Nova Scotia winter weather can be unpredictable to say the least.  Sometimes you can get the most idyllic winter's day with sunshine and a fresh snowfall perfect for enjoying a ski, hike, or sledding with the kids.  You might even be so lucky to have the temperature be just right to freeze over the nearby pond for an afternoon skate.  But other times it's often best to just hunker down indoors to enjoy a cozy setting, time with family, good food and drink, and in our case a heated "battle of the board games" (how can a guy be expected to guess "bearded lady" in Pictionary (All Play category) when there was no beard drawn on the lady yet?)

Needless to say, during our family retreat the weather didn't necessarily cooperate but the huge mega-chalet that we stayed in at Rafters Ridge Cottages (aka Tidal Bore Rafting Park) near Shubenacadie by-far made up for the dreary weather.  There were 9 of us all together (7 adults and 2 kids) and there was a ton of space for all of us to sprawl out.  There was a massive common room just off the fully-equipped kitchen that was the perfect space to enjoy together.  But the spacious 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms offered plenty of room to escape if needed (I'm not suggesting anyone required a place to escape in our case...just saying the opportunity was there if ever needed...).  Anyway, we even took advantage of the outdoor deck and BBQ where Grampa braved the elements to prepare his famous gourmet burgers. - Retired or not, we still like to put him to work every now and again.

The chalet we stayed in was the largest of three newly built Russian-style log chalets (though Rafters Ridge had a number of other one and two bedroom deluxe cottages available as well).  The ambiance, and Russian inspired furnishings, and décor of our chalet was unlike any other I've experienced in Nova Scotia, and it created the perfect setting for our family retreat!  Despite the inclement weather we also managed to take advantage of the chalet's woodsy location and took a short hike to catch a glimpse of the Shubenacadie River (largest river in Nova Scotia and only place in the world to experience tidal river rafting...in season of course).  The river lived up to its reputation as being home to one the highest concentrations of Bald Eagles in North America as well. We first heard, and then saw a bald eagle fly overhead just before dusk.  

There are numerous cozy chalet getaways to explore throughout Nova Scotia this winter, and the bonus is that many offer great winter rates!  Find one that suits you and your family this season, and regardless of weather take time to get together and just enjoy one another!