(BPT) - If you're longing for great travel experiences and you're unfamiliar with Atlantic Canada, you're about to meet your next travel crush. The four provinces — New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island — offer an astonishing array of adventures to suit any traveler, from exploring the beauty of rugged coastlines to indulging in unique cultural and culinary experiences.
Even better, fall is the perfect time for your adventure, as the weather is moderate but even some of the most popular venues are less crowded. On top of that, there are many special events and festivals that you can only revel in during this time of year.
Here are just 8 of the many reasons to explore Atlantic Canada this fall.
New Brunswick
1. Get your toes tapping at the Harvest Music Festival in Fredericton for Atlantic Canada's premiere music festival.
You'll hear 400-plus musicians — 150 performances — at 27 stages across six city blocks. Acclaimed international performers, top regional acts and emerging Canadian artists offer an unforgettable experience in the historic downtown of New Brunswick's capital city. Dance all night at a Cajun party, absorb the raw sounds of electric blues, sway to smooth jazz or get your funk on — and much more, at a price that's easy on the wallet. The festival runs from Sept 12-17, 2023.
2. Have a whale of a time whale watching in the Bay of Fundy, home of the world's highest tides, during the best months for it — September and October.
While many species of whales visit the bay, the most commonly spotted are Humpback, Finback and Minke whales, as well as other marine wildlife including seals, porpoises, sharks, dolphins and sea birds. There's a reason whale watching is on so many bucket lists — viewing these magnificent creatures is truly a memorable and humbling experience. Tours depart from St. Andrews, Grand Manan Island and Campobello Island.
3. Join the feast at Roots, Rants and Roars, a festival celebrating local food and culture in Elliston on the island of Newfoundland.
You'll enjoy a seven-course outdoor feast created through a collaboration of Newfoundland chefs and accompanied by live music from local musicians. Other activities include hiking the rugged coastline and dancing. Since its inaugural event in 2009, Roots, Rants and Roars has become the premier culinary event in Newfoundland and Labrador, recognized throughout Canada as one of the top culinary festivals. It will be held September 15-16, 2023.
4. Explore art in unique settings at the Bonavista Biennale.
What started as an idea among friends for an art event on Newfoundland's Bonavista Peninsula has grown into an international exhibition held every two years. Visitors experience Canadian contemporary art at 20 unique sites along a rural 102-mile route. The Biennale includes artists from Newfoundland and Labrador working in all types of media, in unconventional outdoor and indoor locations across the peninsula. Since the Biennale began in 2017, it has exhibited works by over 75 artists. It runs August 19-September 17, 2023 and is free and open to all.
5. Film fans and foodies unite at Devour! The Food Film Festival in Wolfville, the epicenter of Nova Scotia.
Enjoy exceptional films, workshops, special events and experiential activities showcasing the largesse of this region. This year's festival focuses on French culture, exploring how the roots of Acadian, Cajun, Creole and French cuisine intersect both on screen and on your plate. Tickets are available by calling 1-888-311-9090 and through Ticketpro's website starting September 2023. The festival will be held October 23-29.
6. Autumn on Cape Breton Island is the most beautiful and magical time of year when cooler days are brightened by colorful foliage and hearts are warmed by the friendly people, food and music.
In particular, drive around the famous Cabot Trail that weaves in and out of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, when the already stunning scenery is enhanced with the vibrant reds, oranges and yellows of the changing leaf colors. The Hike the Highlands festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2023 — Sept 8-17 — when visitors can experience the natural beauty of the area on guided hikes during the day and through presentations and activities in the evenings.
7. Relax, rejuvenate and recharge on Prince Edward Island (PEI).
Plan a mindful retreat at Nature Space Resort & Retreat Centre to immerse yourself in nature and explore wooded trails at this peaceful, family-run 16-acre glamping resort. Or pamper yourself at Mysa Nordic Spa — PEI's first and only Nordic spa. It's a serene space designed for relieving stress and invigorating the senses. They offer many spa services including thermal baths, essential oil steam rooms, cold water plunges, a Finnish sauna, meditation sessions and massages.
8. Feed your inner foodie at the Fall Flavours Food & Drink Festival.
Islanders have a long tradition of celebrating food and inviting visitors to join the party, which inspired the first Prince Edward Island Fall Flavours Festival presented by Sobeys back in 2007.Canada's "Food Island" offers culinary explorers opportunities to experience PEI's incredible food scene during harvest season. You'll enjoy seasonal food fresh from PEI's fields and bays: succulent lobster, mussels and oysters, high-quality beef, potatoes and much more. The 15th anniversary celebration takes place the first two weeks of October at various events throughout the Island.
Ready to plan your next adventure? Get started at VisitAtlanticCanadaNow.com.