Atlantic Canada Summer 2019 News
Boasting spectacular landscapes, incredible fresh produce and a plethora of natural wonders, there are plenty of memorable experiences on offer for visitors traveling to Atlantic Canada this summer. From new heli-picnic tours to seafeasts and from the Coldwater Seafood Festival to the annual Blossom Festival, there is something for everyone to enjoy in 2019.
NOVA SCOTIA
New Candlebox Kayaking tour
The Seaside Adventure & Beachside Feast tour is set to launch this year at Kejimkujik National Park Seaside. Guests on this new tour will hike to one of Nova Scotia’s most beautiful white sand beaches to enjoy the natural landscape before kayaking to another stunning beach for a lobster roll picnic. Guests will then return to the luxurious Quarterdeck Beachside Villa’s for a seafood feast and an overnight stay overlooking the beach.
https://www.novascotia.com/packages/experiences/seaside-adventure-beachside-feast/204975
New Helipicnic Island Escape tour with Vision Air Surfaces
Feel the thrill of a helicopter tour from Halifax’s urban core to Sambro Island, located about 6 km off the coast of Nova Scotia. Touchdown and explore this stunning and rugged island by foot and discover the oldest operating lighthouse in North America. The tour also includes sommelier-led wine tastings with local delicacies.
https://www.novascotia.com/packages/experiences/heli-picnic-island-escape/205001
New Lunenburg Disilled: A Culinary Adventure tour with Lunenburg Walking Tours
This summer, visitors can experience the colourful waterfront of Old Town Lunenburg’s UNESCO World Heritage Site by boat and foot and discover distiller insights, sample award-winning rum, and enjoy an exclusive gourmet dinner on deck of the schooner Theresa E Connor.
https://www.novascotia.com/packages/experiences/lunenburg-distilled-a-culinary-adventure/204976
Lightkeper’s Seafeast at The Keeper’s Kitchen at Cape Forchu Lighthouse
This year, the lighthouse is offering an experience in which guests can hear local stories and local Acadian music while sampling seafood and toasting Nova Scotia wines on a boat tour of the Yarmouth waterfront. After arriving at Cape Forchu Lighthouse guests can take in the awe-inspiring sunset lobster feast under the stars.
https://www.novascotia.com/packages/experiences/lightkeepers-seafeast/205049
New Gourmet Seaside Resort Getaway at Fox Harb’r Resort
Guests on this tour will savour local flavours and coastal views at Nova Scotia’s only 5-star resort. This two-night, chef-hosted foodie adventure showcases locally sourced ingredients at each exclusive dining location, from a raw bar on a private beach to a gourmet dinner nestled in a vineyard, and a seafood feast beside a lighthouse.
New Avondale Sky Wine Lab Adventure with Avondale Sky’s winemaker
This experience is perfect for any wine lover. Guests will have the opportunity to sample Nova Scotia’s exclusive Tidal Bay wine before touring the vineyard. The tour also includes a peak behind the scenes where visitors can create their own signature blend. The tour comes to a close with a gourmet dinner with each dish carefully paired with Tidal Bay.
Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival 29 May – 3 June
The festival annually opens Nova Scotia’s tourist season at the end of May and enjoys both national and international recognition. From its creation in 1933 as a tribute to the blossoms of the many apple orchards, traditions and agricultural heritage of the Annapolis Valley, the Festival has grown to be a yearly homecoming for families and friends. Most of the events taking place throughout the festival are free to the public and include the opening ceremonies, fireworks, and the Grand Street Parade Blossom Brew Night.
Cold Waters Seafood Festival 1 – 3 June
The cold clear waters of the Eastern Shore yield some of the best seafood in the province. This is the chance to sample it at its freshest – clams, mussels, lobsters and fresh fish along with traditional heritage foods such as Solomon Gundy, Seafood Chowder, and Fishcakes and Beans. There will also be some non-traditional items like locally brewed oyster stout. Family activities include paint-your-own-buoy, dory rides, and a fun photo boat booth.
http://coldwatersfestival.ca/home/index.php/coldwaters/
Sherbrooke Village Old Fashioned Christmas 22 – 30 November 2019
This annual event features an opening night tree lighting, candle light procession, fireworks and entertainment. Over the following two weekends visitors can enjoy Christmas craft sales and workshops, entertainment, festive dining and lantern tours, visits to “Whoville”, Ultimate Santa Race, Victorian teas, children’s Christmas Tea with Storytime, closing night parade and more, making it a must-visit for anyone visiting Nova Scotia during the festive period.
