Discover Alton: the geographic halfway point and nearby excursions

Alton offers an unusual geographic point of interest: the town is home to a marker for the geographic halfway point between the Equator and the North Pole. Nearby, a river, woodland trails, wildlife watching, and recreational attractions add a variety of options to your visit. When choosing a vacation rental, consider whether you want your trip to focus on spending time outdoors together, active pursuits, or local culture and food.

River, woodland, and views

At the end of the Meadows Two Rivers Trail, there is a pavilion with a small area for picnicking or birdwatching. Check the tide times separately if you plan to visit. That way, you can pair your stop at the end of the trail with whichever of the two activities you prefer.

Nearby, Stewiacke River Park is a day-use park owned and operated by the Municipality of Colchester. Its 2 km trail follows the river and runs through the woods; it can be used for hiking or snowshoeing. The river itself also offers activities: it is open for unsupervised swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. If you prefer to explore on foot, follow the designated trail; for water activities, the options available on the river are what matter.

For a different view of the water, visit Caddell Rapids Lookoff in the Riverside/Shubenacadie/Stewiacke area. From there, you can see the incoming tide on the Shubenacadie River; bald eagles can often be spotted feeding along the river. There is also a small picnic area on the rise above the river.

Mastodon Ridge: prehistoric discoveries, play, and a market

Nearby in Stewiacke, Mastodon Ridge combines prehistoric themes with recreational attractions. Marvin is a life-size mastodon replica, and real mastodon bones are also on display. The 18-hole mini-golf course is designed for all ages, and there is a playground as well. Alongside the mastodon exhibits, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities.

The Visitor Information Centre is open in summer. If you plan to visit, check the specific opening dates and hours in advance. The Mastodon Ridge Sunday market offers Nova Scotia arts, crafts, and food; as seasonal details may change, it is a good idea to check the dates before visiting.

Golf, food and drink, and wildlife insights

Outside Stewiacke, nearby Fox Hollow Golf Club is a fully equipped 18-hole championship course. Practice facilities include a large practice green, a chip-and-pitch green with a greenside bunker, and a driving range. The facilities therefore range from playing the course to focused practice.

At Coldstream Clear Distillery, visitors can sample products and learn about the spirits-making process. Visiting hours vary by season, so check them in advance. At Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park, interpretive signs, educational programs, and knowledgeable park staff provide information about the wildlife exhibits. The surrounding area thus offers both experiences related to production and tasting and informative insights into wildlife.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Brookfield, Upper Stewiacke, Truro, Great Village, Eastville, Stewiacke, Riverside, Five Islands.

For the broader travel overview: Colchester County.