Girls’ Getaway to Halifax: Laughter, Waterfront Walks and a Splash of Joy!

✨ I felt this story deserved a second share here in Midlife Report. Earlier this year, my girlfriends and I escaped to Halifax for a getaway filled with laughter, great food and even a little sparkle. It quickly became one of my favourite adventures of the year so far — and even inspired me to create my very own perfume: Joy!

With bags packed and car fueled, an enthusiastic crew of gal pals and I set off for Halifax with road trip staples: hot drinks, 80s playlists and lots of chatter.

The first stop on the roughly three-hour drive was Masstown Market, a classic break between Moncton and Halifax. After browsing the shops (and trying on a cozy coat I’m still dreaming of), we grabbed sandwiches to go and forged on to the Nova Scotia capital.

Tried on this snuggly coat and cute hat at Masstown Market on our way to Halifax. Left both items behind but kept thinking about that coat. Note to self: Treat thy midlife self more!

Exploring the Waterfront

Crossing the Macdonald Bridge into Halifax always feels like coming home — it’s where I went to university, started my journalism career and even met (and married!) my husband.

After parking in the Halifax Seaport area, the girls and I stretched our legs with a brisk waterfront walk, passing unique Queen’s Marque sculptures and ferry boats in the sparkling harbour. Georges Island — a historic fortification now part of Parks Canada — sat proudly in the distance. At Carrefour Atlantic Emporium in Historic Properties, there were terrific books to browse. At nearby Posh, we shared chuckles over quirky greeting cards and admired lovely home décor.

Cool temps didn’t stop my 50+ crew from adventuring earlier this year. Here, the gals wander the vibrant Halifax waterfront as I capture the memory.

Posh, tucked inside Halifax’s Historic Properties, made for a fun shopping stop with its funky array of souvenirs and home décor.

At Posh, stumbled upon this little treasure — so true!

Sweet + Scented Adventures

We couldn’t resist a stop at Peace by Chocolate before heading to The 7 Virtues fragrance atelier, founded by Halifax entrepreneur Barb Stegemann. Her vegan, ethically sourced fragrances are a Canadian success story now sold in Sephora stores worldwide.

The 7 Virtues storefront on the Halifax waterfront is impossible to miss, bursting with floral charm

Though Stegemann wasn’t in town during our visit, her knowledgeable staff guided us through the unique process of designing our own signature scents. We walked along various scent stations, spraying a bit of each perfume on blotters and noted our favourites. From there, we sat at a worktable and used pipettes to drop chosen scents from jars into our own glass bottle.

I blended Amber Woods, Coconut Sun, Santal Vanille and Candied Lychee for my concoction — and named it Joy. 

My friends and I channeled our inner perfumiers at The 7 Virtues — blending drops of the store’s signature scents to design personalized fragrances. What a fun, unique experience!

A sign of things to come? I named my perfume ‘Joy’ months before stepping into my role as your Midlife Joy Guide. Seems the universe had a theme in mind!

We’re all smiles showing off our custom perfumes at The 7 Virtues.

A Taste of Paris in Halifax

Next, we headed to Café Lunette, a chic French-inspired bistro. Mimosas, smoked salmon crepes and a finale of crème brûlée transported us straight to Paris. Calories be damned!

Nothing says midlife joy quite like sipping mimosas with your gal pals in a vibey spot. Café Lunette was the perfect place to toast our Halifax getaway!

Ooh la la — Café Lunette’s delicious smoked salmon crepes brought a taste of Paris to our Halifax getaway.

Lights, Camera, Laughs

That night, we trekked to the Lighthouse Arts Centre for what would be a trip highlight: watching a live taping of CBC’s This Hour Has 22 Minutes . From the witty pre-show banter to the hilarious sketches, the energy in the room was contagious. Meeting the cast afterward was icing on the cake.

My group of five gal pals pose with cardboard cutouts of the cast before taking our seats in the studio.

Showtime!!

The 22 Minutes cast — Mark Critch, Trent McClellan, Aba Amuquandoh, Stacey McGunnigle and Chris Wilson — were even funnier in person, tossing out witty quips between the taped segments.

A Cozy End to the Day

Our ribs sore from laughing, my getaway squad and I wrapped up the evening at the Brewery Park Hotel in Halifax’s North End, where we’d checked in earlier. Our bright, modern suites (with kitchenettes!) were the perfect base for our stay. After a little late-night girl talk and a glass of vino, we called it a day — an amazing one!

The Brewery Park Hotel, with its fresh style and ample amenities, was a lovely spot for my crew to settle in for the night after a full day of adventure.

Your author, kicking back with a cuppa at the Brewery Park Hotel after a good night’s rest.

Bliss at Bliss!

The next morning, we made a sweet stop at Bliss Caffeine Bar on South Park Street, owned by Michelle MacDonald. Her “poptarts” and “cinnamuffins” more than lived up to the café’s name — superb travel treats for our drive home.

Michelle MacDonald, owner of Bliss Caffeine Bar, welcomed us with a warm smile and treats that more than lived up to the café’s name

Sparkle + Nostalgia

We couldn’t leave town without a visit to one of the group’s longtime favourite stops — the Ardmore Tea Room. After a hearty breakfast, we ventured to the Halifax Shopping Centre for a little retail therapy. I couldn’t resist trying on a wild-for-me outfit at Zara: a fringed jacket and sequined mini skirt with thigh-high boots. There were mixed reviews on the ensemble, but I decided the jacket was a keeper!

No trip to Halifax is complete without a trip to the Ardmore Tea Room, a Quinpool Road diner known for its delicious and well-priced eats.

Tried on this combo at Zara in Halifax — the jacket made the cut and is now part of my midlife adventures wardrobe!

