Your Guidebook to the Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl
16 min read
Welcome to the shell-abration – where lobster is the middle of notice. You may even say it’s the lob-star! Not only did I try to eat an unbelievable sum of lobster the week I was at the Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl, but I also heard so numerous lobster puns – it was lobsteriffic!
I traveled to South Shore, Nova Scotia, for a week in February…yes, February—to acquire portion in the Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl festival. The South Shore Lobster fishing time runs from the previous week in November to the previous week in May possibly, and the South Shore Lobster Crawl occurs just about every February.
I’ve liked lots of summer months road excursions to Nova Scotia, but this was my very first winter season go to. It may perhaps be cold in February, but you won’t even discover it with the abundance of exciting actions and functions during the festival. Truly, it is a excellent motive to take in warm Lobster chowder!
Lobster Appreciate
I have an unbelievable adore of lobster, so when I read of this pageant, I realized I had to show up at. I enjoy the time and interest you have to acquire in consuming lobster. Cracking the lobster and coaxing the meat out of the shells slows me down and puts me in the existing. I like the problem and tactile encounter of it – I savor the foods extra that way. The Nova Scotia lobster meat is sweet and demands totally nothing with it, in my impression, yet I’m not just one to flip down a minor melted butter!
I’ve traveled all more than Nova Scotia and the Canadian Maritimes for lobster, but I experienced never been there in the winter months – or for a lobster festival!
Winter season is a terrific time to stop by Nova Scotia – it is the off-period for tourism, and they typically have really moderate winters. Nonetheless, when I was there, we essentially did have a huge storm – leaving the very little fishing cities lined in a winter wonderland!
Irrespective, touring to Nova Scotia in winter season is a great way to escape the summer season crowds and get a a great deal far more community feel for the communities in the off-period. Absolutely sure – not all the things is open up at this time of calendar year, nevertheless the pleasure and authenticity of touring in the offseason outweighs that for me each individual time.
Lobster Fishing Seasons in Nova Scotia
Lobster fishing takes place off the coastline of Nova Scotia 12 months-round. It’s a ‘provenshell’ point – Lobster fishing seasons are assigned by province all over the year. This lets them to regulate and conserve the lobster catch for foreseeable future generations. And this is why no make a difference when you vacation to Nova Scotia, you can get contemporary lobster – even in the winter season. It’s lobster season somewhere in Nova Scotia!
Lobster season in Southwest Nova Scotia runs from the last 7 days in November to the previous 7 days in Could. Lobsters caught in this place (Districts 33 & 34) account for approximately 40% of all lobster caught in Canada yearly.
Why is Nova Scotia Lobster so Delicious
The colder the drinking water a lobster lives in, the more company and succulent its meat is. In addition, cold–water lobsters have massive claws (as opposed to warm-water lobsters), and their claw meat can also be consumed. It’s normally regarded to be the finest meat on a Nova Scotia lobster!
Nova Scotia has an abundance of cold-drinking water lobsters—and that chilly h2o is what tends to make them so fantastic. In addition, the South Shore lobster, which is fished from November to Might, experiences the coldest waters of the calendar year. South Shore lobster is frequently the most coveted lobster in the globe!
Buying up refreshing winter lobsters for meal!
Where to Consume Lobster in Nova Scotia
There are so quite a few areas to take in lobster in Nova Scotia that it’s far too quite a few to listing. I have made lots of excursions to Nova Scotia especially for lobster, and here are a couple of of my favourite lobster shacks and marketplaces.
Even so, the ideal way to discover a place to enjoy a lobster-riffic food is to check out the Nova Scotia Lobster Trail. The path delivers with each other a selection of 25+ places to eat, retail, and fisheries ordeals that highlight the lobster! From lobster rolls to lobster tacos, lobster poutine to lobster fondue, lobster evening meal at an upscale cafe to a rustic lobster boil on the beach front at sunset. Check out the Lobster trail stops, collect stamps, and get prizes!
Lobster Points That Will Surprise You
I’m moving into lobster state!
The most shocking matter I figured out at the Lobster Crawl is that a great deal of the Nova Scotia lobster is exported. Some of it goes to China…and hold out for it…Maine! That is proper – 60% of Nova Scotia lobster is exported to the US – largely Maine!
• Lobsters take 6-8 a long time to arrive at market place body weight (~ 1 lb) and are capable of residing 100 a long time.• Lobsters must molt (drop their shells) to expand. During their first yr, lobsters can molt as lots of as 10 moments.• Lobsters are not normally pink. They convert purple when they are cooked. Typically they are brown to olive eco-friendly in coloration but have been acknowledged to be yellow or even blue!• A lobster’s teeth are found in their stomach and flavor with their legs.• A feminine business-sized lobster might have 8,000 to 10,000 eggs. Only .01% of individuals eggs truly survive. Fishermen are needed to put back again any feminine carrying eggs.• The major lobster ever recorded was caught in Nova Scotia in 1977 and weighed 44 lbs!• Lobster moved from very poor man’s food (served in prisons)to a single of the most coveted items in the environment in a span of 40 decades.
Take in Lobster at one particular of my beloved areas on this 1 day Cabot Trail Itinerary!
South Shore Lobster Crawl Festival
The festival’s hub is Barrington, the Lobster Capitol of Nova Scotia. On the other hand, the competition has functions all thirty day period very long that run from Peggy’s Cove to Barrington. Barrington’s shores are amongst the richest in the planet and lobster has been the financial spine of communities in this location since the 1800’s. It would make feeling to rejoice the location in its most important period.
Secondarily – the Lobster Crawl Pageant is about expanding tourism in a normally sluggish time of 12 months. The Crawl is somewhat new and is increasing and modifying each individual year. It’s as if the pageant alone molts – having larger and much better just about every yr! Extra and a lot more businesses are taking part as the pageant grows in recognition.
See Lucy the Lobster Forecast the Temperature
My Lucy the Lobster Shell-fie
This is one way to hold your fingers warm waiting for Lucy!
Shift about Punxsutawney Phil, Lucy the Lobster is poised to get your weather conditions task! At 8 AM on Feb 2nd in Barrington (in advance of Phil waking up) we got up early to witness Lucy the Lobster occur out of the sea and glance for her shadow predicting much more weeks of winter season or an early spring. This sweet occasion brings out a bunch of locals, news channels, and visitors to working experience the morning festivities. The energy at the occasion is Claw-some! I loved the sizzling chocolate and even bought my Shell-fie taken with Lucy!
Month of Lobster Crawl Occasions
I appreciate a great concept, and the South Shore is undoubtedly on ‘lobster theme’ in every little thing they do in February – it’s outstanding. There are lobster art courses, lobster cottages you can remain at, lobster meals excursions, lobster trivia evenings, lobster cookie decorating, and much more.
In addition to Lucy the Lobster’s climate prediction, the big activities of the thirty day period are some of the food stuff competitions, this kind of as the Lobster Roll Off and the Lobster Chowder Showdown. Local eating places and cooks contend for bragging rights in South Shore, and everyone wins for the reason that you’ll also get to try some of the entries yourself! They offer tickets to the foods events and the ticket also provides you a opportunity to flavor some of the food far too.
Lobster Roll Off
Due to the fact I was a guest of Nova Scotia Tourism on this vacation, I was also questioned to be one of the judges for the Lobster Roll Off. The assumed was that since I was an outsider who beloved lobster, I would be impartial—I did not know any of the places to eat or chefs—or any individual for that subject!
Thinking about I enjoy an inordinate total of Top rated Chef, I felt like I was intended for this meals judge position! I summoned my inner Padma Lakshmi and forced myself to consume 8 various lobster rolls, judging them on presentation, flavor, and WOW component. It was a challenging job…but a person had to do it!
I liked judging the opposition and all of the rolls. The winner for 2024 was the Emerald Mild Restaurant staff from Shelburne. They entered a distinctive surf and turf combo with lobster meat and steak in the roll. In addition, it experienced a very major wow factor! I desired the less difficult kinds with loads of texture and custom, but they ended up all fantastic.
The winner!! WOW!
Just take a Tour
I’m in a natural way a curious human being – so when we took a tour of one particular of the large lobster-holding facilities, I was fascinated! Fisher Direct’s contemporary facility, situated in Shag Harbour, is equipped with condition-of-the-artwork engineering that lets them to competently keep, sort, quality, and export dwell lobster to anywhere in the Earth. I had a million queries and liked studying from the professionals and looking at how the lobsters uncover their way from the ocean flooring to my plate! They provide these tours all through February for the festival.
Let us Eat!
The serious joy of the Lobster Crawl competition for me is the probability to eat lobster! I usually desire my lobster ready steamed with probably a tiny butter – retain it simple. Even so, throughout the festival, I experienced the prospect to try lobster organized in a lot of distinct methods and even some new approaches that I had never ever listened to of!
