The best time to explore this delightful Canadian province less than a two-hour flight from Logan? Right about now.

Lots of people know about Nova Scotia’s natural wonders—the world’s most drastic tides, the dramatic cliffs and rock formations. Some even know why Nova Scotia ships us a Christmas tree for the Common every year: In 1917, Boston sent emergency aid after two ships collided in Halifax Harbor, causing the biggest non-nuclear detonation in history. But the tiny Canadian province is also a treasury of architecture, culture, and history. It’s where the Cajun people of Louisiana’s bayous originated and where thousands of Black loyalists were relocated by the British after the American Revolution. It’s home to distinctive lighthouses, a lush wine-growing region, and six UNESCO World Heritage sites. In short, it’s fascinating, beautiful, and well worth a visit, especially in the mild summer months.

STAY
Just outside the Tobeatic Wilderness Area, Trout Point Lodge is a luxury inn located in the heart of a protected biosphere reserve. It’s the first “Starlight Hotel” certified by Starlight Foundation, with an on-site guide who conducts nightly stargazing from specially built platforms. Other activities include forest bathing, hiking, kayaking and canoeing, berry and mushroom foraging, paddleboarding, and yoga, and a barrel sauna and wood-fired hot tub are perched at the river’s edge. Just be sure to fill up your gas tank before going; it’s truly in the middle of nowhere.
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Stress has become a pervasive aspect of daily life for many, especially in an era where fast-paced living and constant connectivity dominate. A 2023 survey states that in America alone, three-quarters of adults report significantly increased stress levels over the past year. Many factors contribute to this escalating stress epidemic, such as the global pandemic, economic uncertainties, and the numerous demands of modern life.
Following this, many seek innovative ways to alleviate stress to prioritize their mental health and overall well-being. This instance prompted the rise of wellness tourism. Travelers are becoming more intentional about their trips and drawn to activities that align with their mental wellness goals, such as spending more time in nature. For wellness travelers opting for destinations that provide a haven from urban chaos, Trout Point Lodge offers an extraordinary retreat experience with its serene environment that encourages relaxation and rejuvenation.
Located in the Southwest Nova Scotia Biosphere Reserve, Trout Point Lodge is a hideaway that promises to combine luxury, elevated cuisines, and immersive activities for the ultimate wilderness experience. Aside from its jaw-dropping landscape, the Tobeatic Wilderness, the largest protected area in Maritimes Canada, serves as a crucial habitat for wildlife as it protects wetlands, features old-growth pine and hemlock forests, and is a source of nine major river systems. In other words, its strategic location makes Trout Point Lodge a unique destination for those seeking an authentic wilderness experience.
The premier wilderness lodge is renowned for its stargazing excursions led by a team of experienced guides. A Stargazing Platform is set up in a riverside meadow away from the surrounding forest to ensure an unobstructed 360-degree view of the night sky. Under the darkest skies in North America, guests can even witness frequent meteor showers. With this, Trout Point Lodge has received a Stargazing Resort certification and the accolade of being the world's first Starlight Hotel from the Starlight Foundation, supported by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

One of the primary offerings that contribute to the prestige of Trout Point Lodge is Forest Bathing, a Japanese therapeutic practice for holistic wellness. A study reports that this practice, known as "Shinrinyoku," significantly lowers cortisol levels, relieving stress and depression. It is perfect for those who desire to engage in slow, mindful walks along the Acadian Forest, where they can contemplate nature with all their senses and rejuvenate. With its commitment to promoting mental wellness with its unique offerings, the lodge has been recognized by media outlets like the Associated Press.
Trout Point Lodge owners Patrick and Pamela Wallace shared, "We're excited to announce the addition of yoga sessions led by a certified instructor who is also a valued team member. This would complement our existing offerings, which include various guided activities throughout the day." Guests can explore the waters with the lodge's available canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and single or double kayaks. For those drawn to terra firma, the lodge offers access to the expansive Tobeatic Wilderness area.
"Guests can join guided excursions where our excellent team shares educational information about the different aspects of the natural environment. We also have stargazing activities for those interested in the cosmos. Basically, with the Trout Point Lodge experience, it's fascinating when you look up and see the expanse of the Milky Way. It's equally amazing when you look down and see the biodiversity right at your feet," Patrick added.

