Halifax: Sunset Yacht Sail with Nova Scotia Wine & Cheese

Summary

Sail past Halifax’s skyline at sunset tasting Nova Scotia wines

You’ll set sail from Halifax as golden hour hits, sampling four local Nova Scotia wines paired with cheeses while a friendly crew shares stories (and maybe lets you take the helm). Feel sea breezes on your face as you drift past islands and waterfront homes—the perfect slow evening with new flavors and unexpected laughs.

What’s the experience like?

“You can’t rush the wind,” our skipper, Mark, said as he loosened the ropes and grinned at us, like he’d heard every impatient question before. We pushed off from the Halifax waterfront just as the light started to turn soft and gold, and there was this salty tang in the air that I didn’t expect to notice so much. The city looked different from out on the water—smaller, almost gentle. I sat near the bow for a bit, shoes off, toes pressed against the cool deck. Mark let me help hoist one of the sails (not gracefully, but he didn’t seem to mind).

We tried four different Nova Scotia wines—one was sparkling and tasted kind of like green apples if you closed your eyes. Our guide, Li, told stories about Tidal Bay wine and how it’s only made here; she had this way of making you care about grapes you’ve never seen. I probably butchered a winery name trying to repeat it back—Li laughed and poured more rosé. There was a little plate of local cheese and cured meats next to me; honestly, I could’ve just eaten that all night.

As we sailed past George’s Island toward McNabs Island, the sun dipped lower and everything got quieter except for the creak of ropes and someone’s quiet laugh at the stern. Houses along Northwest Arm caught fire in that orange light—I still think about that view sometimes when I’m back in my apartment. The crew moved around us like they’d done this forever but still seemed happy to answer every random question (“What’s that smell?” “Seaweed,” Mark said). The whole thing felt unhurried, which is rare now. I almost forgot we were heading anywhere specific at all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset wine tasting and sailing

• Board luxury sailing yacht
• Enjoy guided wine tasting
• Sample four Nova Scotia wines
• Learn about local wineries and grapes
• Participate in hands-on sailing
• Sail past Halifax skyline and George's Island
• View McNabs Island and Northwest Arm homes
• Relax and enjoy sunset on board

Top questions

How long is the sunset yacht sailing tour in Halifax?

The sailing tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

Are food and drinks included on this Halifax yacht tour?

Yes, you'll enjoy four Nova Scotia wines paired with local charcuterie boards.

Is there a guide or crew on board during the sail?

Yes, a hands-on local crew guides you through sailing and wine tasting.

Can guests participate in sailing activities?

Yes, guests are welcome to help hoist sails or even take the helm if they wish.

Where does the yacht sail during this tour?

The route includes Halifax skyline views, George's Island, McNabs Island, and Northwest Arm.

Is transportation provided to the departure point?

No hotel pickup is included but public transportation options are nearby.

What type of wines are served on board?

The tasting includes an award-winning sparkling wine, Tidal Bay appellation wine, rosé, and red wine—all from Nova Scotia.

Is this sunset cruise suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it's suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What’s included

Your evening includes a 2.5-hour experiential sailing trip along Halifax’s harbor with a welcoming local crew guiding you through hands-on sailing if you want it; four Nova Scotia wines are served alongside local cheese boards—all while you watch sunset over islands and city lights before returning to shore.