Strategies to Eat Lobster on the South Shore Nova Scotia
With Beer at Boxing Rock Brewery in Shelburne: Boxing Rock is a social hub of Shelburne. The massive room has a bunch of scrumptious craft beers, and throughout the crawl, they serve up some delicious lobster meals. Attempt their chowder and lobster dip and their barrel-aged beer—it was delectable. And do not miss out on the new Shuck Off Lobsteriffic Blonde beer, which is refreshing. When you go, be positive to read through up on the origin of their name…it’s a wonderful maritime story!
I cherished the barrel aged beers
New baked brown bread
For Breakfast at Kiwi Café in Chester: Lobster is on the menu calendar year-spherical! Be positive to try out the scrambled eggs with lobster and freshly baked bread, and spend some time at the lovable reward store whole of lobster presents.
Encounter the Wow Element Lobster Roll at Emerald Light-weight Restaurant: It was the winner for a reason…it’s delightful! But – make positive you help you save space for dessert. I tried using every single just one of their desserts…yes – you browse that right…all of them – and I could not decide a favorite! This lovable restaurant is reasonably new and is a excellent addition to Shelburne for some upscale eating.
Go Conventional at Captain Kats in Barrington: You will be in the lobster temper as soon as you wander into Captain Kats with its maritime décor. Decide on your lobster new from the tank – but don’t pick Lucy! Lucy the lobster basically lives in the ‘spa’ at Captain Kats for the relaxation of the 12 months after the weather conditions predictions. This special cafe in Barrington was opened to honor a tragic incident in the fishing community. You can not get far more regional than this.
Try out creamed Lobster at the Salt Banker on Cape Sable Island: This was new to me – creamed lobster sounded a bit unusual, but what’s not to like about butter, major product, vinegar, and lobster? This dish began as a staple that fishermen would put together on board when they have been out at sea and is also normally served at Christmas time in the location. It’s ordinarily served on toast. It’s loaded and mouth watering and well worth each calorie! Comply with it up with the Salt Banker’s handmade ice product.
Salt Banker creamed lobster served on toast
Captain Kats steamed lobster
Kilted Chef recipe for Regular Creamed Lobster
Indulge in the Lunenburger at the Grand Banker in Lunenburg: The Grand Banker Bar and Grill is in the coronary heart of historic Lunenburg. Which is the place you’ll uncover their signature dish, “The Lunenburger”: 6 ounces of hand-formed refreshing community ground beef, smoked mozzarella, smoked bacon, infant spinach, generously topped with Nova Scotia lobster (all knuckle and claw meat), and tarragon butter sauce. Served on a local artisan bun and picked with a bacon-wrapped scallop! All I can say is – go hungry!
The Lunenburger – it’s a lot more than a handful!
Nova Scotia South Shore Winter season Factors to Do
So it’s possible you just cannot eat lobster 24/7 – darn. But really don’t worry, there are plenty of other issues to do in between meals.
Take a generate all over Cape Sable Island and wander together Hawk Beach. Do some fowl seeing, or just look at the waves roll in. Also, be confident to quit at a boat harbor on the island (there are quite a few) and check out out the famous Cape Islander fishing boats. The boat was made and designed on Cape Sable Island in 1907. It has been modified from its original design about the a long time to adapt to the existing-day requirements of the fisherman, but the hull of the boat has remained generally the similar.
Cape Islander Fishing Boats
Cape Sable Island
Hawk Seashore in the winter
Hawk Seaside in the winter season
Take a look at the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre in Birchtown. The museum honors black loyalists who arrived in 1783, making Birchtown the greatest no cost black settlement in North The usa at that time. The history there is beautiful and some thing you hear really little about generally.
Test out Shelburne’s historic waterfront properties. It’s as if time has stood nonetheless on Dock Street. You are going to obtain a terrific espresso shop, the Dory Museum, and the Museum by the Sea. When I was there, it snowed right away, and Dock Avenue was included in snow and so quiet—I beloved it! It is just an additional reason to go in winter season!
Choose a walking tour of Previous City Lunenburg. This UNESCO-acknowledged town was started on shipbuilding. The tour is crammed with interesting heritage and 18th-century and Victorian architecture. Its colourful homes and churches will transportation you again in time.
