Atlantic Canada - Key Selling Points

Close Proximity to the UK: Atlantic Canada is closer to Europe than any other part of North America. Travel to the region is easy, with non-stop flights from London to Halifax, Nova Scotia in just six hours.

Coastal Destination: With over 43,000 kilometers of diverse coastline, there's something for every water lover: warm water swimming, boat tours, long walks on uncrowded beaches, nature viewing on a grand scale and hiking high above the arms of the sea.

Whale Watching and Wildlife Experiences: Quality whale watching tours are available in Newfoundland and Labrador, in the Bay of Fundy between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, and off the coast of Grand Manan Island in New Brunswick. Atlantic Canada is also home to dolphins, sharks, seals, millions of seabirds and more.

From land, visitors can spot puffins and other seabirds, moose, black bears, polar bears, deer, caribou and more, all in their natural habitat. All four provinces offer quality wildlife viewing excursions, ideal for nature lovers and photographers.

Fresh Seafood: The freshest oysters, mussels, scallops, clams, crab, halibut and salmon make Atlantic Canada a haven for seafood lovers. Eateries encompass a wide range of culinary experiences, from roadside stands serving simple but so tasty fish & chips to renowned fine-dining restaurants where menus change daily to reflect the day’s best offerings from land and sea.

Festivals: Get ready for a toe-tapping good time, as Atlantic Canadians really know how to throw a party! Notables include:  

- Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival

- Celtic Colours International Music Festival, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

- Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo

- Fall Flavours, Prince Edward Island

- Harvest Music Festival and Acadian Festival in New Brunswick

Urban Experiences: Halifax is the vibrant seaport capital of Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada’s largest city. Stroll Halifax’s waterfront boardwalk past historic sites, museums, shops, restaurants and attractions. Take a city or harbour tour and then enjoy live music in one of many pubs and restaurants.

Outdoor Adventure: For outdoor lovers, Atlantic Canada has the perfect adventure for every comfort level. There are several places to tackle a challenging hike, including the Fundy National Park in New Brunswick, the Skyline Trail in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia and Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland and Labrador. All three areas offer several options ranging from a leisurely stroll to a serious hike. The Confederation Trail offers cyclists and hikers over 435 kilometers of scenic beauty to discover.

There are a total of eight national parks in Atlantic Canada, where holidaymakers can enjoy the natural beauty of the region and participate in sea-kayaking, canoeing, yoga on the beach, biking, of course, warm-water swimming and more. Those interested in RVing will discover many options in the provincial and national parks in the region.

For visitors travelling later in the season, in late September and into October, the temperature is still very comfortable for exploring, and there’s the added bonus of spectacular autumn foliage. The fiery reds and stunning yellows and golds rival those found in New England, but without the crowds.