your Local 2020 Top 12

Nova Scotia:
Halls Harbour
Visit the lobster Pound, walk the beach on the search for amethyst and agate and capture the visions of the changing tides as you experience fishing boats sitting high and dry sitting on the ocean floor. At the Lobster Pound Restaurant enjoy a fresh cooked lobster, a lobster roll or other seafood and non seafood options as you look out of this stunning tiny harbour. Other inclusions not to be missed on route to this beautiful coastal village

Wolfville (explore the shops, have a coffee break, visit a pub)
Blomidon Lookoff
Visit one of the many local wineries or Brew Pubs in the (Wineries include: Blomidon estates, Gaspereau, Planter Ridge, Lightfoots, L’Acadie, Benjamin Bridge, Lucketts, etc)
Fox Hill Cheese
U-picks (Many choices depending on the season, from Strawberries in the spring, to Blueberries in the summer and Apples in the fall)
One of the many local farm markets

Skyline Trail, Cape Breton Highlands National Park
If travelling from the mainland branch off the trans Canada Highway and travel the road less taken along Ceilidh Trail. You might want to overnight prior to or after hiking the Skyline Trail. Allow yourself a hour to walk each direction and sometime to enjoy the vistas that present themselves at the conclusion of your hike.

Excellent communities and villages worth a stop or to stay overnight include:

Celtic Music Centre in Judique
Beach in Port Hood
Glennora Distillery
Explore in Mabou
The Dancing Goat for a Cape Breton Oatcake, loaf of homemade break or many other sweats or a delicious Sandwich.
Cheticamp
World Class Golf Courses

Lunenburg
Lunenburg one of 6 UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nova Scotia. UNESCO considers the site the best example of planned British colonial settlement in North America, as it retains its original layout and appearance of the 1800s, including local wooden vernacular architecture.. On route to Lunenburg you need to plan a stop along the Western Shore to learn about the Treasures of Oak Island and to explore the shops of Mahone Bay. While in Mahone Bay, don’t forget to take a photo of the Iconic Churches that make the backdrop for all the famous photos of this stunning community. Must see while in Lunenburg include:

Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic
Walking Tour with Lunbenburg Walking Tours
Horse Drawn Carriage Tour of Town
Iron Works Distillery
Canada’s Sailing Ambassador and famous schooner…The Bluenose II
St. John’s Anglican Church
Lunenburg Academy

Prince Edward Island:
On route to our smallest proving I always to like to take the bridge one direction and the ferry the other. Remember there is no charge to get on the island, only to get off. The stunning crescent shaped island which I always describe as a patchwork quilt of colours gives you the feeling of being on vacation. The island is part of the traditional lands of the Mi'kmaq and often referred to as Abegweit, loosely translated as meaning "cradled on the waves”. Derived from the Mi'kmaq word Abahquit, meaning "lying parallel with the land", or Epegweit, "lying in the water".
Add on to any PEI Visit:
I also love the Ceilidh calendar that comes out every year http://www.ceilidhs.ca/pei-ceilidhs.html
No matter where you are on PEI, I would say that you can find a ceilidh somewhere with a 45 minute driving distance (if you’re at either tip of the Island otherwise it’s more likely closer to 30 minute driving radius).

Greenwich Beach and Boardwalk, Prince Edward Island National Park, PE
A late addition in 1998 to Prince Edward Island National Park to protect and preserve the natural and cultural resources found in the area. The timeline of a 10,000 years of inhabitation can be told including artifacts. At the interpretation Centre even a 3D in-floor model displays the Greenwich Peninsula, St. Peters Bay, and surrounding areas. A major component of the exhibit is the 12-minute multimedia presentation entitled “Wind, Sea and Sand, the story of Greenwich. The largest sand dunes on the island and least visited of the National Parks beaches with a beautiful floating boardwalk leading to a beautiful white sand beach. If a guide goes with you, he/she can explain the fauna and flora that you’ll see along the way.

Greenwich Interpretation Centre
Take a hike (trails from 1.25 Km to 4.5 km)
Relax or take a walk the beach
Beautiful sunsets
A round of Golf at nearby Links at Crowbush

North Rustico Harbour & Boardwalk, PE

This stunning fishing village is strongly connected to its proud fishing tradition. Adjacent to Prince Edward Island National park and not far from Cavendish Beach. Explore the town, walk the boardwalk, talk to a fisherman and enjoy a Lobster Dinner. The North Rustico residents pride themselves on their closeness to both land and sea and their warmth and hospitality.
North Rustico Sea walk Park
North Rustico Lighthouse
Rustico Harbour Fisheries Museum
Endless Options for Deep Sea Fishing
Fisherman’s Wharf Lobster Suppers

Victoria by the Sea, PE
A storybook village if ever there was one, Victoria-by-the-Sea is a historic fishing village that’s been revitalized by the many artists and creative people who call it home. The enchanting picture postcard village is tucked halfway between Summerside and Chartlottetown on the South Shore of Prince Edward Island.

Victoria Seaport Museum
The Playhouse
The Landmark Restaurant
Clam Digging

New Brunswick:
Saint Andrews by- the- Sea, NB
A National Historic site nestled along Passamaquoddy Bay in southern New Brunswick. Founded by United Empire Loyalist fleeing the American Revolution, many of the Town’s buildings still reflect that history. The relaxing getaway presents many great things to see and do.

