Nova Scotia Cider Guide: Where To Find Local Cider

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Looking for a place to get locally made craft cider? Here’s a comprehensive guide to Cider in Nova Scotia, broken down by region!

While cider has been produced for as far back as we know, craft cider has exploded in popularity over the last decade, especially where I live in Nova Scotia. 

I couldn’t have been more excited the first time I tried cider, I love the idea of locally made craft beers, but the taste just isn’t my thing. The sweetness of the apples plus with additions of other flavors makes it an ideal alternative to beer, plus it’s usually gluten free, so that’s a bonus for people with gluten sensitivities!

We grow apples in Nova Scotia, so it only makes sense that we have places that make cider! I’m going to share all of the places that I can find in Nova Scotia that make cider with you in this article, I hope you’ll check some out.

Halifax

Chain Yard Urban Cidery

2606 Agricola Street, Halifax

Chain Yard Urban Cidery, located in the North End of Halifax has a great tap room with delicious food. You can also pop in and grab some cider to bring home. 

We stopped in for dinner and got a tasting flight. I really enjoyed the Foundation, it’s a bit on the dry side. We got 3 other seasonal flavors (the easy breezy arctic kiwi was amazing). They rotate season flavors, so you never know what you’ll find. 

Lake City Cider

35 Portland Street, Dartmouth

Next we go across the bridge to Dartmouth to check out Lake City Cider (probably my personal favourite of all Nova Scotian cider!). They have a small tap room where you can get a drink or a tasting flight and some merch. You can also buy cider to bring home.

We got a tasting flight and I really enjoyed the Strawberry Redhead (cider mixed with fermented strawberries) and the Darkside Rose, which is cider blended with fruit wine. They have lots of flavor combinations to try.

Lake City Cider, Dartmouth Nova Scotia

Sourwood Cider

Sadly Sourwood Cider closed their taptoom in Halifax, however they are available for purchase at Rockhead, Harvest, Westside, and Bishops Cellar.

Chill Street Craft Beverage Co

Elmsdale Plaza (200 – 269, NS-214), Elmsdale

Located outside the downtown area, you’ll find this delightful cidery. In addition to cider Chill Street also makes craft soda that is non-alcoholic. While they don’t have a tap room, they do have a storefront where you can buy your cider to bring home.

There are so many different flavors to choose from, you’ll have a hard time deciding! 

Annapolis Valley

The Annapolis Valley is known for their apple trees, so it’s no surprise there are plenty of cider options here!

Annapolis Cider Company

388 Main Street, Wolfville

Located in the heart of Wolfville, I love stopping in to Annapolis Cider Co every time I’m in town. They have a storefront and taproom where you can get a sample flight or full size drink.

One of my favorite things about them is that they always have a “something different” on tap, it’s always an interesting flavour combo like cherry & thyme, or grape & mint! Something Differents are only available for a short time, and part of every sale goes to a local charity.

On their regular line, I enjoy “The Classic” cider, and Earl Blue (cider blended with blueberry juice and Earl Grey tea). Both of which are available at NSLC stores as well.

If you’re a super fan, you can join their Cider Club and get a selection of 6 different ciders every May and November. These ciders have either only been on tap as one of the “Something Different” series, or they are exclusively made for cider club members.

Read Also: What To Do, Eat & See in Wolfville NS

Paddy’s Brewpub

460 Main Street, Wolfville & 42 Aberdeen Street, Kentville

Paddy’s Brewpub has been a pioneer in craft brewing in Nova Scotia. They currently brew several varieties of beer, and one cider called Fitz’s Strong Country Cider. 

Available at their restaurants, and in cans for taking home. 

Maritime Express

325 Main St. Kentville

Maritime Express is located in what was once the stone patio of an iconic railway hotel, the setting is absolutely stunning. They have a full menu, which looks delicious, and a wide variety of ciders (including one that is non-alcoholic). 

You can buy their Dayliner cider at NSLC stores.

Elderkin’s Farm Market, Bakery & U-Pick

10362 Nova Scotia Trunk 1, Wolfville

Also located in Wolfville, Elderkin’s is an amazing place to spend a Fall day. They make cider from apples grown right there on the farm.

I highly recommend visiting for an afternoon of apple picking, and then picking up some cider and baked goods to enjoy at home after. 

Their cider is only available at their farm!

Meander River

906 Woodville Road, Ashdale

Meander River is not just a brewery/cidery, it’s a FARM! You can visit and actually volunteer to lend a hand at the farm by harvesting the hops, or helping to care for the animals. You can also take a guided tour, or simply have a pint of the beer or cider they make. 

Too far away? Meander River Farm Cider is available at NSLC.

Casa Nova Fine Beverages

2635 Clementsvale Rd, Bear River

Ever since I visited in Summer 2020, Bear River is one of my favorite spots in Nova Scotia. Casa Nova is a delightful winery and cidery. They make several types of cider including Buddy’s Craft Cider, Blueberry Buddy’s Craft Cider, Cherry Cider, and Pear Cider. 

My personal favorite was the cherry cider. It was perfectly tart and bubbly. It’s also available at NSLC, as is the Buddy’s Craft Cider. 

Read Also: Visiting Digby & Bear River, Nova Scotia

South Shore

Saltbox Brewing

363 Main St, Mahone Bay

If you need a spot to spend an afternoon or evening meeting new people and having an all around great time, Saltbox Brewing is the place to be.

They make beer, cider, soda and wine, and my pal & co-host of the Travel Mug Podcast Meggan loved their Haskap cider – but be warned: it is strong! 

Read Also: Lunenburg & Mahone Bay Day Trip

Bulwark

7155 Highway 12, New Ross & 1518 Dresden Row, Halifax

Bulwark Blush was the first cider I fell in love with. It’s not too sweet, and I love the added flavour from the berries. In addition to blush, they have an original apple, a hopped version, and a version with fruit and honey added (yum!)

The original spot in New Ross is also Muwin Winery, so you’ll be able to sample both! The newer Bulwark Cider House in Halifax is a taproom with food as well! 

Bulwark cider varieties are available at NSLC as well!

Northumberland Shore

Malagash Cider

2859 Malagash Road, Malagash
Made at Vista Bella Farm, they made several small batch varieties, including a honey-ginger that sounds AMAZING! They also have a U-pick farm, and a farm store where you can grab fresh local produce.

Beehaven is available at NSLC stores!

Cape Breton

Island Folk Cider House

52 Nepean St, Sydney

Island Folk is the only craft cidery on Cape Breton Island! Their flagship cider, Good Company is my favorite, but I’d also like to try the Easy Beezy cider (with Cape Breton honey)! They have a brand new taproom that is beautiful, they host trivia nights and encourage you to pull up a chair and make new friends. 

Good Company is available at NSLC. 

Final Thoughts

If you’re a cider lover in Nova Scotia, I think I just gave you a pretty amazing bucket list of places to try!!

Let me know how many you’ve tried and which one is your fav!

Listen To The Travel Mug Podcast chat about Nova Scotia: