Musquodoboit Valley - Family Fun

Dollar Lake's facilities include three camping loops, forest trails for walking or cross-country skiing, a canteen, washrooms and change houses, and a small island. Fire grills and firewood are available.

There are plenty of opportunities to observe wildlife and glimpse various species of waterfowl and birds of prey.

In a canoe look for the common merganser, a diving duck that chases its prey under water, earning it the common name of fish duck. Its presence testifies that there are fish in Dollar Lake, which is the deepest in HRM.

The supervised beach area is wheelchair accessible.

It is not uncommon to experience regular water temperatures of over 20^oC in Dollar Lake.

Dean Maple Syrup Festival

In early spring, sap from sugar maples is collected and boiled down in sugar shacks to produce maple syrup and other delicious maple products. Annually, promoters and organizers of the Dean Maple Syrup Festival offer tours through the woods to witness first-hand the process involved making maple syrup.
		After, visitors can enjoy home cooked meals while listening to some of the Valley’s finest musicians perform popular Down East ol’ time favourites. Check Upcoming Events at www.mvta.net for date.

Farmers Markets

Between May and October, locally grown garden-fresh produce is available at several local Farmers Markets. You can also pick up home made preserves, organic beef and poultry, jams, jellies and hand crafted items. These markets offer shoppers an opportunity to realize where their food comes from and understand the importance of supporting local producers.
Fresh produce from our fields and back yard gardens to your dining table are available at: Stewiacke Valley Farmers Market Musquodoboit Harbour Farmers’ Market

Local Greenhouses

Gardeners interested in learning more about landscaping and plants suited for this growing zone will make a point of finding the numerous greenhouse operations throughout the Musquodoboit Valley.

Reasonably priced quality shrubs, trees, vegetable and flowering transplants are available throughout the spring, summer, and fall.

Halifax County Exhibition

Since 1884, the Halifax County Exhibition has toted the reputation of being a family fair. One of the oldest agricultural fairs in the province, The Ex is held the third week of August in Middle Musquodoboit. A family midway is sure to offer entertainment for everyone in your family.
		Have you ever seen a pink chicken? Children and adults alike enjoy the hands-on opportunity to touch and see farm livestock close-up.
The Exhibition begins with a parade through the village of Middle Musquodoboit.
		This four-day agricultural exhibition offers lots of opportunity for folks to learn more about rural living! The sponsoring organization of the exhibition, Middle Musquodoboit Agricultural Society, is including a new Multi-purpose Agriculture Educational Centre in 2009 – 2010 to compliment the existing buildings on the grounds.
The public is encouraged to ask questions, participate in the activities and learn more about life in rural Nova Scotia.

Trails to Explore

The Titus Smith Trails at McCurdy Woodlot are located behind the Musquodoboit Valley Forestry and Education Centre, Middle Musquodoboit. The trails are open to enjoy year-round by walkers or cross-country skiers.

Strategically placed interpretive panels explain to visitors the various types of trees and wildlife that exist in this area.

The Musquodoboit Rails to Trails is another popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

This six-trail system offers solitude and rugged wilderness that includes spectacular scenery, wetlands, cliffs and natural growth forests.

Trails are coded as easy, moderate, difficult, and rugged.

Dollar Lake Provincial Park has an eight-kilometre groomed cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing trail system. There are many side trails, old roads, and game trails in the park that can be used to extend your ski or hike.

Visit http://www.clubtread.com/Routes/Route.aspx?Route=959 for more info about Dollar Lake trails.

Open Farm Day

Each fall, in September, the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture encourages producers to invite the public to tour their farms.

Open Farm Day offers visitors the experience of a day on the farm, an opportunity to learn about and appreciate our food sources.

Some participants offer hay rides, tours of their barns, and trips to the pasture to see cattle grazing in the fields.

Visit the Nova Scotia Agricultural Awareness Committee web site for the next scheduled date of Open Farm Day and a list of Musquodoboit Valley farms participating this year.

Rally in the Musquodoboit Valley

		Antique Show 'n Shine

		King of the Garden Contest
Local Entertainment

Tractor Parade
		Antique Engine Display Check Upcoming Events at www.mvta.net for dates.

See the Musquodoboit Valley on Horseback!

Experience the great outdoors on horseback!

Several trail riding facilities throughout Musquodoboit Valley will take you through meadows, wooded areas, and river crossings.

White tailed deer, bald eagles, and other wildlife are frequently spotted. The little ones can enjoy a guided pony ride.

Christmas Festival of Trees

		The exportation of balsam firs is one of Nova Scotia’s biggest industries. In acknowledgement, the Musquodoboit Valley Forestry Education Complex hosts the Festival of Trees each December.
Local businesses and non-profit groups tastefully decorate a room full of sweetly scented fir trees for the general public to enjoy. Check Upcoming Events at www.mvta.net for dates.

Christmas Festival of Crafts

Looking for that perfect Christmas gift for someone special?

Alongside the Festival of Trees, in the Musquodoboit Valley Education Centre, a Festival of Crafts that involves more than 100 talented crafters from the Maritime Provinces is held.

Anyone looking for a unique, quality Christmas gift will always find something special.

Check Upcoming Events at www.mvta.net for dates.

U-Pick Christmas Trees

Instead of going to mall parking lots to pick up a Christmas tree, many folks enjoy a day-trip to the country to find that just-so-perfect tree.

Musquodoboit Valley is home to several Christmas Tree U-picks. Healthy, well-groomed firs, which are easily accessible, are waiting for your family.

Afterwards, enjoy a mug of hot chocolate in the company of good people and good times.

Wooden Playground

In 2000, volunteers constructed Atlantic Canada’s largest wooden playground, located near St. James Church, Upper Musquodoboit. Children of all ages can use their imaginations to play school, post office or store in designated areas.
As well, there is a puppet theatre incorporated into the design.

50-Mile Route of Yard Sales

If you're a bargain hunter and love yard sales, come to the Musquodoboit Valley the first full weekend after Labour Day. This two-day yard sale runs for a full 50 miles, from Dean to Musquodoboit Harbour, and Middle Musquodoboit to Elmsdale and Stewiacke.

Besides great deals, there is plenty of great food available throughout the weekend. Vendors offer everything from chili, chowder and hotdogs, to strawberry shortcake.

Check Upcoming Events at www.mvta.net for dates.

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Waddya know...?

Dollar Lake takes its name from the story behind Nova Scotia's acquisition of the property. A horse farm was once located on the grounds; the owner sold his assets to the province for only $1.