Planning a Vacation to Atlantic Canada?
Did You Know? (FAQ)

1 Four distinct provinces — New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island — comprise the region known as Atlantic Canada, the eastern most part of Eastern Canada. All share the same spectacular Atlantic coast (43,000 km of coastline), but each offers its own set of charms, rich local traditions, splendid coastal scenery and adventures. An Eastern Canada vacation to the Atlantic Provinces will prove to be truly diverse and unique!

2 Atlantic Canada is the closest North American vacation destination to Europe. Being the most eastern part of Canada, in just over 6 hours, you can arrive at one of two International airports — Fredericton, New Brunswick, or Halifax, Nova Scotia. It's super easy to get around the region by airplane, ferry or scenic highway.

3 Home to SEVEN National Parks and ONE National Park Reserve. Prince Edward Island National Park in Prince Edward Island and two in each of the other provinces: New Brunswick (Fundy and Kouchibouguac) Newfoundland and Labrador (Gros Morne and Terra Nova) and Nova Scotia (Kejimkujik 'Keji' and Cape Breton Highlands). Newfoundland and Labrador is also home to the newest member of the Canadian National Park family — the Torngat Mountains is a National Park Reserve. Each park offers a completely different vacation experience — hiking, sandy beaches, camping, cycling trails, canoeing, kayaking, and more free space than you can imagine. Tour Operators sell 21-day tours that include a visit to each of the seven National Parks! The Torngat's are for those seeking true back country nature in Labrador! Nowhere in Eastern Canada will you find such a magical blend of land and sea!

4 Home to FOUR UNESCO World Heritage Sites and two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. Gros Morne National Park (20 times older than the Rockies), L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site (the only authenticated Viking site in North America), Old Town Lunenburg, Nova Scotia (over 250 years of heritage preserved) and most recently designated, Joggins Fossil Cliffs in Nova Scotia (fossils reveal life in the Coal Age). The two Biosphere Reserves are the Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve in Nova Scotia and the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick. Both offer unique coastal and inland ecosystems. It is clear that this part of Eastern Canada offers an enriching vacation experience.

5 Proximity to the sea has helped shape the region's character in every way. No matter where you are in this part of eastern Canada, you are not far from the pull of the ocean. Culturally, the region is made up of a diverse mix of Acadian, French, Scottish, Irish, German, African and First Nations people — each with their own customs, legends and legacies which makes for great stories, lively music and delicious cuisine. English is spoken everywhere, Acadian French communities exist in all four provinces (New Brunswick is Canada's only official bilingual province) and you'll find pockets of Gaelic and our native language Mi'kmaq throughout.

Q: Can I tour all of Atlantic Canada in a week?

A: It's best to allow for more time if you want to experience what this region of Eastern Canada offers. The four Atlantic Provinces, although smaller in comparison to other Canadian provinces, make up an area of approx. 539,378 square km with over 43,000 km of coastline. Tour Operators offer lots of exciting 7-day, 14-day and 21-day itineraries but if you only have a week, why not sample one or two of the provinces. That way you can get off the beaten path, find a beach to yourself, climb part of the Appalachian Trail, touch the oldest rock on the planet, tuck into the freshest seafood and dance to your hearts content at a 'ceilidh' (local kitchen party). In other words, experience our relaxing pace of life first hand.

Q: What's the best time to visit Atlantic Canada?

A: The best time for a vacation to Atlantic Canada will depend on what you want to see and do. July and August are the warmest months (daytime highs of 20-30 °C) but also tend to be the busiest given summer holidays. This is the time most people in Atlantic Canada take their vacations. But, 'busy' is relative — busy in Atlantic Canada is a far cry from busy anywhere else! If you are more flexible with your time, the autumn months between September and October can be a spectacular time to visit. We call this period of time ‘Indian Summer’ and with warm daytime temperatures, cooler evenings and less crowds, you'll find it a really enjoyable time to take a vacation. It's also the best time to see the burst of fall colours — mid-September in more Northern areas, late September-October in the southern coastal areas. If you prefer to vacation in late May and June, you'll experience spring, the 'greenest' time to visit. The temperatures are perfect for touring with fewer crowds and longer days to take in all of the many attractions and adventures on offer. All four Atlantic provinces of eastern Canada offer a temperate climate with invigorating sea breezes near the coast — best enjoyed with a sweater on or near at hand. Inland the air may be warmer by 5°C (10°F), and lakes, rivers, woods and farms are pleasantly warm. Temperatures in spring and autumn average a pleasant 10° cooler.

Q: How easy is it to travel around in Atlantic Canada?

A: Vacationing in Atlantic Canada is easier than you think, and travel is simple. A network of primary and secondary highways connect all major centers and provide easy access to the scenic travelways, quaint villages, attractions and outdoor activities that abound throughout the region. Visitors find it easy to drive rental cars and Motorhomes because we don't have a lot of traffic. Modern ferries also connect each of the provinces providing a unique perspective to your tour while regional airports provide quick access around the region or to other areas of Eastern and Western Canada. There is also rail service connecting Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to other parts of Eastern Canada (Quebec, Ontario) and points further west.

Q: When's the best time to visit if I want to go whale watching?

A: The best season to see whales off the Atlantic Coast of Eastern Canada depends on where and when you want to see them. The whale season off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador is between June and early August. The whale season in the Bay of Fundy which is the body of water that is shared between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick is between July and September. The whale season off the coast of Cheticamp on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia is between May and October. You will find seals off the coast of Prince Edward Island during the summer months.

Q: What kinds of whales can you see in Atlantic Canada?

A: Many varieties of whales call the eastern coastline of Atlantic Canada home including Humpbacks, Minke, Pilot, Fin, the rare Right whale as well as other sea mammals including porpoises, dolphins, seals, etc.

Q: When's the best time to visit if I want to see icebergs?

A: Icebergs can only be viewed along the eastern coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, affectionately known as Iceberg Alley. Best time to catch them is between April and July.

Q: Where can I see the World's Highest Tides?

A: The World's Highest Tides can be seen in the Bay of Fundy — the body of water shared between the provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Twice a day, every day, for millions of years, 100 billion tons of water spray, surge and crash against the rocky red cliffs. At their highest, the tides rise to 14 metres, roughly the same height as a four-storey building. Walk on the ocean floor and then six hours later, return to the same spot and kayak around the coast. Both Nova Scotia and New Brunswick offer many spots that you can take advantage of the Bay of Fundy experience. This will truly be a vacation to remember!

For more detailed travel information, visit the Canadian Tourism Commission website.