from Tatamagouche. The winery is located in a region whose climate is influenced by the warm waters of the Northumberland Strait. The fact that fog rarely occurs here is an advantage for winegrowing. Hybrid grape varieties that are better able to withstand the cold winter temperatures are preferred. This also contributes to Jost's increasingly award-winning wines, including the 2012 Gold Medal for their Tidal Bay at the All Canadian Wine Championships.
The winery is a little off the Sunrise Trail on a side street and offers a nice picnic area for a break. Alternatively, we can do a wine tasting in the restaurant of the winery, but since we still have to go back to Pictou, we refrain from it and prefer to take a bottle of Tidal Bay with us to taste it on our hotel terrace in the evening. We review our tour on the Sunrise Trail again. It was nice and well worth the one-day detour!
Jost Vineyards
48 Vintage Lane, Malagash, NS B0K 1E0
+1-800-565-4567
jostwine.ca
Wine tastings & opening hours
- Wine tastings: Free tastings daily without prior registration.
- Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 to 17:00.
- Wine sales on site: Large selection of white, red, rosé and sparkling wines.
Seagrape Café
- Season start:
May 2025 - Opening hours in spring: 11:30 to 16:00
Offer: Seasonal dishes with regional ingredients, ideal with wine.
New wines & recommendations
- Jost L'Acadie Pinot Grigio: Fresh, dry, with floral notes – ideal for summer.
- Jost Rosé: Light, fruity with aromas of red berries and tropical fruits.
- Great Big Friggin' Red: Robust red wine with notes of caramel, mocha and maple – perfect for BBQ.
Practical tips for planning your trip on the Sunrise Trail
🛏️ Accommodation
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham* (advertisement) (Antigonish)
Modern hotel with excellent service and breakfast. Centrally located for excursions along the Sunrise Trail.
🍽️ Restaurants with regional cuisine
1. Wiley's by the Wharf (River John)
Fresh seafood served right on the water. Definitely a must for fish lovers.
2. Deb's Hidden Café (River John)
Cozy café with homemade specialties and friendly service.
3. The Chowder House (Tatamagouche)
Famous for its creamy clam soup and local dishes.
4. The Bistro at Fox Harb'r Resort (Wallace)
Gourmet cuisine with regional ingredients in an elegant ambience.
🚣♀️ Activities
1. Kayak tours along the coast
Explore Nova Scotia's picturesque coastline by kayak. Numerous companies offer guided tours.
2. Hiking the Sunrise Trail
Discover varied hiking trails with breathtaking views. Ideal for nature lovers.
3. Cycling tours
For example, use the well-developed cycle paths along the Sunrise Trail for extended tours.
🎉 Seasonal Events & Festivals 2025
1. Nova Scotia Lobster Trail
Enjoy delicious lobster dishes along the trail and collect stamps for special experiences.
2. Devour! The Food Film Fest (Wolfville, October 20–26, 2025)
A week full of culinary films, workshops, and tastings. A highlight for gourmets and film fans alike.
3. Hike the Highlands Festival (Cape Breton, September 13-19, 2025)
Seven days of guided hikes, photo competitions, and evening events. Perfect for hiking enthusiasts.
About the authors:
Monika and Petar Fuchs are passionate travel bloggers and the minds behind TravelWorldOnlineOn an unforgettable press trip, they explored the Sunrise Trail in Nova Scotia – a route that captivated them with its picturesque coastal landscapes, charming villages, and culinary highlights. Their journey took them to historic mills, wineries, and, above all, to the region's welcoming people. For over 20 years, they have been sharing their travel experiences with their readers – always authentic, informative, and with great attention to detail. Their focus is on gourmet travel, culture, and slow travel – perfect for anyone who wants to experience travel with all their senses.
Travel Arrangements:
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Getting to the Sunrise Trail:
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Source: Nova Scotia Travel Routes: own on-site research. We would like to thank Tourism Nova Scotia for the invitation on this trip. However, our opinions remain our own.
Text: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Video © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
