Tours & Activities in Atlantic Canada
• A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide for Atlantic Canada, Canada.
Atlantic Canada is home to rocky shorelines, untamed coasts and a wealth of history. The four provinces that make up this intriguing region offer visitors a selection of activities that range from unique festivals and cultural tours to endless outdoor options like motorcycling, canoeing, whale watching and so much more. Both nature lovers and city slickers are sure to find a tour or activity that inspires in this alluring part of Canada.
NEW BRUNSWICK
The only officially bilingual province in Canada, New Brunswick is one of the country's most ethnically, religiously and linguistically diverse provinces. New Brunswick draws in crowds with its continental weather, friendly faces, striking coastline and impressive scenery.
Grab the kids for an adventure-filled day with some exciting and challenging outdoor activities. Rappelling down a 43-m (140-ft) cliff on a rock-climbing tour, skydiving, geo-tubing the Miramichi River and jet-boating around the Bay of Fundy will keep thrill seekers on the edge of their seats.
The athletically inclined can pick from activities that include kayaking, canoeing and golfing at some of Atlantic Canada's top-ranking golf courses. Once the snow starts to fall, downhill skiing—at mountains like Crabbe Mountain and Poley Mountain—becomes a popular activity while those who prefer to slow down and soak up the scenery can book in a day of cross-country skiing at Sugarloaf Provincial Park, which offers over 22 km (14 mi) of trails around Prichard Lake. Snowmobiling is also possible in this provincial park and a great way to explore the landscape.
If this sounds like too much physical exertion, New Brunswick does have less-demanding yet enjoyable options. Visit a sugar shack to see how maple syrup is made and sample this sweet Canadian delicacy, or join a vineyard or winery tour to enjoy regional specialties like organic fruit wines, dessert wines and dry ciders.
NOVA SCOTIA
This scenic and welcoming province provides visitors with a variety of engaging tours and activities to enjoy. Steeped in Scottish tradition, Nova Scotia offers spectacular outdoor and wilderness adventures as well as cultural learning experiences and, above all, its renowned Maritime hospitality.
With 7,600 km (4,759 mi) of coastline, 125 salt and freshwater beaches and such a massive expanse of ocean, it is no surprise that Nova Scotians spend a fair amount of time enjoying the water. Great for families, the province's beaches are sure to bring out the kid in everyone with activities like guided rafting tours, sailing and kayaking. Other water-based activities like fishing, whale-watching and boat tours provide ways to experience the sea and everything in it without wetting one's feet.
Many visitors aren't aware that the icy Nova Scotian waters support a solid surf scene. Consistent year-round waves tempt serious surfers into pulling on a wetsuit and venturing out into the frigid water for that perfect wave. First-timers can take a lesson and rent gear from one of the local surf shops.
Nova Scotia offers visitors more than just ocean-based fun; its rolling hills, steep mountains and 120 provincial parks provide excellent settings for hiking, camping and even birdwatching. Those up for a real physical challenge can join a cycling tour and bike around the Cabot Trail.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Canada's smallest province, in both land and population, welcomes visitors with warmth, lush, green hills and craggy coastlines, providing the perfect environment for numerous outdoor activities.
Being a province completely surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, PEI inspires travellers with prime fishing opportunities as well as a variety of wildlife tours. Book a sailing tour with Marine Adventures and watch the seals from the Murray River or head out on the open ocean with a kayak.
Golf courses are also abundant in PEI—which is home to some renowned courses like The Links at Crowbush Cove and Dundarave—many drawing both golf legends and amateurs to their greens. With PEI being so small, it is quite easy to play a round of golf and still have time for cycling, sightseeing or hiking in the same leisurely day.
NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR
Canada's most eastern province has a historic, rugged and earthy feeling that convinces visitors to explore and learn more about Newfoundland and Labrador.
Over 22 species of whales swim in the water surrounding this province, including humpback, blue and killer whales as well as dolphins and porpoises. To see these majestic beasts up close visitors should schedule whale-watching or boat tours during the summer months. Several of these tour companies also offer birdwatching tours and sightseeing trips that take visitors out over chilly waters to see the icebergs that arrive from the Arctic every spring.
Outdoorsy types will not lack things to do in Newfoundland and Labrador. Hike one of Gros Morne National Park's extensive trails or disappear into Labrador's ancient and unspoiled territory and mingle with the wildlife. Moose, caribou and arctic hares are often spotted in the area. For those who want to reconnect with nature, this province offers diverse camping options on the coast, deep in the woods or close to nearby villages.
The most concentrated population of moose on the planet, one of the world's largest woodland caribou herds and a huge number of black bears as well as two annual hunting seasons will surely convince any hunter that Newfoundland is well worth the trip. And hundreds of rivers and lakes provide boundless opportunities for fishing trips on which to hook a huge variety of fish, from salmon and trout to char and pike.
