I hope this isn't a dumb question:

we will be in Nova Scotia the first few weeks in Oct....
Is there a season for lobster? Will we be able to find it at that time of the year?

Hi, it won't be lobster season but it won't matter it will be available. If buying lobster from a lobster pound ask for a hard shell male as most people prefer them.

Thanks lucyp...

Lobster seasons typically run in the spring before the lobster molts and in the fall after the lobster has finished molting. The colder the water, the better the lobster

Although there is nothing to substitute a lobster fresh out of the sea, you can, as the previous post said, purchase live lobster from tanks at any restaurant or most large grocery stores.

Do they still sell the "McLobster" sandwich at the Nova Scotia McDonalds' ???

What a hoot !!!

Yup, McLobsters are available every summer and I assume this one is no exception. A few years ago, I could even vouch the lobster was local but not sure of their source now.

If still open in October, Halls Harbour is a great spot to enjoy a lobster dinner. Check it out http://www.hallsharbourlobster.ns.ca/

I have to agree with the others, Oct isn't the best time for Lobster. As fresh is always best and when going to the East Coast that really is the only way to have it. As for Lobster in off season I too would ask for a hard shell. Male/Female I am not sure it really makes too much of a difference but I would say not to eat the paste. Now some do like it but I guess it is an aquired taste. Enjoy.

Just to clarify ... all lobsters in NS have a hard shell but in the summer when they are molting, the shell becomes softer or perhaps it has to do with the warmer water. Someone correct me if I am wrong?

Thanks so much for that halls harbour lobster pound information. We unfortunately will not be in that area. Hope to find some others though as I live in CA and never get to have lobster.

Do you really think that the lobsters that they have in the tanks really taste different then the ones that they haul out of the ocean in season?

I know that after I dip in butter and lemon even cardboard would taste good! :0)

Only if you have been fortunate enough to purchase live lobsters off the wharves when the fishermen come in. Otherwise you probably wouldn't notice the difference.

Where will you be in Nova Scotia?

We'll be coming from Quebec City and will be in Moncton Oct 4th, Lunenberg Oct 5th, Port Hawksbury or Baddeck Oct 6th, Ingonish Oct 7-9, Moncton or vicinity Oct 10th, Alma Oct 11th, St. Andrews Oct 12, Kennebunkport Oct 13 and Boston on the 14 before flying home the next morning.

I would think there'd be a few lobster pounds somewhere in there?

There will be lots of opportunity to have lobster i NS. While in Cape Breton, Cheticamp area in particular, try the local crab - it is delicious. There is a small lobster pound in Alma and they'll cook your lobster fresh for you.

thanks Tanya! I can't wait

When I was in NS 2 summers ago, we were there the last week of lobster season. We ate at one Lobster Pound which was closing within days. So, yes, I'm sure you'll be able to order lobsters as a regular dinner at many restaurants, but you'll not likely find a genuine lobster pound simply because they serve up fresh lobsters by the thousands and the critters simply won't be available after the season closes.