Halifax: A Midlife Lesson in Joy

This girls’ getaway reminded me that Halifax will always hold a special place in my heart. It also highlighted an important truth: Joy doesn’t always fall into our laps — it’s something we can choose to create. Whether it’s blending a signature scent, laughing with friends at a comedy show or simply gathering pals for a no-cost walk in the woods, midlife adventures are waiting.

Just say YES!

🌸 Midlife Joy Takeaway

What mini adventure could you plan this month to add a splash of joy to your life?

Starting Where My Heart Is: A Joy-Filled Cape Breton Family Getaway

Welcome to Midlife Report — my new space for sharing stories about and for women 50+! Here, you’ll find travel inspiration, wellness ideas and real-life stories of joy, reinvention and connection. I created this blog so more women in our amazing age range will say YES to what sparks joy and lights up their soul.

For me, one of those things has always been family. Reconnecting with loved ones, especially across generations, fills me with a deep sense of happiness and grounding. So it felt right that my first post should celebrate a multigenerational getaway — the kind of trip filled with meaningful conversations, loads of laughs and memories that last long after you’ve returned home.

Perched above the warm tidal waters of Port Morien Bay in South Head, N.S., Terra Nova Retreat is an impressive log home where rustic charm meets modern comfort.

Our Cape Breton Gathering Spot

We found that magic at Terra Nova Retreat, a stunning handcrafted log home in South Head, N.S., a small seaside community in southeast Cape Breton. Listed on Airbnb, Terra Nova is owned by Eleanor and Terence Roach, a sweet couple who bought the property about a decade ago. Back then, it was a partially built dream that had been abandoned mid-construction. Over the years, they brought it to life with care, detail and warmth, resulting in a home that’s both luxurious and welcoming.

Eleanor and Terence Roach, owners of beautiful Terra Nova Retreat.

With my parents living just a 30-minute drive from the property in Sydney, my hubby, two daughters, one son-in-law and a dog made the drive from New Brunswick here for a few days of together time. Terra Nova’s spacious layout was perfect for our three generations under one roof (and it’s pet-friendly!)

The open-concept kitchen, dining and living areas invite conversation, shared meals and relaxed time together.

With its open layout and comfy leather seating, Terra Nova’s living room is a fantastic gathering space.

Though not used during our visit, a wood stove adds to the cozy charm. The TV might be a great feature during rainy stays but we don’t even turn it on, blessed by gorgeous weather and so much to do.

This little vignette creates a cheery corner off the kitchen.

An enormous clock fills one of the vaulted space over the living room, though no one is watching the time.

Sunlight pours through a second-floor window. No worries! A heat pump keeps everyone cool during our mid-summer visit.

Thoughtful Touches and Chef’s Kitchen Feasts

From the moment we arrived, we felt at home. A welcome basket of local treats greeted us and the fridge was stocked with condiments, fresh eggs, and other essentials.

The chef’s kitchen quickly was a delight. With its generous counter space, high-end appliances and every gadget imaginable, it was a wonderful spot for making meals together.

A dreamy kitchen became our weekend hub when we weren’t enjoying the great outdoors.

A warm Cape Breton welcome — Terra Nova’s owners greet visitors with a basket of local treats and a fridge stocked with fresh eggs, condiments and other essentials.

A coffee, tea and microwave station are lovingly tucked under the dramatic staircase.

Waterfront bliss

One of Terra Nova’s biggest draws is its private waterfront on warm tidal waters. We swam, kayaked, fished and waded with the dog, who was only too happy to join in the fun.

The waters adjacent the property are part of Port Morien Bay, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean on Cape Breton’s southeastern coast. The sheltered shoreline means the area has warmer temps than the open Atlantic, making it lovely for a family frolic.

The shoreline was a beehive of activity for fishing, swimming and just catching up.

My oldest daughter takes a solo spin in a kayak on the peaceful waters fronting the property.

Happily surrounded by family and amazing views, I wave to the camera and float on by.

The amber wood tones of the home’s massive logs create a charming backdrop to the porch overlooking the waterfront. 

From the wide porch, we watched spectacular sunsets that painted the sky in gold and pink. Peace and quiet reigned — just the sound of the occasional bird call.

Speaking of birds, a graceful great blue heron became our unofficial neighbour, often spotted fishing along the shoreline. Osprey and other species were also in the mix.

And here’s a rare Cape Breton treat: surprisingly few bugs — no frantic slapping or sprinting indoors required. Hallelujah!

A great blue heron embarks on some sunset fishing.

Restful Nights, Bright Mornings

After full days of fresh air and water fun (not to mention hearty dinners and a few rounds of fiercely contested family games), none of stayed up too late. We headed to our own cozy corners of Terra Nova, ending our days in the luxury of spa-like baths and well-appointed bedrooms. By morning, we woke feeling rested, recharged and ready to do it all over again.

My parents were more than comfortable in this first-floor bedroom and nearby bathroom with shower.

Hubby and I drifted off to dreamland in this spacious bedroom featuring soft blues, a serene style and its own balcony.

This inviting bedroom with waterfront views has an adjacent balcony, a lovely spot for morning coffee.

Bath anyone? I may have lingered in this clawfoot gem a bit, soaking up a solo moment and the coastal décor.

Little touches that make you smile: Wish, Hope and Dream stones on the vanity remind guests to slow down and savour the moment.

Why It Matters

Trips like this remind me why I decided to write Midlife Report. Life is busy and, as the years go by, I’m feeling increasingly motivated by connection — to each other, to nature and to ourselves. Our family time at Terra Nova gave me the chance to refocus on ways to come together, unplug and just be.

This is the kind of midlife I'm ready for, filled with love, laughter and unhurried days. Here’s to joyful gatherings that make the midlife soul sing!