Although lobster is available 365 days a year in Nova Scotia, Canada, prime lobster fishing season takes place in the winter between November and May. The Atlantic waters off the southwestern coast of Nova Scotia are among the richest in the world and account for approximately 40% of all lobster caught in Canada each year. Once considered a poor man’s food and served in prisons, lobster today is a delicacy that can be served boiled, baked, in rolls, and even infused in beer and ice cream.
This February visitors to Nova Scotia are in for a treat as The South Shore plays host to one of the world’s most indulgent gastronomical festivals - the Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl, where lobster can be enjoyed all day, every day in many different forms.
Spanning the entire month of February the celebration of all things lobster features a range of over 100 amazing lobster experiences and takes place all along the South Shore from “The Lobster Captial of Canada”, Barrington to Peggy’s Cove. You don’t have to be a lobster aficionado to take part in the fun! With competitions and capers, ranging from lobster fishing to a lobster chowder showdown there is more than enough to entertain everyone visiting!
A sample of the celebrated crustacean activities for 2020 include:
- Groundhog Day with Lucy the Lobster: The festival kicks off with a twist on Groundhog Day, with Lucy the Lobster disclosing a weather forecast for the end of winter and the beginning of spring from an appearance out of the ocean at 8:00am on Sunday, February 2 in Barrington.
- Lobster Roll Challenge: Dozens of restaurants along the south shore will compete at White Point Beach Resort on February 2 in a lobster roll-off, with a People’s Choice Award and lobster roll sampling.
- Hands-On Lobster Fishing: The captain and crew of the 37-foot The JKC will take guests on an expedition to step into the shoes of a lobster fisher and catch their own dinner in the Atlantic Ocean. The experience includes two nights’ accommodations at White Point Beach Resort, lunch, a chef-led lobster boil, and crew reception. Available February 7-9 starting at $488 CAD per person.
- Spirited Crustaceans Tour: On a tour of Ironworks Distillery in Old Town Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, cocktails will be paired with crustacean appetizers. The experience is available on February 8, 15, and 22 starting at $60 CAD per person.
- Crawl to the Alter: Love birds can tie the knot on Valentine’s Day in Hubbards, Nova Scotia, with a nautical-themed wedding package offered by Anchorage House & Cottages, which includes decorations, flowers, lobster hors d-oeuvres, a mini wedding cake, and accommodations. The package starts at $2,800 CAD per person.
- Lobster Craft Beer Festival: Over 20 of Nova Scotia’s craft breweries and cideries band together on Saturday, February 15 to offer a festival of games, food, music, and libations. A buttery, lobster pale ale, “The Crustacean Elation” is offered by Saltbox Brewery. Tickets start at $40 CAD per person.
- Fat Bike Festival: Adventurers can join a guided fat bike ride around Mahone Bay on Sunday, February 16 and end the day with a beer, lobster roll, and snacks from on-site vendors.
- Nautical Painting Class: The Brush with Good Cheer event on Sunday, February 23 offers a painting class for guests to create lobs’ART with canvas, brushes, and an instructor from Maritime Painted Saltbox. Tickets start at $50 CAD per person.
It’s easy to combine the festival with an itinerary that takes in some of Nova’s Scotia most iconic attractions like Peggy’s Cove, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Old Town Lunenburg, Mahone Bay and a stop in cosmopolitan yet also historic Halifax. With many unique hotels, B&B’s and cottages across the South Shore region, a world class festival and enough attractions to fill your stay, Nova Scotia can deliver that truly unique experience!