There's nowhere else on Earth like Atlantic Canada for unique experiences. The combination of its land and seascapes, its history and the collective imagination of its people take you on a journey that inspires the spirit. You can walk on the ocean floor here or take a hike to the easternmost point of North America. In this special corner of the world you can free your own imagination and discover your own unique spirit of travel, your own spirit of adventure.
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Mists of Time
Your footsteps are all you'll hear as you walk along the misty shore of Kejimkujik Lake. Imagine Mi'kmaw children playing and men fishing. Follow your guide as she directs you to one of Keji's rare petroglyphs—an ancient image of two men in a birchbark canoe, etched in stone. Then listen as she tells you the compelling story of her people.
Other activities at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site
The great epic
Big adventures and epic journeys roll in with the waves in Atlantic Canada. That's the way it has always been. More than a thousand years ago the Vikings landed here and in the 1700s this is where Britain and France struggled for control of North America. Listen carefully to the gentle ocean breezes and you may hear the story of the epic saga of the Acadian people. Or the distant sound of the first trans-Atlantic wireless signal.
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The Birth of a Nation
Hear the echo of the delegates to the Charlottetown Conference as you stand in Confederation Chamber. Imagine them deliberating the future of the British North American colonies—what was to become the country of Canada—in the original library. Prince Edward Island's Legislative Assembly still meets at Province House National Historic Site, the only remaining meeting place of the Fathers of Confederation.
Other activities at Province House National Historic Site
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Sagas and Shadows
Be a guest in the chief's sod house. Relax by his fire and listen to Viking sagas that recall the time when these hardy men and women sailed forbidding seas to this wild and beautiful place. Then as evening shadows lengthen, lie in the meadows overlooking the ocean and watch the stars that guided these great navigators in their quest for adventure and new worlds.
Other activities at L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site
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The Story of Anne
Discover the rural setting of late 19th-century Cavendish through the eyes of world-renowned author L.M. Montgomery. Explore the farmhouse that inspired Montgomery to pen her beloved novel Anne of Green Gables. Wander through the Haunted Wood to the site of L.M. Montgomery's Cavendish Home. The whispers of the author and her beloved characters can still be heard throughout this magical landscape.
Other activities at L.M. Montgomery's Cavendish National Historic Site, Green Gables
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Benefitting Humankind
Be inspired by the creative spirit of this world-famous inventor. You'll discover how teaching deaf children to speak led Alexander Graham Bell to invent the telephone. Marvel at his experiments with flight and his development of a record-setting hydrofoil boat. Meet his close-knit family through fascinating historic photos. Then test your ingenuity in a kite-making workshop and experiment program.
Other activities at Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
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Heartbeat of Acadie
Visit the rich lands where many Acadians settled and transformed the landscape. Feel the heartbeat of Acadie and the resilience of its people. Immerse yourself in the world of Grand-Pré. Follow a guided tour through the gardens as it carries you back in time, before the troubled era of the Great Deportation.
Other activities at Grand-Pré National Historic Site
Simply breathtaking
In the early morning you awake to the haunting call of loons. Last night you fell asleep to the mysterious sounds of the humpbacks just off shore. And then there are the sunrises and sunsets, frozen moments on the horizon of your consciousness that you will carry with you always. Canoeing ancient water routes you learn that there's music in the sound of a dripping paddle. Is that your heart pounding? Or the sound of distant drums.
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Climbing to New Heights
Plan an exhilarating adventure in the hiking capital of Canada. Twenty-six trails will take you over 150 km of diverse terrain: ocean coastlines, panoramic peaks, the rare taiga forest, and splendid waterfalls. Climb 5000 feet and burn 40,000 calories spotting moose, eagles and whales along the way. Cape Breton's magnificent northern shore and the incredible plateaus on the world-renowned Cabot Trail await you.
Other activities at Cape Breton Highlands National Park
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See the Light
As the orange glow of the rising sun touches the sea, its first point of contact is here at Cape Spear, site of the province's oldest surviving lighthouse. Walk along the rugged coastline. Experience first-hand the value of light to fishermen and sailors who navigate these waters amidst towering icebergs and graceful whales as ferocious seas batter the cliffs.
Other activities at Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site
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Take Your Breath Away
Magnificent views across ancient mountains that plunge into the ocean. Rugged tundra and green meadows. Sand beaches and fjords. Walk across a piece of the earth's mantle that emerged from the depths of the ocean. Feel the inspirational power of these spectacular, practically timeless surroundings. Hiking in Gros Morne National Park is an exercise in contrasts, every one breath-taking!
