Accommodations

Our wedding will take place at 315 Bluff Rd, Avonport, Nova Scotia, a beautiful seaside property nestled right between Windsor and Wolfville in the heart of the Annapolis Valley.

To make things easy, we’ll be offering transportation  throughout the afternoon (to bring guests to the ceremony) and again in the evening (for those who wish to return to their accommodations after celebrating and enjoying a few adult beverages!).

If you plan to drive, parking will be available onsite and nearby.

About the Area

The Annapolis Valley is one of Nova Scotia’s most scenic regions, known for its vineyards, orchards, and rolling farmland framed by the Bay of Fundy. Early August is a stunning time to visit — the Valley is in full bloom, with warm days, soft coastal breezes, and plenty to explore. From wineries and farm markets to local trails and beaches, it’s the perfect spot to make a weekend of your trip.

Local taxi options are limited, so we advise booking them in advance:

  • C.J.’s Taxi (cjstaxi.ca/services) offers taxi service in the Wolfville and Kentville areas for those without physical accessibility concerns. Service is available 24/7, but we strongly recommend booking at least 24 hours in advance.
  • Kings Point to Point (kppt.ruralrides.ca/find-a-ride) offers physically accessible transportation in Kings County. Bookings must be made during office hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm) at least 72 hours in advance.

For those who do not drive, there are still several travel options:

  • Halifax Stanfield International Airport offers private car services to Windsor for under $150. From Windsor, a local taxi can bring you to Jampolis Cottage.
  • Maritime Bus offers bus services from Halifax Airport to downtown Wolfville for under $30. From Wolfville, a local taxi can bring you to Jampolis Cottage.
  • TJ’s Driving Services (tjsdrivingservices.com/our-services) offers province-wide physically accessible services on a quote-per-service basis.

Nearby Towns

Wolfville (15 mins from venue, 1hr+10 mins from Halifax)

A sweet university town surrounded by vineyards and scenic countryside, Wolfville offers a variety of boutique inns, cozy Airbnbs, shops and charming cafés. It’s home to Acadia University, the Harvest Moon Trail, and several of the Valley’s best restaurants and wineries — perfect for a weekend getaway.

Windsor (15 mins from venue, 50 mins from Halifax)

Just south-west of Avonport, Windsor is a welcoming town with a slower pace and historic charm. Known as the “Birthplace of Hockey,” it offers a mix of hotels and local inns, along with easy highway access and quaint shops and eateries.

Grand Pré (10 mins from venue, 1hr from Halifax)

Just minutes from the wedding venue, Grand Pré is a small, picturesque community and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s home to stunning vineyard views, historic landmarks, and peaceful farmland that tell the story of the Acadian people. You’ll find cozy inns, boutique motels, and easy access to nearby wineries like Domaine de Grand Pré and Planters Ridge. Grand Pré offers a serene, countryside escape, perfect for guests who want to stay close to the venue and have the opportunity to soak iin the area’s beauty.

Where to Stay

Old Orchard Inn & Spa – Room Block Available – Reservation Deadline: May 31, 2026

We’ve reserved a block of rooms and cabins at the Old Orchard Inn ($209 – $269 per night), located just minutes from the venue. The Inn offers beautiful views of the Minas Basin, two on-site restaurants, and a spa. We recommend booking early, as rooms fill quickly during summer weekends.

  • Reserve a room by calling the hotel directly (800-561-8090) and telling them you’re attending the wedding for Jamie Ratchford & Andy Verboom (booking code 2608WAJRAV).
  • Or reserve online (bookings.oldorchardinn.com/search-rates), entering the date “August 1, 2026” and adding the ‘group’ code “2608WAJRAV”: the screen will then display rooms available in the block for guests to reserve.

Acadia University Summer Suites

Each summer, Acadia University transforms select residence rooms into hotel-style suites ($75 – $225 per night) — clean, comfortable, and affordable options in the heart of Wolfville. A variety of room types are available, making it a great choice for couples, families, or groups of friends.

Other Nearby Accommodations

  • Micro Boutique Living Wolfville: Modern and conveniently located downtown, Micro Boutique offers sleek studio-style rooms and easy access to Wolfville’s shops, cafés, and vineyards.
  • Hotel Wolfville: A new boutique-style hotel right on Main Street, perfect for those wanting walkable access to Wolfville’s restaurants and nightlife.
  • The Breeze Motel (Grand Pré): A beautifully renovated, coastal-inspired motel just minutes from the venue. Bright, modern rooms with ocean views and a relaxed, beachy feel.
  • The Evangeline (Grand Pré): A charming, historic inn with newly updated rooms and an on-site restaurant. Ideal for guests who enjoy classic East Coast character and comfort.
  • The Old Lantern Inn (Grand Pré): A cozy bed and breakfast surrounded by vineyards and gardens. Peaceful, elegant, and perfectly situated for a weekend in wine country.

Make a Weekend of It

If you’re travelling to celebrate with us, we encourage you to make a weekend of it! The Annapolis Valley is full of beautiful sights, delicious food, and unique local experiences. Here are a few of our favourites:

For the Beverage Buff

  • Luckett Vineyards (Wolfville): Famous for its rolling vineyard views and iconic red phone booth overlooking the valley.
  • Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards (Wolfville): Elegant wines, a wood-fired restaurant, and stunning coastal scenery.
  • Domaine de Grand Pré (Grand Pré): Nova Scotia’s oldest winery, with a beautiful restaurant and tasting room.
  • Planters Ridge Winery (Port Williams): A serene countryside setting and award-winning vintages.
  • Annapolis Cider Company (Wolfville): Local craft ciders with a refreshing, summery twist.
  • Horton Ridge Malt & Grain (Wolfville): The only craft brewery in Nova Scotia that produces their own organic floor malt.

For the Foodie

  • The Church Brewing Co. (Wolfville): A former church turned into a lively brewery and restaurant.
  • Tangled Garden: Hand-crafted jellies, jams and preserves using herbs and fruits from their garden. They offer a shop, tea room and open garden for exploring.
  • The Rolled Oat Café (Wolfville): Cozy spot for breakfast or lunch.
  • Wolfville Farmers’ Market (Saturdays): Fresh produce, local crafts, and live music.
  • Longfellow: Restaurant featuring “approachable and refined” eats and a lovely patio.

For the Outdoorsy

  • Evangeline Beach (Grand Pré): A perfect place for a sunset walk along the Bay of Fundy.
  • Blomidon Provincial Park: Stunning cliffside views and hiking trails overlooking the Minas Basin. If you go at low tide, you can walk out on the Basin’s floor.
  • Harvest Moon Trail: A scenic walking and cycling trail connecting Wolfville and the surrounding towns.

For the History Buff

  • Grand-Pré National Historic Site: A UNESCO World Heritage Site commemorating the Acadian people and their history.
  • Haliburton House Museum (Windsor): Step back in time at this 19th-century estate and garden.