Canada As You Like It Blog
Bay to Bay Adventures
Atlantic Canada, located on the east coast of Canada, comprises four provinces: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. The region offers a wealth of outdoor experiences, from wildlife encounters to exhilarating water adventures, making it a must-visit destination. Spectacular wildlife, including puffins and numerous species of migratory whales, adds to the allure, while the icebergs of Newfoundland and Labrador and tidal bore rafting on Nova Scotia’s side of the Bay of Fundy provide unforgettable experiences. Prince Edward Island offers first-class trails and stunning red sand cliffs. It truly is a paradise, no matter how you choose to explore it. In New Brunswick, take in views that will take your breath away. Hike through beautiful landscapes, or paddle or cycle your way across the province. With ocean views, forests, and the Appalachian Mountains, there is no shortage of things to do.

Hiking

Tidal Bore Rafting and Kayaking
Atlantic Canada’s waterways provide thrilling adventures for paddlers and rafters alike. Kayak along the Charlottetown area and Red Sands Shore, exploring scenic coastlines, historic sites, colourful fields, and lighthouses on Prince Edward Island. The Exploits River in Newfoundland and Labrador caters to both beginners and experienced rafters, with guides assisting you through rapids before a relaxing swim and picnic on a rock island. Tidal bore rafting on the Shubenacadie River in Nova Scotia offers a unique adrenaline rush as waves rise to four metres, powered by the world’s highest tides in the Bay of Fundy. In New Brunswick, paddle with Bay of Fundy Adventures past charming covered bridges and colourful fishing boats of St. Martins’ harbour. Explore sea caves, and marvel at the dramatic coastline.

Whale Watching
Atlantic Canada is a prime destination for whale watchers, with peak season running from June to August. Nutrient-rich waters in the Bay of Fundy attract a variety of species, while the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island offers sightings of minke, pilot, and humpback whales against dramatic coastal scenery. Newfoundland and Labrador hosts the world’s largest population of humpbacks from May to September, best experienced by sea kayak or boat around Bay Bulls and Witless Bay. Get out on the water in New Brunswick to spot whales, dolphins, and other marine life such as sunfish, seals, and puffins in Saint Andrews, Grand Manan Island, Deer Island and Campobello Island. You pick the vessel – opportunities in a catamaran, zodiac, tall ship or kayak are available to witness these beautiful gentle giants.

Iceberg Viewing
Newfoundland and Labrador is home to some of the world’s finest iceberg-viewing opportunities. During spring and summer, ten-thousand-year-old glacial giants drift along the northern and eastern coasts, with striking colours and forms. Most originate from western Greenland, with the remainder from Canada’s Arctic. Iceberg Alley stretches from the coast of Labrador to Newfoundland’s southeast coast, with popular viewing spots including St Lewis, Battle Harbour, Red Bay, Twillingate, Fogo Island, Bonavista, St John’s, and Bay Bulls. Accessible by road, these sites offer the longest viewing season in the north, with late May and early June typically ideal once the sea ice has cleared.

Coastal Golf
Golfers will find paradise along Atlantic Canada’s coast, where more than three hundred courses are set against stunning seascapes and rolling countryside. From Canada’s first true links course, Cabot Links, and its sister course, Cabot Cliffs, rated number one in the country, to the modern seacoast layout of Fox Harb’r Resort, Nova Scotia welcomes the world to experience exceptional golf for every level of player. Those seeking dramatic tee-offs with the chance to spot local wildlife will find challenge and beauty at Gander Golf Club and Twin Rivers at Terra Nova Resort in Newfoundland and Labrador, where fairways are framed by forests, rivers, and rugged natural scenery. Courses across the region cater to both beginners and seasoned golfers, offering a perfect blend of sport and spectacular views. For over a century, the Algonquin Golf Course in Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, has stood among Canada’s seaside golfing greats. Recently redesigned to showcase the natural beauty of Passamaquoddy Bay and the Bay of Fundy, it offers an unforgettable golfing experience surrounded by breath taking ocean vistas. On Prince Edward Island, try your hand at Crowbush Cove. Overlooking the north shore dunes, this renowned course continues to captivate all who take on the challenge of conquering one of North America’s finest.

Cycling and Mountain Biking
Cyclists and mountain bikers can enjoy a wide variety of trails across the region. The Confederation Trail on Prince Edward Island offers smooth rides through rolling hills, lush farmland, and scenic coastal views. Sugarloaf Bike Park features thirty kilometres of trails with berms and jumps suitable for riders of all skill levels. The Harvest Moon Trailway is ideal for off-road cycling or long-distance trekking, as this easy, flat trail traverses the Annapolis Valley, passing through charming towns and providing trailside access to local farm markets and award-winning wineries. It also connects the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Grand Pré to the historic seaside town of Annapolis Royal. On the west coast, the West Coast Mountain Bike Trails offer both machine-built, multi-directional routes and classic, feature-rich singletrack trails for the more adventurous. Riders can experience the stunning beauty of the Humber Valley, from old-growth forests to expansive views of Corner Brook and the Long Range Mountains.

Boating and Sailing
Boating and sailing allows you to explore Atlantic Canada’s waters in depth. In New Brunswick, waterways travelled for centuries are surrounded by 5,000 kilometres of rugged and gentle coastline, 2,500 lakes, and countless rivers. Sail along the Fundy and Acadian coasts, including the Bay of Fundy, Chaleur Bay, and Northumberland Strait, for breathtaking scenery at every turn. Grand Lake, the province’s largest freshwater lake, is popular for boaters, while the Saint John River offers tranquil cruising past farmland and historic wharves. Island stops with sandy beaches, osprey and bald eagle sightings, and a strong maritime spirit enhance the experience. Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton offers sailing charters and Liscombe Lodge Marina provides unforgettable coastal excursions.

Horse Riding
Horse riding offers a memorable way to explore Atlantic Canada’s varied landscapes. In New Brunswick, riders can traverse open meadows, peaceful wooded trails, or sandy beaches at Elite Equestrian, or enjoy a carriage ride with Riverfront Trail Carriage Rides. Nova Scotia provides scenic trail rides at Evangeline Trail Rides and Shelby Ranch, horse-drawn wagon journeys with Trot in Time Carriage Tours, and sleigh rides through dense forests, rugged coastal cliffs, and rolling countryside. These adventures cater to both beginners seeking leisurely rides and experienced riders looking for more challenging experiences. The Bay of Fundy Beach Ride with Spirit Rein is particularly popular, taking you at low tide past farmland and wooded trails to Glooscap Beach within the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark, where riders can trot along the beach and in the salt water while breathing in the fresh sea air. In Newfoundland and Labrador, visitors can enjoy outback experiences at Lomond River, Island Pond, or Bear Lake.










