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The warmth and friendliness of the people, the beauty of the provinces and the incredible abundance of fresh seafood make Atlantic Canada one of our favourite places to visit on a holiday to Canada! After all, who doesn’t want to chill out in beautiful surroundings, with a relaxed atmosphere dining on some of the world’s best cuisine.
Made up of four coastal Provinces – New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island – Atlantic Canada offers unique experiences and incredible landscapes that you just can’t find anywhere else.
If you’re thinking of a holiday to Atlantic Canada, there are loads of great events taking place throughout the year to make your holiday extra special and celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Confederation of Canada. Some of our favourite events are:
New Brunswick
Seeing the iconic red of the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) on horseback is truly a sight to behold, and one that you’ll remember well after your Canadian holiday has ended.
As part of the 2017 Cross Canada 150th anniversary tour, the RCMP Musical Ride is stopping off in Fredericton on July 11 and 12. It’s a fascinating experience to get to see such an iconic part of the heritage and national identity of the RCMP. The tour features a full troop of 32 riders and horses and shows off their skill and artistry as well as their cavalry drill. Definitely worth watching and be sure to have your camera to hand!
Newfoundland and Labrador
George Street Festival
A good festival is a fantastic way to socialise with and get to know the locals. Plus, the atmosphere is always electric! The George Street Festival in Newfoundland and Labrador has grown from a small local festival up to an iconic – not to be missed – event on the St. John’s calendar. Each year, 40,000 people flock to enjoy the live music and events over 5 days from 27 July to 2 August. 2017’s event is set to be even bigger as it features an extra event – a huge 3-day party over Canada Day!
Bay Roberts – Songs, Stages & Seafood Festival
Keeping with the theme of wonderful music and lively atmosphere, the Songs, Stages & Seafood Festival in beautiful Bay Roberts on the Avalon Peninsula is another not-to-be missed festival. Celebrating the sea and marine culture that is truly at the heart of the Maritimes, through tastings, workshops, hiking and dancing – it’s a lot of fun! The festival runs from May 24 – 28. And as a special event for the 150th celebrations, there will be a special Gala Dinner!
Nova Scotia
With it being the 150th birthday celebrations for Canada, the free Parks Pass extends across Canada, and in Nova Scotia several of the Parks Canada sites have enhanced their offerings throughout 2017 to make each visit even more fascinating.
The Halifax Citadel
Sitting proudly over Halifax’s harbour, the impressive star-shaped citadel is a great place to learn about the 78th Highlanders and the 3rd Brigade Royal Artillery and how they lived and worked in the fort. There are a couple of brand new exhibits and events taking place here during 2017.
Fort Anne National Historic Site
As well as offering free access to the National Parks, the Parks Pass also gets you in free to National Historic Sites, and Fort Anne is one that we would highly recommend! In 2017, the site will celebrate its 100th anniversary commemorating its designation as Canada’s first National Historic Site in 1917. The site has a truly fascinating history, with the location often being fought over in recent centuries. There are fantastic exhibits that bring the thousands of years of Canadian history to life.
Tall Ships Return to Nova Scotia
Tall ships will visit Nova Scotia and all of Atlantic Canada to honour the 150th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation in 2017. Between late June and mid-August, tall ships will visit 11 ports in Nova Scotia, including Lunenburg, Pictou, Sydney, St. Peter’s, Louisbourg, Pugwash, Port Hawkesbury, Halifax, Shelburne, Digby and end with an evening sail past in Annapolis Basin, a first for Nova Scotia.
Rendez-vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta is a 7,000-nautical mile transatlantic race, visiting six countries. Nova Scotia’s sailing ambassador Bluenose II will also take part in the tall ships visit.
The ships will stop at host ports throughout Atlantic Canada, giving hundreds of thousands of people the opportunity to admire the majestic beauty of these cathedrals of the seas.
Prince Edward Island
The Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown has created an accurate replica of the Confederation Chamber in their upper foyer called The Story of Confederation. Parks Canada’s new film “A Building of Destiny” will be showcased, as well as historic vignettes from the Confederation Players and a guided interpretation of the exhibit.
For an uplifting and inspiring arts event, the Dream Catchers of Canada theatre piece is performed by Canada’s youth, artists and First Nation’s representatives, showcasing their vision for the Canada of the future through music and dance. The show opens in Prince Edward Island’s capital city, Charlottetown on June 21st, National Aboriginal Day before going on to tour the country.
With so much going on, all against the backdrop of the striking natural beauty of Atlantic Canada, a visit in 2017 really will be extra special.