Essentially, Trout Point Lodge recognizes individuals' need for a sanctuary where they can truly unplug. The intentional absence of televisions and electronics in the rooms creates an environment conducive to unwinding. Couples, for instance, can find the opportunity to reconnect with each other and bask in the solemnity of the place.
Aside from its unique offerings, Trout Point Lodge boasts of its exceptional team of dedicated individuals who have been with the lodge for many years. "Our team plays a pivotal role in creating an unforgettable experience for our guests. They are energized by getting to know every single one of our guests, many of whom visit us every season," the owners underscored.

Trout Point Lodge remains dedicated to providing a haven for those seeking to unwind and enjoy an unparalleled natural experience. It earns its place among the most innovative and sustainable travel programs worldwide, as acknowledged by the National Geographic Society.

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With the constant hustle and bustle of life, people often seek the comfort of nature. For many, immersing oneself in nature entails strenuous hikes and challenging climbs. A growing trend emerges where nature enthusiasts can enjoy the serenity of the wilderness without sacrificing comfort. Following this, there is a craze for experiencing nature through wilderness lodges that offer a more intimate connection with nature.

These lodges appeal to those who desire to connect with nature leisurely, far from the typical adrenaline-pumping activities often associated with outdoor adventures. They cater to those seeking a more laid-back connection with nature, allowing guests to appreciate its beauty from the comfort of their cozy rooms or private balconies instead of trekking to reach vantage points. 

Trout Point Lodge, a premier luxury lodge and resort in the Tobeatic Wilderness in southwestern Nova Scotia, Canada, allows guests to appreciate nature's wonders at a pace that allows for true relaxation and rejuvenation. The lodge has undergone a significant transformation under the care of Patrick and Pamela Wallace, who assumed ownership in 2018.

The husband-and-wife duo fell in love with the lodge during their visit as guests and became passionate about preserving its charm while enhancing the guest experience. With a specific vision, the Wallaces have established three pillars defining Trout Point Lodge: luxury accommodations, exceptional culinary offerings, and an immersive wilderness experience. 

The lodge's five-star rating by Canada Select showcases its commitment to luxury, boasting exemplary river or forest views from its suites. Constructed from giant Eastern Spruce logs, the main lodge shows meticulous craftsmanship. It pays homage to the Great Camps of the United States and Canadian Eastern Seaboard in the early 20th century. 
Its main structure is a three-story marvel perched along the banks of the Tusket River. Each room is distinct but follows a common theme of comfort and Haute Rustic luxury, which are emphasized by the log walls and beam ceilings that provide a warm and inviting atmosphere. Meanwhile, Beaver Hall serves as an exclusive riverside compound. The ambiance of both exudes sophistication combined with the charm of the Canadian backwoods. With this, Trout Point Lodge blends history and contemporary luxury.

Trout Point Lodge is also known for its unique culinary experience that brings guests on a journey from Nova Scotia's land to the sea. It features European-inspired local cuisine that features Atlantic seafood, organic ingredients, wild woodland delicacies, and produce from on-site herb gardens. This dedication to sustainability reflects respect for the environment and support for local farmers and fishermen. 

The lodge ensures that its commitment to culinary excellence extends to its long list of wine offerings, receiving the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator magazine since 2009. "Our curated wine list punches way above what people would expect from our remote location," Patrick noted. All these contribute to Trout Point Lodge's prestige.
However, the primary highlight of Trout Point Lodge is the wilderness experience that allows guests to decompress and reconnect with nature. The lodge offers various activities that cater to different interests. Guests can indulge in forest bathing or yoga during the day and stargaze at night. "Since we're in the southwestern part of Nova Scotia, our location boasts some of North America's darkest skies. We have a stargazing platform positioned near the lodge so guests can enjoy the surreal experience of being enveloped in a dome of stars," the owners shared. 

Other activities offered by the lodge include kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding on the scenic rivers. Those who wish to relax can bask in the wood-fired riverside hot tub and a cedar barrel sauna. Meanwhile, the wooden boardwalks and nature trails are perfect for leisurely walks to appreciate the unspoiled beauty of the Canadian wilderness. Patrick emphasized, "The wilderness doesn't need much intervention. Our role here is to be gentle curators. So, we let the pristine setting speak for itself. Guests who want to learn more about the wilderness can join an excursion with our team of knowledgeable guides."

​Ultimately, Trout Point Lodge continues to provide guests with an unforgettable experience of immersing themselves in the untamed beauty of nature while championing luxury, culinary excellence, and a thoughtfully curated wilderness exploration. It invites everyone to slow down and reconnect with the natural world, whether through stargazing, kayaking, or indulging in massages surrounded by nature's wonder.

