Great Ideas for 2012 in Atlantic Canada – December 2011
Yoga on a beach, eyeballing an iceberg, driving one of the world’s great roads, or most dramatic golfing holes, all are in Atlantic Canada. Just a five-hour flight away, the provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island are close enough to be convenient, yet far enough away to be different. Each has its own character, but all offer a warm welcome that bowls over first-time visitors, and each has an experience that can only be filed under ‘unique’. With the Bay of Fundy and Nova Scotia named by Frommer’s as a top 10 worldwide destination in 2012, and Lonely Planet naming the Maritimes as top 10 destination to visit in 2012, Atlantic Canada is tipped as the next must-do trip.
New Brunswick – Yoga in paradise?
Absolutely! Stretch, re-balance and relax in a studio which opens on to a secluded beach, with only seals and sea eagles for an audience. That’s the Kayoga experience on New Brunswick’s Bay of Fundy: a short break that combines paddling a sea kayak with yoga classes, run by a certified and experienced yoga teacher. And note, this is not yoga IN a kayak! As well as enjoying this combination of exercise and relaxation, you explore hidden coves, you may see a whale, and there is a fantastic feel-good factor.
Seascape Kayak Tours www.seascapekayaktours.com
Newfoundland & Labrador – Chew on an iceberg – like Charley Boorman!
It’s easy: take a boat tour to get close to icebergs that float down “Iceberg Alley” off Newfoundland & Labrador each spring and early summer. Just as the TV adventurer did, you can see the monumental floating mountains of ice and hear them crack and split. Spot whales off Labrador’s Battle Harbour, where the Gulf Stream and Labrador Current meet with spectacular pods of black and white orca whales, also known as killer whales. Or explore other parts of the province where 17 different species of whales gather and feed here every year.
Newfoundland & Labrador www.newfoundlandlabrador.com
Nova Scotia – One of the best road trips!
Voted by readers of Travel and Leisure Magazine as one of the ‘Best Islands to Visit in 2011’, Cape Breton Island is famed for its picturesque coastal roads, friendly people and Celtic traditions. The Island is home to one of the world’s best drives, the Cabot Trail. Along its 185 miles are stupendous ocean views, craggy cliffs, the occasional tiny harbour and great opportunities to spot moose, whales and seabirds. Tips: take a whale-watching cruise from Pleasant Bay; stop to hike well-marked paths.
The Cabot Trail www.cabottrail.com
Prince Edward Island – North America’s Golfing Gem
Canada’s No. 1 Golf Destination? ScoreGolf magazine readers voted for idyllic Prince Edward Island. Within 45 minutes of each other are great challenges, including superb links courses. Rated among North America’s top courses are The Links at Crowbush Cove, Dundarave Golf Course and the Brudenell River Golf Course. No wonder PEI was also voted the 2011 Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year. Even better, golfers can be on the beach in minutes and dine out on the freshest lobsters and oysters.
Golf PEI www.golfpei.ca
Air Canada (0871 220 1111 / www.aircanada.com) offers flights from London Heathrow to St. John’s from ₤746.96 per person.
Canadian Affair (020 7616 9933 / www.canadianaffair.com) offers a return flight from London Gatwick to Halifax from £318 per person. 7 day car hire (fully inclusive) starts from £175.
Tour operators that offer package holidays to Atlantic Canada include Frontier Canada, Canadian Affair, Bridge & Wickers and Audley Travel.