Shopping in Atlantic Canada
• A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide for Atlantic Canada, Canada.
Comprised of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador, Atlantic Canada is a region characterized by a distinctive east-coast culture, replete with intimate connections to the land, the sea and a vibrant historical past. Each province offers its own unique blend of the old and the new, combining tradition with modernity to create destinations of world-class calibre. Awe-inspiring scenery, quaint towns and villages, bustling urban centres, natural wonders and first-rate attractions, tours and culinary experiences await visitors, who are sure to delight in the down-home hospitality that exemplifies the region.
Those seeking a retail therapy fix will not be disappointed; shopping opportunities range from charming, road-side antique shops to full-service shopping centres showcasing the latest fashions from around the globe. Unique regional products, one-of-a-kind artisan-produced crafts and local food delicacies are specialties at shops, markets and boutiques around the region, ideal for those looking to honour an Atlantic Canada sojourn. The shopping experiences are as diverse as the landscapes, so let the retail journey begin.
NEW BRUNSWICK
Considered the commercial hub of New Brunswick, the Moncton and Dieppe area offers retail therapy at its best; big-box stores, specialty boutiques, outlet centres and the province's largest shopping complex, Champlain Mall, are all located in the busy and booming municipality, making a day of browsing and purchasing a cinch. The capital city of Fredericton is also noted for its shopping experiences, which range from comprehensive shopping malls to quaint downtown boutiques showcasing artisan jewellery, floral creations, regionally made home accents and gear for sporting enthusiasts. The port city of Saint John also offers its own distinct shopping opportunities, including harbour-front and uptown shopping districts, neighbourhood plazas and big-box retail outlets that cater to any need. The smaller cities of Miramichi, Bathurst and Campbellton, located in the northern sector of the province, each offer their own unique brand of shopping in malls and quaint town centres.
NOVA SCOTIA
Synonymous with the sea and the seafaring way of life, Nova Scotia is known for its creative communities, which find inspiration in the province's distinctive and magical seashore heritage. In the smaller towns and villages that dot the landscapes and shorelines, specialty boutiques and artisan studios are plentiful and provide intimate shopping experiences sure to remain in the hearts and minds of visitors. A few standouts offer definitive authenticity when it comes to retail experiences, including Wolfville in the picturesque Annapolis Valley and the charming and romantic bay-side village of Mahone Bay, where a compact street-scape filled with unique shops and studios awaits the most discerning shoppers. The majestic isle of Cape Breton also showcases local talent at a variety of artisan-run shops and cooperatives, including stops in Baddeck, St. Peter's and Cheticamp.
The larger urban centres of Halifax and Sydney provide more comprehensive shopping experiences, including large-scale shopping centres, national and international retailers and upscale boutiques, that draw visitors from near and far.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Stunning red sand, sweeping coastal vistas, long, sandy beaches, delicious seafood, pretty villages and a quirky and fictitious red-haired character by the name of Anne of Green Gables have put Prince Edward Island on the map the world over. The island's unique physical and cultural elements have shaped a creative atmosphere infused with tradition and history, all well-reflected in the shopping experiences available. Small villages like Victoria, Kensington and Montague all have a special appeal for their charm and profusion of antique shops, artisan studios and keepsake stores, where visitors can peruse hand-stitched quilts, sea-inspired pottery, woodcraft, folk art and organic goods produced from the local earth.
Charlottetown and Summerside are good choices for those seeking a more complete shopping experience; in both centres, big-box stores, malls and specialty boutiques form the retail landscape. Sitting at the entry point to the island at the base of Confederation Bridge, Borden-Carleton features the Gateway Village shopping area, complete with souvenir boutiques, island-made arts and crafts and confection shops.
NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR
Craftsmanship and the arts are a way of life for many Newfoundlanders and Labradoreans and this is highly evident in the shopping landscape across the province. A 500-year-old history has created the backdrop to unique shopping destinations, where one can find hand-knit wool apparel, Beothuk First Nations art, Labrador soap stone mementos, unique pottery, Celtic-inspired products and local favourites like home-made partridgeberry jam. North America's oldest city, St. John's is at the cultural and commercial core of the province, offering a wide range of shops to choose from. A stroll down historic Water Street is sure to uncover a hidden treasure, while full-service shopping malls, neighbourhood retail centres, big-box stores and specialty shops provide the basics and beyond. Other notable commercial centres, including Corner Brook, Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor, offer small-town amenities and local specialties sure to satisfy shopping urges while touring the area. Gift shops are plentiful across the province, usually available in the small coastal and inland communities that dot the landscape.
A TASTE OF LOCAL FLAVOURS & CULTURE
Seasonal markets are a common thread throughout the Atlantic region, serving as a platform for showcasing locally produced handicrafts, foods and specialties unique to the area. Live entertainment, direct access to local artisans and opportunities for sampling local delicacies are just a few of the highlights of visiting markets, which support the local economy by creating a sustainable retail experience that benefits both the vendor and shopper. These markets are typically open late spring to late fall, usually held once a week. In larger centres across the provinces, some markets are open year round and offer extended hours, making local products more readily available to off-season visitors. Notable destinations include the Hubbards Market on Nova Scotia's south shore, the history-filled Saint John City Market in New Brunswick, the year-round marketplace in Charlottetown and the seasonally run St. John's Farmers' Market.