https://oldfashionedchristmas.sherbrookevillage.ca/
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Forest Bathing with Treetop Haven
Visitors to Prince Edwards Island this year can have a truly unique experience with a trip to Treetop Haven and visit one of the designated forest bathing trails. The trip consists of visiting a forest for relaxation and recreation while breathing in substances called phytoncides. Forest bathing is known for helping people to de-stress, improve mood and cognition and calm the nervous system. Massage therapists and yoga instructors are also available to enhance the experience.
http://treetophaven.ca/forest-bathing/
The Guardian Gold Cup & Saucer – August
The fastest horses and the best drivers in all of Eastern Canada converge at the Red Shores for 15 racing programs in nine days. The Gold Cup & Saucer dates back to the early 1960’s and has become known as one of the most prestigious races in harness racing. This year marks the 60th anniversary so it’s not to be missed! At two minutes to midnight, the famous call to the post is heard and the horses and drivers get ready to compete in one of the best shows in racing.
The PEI Setting Day Culinary Festival 10 – 12 May
Visitors to this festival will celebrate the first catch of the season and taste the freshest seafood of the year. Ceilidh on the Wharf, Lobster Feast, Award Winning Concerts and Boat Tours all feature among an array of exciting entertainment.
NEW BRUNSWICK
Visit the Fils du Roy Distillery
The Fils du Roy is New Brunswick’s first Acadian distillery and has won numerous accolades including gold medals in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition as well as the International Spirit Challenge in London. The distillery has developed internationally renowned spirits and beers which visitors can try during a tour. From Absinthe and gin to ales and ice beer, this family-run distillery offers something for everyone to try. The distillery prides itself on producing excellent quality spirits at an affordable price.
http://distilleriefilsduroy.com/en/
The Algonquin Celebrates 130 Year Anniversary
Since opening its doors to guests on the 28th June 1889, New Brunswick’s Algonquin Resort has welcomed royalty, Prime Ministers and even Stephen King, who visited the hotel for inspiration when writing the novel, The Shining. Celebrating its 130th anniversary this year, the historic Algonquin Resort remains an ideal base to explore the delightful coastal town of Saint Andrews, discover the rich marine life of the Bay of Fundy, or to just unwind and enjoy the cooling breezes of the Passamaquoddy Bay. With history in every corner and the legacy of its illustrious guests apparent from the warm welcome from staff, there are few better places for a memorable stay in one of the region’s favourite coastal towns.
Eat Like a Local
Celebrate New Brunswick’s authentic culture and cuisine with NBexplorer’s new high-quality experiences. Food enthusiasts can shadow local chefs and learn how to create New Brunswick’s culinary delicacies whilst discovering the fascinating seafood varieties found on the shores of Northumberland Strait. If they really want to live like a local, guests can shuck their own local oysters and enjoy them with a picnic on the beach.
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
Salt of the Earth experience at Fogo Island Inn – 3-5 May
May on Fogo Island is crisp, cool and drowning in sunlight and this experience allows guests at the Fogo Island Inn to enjoy a physical and sensory exploration of the stunning island landscape. Guests will learn how to identify plants, seaweeds and fungi whilst the guides share local folklore and demonstrate traditional practices along the way.
Forage and Fire experience at Fogo Island inn – 29 November – 1 December
This experience in late fall will see guests learning old cooking customs and preservation skills. The group will scavenge for the last of the edible treasures on the island under expert guidance whilst exploring aspects of the island that few visitors get to experience.
Experience Iceberg Alley at Newfoundland and Labrador’s Quirpon Lighthouse Inn
Located on the shores of the province’s famous ‘iceberg alley’, the Inn is one of the best places in the world for viewing icebergs as they are carried south on the Labrador Current. Its location at the tip of Newfoundland means that a good year can see the last melting iceberg as late as autumn! The island is also a popular feeding spot for numerous marine animals, with whales a frequent sight. Featuring a heated, indoor whale-watching station on site, there are few better places to watch for Humpback, Minke and more than 20 other species of marine mammal – with the inn even delivering refreshments if you don’t want to tear yourself away!
https://www.linkumtours.com/quirpon-lighthouse-inn/
Terra Nova’s Unique Treehouses
For an unusual place to hit the hay, guests can try one of the new Oasis accommodations in Terra Nova National Park. The water-drop shaped tree houses sit on stilts with a glass roof allowing guests to get up close with mother nature with an unimpeded view of the galaxy. With fantastic stargazing spots in the park, the tree houses sleep two adults and two children, which makes for an exciting sleeping spot for all the family.