Launched in August 2025 by Taste of Nova Scotia and Dairy Farmers of Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia
Cheese Trail winds through fertile valleys, coastal farmlands, and charming communities. Meet the makers,
sample world-class artisan cheeses, and collect stamps in your Cheese Trail passport for a chance to win prizes.
All cheeses are made with 100% Nova Scotia milk.
How the Cheese Trail Works
1
Get Your Passport
Pick up a free Cheese Trail passport at any participating stop, or download the Taste of Nova Scotia app to collect digital stamps.
2
Visit Trail Stops
Explore cheesemakers across Nova Scotia — from Cape Breton to the Annapolis Valley. For a deeper dive into the region's farms and wineries, see our Annapolis Valley self-drive →. Tour facilities, sample cheeses, and meet the makers.
3
Collect Stamps
Get your passport stamped at each stop. The more stamps you collect, the more chances to win prizes from Taste of Nova Scotia.
4
Win Prizes
Completed passports are entered into draws for culinary prizes, gift certificates, and Nova Scotia food experiences.
Skip the taxi line and pre-book a private airport transfer to your hotel or anywhere in Nova Scotia. Fixed price, meet & greet, no surprises — the easiest way to start your cheese trail adventure.
The 7 Cheesemakers
Each cheesemaker on the trail uses 100% Nova Scotia milk and welcomes visitors.
Click through for detailed profiles, hours, products, and pairing recommendations.
#1Bay of Fundy & Annapolis Valley
Masstown Creamery
📍 Masstown, NS
Located across from the iconic Masstown Market, this artisan creamery produces small-batch cheeses from milk sourced directly from nearby dairy farms. Watch cheesemakers at work through the viewing window, then grab a grilled cheese at the Creamery Café. The land was once part of the historic Fletcher Farm, and their signature aged cheddar — Old Fletcher's Finest — is a nod to that heritage.
Watch cheesemaking through viewing windows. Browse local cheeses, jams, crackers, and kitchenware in the retail area. Stop at the Creamery Café for a grilled cheese sandwich made with their own cheese. Pick up a Cheese Trail passport here — this is where the trail was officially launched.
🍷 Pairing Recommendations
Old Fletcher's Finest pairs beautifully with local Annapolis Valley apple slices and a crisp Nova Scotia cider. The fresh curds are perfect with a cold NS craft beer.
Nova Scotia's original artisan cheesemaker, That Dutchman's has been crafting award-winning Gouda and the legendary Dragon's Breath Blue for decades. The farm is a destination in itself — beyond the cheese shop filled with Dutch treats and antiques, explore 80+ acres of woodland trails, waterways, and animal enclosures at the Animal & Nature Park. Watch cheesemaking through large viewing windows on production days.
🕐 HoursMon–Fri 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sat–Sun 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Off-season: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
That Dutchman's Cheese Farm ShopFarm Shop & Park🕐 Mon-Sun 9am-5pm
That Dutchman's Cheese Farm @ Halifax Seaport Farmers' MarketFarmers' Market Stand🕐 Sat 8am-1pm
That Dutchman's Cheese Farm @ Truro Farmers' MarketFarmers' Market Stand🕐 Sat 8am-1pm
👀 Visitor Experience
Sample cheeses in the farm shop, then explore the Animal & Nature Park (80+ acres). Browse Dutch treats, giftware, and attic antiques. View cheesemaking through large windows on production days. A hit for families — kids love the animal interactions.
🍷 Pairing Recommendations
Dragon's Breath Blue is spectacular with Nova Scotia honey and toasted walnuts. The aged Gouda pairs wonderfully with Annapolis Valley ice wine.
A sixth-generation family farm nestled in the lush fields of the Annapolis Valley. Fox Hill plants the seed, grows the grass, and milks their own herd of Holstein and Jersey cows — every step happens on the farm. Their specialty cheeses, natural yogurt, luscious gelato, and fresh bottled milk are all crafted from this farm-to-table approach. A viewing window lets you watch the cheese being made.
