Take a Film Critic’s Tour of Atlantic Canada
This summer, travellers looking to tread in the footsteps of film crews inspired by the dramatic, sweeping landscapes and interesting heritage of Atlantic Canada can watch a variety of films that are set in the four provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
Titanic, Anne of Green Gables and the newly released The Book of Negroes have all been shot on location in the region, so travellers can watch the films and then spot significant landmarks from the area.
New Brunswick
Still Mine (2012) depicts an elderly couple fighting against local authorities in rural New Brunswick to build their house. Set in St. Martins, the film’s Craig and Irene Morrison showcase a region that is well worth fighting for – from its friendly people to quaint farming and seaside villages, each with their own distinct character.
For film buffs who prefer the classics, the popular 1986 film Children of a Lesser God was filmed in and around Saint John, New Brunswick.*
Newfoundland and Labrador
Kevin Spacey, Julianne Moore, Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett fans may want to recreate the scenes from The Shipping News (2001), which was adapted from the Pulitzer prize-winning novel by E Annie Proulx and perfectly captures the rugged coastline of Newfoundland. The township New Bonaventure in the Trinity Bright area is actually the story’s fictional town of Killick-Claw, where in reality travellers can expect exceptional bird-watching, hiking and plenty of cosy accommodation options to read the book. It was also used as the set for the TV mini-series Random Passage.
A comedy starring Brendan Gleeson, The Grand Seduction (2013), tells the story of a dying fishing village that must convince a young doctor to take up residency, by any means necessary. The film is set in St. John’s and Trinity Bay, which are renowned for mouth-watering lobster, cod, halibut and trout, as well as outstanding dining experiences at award-winning establishments such as Raymonds Restaurant in St. John’s.
Nova Scotia
David Cameron’s Oscar-winning film Titanic (1997) utilised the spectacular coastal regions of Nova Scotia to recreate this tragic story. In reality, the region played a significant contribution to true events of the sinking of the Titanic. Halifax-based cable ships Mackay-Bennett and Minia were in fact the first two vessels to collect bodies from the wreckage – 323 in total. Today, visitors can find many reminders of the tragedy throughout Nova Scotia, from the 150 gravestones in the city graveyard to fragments of the vessel and original collections of photos and documents in the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
The award-winning novel from Canadian writer Lawrence Hill, The Book of Negroes, has recently been adapted for Canadian television and follows the story of a young African woman who escapes across the east coast of America to an isolated region of Nova Scotia where she struggles against the elements. Nova Scotia’s beautiful terrain can also be experienced in comfortable 4 or 5 star accommodations and through adventure activities such as rafting, surfing and horseback riding.
Prince Edward Island
A childhood favourite, Anne of Green Gables, was set among lush grassy fields and secret forest trails on Prince Edward Island. Throughout summer, travellers can still take in the best of the Island’s natural beauty and visit the living museum dedicated to L. M. Montgomery’s fictional tale.
The Ballad of Jack and Rose (2005), which stars Daniel Day-Lewis and Camille Belle in a coming-of-age story, was filmed in Rock Barra on Prince Edward Island.
Ghost Cat (2003) was also filmed on the Island and was one of Oscar-nominated actress Ellen Page’s first films. Ellen, who has won more than 25 awards for her acting to date, was actually born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The film was based on a novel by Beverly Butler and is a PG-rated family film.
For those wanting to recreate their favourite scenes or experience film-worthy views throughout Atlantic Canada, please visit the tour operator section of the site: http://bft.qhd.mybluehost.me/contact-a-tour-operator
* New Brunswick is also the setting for Dominion, a film about Thomas Dylan’s life, shot in Rothesay and Saint John and starring Rhys Ifans and John Malkovich, due to launch in 2015.