Kingsbrae Gardens
Ministers Island
Huntsman Marine Science Centre
Whale Watching & Sightseeing boat tour of Passamaquoddy Bay
Algonquin Resort
Wander the downtown, stroll the boardwalk & wharf and visit the many shops

The Irving Eco-Centre: La dune de Bouctouche. NB
The spectacular spot was developed by J. D. Irving Ltd. to protect and restore one of the last great dunes on the northeastern coast of North America. The visitors centre and the protective boardwalk offer the opportunity to learn about the dune and its ecosystem. The fine sand dune extends 12 km into Bouctouche Bay and was created by the constant movement of sand due to the wind, tides, and ocean currents since the last ice age. The dune, estimated to be 2,000-years old, changes shape with every major storm. It serves as a habitat for a wide variety of aquatic plants and animals, and shore and migratory birds, making this a major ecological site. A sandy beach, bathed by the warm bay waters, stretches along the foot of the dune. Other great must sees in the area include:

Le Pays de la Sagouine
Olivier Soaps
Shediac Giant Lobster
K.C. Irving Riverside Park/Monument

Grand Manan Island, NB
As the local website says, “Shaped by the Bay of Fundy, Embraced by Nature”. Here you can get up close and personal with puffins, migrating whales, marine wildlife and migrating seabirds. This unspoiled Fundy Island gives you a glimpse into our maritime roots and is like stepping back in time with authentic working fishing villages, herring weirs and lighthouses. One epic vista after another!

Dramatic coastal hiking
Kayaking
Bird watching (300 different species of birds)

Newfoundland & Labrador:
Truly in all my travels throughout the world in my 33 years with Atlantic Tours, Newfoundland & Labrador is one of my favorite destinations. I often describe it to those from away as the Alaska of the East. It is a stunning gem right here in our back yard that has all those hot button choices that visitors are looking for. Especially the Icebergs, whales, puffins, moose and most importantly of all the authentic experiences and the warm and friendly people. The vibrant coloured communities and story telling people make it a trip of lifetime.

Battle Harbour, NL
Having been several times there is no where more off the beaten path then Battle Harbour. Located in Southern Labrador you will need to travel to the Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland and go by Ferry across the Strait of Belle Isle to Blanc Sablan, Quebec and then travel the trans Labrador highway north for 4 hours to Mary’s Harbour to board the passenger ferry to Battle Harbour. A living museum in commemoration of the life and society created there by Newfoundlanders and Labradorians during the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Situated on a small, near-shore island, Battle Harbour was for two centuries the economic and social center of the southeastern Labrador coast. Today it is one of the most magical tourist destinations to be found anywhere. Restoration, not rebuilding is the hallmark of Battle Harbour. The historic buildings have been bought back to life, by local carpenters, to be true to their origins. For an isolated, exotic, off the beaten path travel experience this is it! Enter a time warp when you step on the dock at Battle Harbour. To experience Battle Harbour you must stay on the island where your comfortably restored accommodations will offer fabulous views. I will never forget the majestic icebergs so close by that you can almost reach out and touch them! Things to do while on Battle Harbour:

guided walking tour
Island Boat Tour
Great Caribou Island

On route to or from Battle Harbour:
Red Bay National Historic Site a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and
Point Amour Lighthouse

Woody Point & Norris Point
Nestled in and near Gros Morne National Park are the two picturesque towns of Norris Point and Woody Point, and not wanting to choose a favourite I have decided that you should stay in one or both. A short water taxi joins the two, giving you the best of both worlds. They are equally stunning with unimaginable beauty and gateways to the marvels of Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park stretches across 446025 acres of western Newfoundland as part of the towering Long-Range Mountains. Encircled by tiny seaside communities, and encompassing forests, freshwater fjords, bogs, barren lowlands, striking cliffs and shorelines, this area is also world-renowned for its complex geology. It was here that geologists proved the theory of plate tectonics. Visit the Tablelands; this mountain of flat-topped rock of a kind usually found only deep in the earth’s mantle, is a truly awe-inspiring sight.

Gros Morne National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Bonne Bay Marine Station
Western Brook Pond Boat Tour
Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse
Bonne Bay Boat Tour
Broome Point
Anchors Aweigh Band and NL Kitchen Parties, Rocky Harbour
Woody Point Heritage Theatre

Petty Harbour -Maddox Cove, NL
Only a 13 km or 15 minutes drive from St. John’s is the active fishing community involved in the cod and snow crab fishery. One of the most photographed towns in Newfoundland with its rolling green hills that provide a backdrop to the cove and open ocean. When you arrive park your car and Stoll this picturesque community. For activities their Summer community programs include wooden boat fishing with cook-ups, walkabouts in a fishing community, and guided hikes along traditional pathways used for hunting and gathering. For a snack or meal, restaurants all in prime locations include the Watershed, Chafe’s Landing Restaurant and the Harbour Dog Family Eatery and Pub or take a rest and decadent break with a cone or a shake at Tinkers Ice Cream Shop.