🕐 HoursSummer (May 13–Sept 30): Mon–Sat 10am–6pm, Sun 12pm–5pm. Fall–Spring (Oct 1–May 12): Mon–Sat 10am–5pm, Sun 1pm–5pm
📍 Address1678 Church Street, Port Williams, NS B0P 1T0
Fox Hill Cheese HouseFarm Store & Creamery🕐 Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12pm-5pm (summer); Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm (off-season)
Fox Hill Cheese House @ Wolfville Farmers' MarketFarmers' Market Stand🕐 Sat 8:30am-1pm
👀 Visitor Experience
Visit the farm store to sample cheeses and gelato. Watch cheesemaking through the viewing window. Pick up fresh bottled milk — the cream rises to the top! Located in the heart of Annapolis Valley wine country — pair with a winery visit.
🍷 Pairing Recommendations
Their aged cheddar with a glass of Annapolis Valley Tidal Bay white wine is a quintessential Nova Scotia experience. The gelato is a must on warm summer days.
Nova Scotia's only grass-fed organic dairy farm, Knoydart overlooks the ruggedly beautiful coastline of the Northumberland Strait along the Sunrise Trail. The Hunter family produces handcrafted cheddar cheeses based on Double Gloucester and Caerphilly recipes, using milk from their grass-fed Jersey and Holstein cows. The farm's coastal location adds a unique terroir you can taste.
Knoydart Farm @ Antigonish Farmers' MarketFarmers' Market Stand🕐 Sat 8:30am-1pm
👀 Visitor Experience
Visit the farm overlooking the Northumberland Strait. Find their cheeses at Antigonish Farmers Market, New Glasgow Farmers Market, Mabou Farmers Market, and select Pete's stores across the Maritimes.
🍷 Pairing Recommendations
The smoked cheddar is exceptional with Nova Scotia oatcakes. Their garlic cheddar melted over locally caught seafood is unforgettable.
Matt and Meghan Brosens turned their dream of farming into reality on Cape Breton Island. Their small herd of grass-fed Jersey cows produces milk that's naturally higher in calcium, protein, and butterfat — ideal for cheesemaking. The self-serve farm store features a cash-operated vending machine where you can buy cheese, gelato, chocolate milk, and even farm swag — day or night, 365 days a year.
🕐 HoursSelf-serve farm store open 24/7 year-round
📍 Address1080 East Skye Glen Road, Whycocomagh, NS B0E 3M0
Visit the 24/7 self-serve shop. Try the unique cash-operated vending machine for cheese and gelato. Located near the scenic Ceilidh Trail on Cape Breton Island — perfect stop on a Cabot Trail road trip.
🍷 Pairing Recommendations
The squeaky curds are best enjoyed fresh, right from the vending machine. Pair the Brie with local Cape Breton oatcakes and wild blueberry preserves.
Founded in 2023 with the simple belief that 'the world needs more local,' Annapolis Fine Cheese crafts premium artisanal cheeses in the French and Swiss traditions — all from 100% Nova Scotia milk. This small-batch creamery has quickly earned a devoted following for its refined, European-style cheeses that celebrate the richness of the Annapolis Valley.
Annapolis Fine Cheese @ Wolfville Farmers' MarketFarmers' Market Stand🕐 Sat 8:30am-1pm
Annapolis Fine Cheese @ Halifax Brewery MarketFarmers' Market Stand🕐 Sat 8am-1pm
👀 Visitor Experience
Find them at two vibrant farmers' markets: the Wolfville Farmers' Market (Saturday mornings) and the historic Halifax Brewery Market (Saturday mornings). Check their website for online ordering and retail locations across Nova Scotia.
🍷 Pairing Recommendations
Their soft-ripened cheeses are divine with a fresh baguette and Annapolis Valley sparkling wine. The Swiss-style Alpine cheeses shine alongside Nova Scotia charcuterie.
📍 Newport, NS (plus markets in Dartmouth & Lunenburg)
Ciro Comencini brings generations of Italian cheesemaking tradition to Nova Scotia. Roma Cheese handcrafts small-batch Italian cheeses using simple, high-quality ingredients and time-honoured methods. Known for their authentic ricotta, burrata, and fresh mozzarella, Roma Cheese is a taste of Italy in the heart of Nova Scotia's countryside.
