No doubt this title has you wondering. How fun can underwear shopping really be? Trust me, it can be fun. In Truro, Nova Scotia it should be near the top of your list of things to do. This small community about an hour’s drive north of Halifax, has been the headquarters for Stanfield’s Limited since 1870. In the Stanfield’s factory outlet store, my husband and I saw the largest pair of tighty whities in the world – or at least the largest pair we had ever seen. It was truly unforgettable. If they would have been red, Captain Underpants could have used them for a cape. But the fun didn’t end there. We discovered plenty of other great things to do in Truro.
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Stanfield’s Factory Outlet Store
I’m going to tell you about other things to do in Truro, but first let’s talk a little bit more about underwear. Truro has a population of just over 12,000 people and about 300 people are employed at Stanfield’s Limited. Underwear is a big deal here and you should know a little underwear history before you go. Stanfield’s Limited used to be called Truro Knitting Mills Limited. In 1898, they developed “Stanfield’s Unshrinkable Underwear,” an incredible innovation for the time. These durable heavy wool underwear were the undergarment of choice for many prospectors in the Klondike Gold Rush. In 1915, Stanfield’s patented a two-piece underwear design – another great innovation. Though the modern-day company produces other clothing items, it is most famous for making outstanding underwear. This is one town where you can wear your tighty whities with pride – even though you bought them cheap at the outlet store.
Victoria Park
A walk in the park is one of the best things to do in Truro. Very few small communities can boast a 3,000 acre woodland park right in the middle of town and Victoria Park is one of the town’s top assets. The park has an extensive network of trails for hiking, cycling and mountain biking. A lovely creek called Lepper Brook winds its way through the park and has two sets of beautiful waterfalls – Joseph Howe and Waddell Falls. The larger Joseph Howe Falls were named for a former premier of Nova Scotia who admired them during a visit in 1829. Another key feature of the park is a steep set of 175 steps called Jacob’s Ladder. You’ll often see fitness buffs running up and down the steps. There’s also a playground, a spray park, a swimming pool, a canteen, tennis courts, baseball diamonds and more inside this park.
Fundy Discovery Site – Things to do in Truro
The Bay of Fundy is home to the world’s highest tides. Fundy Discovery Site is a great place to see the phenomenon known as the “tidal bore.” Twice a day incoming tides flow up the Salmon River opposite the direction of its normal flow. This creates a wave or series of waves known as the tidal bore. The height of the wave varies depending on the phase of the moon and other factors. You have to arrive at the correct time to see the tidal bore. Call ahead to the visitor centre or check online tidal charts. Inside the visitor centre, you can learn more about tides in the Bay of Fundy. There’s also a good viewing area, bathrooms and a playground. Best of all – it’s free.
The Truro Tree Sculptures are GONE!
At one time, seeing the tree sculptures was one of the top things to do in Truo, but as of 2018 the tree sculptures have all been removed. They were not aging well and the town felt it best to remove the remaining ones. We loved seeing them on our first visit to Truro, but you shouldn’t waste your time looking for them now.
Tidal Bore Rafting
A place that pioneered “Stanfield’s Unshrinkable Underwear” is obviously very innovative. One day, one of those innovative thinkers decided to take a zodiac boat onto the nearby Schubenacadie River and ride the tidal bore. It’s possible that alcohol was involved. Regardless, a new sport was born! Check out our post about tidal bore rafting on the Schubenacadie River.
Can’t Make it to the Outlet?
Fear not! If you just can’t get to Truro to buy bargain briefs, you can order them online. Not as much fun as visiting the outlet, but it gets the job done. Stanfield’s makes a wide variety of clothing items including traditional long johns, pajamas, base layers, t-shirts, hot chillys socks, and more. Stanfield’s makes Canadian-made high quality clothes for both women and men.
You Should Definitely Visit Truro
We have visited Truro twice and it’s only partly because we like cheap underwear. Truro bills itself as the “hub of Nova Scotia” and it’s really only an hour away from the capital. We love the town’s friendly people, trails, parks and more. Tidal bore rafting is one of the coolest things we’ve ever done and some of the operators are located near Truro. If you’ve been to Truro, comment below and let us know what you liked about it!
Where to Stay in Truro
Truro makes a good hub for exploring the Bay of Fundy region. Tulips and Thistle Bed and Breakfast is a nice B&B accommodation right in Truro.
Related: Check out our post about Tidal Bore Rafting in Nova Scotia.
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