Thrill to a range of outdoor adventures, including wildlife spotting and rafting over rapids, at this attractive riverside town.
Enfield is a picturesque town divided by the Shubenacadie River and surrounded by forests and fields. It is where you can see traditional wooden architecture, hike through woodland trails and go on tidal bore rafting tours.
A nice way to get a feel for the place is to take the Lions Walking Trail, which starts in the center of town. The route passes traditional wooden homes and extends to nearby fields and woodland. Look out for some of the native wildlife, such as reindeer, beavers and porcupines. During the winter, snow often covers the walkway, but in the summer, you will find hanging baskets and neatly planted beds brightening the path.
To be certain of seeing some wildlife during your stay, take a short drive north of the town to Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park. Walk through its 98.8 acres (40 hectares) to see wolves, cougars and black bears roaming freely in large natural enclosures. Look up to the sky and you may spot snowy owls, red-tailed hawks and bald eagles. Guided tours of the large grounds are also available. Adjacent to the park is a picnic area with tables and washrooms.
If you are looking for some outdoor adventure, try tidal bore rafting on the Shubenacadie River, the largest river in Nova Scotia. Twice a day when the tide changes, the calm waters are turned into powerful rapids.
When you are back in the town, tour St. Bernard’s Church, dedicated to the 12th-century Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. It is one of the oldest churches in Halifax. Then check out the shops and stores, and dine in Enfield’s restaurants and cafés.
Enfield is about a 30-minute drive north of Halifax and is close to the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. Stay overnight and give yourself more time to enjoy the woodland and river scenery and the wildlife.