Winter may not seem like the best time to visit this region but the Northern Lights and a host of enjoyable snow-based activities make the winter season in Newfoundland just as rewarding. On a blanket of white snow, one can ski at Marble Mountain Ski Resort, go snowshoeing or snowmobiling, or perhaps just curl up with a good book in front of a warm fire at a cozy bed and breakfast.
NEW BRUNSWICK
The only officially bilingual province in Canada, New Brunswick is one of the country's most ethnically, religiously and linguistically diverse provinces. New Brunswick draws in crowds with its continental weather, friendly faces, striking coastline and impressive scenery.
Grab the kids for an adventure-filled day with some exciting and challenging outdoor activities. Rappelling down a 43-m (140-ft) cliff on a rock-climbing tour, skydiving, geo-tubing the Miramichi River and jet-boating around the Bay of Fundy will keep thrill seekers on the edge of their seats.
The athletically inclined can pick from activities that include kayaking, canoeing and golfing at some of Atlantic Canada's top-ranking golf courses. Once the snow starts to fall, downhill skiing—at mountains like Crabbe Mountain and Poley Mountain—becomes a popular activity while those who prefer to slow down and soak up the scenery can book in a day of cross-country skiing at Sugarloaf Provincial Park, which offers over 22 km (14 mi) of trails around Prichard Lake. Snowmobiling is also possible in this provincial park and a great way to explore the landscape.
If this sounds like too much physical exertion, New Brunswick does have less-demanding yet enjoyable options. Visit a sugar shack to see how maple syrup is made and sample this sweet Canadian delicacy, or join a vineyard or winery tour to enjoy regional specialties like organic fruit wines, dessert wines and dry ciders.
NOVA SCOTIA
This scenic and welcoming province provides visitors with a variety of engaging tours and activities to enjoy. Steeped in Scottish tradition, Nova Scotia offers spectacular outdoor and wilderness adventures as well as cultural learning experiences and, above all, its renowned Maritime hospitality.
With 7,600 km (4,759 mi) of coastline, 125 salt and freshwater beaches and such a massive expanse of ocean, it is no surprise that Nova Scotians spend a fair amount of time enjoying the water. Great for families, the province's beaches are sure to bring out the kid in everyone with activities like guided rafting tours, sailing and kayaking. Other water-based activities like fishing, whale-watching and boat tours provide ways to experience the sea and everything in it without wetting one's feet.
Many visitors aren't aware that the icy Nova Scotian waters support a solid surf scene. Consistent year-round waves tempt serious surfers into pulling on a wetsuit and venturing out into the frigid water for that perfect wave. First-timers can take a lesson and rent gear from one of the local surf shops.
Nova Scotia offers visitors more than just ocean-based fun; its rolling hills, steep mountains and 120 provincial parks provide excellent settings for hiking, camping and even birdwatching. Those up for a real physical challenge can join a cycling tour and bike around the Cabot Trail.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Canada's smallest province, in both land and population, welcomes visitors with warmth, lush, green hills and craggy coastlines, providing the perfect environment for numerous outdoor activities.
Being a province completely surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, PEI inspires travellers with prime fishing opportunities as well as a variety of wildlife tours. Book a sailing tour with Marine Adventures and watch the seals from the Murray River or head out on the open ocean with a kayak.
Golf courses are also abundant in PEI—which is home to some renowned courses like The Links at Crowbush Cove and Dundarave—many drawing both golf legends and amateurs to their greens. With PEI being so small, it is quite easy to play a round of golf and still have time for cycling, sightseeing or hiking in the same leisurely day.
NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR
Canada's most eastern province has a historic, rugged and earthy feeling that convinces visitors to explore and learn more about Newfoundland and Labrador.
Over 22 species of whales swim in the water surrounding this province, including humpback, blue and killer whales as well as dolphins and porpoises. To see these majestic beasts up close visitors should schedule whale-watching or boat tours during the summer months. Several of these tour companies also offer birdwatching tours and sightseeing trips that take visitors out over chilly waters to see the icebergs that arrive from the Arctic every spring.
Outdoorsy types will not lack things to do in Newfoundland and Labrador. Hike one of Gros Morne National Park's extensive trails or disappear into Labrador's ancient and unspoiled territory and mingle with the wildlife. Moose, caribou and arctic hares are often spotted in the area. For those who want to reconnect with nature, this province offers diverse camping options on the coast, deep in the woods or close to nearby villages.
The most concentrated population of moose on the planet, one of the world's largest woodland caribou herds and a huge number of black bears as well as two annual hunting seasons will surely convince any hunter that Newfoundland is well worth the trip. And hundreds of rivers and lakes provide boundless opportunities for fishing trips on which to hook a huge variety of fish, from salmon and trout to char and pike.
Winter may not seem like the best time to visit this region but the Northern Lights and a host of enjoyable snow-based activities make the winter season in Newfoundland just as rewarding. On a blanket of white snow, one can ski at Marble Mountain Ski Resort, go snowshoeing or snowmobiling, or perhaps just curl up with a good book in front of a warm fire at a cozy bed and breakfast.
Unique Tours
