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30 April 2024 by David Ward
A holiday in Atlantic Canada is packed full of incredible adventures, from wildlife watching to drives along spectacular coastal highways. But, while there are some experiences that might be available elsewhere, there are others which can only be enjoyed in this spectacular region. Below, you’ll find a range of unmissable and intriguing experiences, many of which are unique to the four provinces of Atlantic Canada. There’s everything from lobster tours on Prince Edward Island and high-tide kayaking in New Brunswick, to ocean-floor dining in Nova Scotia and iceberg watching in Newfoundland & Labrador.
New Brunswick
Whale watching on the Bay of Fundy
Whale watching in New Brunswick
Between mid-June and mid-October each year, migratory whales gather in large numbers in the Bay of Fundy, drawn by the bounty of food stirred up by the world’s highest tides. Boarding a 24-foot rigid-hulled Zodiac Hurricane™, you’ll don a Mustang™ Flotation Suit before heading out among the bays and channels of the beautiful West Isles, seeking out minke, fin and humpbacks up to 50ft long. As well as these incredible mammals, you’re also in with a chance of spotting everything from harbour seals and porpoises to black guillemots and Atlantic puffins.
Kayaking on the Bay of Fundy
Kayaking on the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick
Join a unique sea-kayaking tour to discover the beauty of the Bay of Fundy’s giant tides. Taking to the water with an expert guide, it’s a thrilling chance to paddle close to the spectacular sea stacks at The Flowerpot Rocks off Hopewell Cape. For something even more special, plan your visit for mid-August for the rare opportunity to paddle among tens of thousands of migratory shorebirds as they whirl and swoop overhead. For further intrigue, be sure to head back to the bay at low tide to explore the ocean floor.
Newfoundland & Labrador
Finer Things Food Tour in Gros Morne National Park
Fresh scallops, Newfoundland & Labrador
Surrounded by the majestic beauty of Gros Morne National Park, this three-course dining experience not only takes you to some of the region’s finest restaurants, but also provides a delicious insight into its native ingredients. Expect succulent seafood and freshly picked herbs and berries as you enjoy a culinary journey to remember, all perfectly paired with a curated selection of wines and led by local culinary experts.
Iceberg cruise
Iceberg in the sea near Twillingate, Newfoundland & Labrador
Sail out to watch as hundreds of giant 10,000-year-old icebergs drift slowly south from the Greenland ice shelf before melting away amid the milder waters off Canada’s Atlantic coast. As well as getting up close to the icebergs themselves, you’ll also be in with a chance of spotting some of the abundant wildlife, from cute, cliff-dwelling puffins to migrating whales.
Nova Scotia
Dining on the ocean floor
Lobster tacos in Nova Scotia (image is not necessarily representative of the featured tour)
Experience Nova Scotia’s ultimate culinary adventure at the site of the world’s highest tides. Savour delicious local food, beer and wine as you learn about the wild edibles of the province, followed by a lunchtime seafood feast where you’ll meet the Chef and enjoy beer and wine pairings. Then, after a tour of the ocean floor, you’ll take a seat at a dining table with views of the incoming tide, all set up for a three-course dinner to savour. Your day ends with a memorable ocean floor campfire.
Call of the sea wine & beer tasting
The waterfront in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
This is your chance to scratch beneath the surface of Nova Scotia’s burgeoning craft beer, wine and spirit scene. Heading to the South Shore, you’ll visit breweries, distilleries and winemakers, pairing a range of tastings with a delicious seafood lunch, served at a waterfront restaurant in the heart of historic Lunenburg – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Prince Edward Island
Morning lobster cruise
Atlantic Canada is rightly famed for its seafood, and particularly its lobster. But, rather than just sampling this delicious crustacean, a morning lobster cruise gets you right in amongst the action. The adventure of catching a delicious lobster from the pristine waters of the north Atlantic is a personal achievement that makes for a legendary tale. You might even have the chance to take a turn at the ship’s wheel. Then, it’s all back to shore to sample the produce, fresh from the sea.
Island drives & Anne of Green Gables
For anyone who’s read L.M. Montgomery’s classic debut 1908 novel Anne of Green Gables, Prince Edward Island is something of a Mecca. Fortunately, island tours exist to take in the best of the sites from the book, including Green Gables House, the original inspiration for the story. And, even if you’re not a fan, there’s much pleasure to be gained from simply exploring the island’s pretty landscapes, which range from glorious coastlines to rolling farmlands and pretty seaside villages.