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Nothing in Atlantic Canada compares to the five-star Trout Point Lodge, our main base of operations for this excursion. Nestled in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and only 45 minutes from the Yarmouth ferry terminal, the rustic luxe property on 100 acres with private frontage on both the Tusket and Napier rivers is a fly-fisherman’s paradise and appeals to all lovers of rugged elegance.

“We offer luxury, locally-inspired fine dining and wilderness experiences that immerse our guests in the soothing calm of our pristine natural surroundings,” says Trout Point Lodge co-owner and innkeeper Patrick Wallace, who purchased the property in 2018. “And we have a great wine list too. Imagine the soothing effect of being alone with your loved one amidst unspoiled nature, with no noise but the sounds of the river and the rustling of the wind through the trees.”

He notes, “Add a gourmet picnic basket and a bottle of champagne and you start to feel what Trout Point Lodge is about—luxury meets culinary and wilderness in a unique offering.” Guided activities are a big part of the Trout Point Lodge experience and focus on mindfulness and wellness. “We love to explore the intricacy of our wilderness environment with activities such as mushroom walks, flora and fauna focused guided hikes, and of course stargazing, which many guests tell us is a highlight of a stay. On clear nights the expanse of stars is an unforgettable experience,” Wallace adds.

With wood-burning fireplaces and wood stoves throughout the property, a wood-fired sauna and hot rub perched on the river banks, a grand main lodge with twin stone fireplaces and a well-equipped bar, there are no televisions, room telephones, or even keys at this Hemingway-esque retreat—you don’t need them and wouldn’t want them anyway in this idyllic setting.

The restaurant, also located in the main lodge, serves up Michelin-quality meals and is a draw in and of itself. “Each dish is made from scratch and every ingredient is hand-picked—you will never see a foodservice company truck parked outside Trout Point Lodge,” the property proudly notes. The kitchen, they add, “deftly creates food brimming with flavor and subtlety,”

Its high-end interpretation of Atlantic Acadian cuisine is “distinguished by the finest regional products, intertwining local seafood, organic ingredients, wild woodland delicacies, and produce from the gardens to create an unforgettable dining experience founded on principles of sustainability,” Trout Point Lodge notes. That’s in addition to the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator magazine it has held for nearly 15 years.

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The secluded wilderness of Trout Point Lodge, Kemptville, Nova Scotia 

Anyone looking for a truly secluded luxury escape should head to the Tobeatic Wilderness Area in southwestern Nova Scotia. Here, you'll find Trout Point Lodge, a nature retreat so remote there's no cellphone service. But you can connect with the cosmos since it's a certified Starlight Hotel — a recognition given by the Starlight Foundation, whose Starlight Initiative is backed by UNESCO. Guests can go on guided stargazing excursions through riverside meadows to witness the beauty of one of the darkest skies in North America. If you're lucky, you might just see a meteor shower. 
Trout Point Lodge has an on-staff astronomer and offers plenty of activities designed to help visitors take in the surrounding UNESCO biosphere reserve. 
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​Romance can be many things to different people. So when tasked to come up with some of the most romantic destinations in this beautiful country we threw the net wide. We settled on 10 unique locations – some perfect for cold wintry days, others ideal for summer sunsets and lots in between to appeal to anyone looking to spark a new romantic fire, pop the question or reignite a long-term relationship.

Take your pick from a mountain in B.C. that’s ideal for the thrill-seeking couple, a cozy log cabin in Quebec for nature lovers, a lodge in the Northwest Territories made for viewing the Northern Lights or a picnic spot in Newfoundland where ocean meets sky as far as the eye can see.

Luckily for us, Canada is replete with locations that simultaneously steal your heart and take your breath away, places that were made for romance. And by staying in your own backyard, you can save on your carbon footprint, too.

Trout Point Lodge 
Trout Point Lodge is tucked away in the heart of the Tobeatic Wilderness, the largest protected area in the Maritimes. Highly coveted by couples who love its serenity and seclusion, its remote locale, on 120-acres of wooded estate, means it is also perfect for stargazing, which you can do from the privacy of your room in front of a crackling fire, from the wood-fired hot tub or a special platform built specifically for nature’s light show. (Trout Point Lodge was the first certified starlight hotel in the world).

Patrick Wallace, who has owned the hotel for the past six years with his wife, Pam, says most people come to the 13-room lodge for at least two nights, which gives ample time to sample the gourmet food and wine (the lodge has been a recipient of the Wine Spectator award the past 12 years), canoe, kayak, swim in the Tusket River, do yoga, forest bathe, try a cooking class, or wrap up in a blanket in their room, with a good book, and just be.

