YANA'S WANDERLUST

HIDDEN GEM NEAR HALIFAX: SKULL ROCK LOOKOUT TRAIL WITH EPIC VIEWS

Just 40 minutes from Halifax, this hidden gem in Musquodoboit Harbour offers one of the most rewarding short hikes near the city. The Skull Rock Lookout Trail is about 4 km round trip, leading through peaceful forest, rocky paths, and up to an incredible panoramic view over lakes and endless wilderness. The first half feels
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CAPE BRETON ROAD TRIP — WEST COAST WEEKEND | LIGHTHOUSES, BEACHES & OCEANVIEW STAYS (AUGUST 2025)

This Cape Breton road trip captured the quiet, dramatic side of the island — from fiery sunsets at Port Hood to oceanview cottages and time-stopped harbours. Over a long weekend the west coast revealed golden beaches, rugged cliffs, and lighthouses that feel like the end of the world in the best way. Whether planning a
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SHUBENACADIE WILDLIFE PARK — RESCUED ANIMALS & NATURE TRAILS

Shubenacadie Wildlife Park is a peaceful, family-friendly destination just 40 minutes from Halifax. Spread across 40 hectares of woodlands and wetlands, the park is home to over 50 species of animals — many rescued, orphaned, or unable to return to the wild. With stroller-friendly trails winding through shaded forest, open marshland, and tranquil wetlands, this
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CAPE BRETON ROAD TRIP – PART 2 | CABOT TRAIL, SURREAL HIKES AND COASTAL BEAUTY (MAY 2025)

This part of the journey where the wild beauty of the Highlands National Park met the tranquil charm of coastal villages left an unforgettable impression. From epic waterfalls to panoramic ocean views, this part of the Cape Breton road trip was a perfect blend of adventure and serenity. If you haven’t seen Part 1 of
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CAPE BRETON ROAD TRIP – PART 1 | COASTAL STOPS, CABOT TRAIL GEMS & COZY STAY

This Cape Breton road trip was a dream come true — from the salty breeze of Sydney to the secluded beauty of the Cabot Trail, it was a journey filled with dramatic landscapes, cozy moments, and unforgettable hidden gems. This post is about the first part of our Cape Breton adventure, covering 2 days out
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EASY HIKE WITH EPIC VIEWS IN HALIFAX – COSTLEY FARM HERITAGE TRAIL LOOP

Looking for a peaceful escape into nature just minutes from the city? The Costley Farm Heritage Trail Loop in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, is one of the best-kept secrets in the Halifax Regional Municipality. This scenic trail is just a 20-minute drive from Downtown Halifax and only 15 minutes from Downtown Dartmouth, making it a
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EPIC SUNSET HIKE IN BEDFORD – FOX LAKE TRAIL

This is a spectacular trail within a 20-minute drive from Downtown Halifax. Epic Fox Lake Trail in Bedford, Nova Scotia, goes through a beautiful forest and has incredible lake views. This hike also includes a tipi and some amazing rocks. This Fox Lake Trail is gorgeous! We started a bit late and, as a reward, watched
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PERFECT WINTER GETAWAY IN FIVE ISLANDS, NOVA SCOTIA

It was an incredible winter adventure in Five Islands, Nova Scotia, with a beautiful stay, stunning views, and amazing places. This area is truly spectacular year-round, but this time, we truly appreciated the stillness and quiet of winter. Here is a full weekend getaway itinerary: I’ll share more details about these destinations below, and you
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EPIC HIKE IN HALIFAX. MASKWA TRAILS – CHARLIE’S LAKE

This spectacular hike is within a 15-minute drive from Downtown Halifax. It’s a spectacular trail with gorgeous lake views, an abandoned cabin, a magical forest, and many incredible details to discover with every step you take. Check out my YouTube video from Maskwa Trails, Charlies Lake in Halifax, Nova Scotia. In it, I share approximate
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LAKEFRONT GETAWAY IN HUBBARDS, NOVA SCOTIA AND MUST-VISIT PLACES

This incredible weekend escape in Nova Scotia was surrounded by spectacular nature and winter’s magic. Cozy cottage by the lake, hot tub, fluffy snowflakes, and lovely places to visit nearby – such a perfect combo for a romantic getaway. We had a wonderful time in Hubbards, Nova Scotia, filled with joy and pure bliss. Here
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