There aren’t many hotels in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, let alone family-friendly hotels. But the Old Orchard Inn & Spa in Wolfville does a fine job of catering to travelers with children, offering cozy (though dated) guestrooms and rustic cabins, truly delicious onsite dining, an indoor swimming pool, spa and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Especially fun for kids are outdoor movies, presented in front of the hotel’s apple orchard in the summer months. Speaking of orchards, there are more of those within a short drive of the hotel, in addition to a plethora of kid-friendly wine vineyards. The hotel is also close to Grand Pre National Historic Site, one of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nova Scotia.

Guestrooms
All guestrooms at the Old Orchard Inn are equipped with either one king, one queen, or two double beds. Accommodations also feature balconies or patios, coffeemakers, large mini-fridges, iPod docks, free HBO channels and ports for charging devices. Cribs and rollaway beds are available upon request, and bathrooms are equipped with shower/tub combos for bathing tiny tykes.

Of note is the musty smell in the guestrooms, which may be troublesome to some guests. The guestrooms are fine otherwise -- just simple and somewhat dated.

Cabins
If visiting anytime between mid-May and mid-October, you might consider a stay in one of the property's 29 cottages, all equipped with the same amenities as traditional guestrooms, plus kitchenettes with toasters, microwaves, mini-fridges and a small selection of dishes and flatware for preparing small meals.

Pool
While you'll spend most of your time exploring the sights and sounds of the Annapolis Valley, the hotel's pool offers a nice reprieve when it's time for a break. It's open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and is attached to a hot tub.

Tennis Courts
The Old Orchard Inn & Spa has two tennis courts; visit the front desk for equipment.

Movie Nights
On Wednesdays and Thursdays in July and August, the hotel presents kid-friendly movies on a large screen in front of the apple orchard. Better yet, those who stay in second floor rooms with balconies or first floor side rooms with patios can actually watch the movies right from their rooms! Movies can also be seen from the lawn.

Patio Sundeck
In the summer months, visitors enjoy sitting on the patio sundeck with cocktails and lovely views of the hotel's apple orchard and surrounding Annapolis Valley.

Acadian Dining Room
Open 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., the Acadian Dining Room serves fantastic food in a cozy, casual setting that affords lovely views of the apple orchard below. The specialty, of course, is seafood; we recommend the planked salmon with pico de gallo. A kids' menu is available.

Cocktail Lounge
Next to the Acadian Dining Room is the Hotel's Cocktail Lounge, where many guests like to convene with cocktails before dinner.

Blomidon Room
The hotel's popular brunch buffet is served in the Blomidon Room, October to May. The room, which reminds us of a castle, features lovely views and is often reserved for private events.

Rafters Barn Lounge
Also available for private events is the Rafters Barn Lounge, which features a large dance floor, pool table and large TV -- ideal for small weddings and family reunions.

All About the Extras
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is complimentary at the hotel.

Fitness Room
The hotel offers a small fitness room with treadmills and elliptical machines. Alternatively, you can go for a run on the sidewalks in downtown Wolfville.

Parking
Parking is free in a large lot outside of the hotel.

The Art of Smart Timing
The Old Orchard Inn & Spa is busiest in the summer, but is especially ideal in September and October, when the weather is pleasant and the fall foliage is in full effect on the area's vineyards, orchards and farms.

Getting There
The closest airport to the Old Orchard Inn and Annapolis Valley is Halifax International Airport, about an hour away. To shorten the drive with little ones, make a pit stop (or book an overnight stay) in Halifax.

Getting Around
You'll need a car to get to downtown Wolfville (less than 10 minutes from the hotel) and surrounding Annapolis Valley; public transportation isn't available.

For Mom and Dad
Schedule a treatment at the Eeu Spa, where you can enjoy everything from traditional massages to make-up applications. Prenatal massages are also offered, making the Old Orchard Inn & Spa a great hotel for a babymoon.