Open from May to December, the lodge’s most popular package is Romance in the Wilderness, which starts at $2,500 per couple for two nights and includes daily breakfasts, lunch, a romantic picnic lunch (the second day) with chilled French Champagne, tea-time cake and pastries, and candlelit four-course dinners. 

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You’ll love… Rustic luxury in ancient woods

At first it seems all’s quiet in this mossy green woodland but then your ears adjust: a hummingbird buzzes as it dips at a flower, a deer rustles behind a maple and a beaver clunks a log onto a dam. You’ll soon feel part of the ecosystem at Trout Point Lodge, a log cabin gone five-star on the edge of a UNESCO biosphere reserve, around a four-hour drive from Halifax. Pull on your boots and puffer jacket to go fly fishing, forest bathing or canoeing. Then stargaze around a firepit or retreat to the fireplace in your plush suite. The kitchen turns foraged, wild Atlantic ingredients into a fine dining experience, with dishes such as just-caught lobster with beurre blanc and wild berries dressed in Valrhona chocolate and garden herbs.
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Local tip: The resort is open between May and October. Summer’s the pick if you want to see lively wildlife; book in autumn if saunas and crackling log fires are your scene.

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Looking for a luxury wilderness escape that combines delicious food and wine with some of the most incredible star-gazing in all of North America? The Starlight Culinary Escape at Trout Point Lodge includes an artfully prepared four-course gourmet dinner featuring fresh, local ingredients.

After the meal, wind your way along the Tusket River and through the forest with your guide to enjoy local chocolates and sparkling wine under an inky sky filled with stars. Trout Point Lodge owner/operator Patrick Wallace calls it “the perfect indulgent getaway.”

“Fall is an incredible season where the colours come alive and the beauty of our wilderness home is on full display,” says Wallace. “What’s better than a hot cup of coffee on a cool fall morning or a carefree soak in a wood-fired hot tub under the stars?”

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"This luxurious small hotel empowers guests with its nature-based activities and programs"

The moon tonight is in the waxing gibbous stage,” says Rémi Torrenta, Trout Point Lodge’s staff astronomer and naturalist. “It’ll be full in a couple of days.” He pulls out a laser pointer as we stand together on the stargazing platform. We’re surrounded by fall’s colourful foliage, albeit muted by nightfall, but that’s okay because we’re here to talk about the stars and patterns above. “The Summer Triangle is made up of the three brightest stars from three different constellations,” he says. “And Vega,” he adds, now aiming his laser at a big white star, “is the brightest star tonight.” Torrenta is so full of information that I have trouble concentrating, so instead, I breathe in the almost-full moon and the silence of nature.
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Trout Point Lodge, tucked into East Kemptville, beside the UNESCO Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve, may look like a cabin in the woods, but this small luxury lodge is a hotbed of experiences, from nature to culinary. It’s also a certified Starlight Reserve. In other words, it’s the perfect place to live (albeit temporarily) and learn.
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Earlier in the day, I eased myself into a wood-burning hot tub beside the babbling Tusket River; nearby, 11 giddy painters from Australia committed the fall colours around us to their watercolour pads. I went forest-bathing with Torrenta, a sort of nature therapy where you slow things down and take it all in. We sat on a footbridge and slowed our breathing. I watched as a red maple leaf fluttered from a tree into the river, wound its way around rocks and floated away under the bridge. I canoed and also took an edible nature walk with Torrenta, where we dug up and nibbled on treats from the forest detritus, including starflower, white sarsaparilla and winter green. I learned that practically everything edible in the woods is a diuretic or blood congealer – and also delicious.

Back up on the stargazing platform, Torrenta says there is no light pollution in the area so we can currently see up to 3,000 stars and deep sky objects. The lodge has mega-telescopes on hand – we rolled ours down the boardwalk in a wheelbarrow – but even with the naked eye on a clear night in the Biosphere Reserve, one can spot faraway galaxies.
Tonight, the sky is unusually bright because of the moon, making it a touch difficult to pinpoint many of the celestial wonders. “The moon is the enemy of astronomers,” Torrenta says. Be it the magic of the moon or my room’s wood-burning fireplace; the fact that there were four types of homemade butter with my lunch; or the local gentleman strumming songs by request at the wee bar at night, every little thing about Trout Point Lodge adds up to something big. I fix my gaze skyward, smiling.

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