The view from a Kings County farm showcases the productive and beautiful landscape of the Annapolis Valley, where a remarkable combination of creativity and natural assets is creating new opportunities for culinary tourism. Photo © D. Killam

The view from a Kings County farm showcases the productive and beautiful landscape of the Annapolis Valley, where a remarkable combination of creativity and natural assets is creating new opportunities for culinary tourism. Photo © D. Killam

The Annapolis Valley is the bread basket – and the fruit basket – for the province of Nova Scotia. But our productive soil and temperate climate are just some of our natural assets.

Our shoreline is shaped by the Bay of Fundy. The North and South mountains give definition to our unique landscape, while rivers and lakes, fields and forests, surround our towns and urban centres.

This remarkable combination of food-producing assets, in a region renowned for its beauty and outdoor recreation, is allowing local entrepreneurs to create and develop world-class experiences in culinary tourism.

Culinary tourism is an opportunity for growth in the Annapolis Valley for new and existing businesses. With tourism expanding in the province, creating unique culinary experiences is a way to differentiate your business and to position it within a tourism region that stands out from other travel destinations.

As part of Devour! The Food Film Fest in Wolfville (Nov. 2-6), the Valley REN is hosting the Innovation in Culinary Tourism Summit on Friday, Nov. 4, from 11 am to 12:30 pm.

This is an opportunity for local entrepreneurs to be inspired by best practices and new ideas in culinary tourism. Our presenters will bring expertise and examples for innovation from across Canada.

We hope you can join us and spread the word about this summit. It is designed to be of interest for a cross-section of businesses engaged in tourism, agri-food and artisanal food ventures, culinary enterprises, and producers of wine and craft beverages.

The summit is free, but please RSVP to ekonrath@valleyren.ca to reserve your place, as seating is limited. The summit takes place at the Wilsons Home Heating Pavilion, Troy Restaurant, at 12 Elm Avenue in Wolfville.

Confirmed presenters/panellists:

Allison Kouzovnikov: President of the Shorefast Foundation, Fogo Island, NL

Arlene Stein: founder of the Terroir Symposium, Toronto

Rebecca Mackenzie: Executive Director of the Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance

Ingrid Jarrett: General Manager/VP Business Development at Watermark Beach Resort, Osoyoos, BC

Kelley Glazer: Executive Director of Destination Osoyoos, BC

Jocelyn Lightfoot: co-owner of Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards, NS

Moderator: Mary Tulle, CEO of Destination Cape Breton, NS


Attend the Innovation in Culinary Tourism Summit on Nov. 4 and you will automatically enter the draw to win a ticket to the Devour! celebrity chef dinner that same evening.