Gregg Wallace’s Atlantic Canada Holiday
Atlantic Canada is just under six hours flying time from the UK and with fresh food delights and experiences such as digging for clams and trawling for lobster, it’s no surprise that MasterChef judge Gregg Wallace visited New Brunswick and Nova Scotia for a slice of foodie heaven.
Travellers can follow in Gregg’s footsteps next summer, forging their own food trail through Atlantic Canada, using the chef’s itinerary for inspiration.
Nova Scotia
Gregg’s nine-night trip started in Nova Scotia, where he stayed at the Blomidon Inn – an elegantly restored sea-captain’s Victorian mansion, situated in the Annapolis Valley, one of Canada’s up-and-coming wine destinations – before he explored on four wheels through province’s wide, sweeping roads stopping at culinary hotspots along the way.
Some of the highlights of Gregg’s visit to Nova Scotia include Halls Harbour, where diners can gorge on the locally caught lobster while observing the famous Bay of Fundy tides. He joined locals and visitors alike in tucking into their famous ‘lobster in the rough’ dining experience surrounded by empty lobster pots and hungry seagulls knowing that their supper couldn’t get any fresher.
Next up was a visit to Lunenburg a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best place for a spot of scallop shucking with the local fishermen, not to mention trying out the locally brewed vodka at Ironworks Distillery. This dynamic micro-brewery uses local fresh ingredients to create alcoholic taste sensations from Annapolis Valley apple brandy to blueberry or fir bud liqueur.
Beyond the plate, Gregg opted for a side course of adventure with a morning of tidal bore rafting on the Shubenacadie River – the only place in the world where visitors can experience the awesome power of a tidal bore up-close and personal.
New Brunswick
Leaving Nova Scotia behind, Gregg made his way across to neighbouring New Brunswick and visited Hopewell Rocks where the highest tides in the world are visible through stunning rock formations.
As the crustacean is his first love, Gregg headed to Alma Lobster Shop which is owned and run by the MacDonald family who have 55 years of experience in lobster fishing the Bay of Fundy under their belt. Guests are welcomed as friends and can learn the cooking techniques and pick out their own lobster before enjoying a stroll along the beach whilst it’s being prepared.
Gregg spent his final few days in Atlantic Canada in the charming town of St. Andrews by-the-Sea, one of the oldest towns in New Brunswick, brimming with galleries and stately period homes along the waterfront. Following whale watching experience in a 25-foot Zodiac Hurricane vessel, Gregg stayed at the recently renovated The Algonquin Resort, one of the province’s iconic properties which has a spa and 18-hole golf course.
For a sumptuous finale, Gregg dined at a grand summer home, Covenhoven on Ministers Island, with a specially prepared meal by local chef Alex Haun, an experience he described as ‘one of the culinary highlights of my life’.
For those wanting to experience their own culinary delights throughout Atlantic Canada, Cox & Kings (0207 873 5000 www.coxandkings.co.uk) has a similar 11-day / nine-night itinerary priced from £1,895 per person including flights with Air Canada, car hire for 10 days, and accommodation with breakfast daily.
Image: Algonquin Resort, New Brunswick