🕐 HoursNewport: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM, Sat 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM, Sun 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Three Saturday market stops across the province: Alderney Landing Farmers' Market (Dartmouth), the Halifax Brewery Market, and the Lunenburg Farmers' Market. Roma's cheesemaking base is in Newport, where a self-serve outlet also offers fresh cheese throughout the week.
🍷 Pairing Recommendations
Burrata with fresh Nova Scotia tomatoes and basil is summer perfection. The ricotta is sublime drizzled with local honey on crusty bread.
Plan your cheese trail adventure with these curated routes. Each route can be done in a day,
with bonus stops for wineries, scenic lookouts, and coastal attractions.
Annapolis Valley Loop (1 Day)
Hit three cheesemakers in the fertile Annapolis Valley, with bonus winery stops along the way.
🚗 ~45 min driving total
Stops:
Fox Hill Cheese House (Port Williams)
Annapolis Fine Cheese @ Wolfville Farmers' Market (Saturdays)
Optional: Luckett Vineyards or Benjamin Bridge for wine pairings
💡 Pro Tip: Do this route on a Saturday to catch the Wolfville Farmers' Market. Start at Fox Hill in Port Williams, then head to Wolfville (10 min drive).
Fundy Shore Cheese Run (1 Day)
Explore the Bay of Fundy region with two iconic cheesemakers and coastal scenery.
🚗 ~1.5 hrs driving total
Stops:
Masstown Creamery (Masstown)
That Dutchman's Cheese Farm (Upper Economy)
Optional: Five Islands Provincial Park or Burntcoat Head Park for Fundy tides
💡 Pro Tip: Start at Masstown for grilled cheese lunch at the Creamery Café, then drive to That Dutchman's (35 min) for the Animal & Nature Park. End at Burntcoat Head to walk the ocean floor at low tide.
South Shore & Inland Trail (Weekend)
Discover Roma Cheese's three locations from the Annapolis Valley to the South Shore, plus Annapolis Fine Cheese.
🚗 ~2.5 hrs driving total
Stops:
Annapolis Fine Cheese @ Halifax Brewery Market (Saturday AM)
Roma Cheese @ Alderney Landing Farmers' Market (Saturday AM, Dartmouth)
Roma Cheese @ Halifax Brewery Market (Saturday AM)
Roma Cheese @ Lunenburg Farmers' Market (Saturday)
Fox Hill Cheese House (Port Williams — nearby)
💡 Pro Tip: Best done on a Saturday. Start at the Halifax Brewery Market in the morning, cross the harbour to Alderney Landing, then drive to Newport (45 min) and Lunenburg (45 min).
Cape Breton Cheese Pilgrimage (Weekend)
Visit Skye Glen Creamery on Cape Breton Island — combine with the Cabot Trail for an epic road trip.
🚗 ~3.5 hrs from Halifax to Skye Glen
Stops:
Skye Glen Creamery (Skye Glen)
Mabou Farmers' Market (seasonal)
Cabot Trail scenic loop
Optional: Glenora Distillery for whisky tasting
💡 Pro Tip: The 24/7 self-serve vending machine means you can visit anytime. Make it part of a longer Cape Breton road trip — the farm store is just off the Ceilidh Trail near Whycocomagh. <a href="/guides/100-wild-islands/">Explore the 100 Wild Islands</a> on your way to Cape Breton.
Sunrise Trail Cheese Stop (Day Trip Add-On)
Visit Knoydart Farm along the scenic Northumberland Shore — Nova Scotia's best-kept secret.
🚗 ~2 hrs from Halifax
Stops:
Knoydart Farm (Knoydart)
Warm-water beaches along the Northumberland Strait
💡 Pro Tip: Knoydart is along the Sunrise Trail — one of NS's most scenic drives. The warmest ocean waters north of the Carolinas make this area perfect for a beach + cheese day.
🛡️ Travel Insurance for Your Cheese Trail Road Trip
Road-tripping through rural Nova Scotia? Protect yourself with comprehensive travel insurance from EKTA — covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and roadside assistance for your cheese trail adventure.
Cheese Pairing Guide
Nova Scotia's food and drink scene is world-class. Here's how to create the ultimate tasting board.