Other activities at Gros Morne National Park
© H. Wittenborn
A Place of Spirits
Perched on the edge of the North Labrador Sea, this exotic land of magical fjords slicing deep inland through the mountains is home to Torngak, one of the most powerful Inuit spirits. Journey to the traditional homeland of the most southerly population of Inuit in the circumpolar world and see some of the earth's oldest rock and beautiful white giants—polar bears.
Other activities at Torngat Mountains National Park
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Seaside Splendour
Slide your toes into warm, white sand and consider the life of seals basking on nearby rocks. The sight of turquoise water and the scent of wild roses in the salty air will engulf you. Prepare to be filled with wonder as you explore the trails of coastal forest, photograph wild orchids and discover rocky headlands and secluded coves. Kejimkujik Seaside will enchant you.
Other activities at Kejimkujik Seaside
The Pleasure of togetherness
Smiling faces around a crackling campfire under a full moon — the sound of voices laughing. A special spirit surrounds moments like this at Parks Canada places throughout Atlantic Canada. Forged by a rugged and powerful landscape this spirit of togetherness lies at the very core of the collective imagination of the people who live here. It's something they take great pride in, something they take great pleasure in sharing with everyone who visits.
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Lagoon Life - Catch and Release!
Help your family uncover the natural mysteries of a lagoon and its inhabitants. Journey through the sheltered, shallow and sandy-bottom salt water and see snails, sticklebacks and sand shrimps along with several other species. Capture creatures in your dip net. Examine, identify and release them. You'll be fascinated as you gain a new and satisfying understanding of nature when you "catch and release."
Other activities at Kouchibouguac National Park
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Share Simple Moments
Under a canopy of stars, relax and unwind with friends and family at the campfire circle. Tell some tall tales about your day's activities in the park. Roast marshmallows and sing songs as you snuggle under a cozy blanket. Let the simple pleasures of this gathering create warm memories of your visit to Terra Nova.
Other activities at Terra Nova National Park
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Doorway to the Past
Enter through the rounded doorway of Port-Royal and your family will be transported back 400 years to Champlain's time. Watch a Frenchman turn wood on a lathe, creating tools for artisans. Now it's your turn to push the pedal! Learn ancient Mi'kmaw healing remedies. Join in a traditional game of Waltes. Cultural experiences flavoured with fun at the Habitation!
Other activities at Port-Royal National Historic Site
Live what is real
Life is simple in Atlantic Canada. Life is real. Tempered by the power of the North Atlantic, this is a place where people live close to the ground. There's not a lot of pretension on this powerful landscape. Your Parks Canada vacation experience includes not only fascinating places, but also colourful people who pay attention to life by living in the magic of every moment. And that's something they want to share with you.
© J. Sylvester
Awaken Your Senses
Delight in the sight of gently waving marram grass atop a magnificent sand dune. Feel waves crashing at your feet as you stroll into a picturesque sunset. Listen to the sounds of shorebirds. Savour an evening picnic by the seaside. Smell salt water mingled in the summer breeze. Feel your soul rejuvenate and your senses awaken on the beaches of Prince Edward Island National Park.
Other activities at Prince Edward Island National Park
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Tower Over the City
Step outside and gaze at the panorama, 360 degrees of unobstructed view! The Bay of Fundy and the City of Saint John are laid out at your feet. From this vantage point, consider the life of a soldier in this 19th-century martello tower. An effective lookout. A safe haven from enemies. Explore Carleton Martello Tower—an impressive coastal defence.
Other activities at Carleton Martello Tower National Historic Site
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Echos from the Past
Juan and Ana, a Basque whaler and his wife, await your arrival on Saddle Island. Hear stories of 16th-century voyages from the Basque country to Labrador in search of precious whale oil: tales of adventure, hardships, wrecks and survival. Travel by boat from Red Bay. Then stroll with your hosts from the past as they introduce you to an archaeological treasure trove.
Other activities at Red Bay National Historic Site
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More Than Just a View
Stand atop Signal Hill and let your soul be stirred by the crack of muskets, the roar of cannon fire and the smell of black powder. Discover how British and French soldiers fought and died here, and later, Canadian and American soldiers stood together to defend this continent, glorious and free. The powerful history of this battleground will move you.
Other activities at Signal Hill National Historic Site