Those seeking a retail therapy fix will not be disappointed; shopping opportunities range from charming, road-side antique shops to full-service shopping centres showcasing the latest fashions from around the globe. Unique regional products, one-of-a-kind artisan-produced crafts and local food delicacies are specialties at shops, markets and boutiques around the region, ideal for those looking to honour an Atlantic Canada sojourn. The shopping experiences are as diverse as the landscapes, so let the retail journey begin.
NEW BRUNSWICK
Considered the commercial hub of New Brunswick, the Moncton and Dieppe area offers retail therapy at its best; big-box stores, specialty boutiques, outlet centres and the province's largest shopping complex, Champlain Mall, are all located in the busy and booming municipality, making a day of browsing and purchasing a cinch. The capital city of Fredericton is also noted for its shopping experiences, which range from comprehensive shopping malls to quaint downtown boutiques showcasing artisan jewellery, floral creations, regionally made home accents and gear for sporting enthusiasts. The port city of Saint John also offers its own distinct shopping opportunities, including harbour-front and uptown shopping districts, neighbourhood plazas and big-box retail outlets that cater to any need. The smaller cities of Miramichi, Bathurst and Campbellton, located in the northern sector of the province, each offer their own unique brand of shopping in malls and quaint town centres.
NOVA SCOTIA
Synonymous with the sea and the seafaring way of life, Nova Scotia is known for its creative communities, which find inspiration in the province's distinctive and magical seashore heritage. In the smaller towns and villages that dot the landscapes and shorelines, specialty boutiques and artisan studios are plentiful and provide intimate shopping experiences sure to remain in the hearts and minds of visitors. A few standouts offer definitive authenticity when it comes to retail experiences, including Wolfville in the picturesque Annapolis Valley and the charming and romantic bay-side village of Mahone Bay, where a compact street-scape filled with unique shops and studios awaits the most discerning shoppers. The majestic isle of Cape Breton also showcases local talent at a variety of artisan-run shops and cooperatives, including stops in Baddeck, St. Peter's and Cheticamp.
The larger urban centres of Halifax and Sydney provide more comprehensive shopping experiences, including large-scale shopping centres, national and international retailers and upscale boutiques, that draw visitors from near and far.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Stunning red sand, sweeping coastal vistas, long, sandy beaches, delicious seafood, pretty villages and a quirky and fictitious red-haired character by the name of Anne of Green Gables have put Prince Edward Island on the map the world over. The island's unique physical and cultural elements have shaped a creative atmosphere infused with tradition and history, all well-reflected in the shopping experiences available. Small villages like Victoria, Kensington and Montague all have a special appeal for their charm and profusion of antique shops, artisan studios and keepsake stores, where visitors can peruse hand-stitched quilts, sea-inspired pottery, woodcraft, folk art and organic goods produced from the local earth.
Charlottetown and Summerside are good choices for those seeking a more complete shopping experience; in both centres, big-box stores, malls and specialty boutiques form the retail landscape. Sitting at the entry point to the island at the base of Confederation Bridge, Borden-Carleton features the Gateway Village shopping area, complete with souvenir boutiques, island-made arts and crafts and confection shops.
NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR
Craftsmanship and the arts are a way of life for many Newfoundlanders and Labradoreans and this is highly evident in the shopping landscape across the province. A 500-year-old history has created the backdrop to unique shopping destinations, where one can find hand-knit wool apparel, Beothuk First Nations art, Labrador soap stone mementos, unique pottery, Celtic-inspired products and local favourites like home-made partridgeberry jam. North America's oldest city, St. John's is at the cultural and commercial core of the province, offering a wide range of shops to choose from. A stroll down historic Water Street is sure to uncover a hidden treasure, while full-service shopping malls, neighbourhood retail centres, big-box stores and specialty shops provide the basics and beyond. Other notable commercial centres, including Corner Brook, Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor, offer small-town amenities and local specialties sure to satisfy shopping urges while touring the area. Gift shops are plentiful across the province, usually available in the small coastal and inland communities that dot the landscape.
A TASTE OF LOCAL FLAVOURS & CULTURE
Seasonal markets are a common thread throughout the Atlantic region, serving as a platform for showcasing locally produced handicrafts, foods and specialties unique to the area. Live entertainment, direct access to local artisans and opportunities for sampling local delicacies are just a few of the highlights of visiting markets, which support the local economy by creating a sustainable retail experience that benefits both the vendor and shopper. These markets are typically open late spring to late fall, usually held once a week. In larger centres across the provinces, some markets are open year round and offer extended hours, making local products more readily available to off-season visitors. Notable destinations include the Hubbards Market on Nova Scotia's south shore, the history-filled Saint John City Market in New Brunswick, the year-round marketplace in Charlottetown and the seasonally run St. John's Farmers' Market.
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