Guest blog from Dave Ritcey, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage

Nova Scotia winters offer so many exciting things to – for both residents and visitors. It’s time to let the world know – Nova Scotia is a destination for winter adventures!

One of our shared priorities in the Nova Scotia Tourism Sector Strategic Plan is to strengthen year‑round visitation and expand the province’s capacity to offer high‑quality, four‑season experiences. By investing in infrastructure, supporting operators, and working with communities, we help ensure that residents and visitors alike can enjoy the outdoors, connect with local culture, and support local businesses throughout the year.

Over the past several years, CCTH has supported a range of winter‑focused initiatives that enable safe, accessible, and sustainable winter recreation. These investments help diversify the visitor experience, extend seasonal business activity, and ensure local communities have the infrastructure they need to enjoy winter in their own backyards.

Investments Enabling Winter Outdoor Adventure

Through partnerships with trail associations, municipalities, and local organizations, the department has supported projects that enhance winter trail‑based recreation. This includes investments in:

• Trail improvements and grooming equipment, which help ensure consistent and safe surfaces for snowmobiling, fat biking, and multi‑use winter activities.
• Warm‑up shelters and trail‑side infrastructure, improving comfort and safety for users and helping trails function as reliable winter assets for both residents and visitors.
• Community‑led trail enhancements, supporting local volunteers and organizations who maintain routes that connect regions and create new opportunities for winter adventure tourism

Above: Joining Minister Trevor Boudreau and Turk Tower of TNT Outdoor Adventures in Cape Breton for the opening of the Pig and Whistle trail shelter in the Cape Breton Highlands.  

These efforts build the foundation for operators to develop winter packages, experiences, and guided activities - many of which are being advanced by partners working with Tourism Nova Scotia through the RADIATE Tourism Program to create travel motivating packages, including operators designing curated winter getaways.

Winter Experiences Across the Province

Operators and communities continue to show creativity in how they welcome winter visitors. From guided outdoor adventures to winter getaway packages, businesses are developing experiences that highlight Nova Scotia’s landscapes and seasonal charm while complementing the infrastructure investments happening across the province.

ATV and snowmobiling experiences continue to be a major draw as well, with clubs and volunteers maintaining groomed routes that allow riders to explore expansive winter terrain across multiple regions. Tour operators like TNT Outdoor Adventures help visitors to the province experience the thrill of exploring our trails in winter.

Municipalities and community partners are also playing a major role in activating public spaces through outdoor rinks, lighted trails, and community events that encourage winter activity. These spaces not only support local quality of life but also strengthen Nova Scotia’s identity as a place to embrace winter rather than retreat from it.

Connecting Visitors to Winter Through Marketing

Winter tourism marketing is also helping inspire travel within the province and attract regional visitors. Seasonal campaigns highlight accessible outdoor activities, cozy accommodations, and packages that encourage people to take advantage of Nova Scotia’s winter experiences - reinforcing the province’s position as a compelling four‑season destination.

A Collective Effort Toward Year‑Round Tourism

When we build winter capacity together, through infrastructure, experience development, marketing, and community partnerships, we strengthen the tourism system as a whole. Winter contributes to regional economies, supports small businesses, and invites residents and visitors to enjoy the landscapes, trails, and communities that make Nova Scotia special in every season.

Thank you to the operators, volunteers, partners, and community leaders who continue to champion winter tourism. Your efforts are essential in helping Nova Scotia grow as a vibrant, year‑round destination.