Atlantic Canada: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, and Labrador! If you’re from New England, Atlantic Canada is your beautiful neighbor, and you just have to visit her.
In January, I was over Coronavirus controlling my life and naturally decided to move to Nova Scotia. Although I’m in a tiny town called Antigonish, with the closest city being 2 hours away, I’ve felt more free and alive than I have for around a year. I understand the desire to go to Quebec City, Montreal, or even Niagara Falls when planning a trip to Canada from New England. They all seem (and are) very exciting places to visit. The idea of going to Nova Scotia might not have crossed your mind before, but I’m here today to plant seeds for when it’s safe to travel! Each of these locations is also loaded with cultural history, from the First Nations people and the Celtic immigrants, and I’m really excited to share my time in Atlantic Canada with all of you.
Bay of Fundy
The Bay of Fundy is one of Canada’s natural wonders, and one of the 7 Wonders of North America, located between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. If you’re looking for a nice day spent in nature, this is your place. This area is absolutely gorgeous, and whether you’re walking through the Hopewell rocks at low tide, or searching for fossils at the Cliffs of Fundy, I guarantee you’ll have a great time. (1)
Halifax
Halifax is the perfect getaway scene from the nature-filled scenery that covers most of Atlantic Canada. This port city is probably the best place for a day of walking and shopping and a night of bar hopping. The drinking age here is 19, so you don’t need to be 21 to get lit! Halifax is honestly a great place to just roam around, but if that isn’t your thing, there is also blacklight mini-golfing, go-karting, and laser tag. Also, the sushi is fantastic. No matter your interests, there’s bound to be something for you at Halifax.
Prince Edward Island
PEI is known for its super long bridge, red sand beaches, and is the place where Anne of Green Gables is set. If you’ve ever been a fan of the book or TV series Anne of Green Gables, Prince Edward Island holds a world of fun for you. Green Gables Heritage Place is a popular destination on the island because it was the inspiration for many of L.M. Montgomery’s settings within her stories. There are also museums and tours offered to help fans immerse themselves in the story. (2)
Cape Breton
I 1000% believe that Cape Breton itself is worth the trip up to Atlantic Canada. The views from the Cabot Trail, a road along the edge of Cape Breton are breathtaking, and the Skyline Trail (one of the many hikes on the island) is one of the most unique and beautiful hikes I have ever been on. This is worth seeing in every season, but I recently visited in the wintertime and was met with icicle-decorated pine trees and magnificent views of mountains and an ice-capped ocean scape. Cape Breton is also the home to many small stores selling all sorts of crafts — I even got a bracelet from a leather craftsman! This place was worth the whole trip… Cape Breton is my top recommendation of places to visit in Atlantic Canada. (3)
I really wish I could show you how amazing these places are, but I guess you’ll just have to see for yourself!