Canada As You Like It Blog
Coastal Wonderland of Atlantic Canada
- by Canada As You Like It
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- 24 Jan, 2025
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Wildlife and Whale Spotting
In New Brunswick, whale watching in the Bay of Fundy is equally awe-inspiring. Known for its record-breaking tides, the highest in the world, the bay creates the perfect feeding grounds for whales, thanks to an abundance of plankton, krill, and fish. Witnessing these majestic creatures in this unique setting is a humbling and unforgettable experience.
Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the most spectacular whale-watching destinations on the planet. Each year, the world’s largest population of humpback whales returns between May and September. Whether from a tour boat, a sea kayak, or a seaside trail, seeing these incredible mammals up close is truly magical.
Maritime and Acadian History
Stay in a lighthouse keeper's residence in Quirpon, help craft a traditional boat in Winterton, or build a hand-laid rock maze in English Harbour. Fish for cod from a Newfoundland dory in Cox’s Cove or join an archaeological dig near Ferryland. For a trip back in time, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site at L’Anse aux Meadows and experience Viking life as it was over 1,000 years ago.
Nova Scotia brims with vibrant arts and culture. Explore the languages, music, art, and cuisine that define its lively traditions. Along the Cabot Trail, artisans create stunning works in pottery, silver, and glass, while the South Shore boasts handmade pewter, stained glass, and hooked rugs.
Prince Edward Island's cultural tapestry weaves together the stories of Indigenous, French, English, Black, Acadian, Irish, Scottish, Lebanese, and other communities. This diversity shapes its history and continues to evolve, much like the tides that surround the island.
The culture of New Brunswick as felt in its music, foods, language, festivals, and history-is a fascinating mélange influenced by Indigenous, French, British, Irish and Scottish settlers. Be sure to spend time along the eastern shores to discover a captivating "joie de vivre" while being surrounded by Acadian culture.
Hiking and Climbing
Foodies can enjoy foraging and culinary hikes that include traditional boil-ups and picnics, while thrill-seekers can take on bucket-list trails, such as those leading to the most easterly point in North America at Cape Spear or to the summit of an inland fjord at Western Brook Pond.
Walk ancestral trails that predate modern roads or delve into history with fossil and geology hikes. Photography enthusiasts will find plenty of inspiration, from the dramatic cliffs of St. John’s to the scenic Avalon Peninsula. Gros Morne National Park’s spring Trails, Tales, and Tunes walking festival and September’s Roots, Rants & Roars festival in Elliston, featuring hiking and gourmet food stops, are not to be missed.
High Tides and Icebergs
Icebergs drift through Newfoundland and Labrador’s Iceberg Alley from spring to early summer. These massive glacial fragments, often originating from Greenland, are awe-inspiring. April and May offer the peak viewing months, with late May and early June providing the best experiences.
Boat tours, kayaking, and coastal hikes provide up-close views of these icy giants, as well as opportunities to spot whales and seabirds. Or simply admire the icebergs from the rugged coastline as they glide majestically by.
Beaches and Lighthouses
Lighthouses dot the coastline, standing as timeless reminders of Atlantic Canada’s maritime heritage. In New Brunswick, visit the Miscou Island lighthouse for panoramic views or the iconic Swallowtail Lightstation on Grand Manan Island. These historic structures provide scenic backdrops for picnics, kayaking, and birdwatching.
Wherever your journey takes you, Atlantic Canada’s coastal wonders promise unforgettable memories and endless adventures.
In the northwest of Canada where eighty percent of the area
is wilderness, lies the Yukon. With friendly locals, wildlife to observe,
activities to immerse yourself in and fascinating history to explore, this destination makes
for the perfect fly-drive holiday.
Lace up your boots and hit the back country. With trails at your doorstep for exploring, hiking is the best way of seeing the province on a fly drive holiday. There are areas suitable for all levels of hiking, from the congenial leisure walk to the avid hiker. Head to Saskatoon at the Meewasin Valley, this area offers over 105 km of trails across 67 square km of land. It provides year-round adventure and sightseeing opportunities in the heart of beautiful Saskatoon. Benefit from the well-maintained, multi-use pathways to cycle, jog or walk the scenic riverbank trails. Sections of the Meewasin Trail are also part of the Trans Canada Trail which extends almost 24,000 km across Canada from coast to coast. Keen for a challenge? Look at some of the best back country hiking at places like Prince Albert National Park, Lac La Ronge, Meadow Lake- and Narrow Hills Provincial Park in the north or Grasslands National Park and Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park in the south.
With three different water ways and an UNESCO heritage site, Ottawa is the place to explore. Take a trip down the Rideau Canal or explore the ByWard market. Walk along Parliament Hill and through acres of woodland and royal trees planted by dignitaries.
Imagine swimming thousands of miles to find that special someone. Whales complete this every single year, known as a whale migration, to find suitable habitat for feeding and reproducing. In British Columbia, these stunning orcas, also known as killer whales, are a prominent site and seeing them is a once in a lifetime experience. As well as orcas, expect to find humpback whales, grey whales and minke whales. These amazing creatures call BC their home from April to October. When the sun is out the whales come to play. From tail flukes to pectoral slaps, go for a whale watching trip and you can bask in their playful nature and enjoy the sunset with a relaxing drink, perfect for families and solo travellers. You can also go paddleboarding with orcas for a unique perspective from the water to see these magnificent creatures. You must, of course, always keep four hundred metres away from them for their safety and yours.
Welcome to the province of Saskatchewan, Canada – a place of breath-taking landscapes, wide-open spaces and hospitality that is second-to-none. This province is big – 651,900 km2, in fact, and has nearly 100,000 lakes and waterways. Natural beauty is not the only thing this province is known for though. Join us on a culinary journey of Saskatchewan, where food and drink abound, and you will find something good to eat around every corner!
Welcome to the fourth largest province in Canada. With five National Parks and six UNESCO Heritage sites, Alberta is a wonderful and varied place to visit. This blog will explore this great province and expose you to the unique qualities that make this area a location sure to be your next travel destination. A playground for outdoor adventure, popular summer activities include hiking, biking, horse riding, rafting, and fishing. As the seasons change and snow begins to fall, head to Alberta for world-class winter activities including skiing, snowboarding, dogsledding, snowshoeing, heli-skiing, ice climbing and more. From wildlife in the Rockies to Waterton Lakes National Park, and art and culture to explore, Alberta is a wonderland packed with options for every traveller.
Atlantic Canada is famous for its fresh and abundant seafood, from succulent lobster, to scallops, mussels, oysters and cod – but it offers so much more. Dine at a seaside restaurant, take a stroll through a local farmers' market, or take in one of the many culinary festivals. It’s truly a foodie’s paradise.
Here's a round up of a few amazing foodie events and experiences that we thought you might want to try:
Head to Northern Manitoba for a wild and exciting trip. Waterways provide refuge to an abundance of wildlife and the land holds the stories of Indigenous peoples.