Canada As You Like It Blog
The Best of Atlantic Canada’s Festivals
- by Canada As You Like It
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- 14 Mar, 2022
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Newfoundland and Labrador
In Newfoundland and Labrador, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate. The Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival, which is now 46 years old, takes place at Bannerman Park in St. John’s, and is a guaranteed great time. Make sure you visit this festival for a party filled with classic traditional Newfoundland and Labrador folk music, great beer and delicious food all day long. While you’re in St. John’s, head to George Street where the party never ends. This historic downtown street is exclusively bars and pubs where you will find a music scene for everyone, from Irish, country, dance or the blues. Don’t miss the world famous George Street Festival that makes the city really come alive every summer with live music on the street.
For
that classic, unique Newfoundland and Labrador experience, make sure you visit
during the Iceberg Festival, a unique celebration of the arrival of the icebergs in
Iceberg Alley! Watch over the breathtaking seascapes and celebrate this
unforgettable arrival of the icebergs with music, food, entertainment, history,
culture, great hospitality, and of course plenty of icebergs. If you’re
visiting in the fall, head to Elliston for the culinary festival known as
Roots, Rants, and Roars, featuring rising stars from the local and national
culinary scene, along with local entertainers. Elliston’s unique natural
backdrop of root cellars and craggy coastline makes for an engaging culinary
experience that will connect you with the community, the land, and the sea.
Nova Scotia
There is always something to celebrate in Nova Scotia, whether it be brilliant wine, Atlantic lobster, or toe-tapping music – Nova Scotia always has the perfect excuse for a party! On Cape Breton Island experience the delightful colours and autumn scenery of the Celtic Colours International Music Festival. This annual autumn celebration attracts musicians from across the world to experience the fall scenery and Gaelic culture including the dances and storytelling that is rooted in centuries of history. Experience the talent and music of the Scottish culture in Halifax, Nova Scotia at the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo. The Tattoo began in 1979 as a celebration of the first International Gathering of the Clans held outside Scotland, and the Tattoo is still an immense celebration today, complete with pipes and drums, dancers, acrobats, military pomp and historical displays, this festival really is one of the best shows anywhere in Atlantic Canada. Attend the Hike the Highlands festival to get the very best views of Nova Scotia, while hiking through the spectacular Cape Breton Highlands. Journey through Cape Breton Island and enjoy the tranquil scenery all along the world-famous Cabot Trail.
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island has an outstanding variety of festivals to explore, including the iconic Cavendish Beach Music Festival. One of Canada's largest country concerts, attracting thousands each summer, it’s no wonder why past acts have included Keith Urban and Tim McGraw. Close to the sandy beaches of the Prince Edward Island National Park, this festival really is an unforgettable experience like no other, made complete with food stalls and plenty of drinks to sample.
Visit Prince Edward Island in September for the International Shellfish Festival, which showcases the fresh, delicious seafood that comes straight from the shores of Prince Edward Island – don’t miss this chance to sample oysters, mussels, lobster, and more from the pristine coastline, prepared by top chefs. In order to get the true Prince Edward Island experience, attend the Charlottetown Festival, the largest musical theatre festival in all of Atlantic Canada. This festival showcases up and coming talent and runs some classic plays that showcase the stories and people of Canada, this of course includes the most famous Prince Edward Island character – the musical of Anne of Green Gables set in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island. The Charlottetown Festival really is the very best way to explore the culture and history of Prince Edward Island and Atlantic Canada.
New Brunswick
Experience the ‘’Joie de Vivre”, love of life in New Brunswick at the Acadian Festival on the National Acadian Day on August 15th . Based in the town of Caraquet, the Tintamarre is truly unmissable and the most popular Acadian Festival in North America. It is the perfect way to learn all about Acadian culture, while enjoying great music, food and drink! Just get ready to party loud and proud at the biggest Acadian celebration of the year as there is no community more welcoming than the Acadian community! For some more iconic New Brunswick experiences – explore the Lobster Festival, in the Lobster Capital of the world, Shediac. This festival is the very best way to sample delicious lobster fresh from the shores while enjoying a concert featuring several renowned artists throughout the day. From the famous Harvest Music Festival in Fredericton, the capital city of New Brunswick, to the Highland Game and Scottish festival in the city of Moncton, hub of the Maritime, there really is something for everyone in New Brunswick. There is endless way to celebrate in New Brunswick with our festivals proudly displaying our culture and heritage.
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.