Unplanned Adventures in Atlantic Canada
Inspired by the BBC series Race Across the World, which saw the third series finish in Atlantic Canada, the region invites travellers to indulge in the art of slow travel. The provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island promise not just a holiday, but incredible discoveries and memorable moments.
Here are our top tips for taking the slow road through the four Atlantic Canadian provinces:
Leg 1: Newfoundland & Labrador
Start your journey in the most easterly provincial capital, St. John’s, now easily accessible with direct flights from London Gatwick, in under six hours. Don’t miss Jellybean Row, where guests can photograph the stunning row of brightly coloured houses, a truly iconic spot in Newfoundland and Labrador. Then, head to Quidi Vidi Village, a quaint fishing community with charming, colourful buildings and a scenic harbour, perfect for vibrant, picturesque shots.
Next, travel around the Avalon Peninsula for dramatic seascapes and abundant wildlife. Visit Cape Spear, the easternmost point in North America, offering stunning ocean views and the historic Cape Spear Lighthouse. At Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, snap incredible shots of impressive seabird colonies, including puffins and kittiwakes, ideal for wildlife photography. The scenic Ferryland Lighthouse is another must-visit spot, where guests can enjoy a picnic while photographing the rugged coastline and lighthouse. Then, head to the Bonavista Peninsula for a mix of historic sites and scenic beauty.
Leg 2: Prince Edward Island
Begin the journey in Charlottetown, the heart of PEI, where visitors can capture the vibrant, historic streets of the city. The majestic St. Dunstan’s Basilica offers a stunning backdrop for architectural photography, especially during the golden hour. Travel a short distance to Victoria Row, filled with charming shops and cafes, perfect for street photography. Here, quaint shops including galleries make the perfect Instagrammable stop.
Visit Island Chocolates located in Victoria by the Sea, a historic fishing village that’s been revitalized by the many artists and creative people who call it home, to taste some handmade delights at this family fun establishment and pick up a souvenir for home.
Then, journey to Cavendish Beach which provides views of dramatic red sandstone cliffs, with sunrise or sunset creating magical lighting for coastal shots. A 15-minute drive away, head to the Anne of Green Gables Museum, in the house where the author Lucy Maud Montgomery grew up and called ‘the wonder castle of my childhood’. Still in the possession of her family, see the grounds and the Lake of Shining Waters in person. This stunning site is perfect for a slow travel experience, in the relaxing landscapes of Prince Edward Island.
Prince Edward Island National Park offers endless photography opportunities with its beaches, trails, and wildlife. In Rustico Harbour, experience the picturesque fishing village with its colourful boats and serene coastal views. Explore the South Shore, known for its charming lighthouses and coastal scenery.
Leg 3: Nova Scotia Journey along the world-renowned Cabot Trail, a scenic loop around Cape Breton Island and a treasure trove of breathtaking views. On the Skyline Trail, walk across the boardwalk leading to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, which is especially scenic at sunrise or sunset. In Cape Breton Highlands National Park, the rich wildlife and natural beauty offer endless opportunities for stunning landscape and wildlife shots.
No trip to Nova Scotia is complete without visiting Peggy’s Cove, where the Peggy’s Point Lighthouse, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world, is perfect for both sunrise and sunset photography. The rugged, rocky shoreline provides excellent opportunities for long-exposure shots of waves crashing against the rocks.
Head down to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lunenburg to see the vibrant, well-preserved 18th-century architecture of Old Town Lunenburg, with its colourful buildings and narrow streets perfect for architectural photography. The bustling harbour of the Lunenburg Waterfront, with its fishing boats and classic maritime scenery, offers endless photo opportunities.
End the road trip at the world’s highest tides at the Bay of Fundy, a true marvel for photographers. Journey through Kejimkujik National Park to get there, where the Dark Sky Preserve allows for capturing the Milky Way and star trails in one of North America’s darkest skies, offering a tranquil setting for landscape photography.
Leg 4: New Brunswick Head to the vibrant city of Saint John, Canada’s oldest incorporated city and the only city on the Bay of Fundy. Known for its historic and coastal charm, this cruise ship port is a place where visitors can experience the dramatic tidal phenomenon at Reversing Falls Rapids, where the powerful Bay of Fundy pushes the Saint John River in the opposite direction. Saint John is the “City of Firsts” – visit Canada’s oldest farmers market bustling with colourful scenes of local produce, ideal for vibrant street photography.
Next head to St. Martins, a quaint fishing village on the Bay of Fundy known for its picturesque sea caves and sea cliffs. Then continue to the Fundy Trail Provincial Park which boasts many stunning views of the rugged Bay of Fundy coastline along with beaches, waterfalls, hiking trails and countless beautiful picnic areas.
Next stop is Fundy National Park, a haven for nature photographers, and then drive down the coast to the famous flowerpot rocks at Hopewell Rocks, which is best experienced at low tide when visitors can walk on the ocean floor. At the opposite end of the Bay of Fundy, visitors can soak in the coastal beauty and charm of New Brunswick at Saint Andrews, while walking the historic streets and enjoying activities such as whale watching. Readers Digest once dubbed Saint Andrews “Canada’s cutest town.”