5 Things I learned about Wolfville

Sometimes, a community just captures your heart. 

As a proud graduate of Acadia University, I can safely say Wolfville is one of those communities for me. 

And it’s the same for Martin Suter.

For a lot of people, especially in Wolfville, Martin is hardly a stranger these days. But who could have imagined that would be the case in September of 1984 when a kid from Montreal stepped off the train in this beautiful Annapolis Valley town?

Martin came to Wolfville as a 21 year-old Acadia student. He’d never been to Wolfville and had no idea how to find the Acadia campus. The culture shock for a city kid was intense, but brief. Like so many of us arriving in Wolfville the first time, Martin fell in love.

And Wolfville has brought a lot to his life. A lifelong best friend, his first true mentor in the iconic Paul Tom, and his wife. Seriously, that’s a lot of life changing impact.

I first met Martin thanks to LinkedIn (big surprise!) And I’m pretty sure the only reason a New York-based Global VP with beer giant AB InBev accepted my invitation to connect was because I listed my time in the Paul Tom Debating Society on my profile (fill out that profile completely, kids!)

Mid-pandemic, Martin sent me a note to say he was moving back to Wolfville full time to work remotely and eventually transition to retirement. Considering how he had spoken about the town in our conversations, it was hardly a surprise. Whether in New York or Shanghai, Martin always returned to Wolfville to visit and reconnect.

So, who better to call for a chat about this amazing town?

I thought I knew everything there was to know after four years living in the town - but I was definitely wrong about that. Here’s what I learned:

1. Wolfville is a town of makers, creators and artisans.

From the art galleries, to the live music at local pubs, to the culinary creativity, to the many festivals, this is a hotbed of creativity. Sometimes, this can get lost in the shadow of Acadia.

2. This is your Annapolis Valley basecamp.

I always looked at Wolfville as a destination - which it definitely is. But Martin reminded me that this is a perfectly placed town for exploring the entire region. Within minutes are world class wineries, golf courses, hiking trails, and natural wonders (hello, Blomidon!)

3. Best pizza in town is at TR Trattoria.  

Clearly I included this to spark debate. There is never a pizza consensus in a university town! 

4. Pictures just don’t do it justice

This is probably one of Nova Scotia’s most photographed towns. So when Martin kept reinforcing to me that people have to see the town in-person to really appreciate it, I went back to look at my old photos. It’s true. All those photos online don’t come close.

5. Home to Devour! The Food Film Festival

Having played host to celebrities such as Bill Pullman, Sam Kass, and the late Anthony Bourdain over its 10 year history, Devour! welcomes the world to Wolfville every October.  And thanks to Devour! Studios, Wolfville has further entrenched its position as Nova Scotia’s home for film and food.

BONUS! I also learned that Martin is the founder of Cajun’s, the student-led campus store at Acadia. Suddenly, it felt like I was talking to a celebrity. Cajun’s is a cornerstone of the Acadia experience!

Like so many of our towns in Nova Scotia, the story of Wolfville is told through its people. 

And for me, Martin represents the unique impact a community like this can have on someone’s life. Wolfville is a town that attracts the curious, the adventurous, the thoughtful and the deeply creative. From this mix comes a town that builds empathetic, service-oriented leaders and global citizens. 

Martin walked out of that train station to become a campus leader, an entrepreneur, an executive for one of the world’s largest brands, and now a mentor to the eager young minds that nearly double Wolfville’s population each year,

You just won’t appreciate how Wolfville does this to people until you’re standing there on the waterfront at a loss for words. Then you’ll finally understand.