🧀 + 🍷 Wine
Annapolis Valley Tidal Bay pairs with virtually every NS cheese. For blue cheeses (Dragon's Breath), try ice wine from Benjamin Bridge. Aged cheddars love a bold red from Luckett Vineyards. For winery pairings, see our Good Cheer Trail wine guide →.
🧀 + 🍺 Craft Beer
Fresh curds with a crisp NS lager. Aged Gouda with a malty amber ale from Tatamagouche Brewing. Blue cheese with a stout from Big Spruce Brewing on Cape Breton. Explore more pairings in our Craft beer guide →.
🧀 + 🍯 Local Honey
Drizzle Nova Scotia wild blueberry honey over fresh ricotta or burrata. Pair aged cheddar with apple slices and a dollop of honey from Cosman & Whidden.
🧀 + 🥖 Bread
Fresh baguette from a local bakery. NS oatcakes with aged cheddar. German-style pretzels with smoked Gouda. Sourdough from Boulangerie La Vendeenne.
🧀 + 🍎 Fruit & Preserves
Annapolis Valley apples with cheddar. Wild blueberry preserves with Brie. Pickled NS vegetables with fresh mozzarella. Seasonal stone fruit with ricotta.
🧀 + 🥜 Nuts & Chocolate
Toasted walnuts with blue cheese. Candied pecans with aged Gouda. Dark chocolate from Rousseau Chocolatier (Halifax) with a sharp cheddar. For more city food stops, see our Halifax local guide →.
🍽️ Discover Nova Scotia Food Tours & Experiences
Pair your cheese trail adventure with guided food tours, wine tastings, and culinary experiences across Nova Scotia. Klook offers curated activities from Halifax to Cape Breton.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Cheese Trail free?
Yes! The trail is free to explore. Some cheesemakers may charge for tastings or tours — typically $5–15. The Cheese Trail passport is free at any participating stop. Many cheesemakers offer complimentary samples.
When is the best time to visit?
The trail runs year-round, but the best experience is May through October when all 14 stops are fully operational. Summer and early fall offer the best weather for driving between stops. Some farm-based cheesemakers have reduced winter hours — always check ahead during November–April. For peak colour along your route, see our Fall foliage guide →.
How long does it take to complete the whole trail?
The full trail spans the entire province (Cape Breton to the South Shore). To visit all 7 cheesemakers, plan 3–5 days. For a weekend trip, pick one region — the Annapolis Valley loop is perfect for a day trip from Halifax.
Can I buy cheese at every stop?
Yes! Every stop sells cheese directly to visitors. Many also sell cheese-making supplies, local food products, and farm merchandise. Bring a cooler for longer trips so your cheese stays fresh.
Are the cheesemakers family-friendly?
Absolutely! That Dutchman's has an Animal & Nature Park that kids love. Fox Hill has gelato. Masstown Creamery has grilled cheese. Several farms let you see the animals. The trail works well as a family road trip — see our Family travel guide → for more kid-friendly ideas.
Do I need a car?
Yes. The cheese trail is designed as a driving route through rural Nova Scotia. There is no public transit connecting the stops. Rent a car in Halifax and plan your route accordingly.
Is the Cheese Trail gluten-free accessible?
Cheese is naturally gluten-free! However, grilled cheese sandwiches and baked goods at cafés may contain gluten. Ask each cheesemaker about specific products. The trail passport does not require food purchase — just a visit.
🚗 Need a Car for the Cheese Trail?
The cheese trail is designed as a driving route — you'll need a rental car to explore all 7 cheesemakers. Compare rates from multiple providers to find the best deal for your Nova Scotia road trip.
📱 Stay Connected on the Cheese Trail
International visitors: skip the roaming fees with an
— instant activation, works across the Annapolis Valley and all Maritime provinces, starts at ~$5 USD.
Where to Stay on Your Cheese Trail Adventure
Book accommodations near the cheesemakers — from charming valley inns to coastal cottages.
Booking.com has the widest selection of Nova Scotia properties, with free cancellation on most rooms.
The Nova Scotia Cheese Trail is a collaborative initiative between
Taste of Nova Scotia and
Dairy Farmers of Nova Scotia,
with funding support from ACOA, the Province of Nova Scotia, and Nova Scotia Loyal.
The trail operates on Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaw People.
