Routes in the Atlantic Provinces
In the East of Canada, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Labrador and Nova Scotia form the Atlantic Provinces. The coastlines of these states have impressive fjords with steep cliffs and green vegetation. Many boat tours are offered that take you out to sea to spot whales, among other things.
When you travel by motorhome through the beautiful countryside you feel an enormous freedom due to the vast landscapes. It is a relatively sparsely populated area and has only a few large cities. Furthermore, there are many small coastal towns where fishing is one of the main sources of income. Some of these towns have a rich history of French and British influences. There are also many national parks that offer various hiking opportunities and beautiful views of the area and the sea. Several national parks can be found in this part of Canada, for example, the Avalon Peninsula, in the province of Newfoundland, is almost half of a nature reserve and has numerous beautiful hiking trails. To discover the waters around the provinces and its inhabitants, it is advisable to take a boat trip. You will sail along the lush coastline with high rocks one moment and long sandy beaches the next. Chances are you will spot whales and dolphins also like to show themselves during these boat trips. Although it is not a densely populated area, there are some large towns such as Haliflax and St. John's, where there are many cozy bars and restaurants. There are also several villages with harbors that have a rich history and often museums can be found here. Discover it for yourself and travel by motorhome through these beautiful provinces and make the trip of your dreams. We have listed the highlights for you.
Highlights of the Atlantic provinces
Fort Louisbourg
Visit the old fortified town built by the French in the 17th century. The fort stands in the town of Louisbourg and has been officially declared a national historic monument by the Canadian government. You can take a tour around and inside the fort here. There are bilingual guides in period costumes who will take you around the streets of Louisbourg and tell you all about life in Louisbourg around 1740.
Bay of Fundy
In the province of New Brunswick lies Bay of Fundy, one of the area's most popular attractions. The landscapes are shaped by the huge tidal ranges and this makes for beautiful images. If you drive to Hopewell Rocks you will have the best view, but you can also follow one of the many hiking trails and enjoy this impressive natural spectacle. Visit Fundy National Park for waterfalls and one of the area's most famous hiking trails the Dickson Falls Trail. By the way, the bay has the largest whale population in the world, so you're bound to spot one! Also, the bay has the second largest natural whirlpool and this makes for an insane spectacle of wild waves. You can enjoy walking along the bay, and the old fishing villages of St. Andrews and Saint John are great places to rest and enjoy local cuisine.
Cape Breton Island
There are more than 26 hiking trails in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park of varying lengths and difficulty. There is even an annual Hike the Highlands festival where hikers from all over the world come to hike in the park. The island has Celtic influences and this is reflected in the various festivals throughout the year and at the Great Hall of the Clans you can see what it is like to be a true Celt. Also fun to visit is the Big Spruce Brewing where you can sample various organic beers. Or visit the historic St. Peter's Canal which used to be an important thoroughfare for large ships.
Halifax
Halifax is the capital of the province of Nova Scotia and also one of the largest of the Atlantic provinces. The city is beautifully situated on the coast and has a beautiful harbor where you can take a trip on the famous "Theodore Tugboat. A large Maritime Museum can be found with a separate section on the Titanic. From the Victorian era, there are many remaining gardens in the city with rare flowers and beautiful historical statues. You can also enjoy delicious seafood in Halifax, which is common in the area and always served fresh. The area is pleasantly busy compared to other places in Nova Scotia and there is a friendly atmosphere and the locals are only too happy to help point out the great spots of their city. This bustling town is the perfect place to spend summer and winter. In winter, you can ice skate at the Emera Oval and ride huge sleds at Hatfield Farms. The town has a rich history and you can learn all about it at the Canadian Museum of Immigration, Memory Lane Heritage Village and the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History. Throughout the year there are various events such as Food Trucks, Farmers' Markets and other culinary events. If you are staying in Halifax for more than a day, it is fun to visit Yuk Yuk's Comedy Club for a night of good laughs! You can also find excellent restaurants and great shopping in the downtown area.
Lunenberg
Just under a two-hour drive from Halifax is the historic town of Lunenberg. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this town is a remnant of a British colonial settlement. A fishing port, it has a rich history and they own two beautiful historic ships. Visit the Knaut-Rhuland House Museum which gives you a good impression about the architectural style around 1973 in the city. The museum is highly recommended even if you are traveling with children. The guides walk in costumes and the beautiful Victorian architecture will take you back in time.
Charlottetown
Another special attraction is Charlottetown and can be found on Prince Edward Island. The town has a picturesque downtown with beautiful Victorian buildings and small stores. Walk the "Time Travel Tunnel" where you can discover all kinds of news, media and games from Canada's past. The city has a rich history and it is displayed in Founders Hall in the best possible way. Take a look at the historic port of Charlottetown, one of the busiest ports in Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island is home to the Prince Edward National Park. Here you will find vast beaches, dunes and even swampy landscape. Here you can enjoy the wild and rare nature that has plenty of opportunity to grow here since there is no construction. One of the popular tracks to be walked is the Greenwich Dines Trail which changes from dune landscape to forest landscape. The trail is largely a so-called boardwalk so that the fragile nature cannot be encroached upon by tourists.
St. John's
Saint John's is one of Canada's most colorful cities. The capital of Newfoundland is a bustling port city with cozy restaurants and shopping streets. You will find beautiful Victorian churches and old warehouses with the same architecture. Visit the so-called "The Rooms," an exhibition of Newfoundland's long maritime history and its cultural background. You can visit the atrium and it guarantees a great view of St. John's Harbor