There are plenty of opportunities for adventure, fun, experiences, sports and excitement. Here we listed a few tips from us:
Kayaks, canoes and stand up paddle boards
As a guest you can use the available paddling equipment free of charge.
Fishing
To fish in the lake or the nearby Tusket River you need a valid fishing license, which you can purchase for little money at the nearest gas station in Carleton. We have some basic rods that you can borrow from us. A flat fishing kayak and a fishing boat with a small outboard motor are also available. The last one can be rented by the hour.
Mountainbikes
We have a few simple mountain bikes (without helmet) available, which you are welcome to use to discover the surroundings.
Golf
For golf enthusiasts, there are three golf courses nearby (Yarmouth, West Pubnico & Clare). Prices are relatively reasonable and the cost of renting the electric carts and golf clubs is also reasonable and in many cases cheaper than bringing your own clubs on the plane.
Sauna
The Scandinavian cedar wood sauna on the lakeside offers you a unique experience at any time of the year. We will be happy to heat it up for you by prior arrangement. The sauna is located directly on the lakeshore. Sweating with a view of the lake. Wonderful! And to cool down, you can dive directly into the lake through our dock and go for a swim. The use is subject to a fee and a timely booking is necessary.
Forest Bathing
Here with us it is a completely free wellness therapy. Invented in Japan, Forest Bathing therapy is gaining more and more followers in our western world as well. Forest Bathing means nothing else than to consciously perceive the forest, to slow down life and to absorb every sensory impression of color, smell and fragrance. You will be amazed by the power you can draw from it.
Stargazing
In southwestern Nova Scotia, the stars shine as brightly and clearly from the black night sky as only in few other places in the world. The air is pure and spared from industrial fumes and other pollution, the peninsula is low populated, the nearest towns are far away. Therefore there is no light pollution. Ideal conditions for stargazing. It is pure romance to look into the night sky from your cottage and watch stars. On Golden Forest thousands of stars are visible to the eye on moonless nights.
The whales
Many species of whales congregate on Nova Scotia’s coast every year. Sometimes you can see dolphins, minke, pilot, fin, beluga and even the big humpback whales from the shore. We recommend booking a tour with one of the many tour operators in Digby (96 km from the lodge) or on the beautiful Digby Neck peninsula. We will be happy to assist you with the booking. The best time to go whale watching is during the summer and the early fall months.
Tobeatic Wilderness Area
Explore on foot or by canoe the nearby wilderness paradise of the Tobeatic Wilderness Area, the largest protected area in Nova Scotia. It is a region of the province rich in history. It is known for its moose, trout streams and rugged canoe routes through rocky lakes and wild rivers. Maps of the area with possible canoe trips can be found at these links : http://www.toddgraphic.ns.ca/map/arc_map.html https://novascotia.ca/nse/protectedareas/docs/TobeaticMap.pdf
Acadian Culture and Heritage
Golden Forest Lodge is also an ideal base from which to explore and experience the Acadian-French cultural region of Atlantic Canada, settled since the early 17th century. Among other things, this region is famous for the best seafood and lobster in the world. The region also offers numerous historic sites, stunning beaches and a vibrant Acadian-French culture. A trip to Cape fourchu with its historic Lighthouse or to the nearby parks of Mavilette Beach and Smuggler’s Cove is highly recommended.
Tusket Island
The Tusket Islands are not only beautiful, but also legendary. From Wedgeport (45 km from the lodge) you can explore this beautiful landscape by excursion boat. During the trip you can listen to the exciting stories told by the captain while enjoying a fresh and traditionally prepared seafood soup. This tour is a funny little adventure, which we gladly recommend.
Historical Acadian Village
We find the historic Acadian village in Pubnico (52 km from the lodge) particularly charming. Situated right next to the port of Pubnico, it offers, among other things, a breathtaking view of the sea. It invites you to travel back in time to discover the heart, life and culture of the Acadians at the beginning of the 20th century. The accompanying café offers good local cuisine.
The coast around Yarmouth
Picturesque lighthouses, long sandy beaches and rocky coasts characterize the varied coastal scenery of our region. The popular Lighthouse Route passes our coast and offers beautiful destinations for your day trips. Experience the tremendous tidal changes in the Bay of Fundy, world famous for its enormous tidal range.
Yarmouth
Only 44 kilometers away from our lodge the town of Yarmouth is waiting for you. It offers all the amenities of a modern city with a variety of shopping facilities, various restaurants, interesting sights and a ferry connection to Maine (USA). A day trip there is definitely worth it.