Discovering Truro, Nova Scotia: Victoria Park Adventures & Golf Course Surprises

Third time's the charm! Our latest visit to Truro, Nova Scotia proved that sometimes you need a few trips to truly appreciate a destination. This charming city of 15,000 has become one of our favorite stops, and after this adventure-packed day, we understand why it's such a perfect hub for RV travelers exploring the Maritimes.

Quick Stats: Our Truro Adventure Day

Date: June 2025 

Base: Scotia Pines RV Park 

Full Day: Breakfast, hiking, downtown exploration, golf 

Golf: Brookfield Country Club - walked 18 holes 

Hiking: Victoria Park trails including Waddell Falls 

Morning Fuel: Heidi's Café - Our "Special Place"

We kicked off our morning at one of our absolute favorite discoveries – Heidi's Café in Brookfield, just up the road from Scotia Pines RV Park. This gem boasts an all-day breakfast and lunch menu, open 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Why We Keep Coming Back:

- Attached to Brookfield Bakery (how we first discovered them!)

- Must-try: Croissant Cinnamon Roll – we always buy several!

- Atmosphere: Pure "mom and pop" style – no frills, extremely casual, warm and inviting

- Feels like eating in someone's cozy back room

This was our third visit to Heidi's, and it's officially tagged as our "special place" – you know, those spots you stumble upon that become non-negotiable stops on future trips.

Understanding Truro: More Than Meets the Eye

Honoring WWI Veterans Historic Shops Library

The Lay of the Land:

Truro might seem like just another small city, but its history and geography make it fascinating:

- Population: Approximately 15,000

- Founded: Built around the railroad in the 1800s

- Strategic Location: The intersection point between Halifax, Cape Breton, and Mainland Canada

- Perfect for RVers: First larger town entering Nova Scotia with excellent RV facilities

Navigation Tip: Don't expect typical grid-pattern streets! Truro's roads meander and curve around the city's crown jewel – the magnificent Victoria Park.

Victoria Park: 3,000 Acres of Natural Wonder

Here's what makes Truro special – this 3,000-acre park isn't just attached to the city; it's woven right through it, which explains those meandering roads!

Our Hiking Adventure

Trail Highlights:

- Multiple walking and biking trails for all skill levels

- Waddell Falls – our main destination and absolutely worth the hike

- Well-maintained paths with clear signage

Community Vibes:

Pre-Schoolers loving the Park

The park is clearly beloved by locals. We enjoyed watching a group of pre-schoolers hiking and exploring with their teachers. Love seeing little ones appreciate the outdoors early on!

Future Note: Excellent eBiking trails here – short but scenic. Definitely bringing the eBikes next time!

Downtown Truro: Art, Shops & Easy Exploration

After soaking up sun and nature, we headed downtown to explore Truro's charming core.

What We Loved:

- Historic buildings enhanced with beautiful art murals on flat sides

- Mix of independent operators and recognizable chains – perfect for browsing

- Easy parking (always a win in our book!)

- Walkable downtown core with interesting architecture

Murals St. James Presbyterian Church Artistic Murals

The blend of old and new, local and familiar, made for enjoyable shop exploring without feeling overwhelming.

Golf Adventure: When Appearances Deceive

After such a lovely morning and early afternoon, we decided to cap off the day with a 3:00 PM round at Brookfield Country Club Golf Course.

The Walking Decision

We chose to walk the course because it "appeared" relatively walker-friendly. Appearances can be deceptive.

My First Walking Experience:

- This was my first time walking a golf course (Manny's done it several times, especially during COVID)

- I usually ride because I have trouble following my ball – Manny excels at that skill

- Walking meant he wouldn't be where I was when I needed help finding my ball

- Solution: Used a bright ball and managed "okish"

The Mountain I Didn't See Coming

Back to those deceptive appearances... there was a mountain I completely missed until the back nine!

The Reality Check:

- 15th hole: Trudging up thick gravel hills (mountains!), dragging clubs (couldn't push these carts)

- 17th hole: Still far above my current location – seriously?!

- Lesson learned: Don't hike the same day you're walking the golf course

Future Strategy: Possibly walk 9, ride 9.

The Silver Lining

Despite my cursing on the 17th hole, we genuinely enjoyed the walking experience:

What Walking Offers:

- Time and closeness to appreciate flowers in bloom

- Notice streams, ponds, and wildlife

- Different perspective on course design and natural beauty

- Great exercise (maybe too great!)

Future Plans: Manny and I loved this aspect and plan to walk more courses... probably... maybe.

Planning Your Truro Visit

Best Base: Scotia Pines RV Park (full review coming soon!)

Must-Do Combo:

1. Morning: Breakfast at Heidi's Café

2. Mid-Morning: Victoria Park hiking

3. Afternoon: Downtown exploration

4. Late Afternoon: Golf (with realistic expectations!)

Insider Tips:

- Heidi's Café: 8 AM-2 PM, don't miss the Croissant Cinnamon Roll

- Victoria Park: Great for all ages, bring eBikes if you have them

- Downtown: Easy parking, perfect for casual browsing

- Golf: Research elevation changes before deciding to walk!

The Truro Advantage for RV Travelers

Why Truro works so well as an RV destination:

Strategic Location: Perfect hub for exploring Nova Scotia 

Excellent RV Facilities: Scotia Pines offers full amenities 

Nature Access: Victoria Park right in the city 

Small City Amenities: Without big city hassles 

Recreation Options: Golf, hiking, shopping all within easy reach 

Coming Soon: Complete Truro Series

Scotia Pines Campground Review – Full facilities breakdown, site recommendations, and RV-specific tips

Brookfield Country Club Complete Review – Detailed course layout, walking vs. riding analysis, and that infamous mountain situation!

Have you discovered Truro on your Maritime adventures? What hidden gems did you find? Share your experiences in the comments – we love hearing from fellow explorers!

Planning your own Nova Scotia RV adventure? Download our The Ultimate RV Packing Guide: 101 Days on the Road to Newfoundland https://www.travelwelllive.com/post/the-ultimate-rv-packing-guide-101-days-on-the-road-to-newfoundland and subscribe to our weekly Adventure Journal for more honest reviews and travel tips from the Maritimes!