Canada As You Like It Blog
National Parks of Atlantic Canada
- by Canada As You Like It
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- 26 Feb, 2020
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Atlantic Canada is the closest Canadian destination to the UK, with only 5-6 hours flying time. Whilst there, head to the great outdoors and explore some of the region’s national parks. Here’s a roundup of the ones that you can find in this region.
1. Kouchibouguac National Park, New Brunswick
Kouchibouguac, which means ‘river of the long tides, was named by the First Nations Mi’kmaq people. This park, which stretches along the Acadian Coastal Drive on New Brunswick’s east coast, is made up of salt marches, barrier islands, Acadian forest, bogs, sheltered lagoons, tidal river, freshwater systems and miles of white sand dunes. There’s a host of activities on offer including canoeing, swimming, whale watching, seal spotting, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, biking and hiking.
2. Kejimkujik National Park & Historic Site, Nova Scotia
Set within the UNESCO Southwest Nova Biosphere is the largest inland national park in Atlantic Canada which is known for its island-dotted lakes, forests, round glacial hills and incredible wildlife including white-tailed deer, black bears, bobcats, beavers, owls and loons. Activities abound including star-gazin, fishing, canoeing, boating, kayaking, and swimming.as well as hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing.
3. Terra Nova National Park, Newfoundland & Labrador
In Canada’s easternmost national park you’ll find exciting waters for canoeing and sea kayaking, trails for hiking, golf courses and wildlife encounters including the Terra Nova Moose and black bear. Set along Bonavista Bay with views of the Atlantic ocean, the area includes hilly woods, fjords lakes and rocky cliffs.
4. Torngat Mountains National Park, Newfoundland & Labrador
This remote and stunning wilderness stretches from Saglek Fjord to the northern tip of Labrador Taking its name from the Inuktitut word Tongait (meaning “place of spirits”), it’s reached only by charter plane or boat from Goose Bay, Nain or Kangiqsualujjuaq and best explored with one of the local Inuit people. Keep your eyes peeled for the majestic polar bear, hike the wildflower-cloaked tundra and marvel at the vast barren mountains that rise thousands of feet from the Atlantic Ocean.
5. Prince Edward Island National Park, Prince Edward Island
Stunning beaches with pristine white sand, wind-sculpted dunes, sand pits, and barrier islands can be found at the province’s only national park - a stunning landscape that extends for 40 kilometres along the Gulf of St Lawrence shore. Visit the house that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables, take the Homestead Trail, visit farms and fishing communities and hike or bike as you look for wildlife and birdlife.
6. Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia
Cape Breton is known for the scenic 185 mile long Cabot Trail (see self drive here) where visitors can spotmoose, black bears, coyote, endangered Canada lynx, and bald eagles. Explore the incredible cliffs, hike the Highlands Plateau and the French, North and Mackenzie mountains or cycle, fish, kayak, canoe, swim and golf this stunning playground.
7. Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland & Labrador
The second-largest national park in Atlantic Canada and a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, part of the Lone Range Mountains stretches over 1,805 square kilometres of Western Newfoundland. The incredible scenery such as alpine plateau, coastal lowlands, glacial valleys, sheer cliffs, waterfalls, pristine lakes, and freshwater fjords is a feast for the eyes. See the 5,000 moose that call this place home, visit small fishing villages that dot the shoreline, and enjoy camping, cycling, hiking, and boating. Cruise through the billion-year-old Western Brook Pond Fjord to see huge waterfalls (including the 1,150-foot Pissing Mare Falls) and the cliffside sculpture known as The Tin Man.
8. Fundy National Park, New Brunswick
Discover the richness of the Acadian forest and learn the secrets of the Bay of Fundy, home to the highest tides in the world. Hike mountains and valleys, past sparkling waterfalls and crystal-clear streams. Look for flora and fauna, including the rare bird’s-eye primrose, found only in Fundy National Park. Row out on beautiful Bennett Lake in a canoe or kayak or simply take a stroll along the beach.
In the northwest of Canada where eighty percent of the area
is wilderness, lies the Yukon. With friendly locals, wildlife to observe,
activities to immerse yourself in and fascinating history to explore, this destination makes
for the perfect fly-drive holiday.
Lace up your boots and hit the back country. With trails at your doorstep for exploring, hiking is the best way of seeing the province on a fly drive holiday. There are areas suitable for all levels of hiking, from the congenial leisure walk to the avid hiker. Head to Saskatoon at the Meewasin Valley, this area offers over 105 km of trails across 67 square km of land. It provides year-round adventure and sightseeing opportunities in the heart of beautiful Saskatoon. Benefit from the well-maintained, multi-use pathways to cycle, jog or walk the scenic riverbank trails. Sections of the Meewasin Trail are also part of the Trans Canada Trail which extends almost 24,000 km across Canada from coast to coast. Keen for a challenge? Look at some of the best back country hiking at places like Prince Albert National Park, Lac La Ronge, Meadow Lake- and Narrow Hills Provincial Park in the north or Grasslands National Park and Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park in the south.
With three different water ways and an UNESCO heritage site, Ottawa is the place to explore. Take a trip down the Rideau Canal or explore the ByWard market. Walk along Parliament Hill and through acres of woodland and royal trees planted by dignitaries.
Imagine swimming thousands of miles to find that special someone. Whales complete this every single year, known as a whale migration, to find suitable habitat for feeding and reproducing. In British Columbia, these stunning orcas, also known as killer whales, are a prominent site and seeing them is a once in a lifetime experience. As well as orcas, expect to find humpback whales, grey whales and minke whales. These amazing creatures call BC their home from April to October. When the sun is out the whales come to play. From tail flukes to pectoral slaps, go for a whale watching trip and you can bask in their playful nature and enjoy the sunset with a relaxing drink, perfect for families and solo travellers. You can also go paddleboarding with orcas for a unique perspective from the water to see these magnificent creatures. You must, of course, always keep four hundred metres away from them for their safety and yours.
Welcome to the province of Saskatchewan, Canada – a place of breath-taking landscapes, wide-open spaces and hospitality that is second-to-none. This province is big – 651,900 km2, in fact, and has nearly 100,000 lakes and waterways. Natural beauty is not the only thing this province is known for though. Join us on a culinary journey of Saskatchewan, where food and drink abound, and you will find something good to eat around every corner!
Welcome to the fourth largest province in Canada. With five National Parks and six UNESCO Heritage sites, Alberta is a wonderful and varied place to visit. This blog will explore this great province and expose you to the unique qualities that make this area a location sure to be your next travel destination. A playground for outdoor adventure, popular summer activities include hiking, biking, horse riding, rafting, and fishing. As the seasons change and snow begins to fall, head to Alberta for world-class winter activities including skiing, snowboarding, dogsledding, snowshoeing, heli-skiing, ice climbing and more. From wildlife in the Rockies to Waterton Lakes National Park, and art and culture to explore, Alberta is a wonderland packed with options for every traveller.
Atlantic Canada is famous for its fresh and abundant seafood, from succulent lobster, to scallops, mussels, oysters and cod – but it offers so much more. Dine at a seaside restaurant, take a stroll through a local farmers' market, or take in one of the many culinary festivals. It’s truly a foodie’s paradise.
Here's a round up of a few amazing foodie events and experiences that we thought you might want to try:
Head to Northern Manitoba for a wild and exciting trip. Waterways provide refuge to an abundance of wildlife and the land holds the stories of Indigenous peoples.