Take a look at the Fisheries Museum in Lunenburg. This is one of my favourite museums in Nova Scotia. It’s whole of history and details on the fishing marketplace. You are going to even be ready to communicate to retired fishermen from the group to get initial-hand stories of the treacherous waters. This is also wherever the famous Blue Nose ship docks.
Lunenburg Fisheries Museum
Lunenburg strolling tour – attractive in the winter
Vibrant Lunenburg structures
An empty Peggy’s Cove
Go to the lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove. This is one particular of the most well-known vacationer spots in the summer in all of Nova Scotia. However, in the winter season – we were being the only folks there! It’s a fantastic time to have this iconic destination to you!
Get a dip at the Hydrothermal Spa at Oceanstone Resort. There’s nothing improved than comforting immediately after a major lobster meal in the very hot pools or saunas at Oceanstone Resort! The out of doors spa has a ‘thermal circuit’ you can follow from sauna to cold plunge pool to scorching tub that will leave you emotion refreshed and peaceful.
Wherever to Remain for Lobster Crawl Occasions
Considering the fact that the Lobster Crawl functions choose area all about South Shore, I have presented some solutions in distinctive cities. I advise a couple of times in 1 of these places and use it as an anchor…yes…yet yet another pun.
Starboard Inn & Portside Lounge – BarringtonStarboard Inn Chalets & Motel is found on Nova Scotia’s scenic South Shore in the beautiful seaside neighborhood of Barrington Passage. Delight in a lot of close by shorelines and ocean views, or walk the enjoyable path across from the Motel to the ocean.
Check rates and availability for The Starboard Inn | Examine opinions for The Starboard Inn on Journey Advisor
Loyalist Inn & Suites – ShelburneEscape the hustle and bustle of everyday existence and immerse you in smaller-town appeal at the Loyalist Inn. This central area offers a variety of amenities to make your keep as relaxed and enjoyable as achievable.
Test charges and availability for The Loyalist Inn | Examine reviews for The Loyalist Inn on Trip Advisor | Lookup for other inns in Shelburne
The Quarterdeck Beachside Villas & GrillThe Quarterdeck is one of Nova Scotia’s hidden treasures. Centrally found on Nova Scotia’s South Shore, the Quarterdeck is just a 1.5-hour drive from Halifax, Yarmouth, and Annapolis Royal. Perched on breathtaking Summerville Beach front, a mile from a person of the province’s nicest white-sand beach locations, the Quarterdeck has been a well-liked journey destination for a lot more than 85 a long time.
Look at price ranges and availability for The Quarterdeck Resort | Read through assessments for The Quarterdeck Resort on Trip Advisor
Lunenburg Arms Resort and SpaNestled in the coronary heart of historic Previous Town Lunenburg on the South Shore region of Nova Scotia, Lunenburg Arms Resort & Spa lets you to savor the sights of the attractive seaside town as you indulge in an outstanding relaxation practical experience.
Check out rates and availability for The Lunenburg Arms | Go through assessments for The Lunenburg Arms on Vacation Advisor | Search for other accommodations in Lunenburg
Oceanstone Seaside Resort – Peggy’s CoveNestled into a seaside neighborhood minutes from Peggy’s Cove, you will find a premier resort destination for relaxation and rest. Remain at their awesome inn rooms or cottages great for bigger groups. All have a kitchen area and great access to climbing trails. You can even see the ocean from your window.
Examine rates and availability for the Oceanstone Seaside Vacation resort | Read critiques for Oceanstone Seaside Vacation resort on Journey Advisor | Search for other lodges in Peggy’s Cove
An vacant Peggy’s Cove
Wintertime is a perfect time to visit Nova Scotia. It’s just as lovely in the snow as in the summer. Not only will you have the common spots, resorts, and dining places to oneself, but you’ll also get some of the greatest chilly-h2o Nova Scotia clean lobster!
Check out out my wintertime gear packing listing – it will hold you heat in Nova Scotia winter season!
The Lobster Crawl pageant lived up to my expectations in each and every way – with each one calorie. And very honestly – I hardly ever got weary of taking in lobster. A number of times at the Lobster Crawl pageant, and these tasty crustaceans will claw their way into your heart! It is a fantastic wintertime foodie holiday vacation that is total of society and chances to meet and interact with locals in a significant way.
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Disclosure:
I was a visitor of South Shore Tourism and Nova Scotia Tourism for this excursion. Nevertheless all lobster love and views expressed are mine!
