Stunning natural beauty
Atlantic Canada offers hidden gems and famous landscape for all ages to enjoy
Our lobster is fresh, and our people are friendly, but let’s not forget that Atlantic Canada also has some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world.
If the fresh, salty air or the breeze through tall trees is calling your name, add these stunning locations to your staycation this summer.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Prince Edward Island is known for its red sand beaches, but its tranquil forests are a hidden gem that all visitors should check out.
New Harmony Heritage Road is located in the northeast corner of the province and features an enclosed canopy forest stretching just over a kilometre.
Visitors say driving or walking down the road feels like travelling back in time to a quiet and carefree natural space. Sunlight trickles in through the thick leaves as you pass through nature’s tunnel.
New Harmony is one of 11 Designated Scenic Heritage Roads in P.E.I., an initiative aimed at protecting and preserving special areas. The remoteness of this particular road made it a favourite of rumrunners during prohibition.
Need to know:
• Travel north of Souris on Route 305, turn onto Route 335 and take the first left onto Route 303.
• From there, you can stay on the same road until you find your way into the woods.
• For a full list of P.E.I.’s Heritage Roads, visit peitourism. com.
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
You don’t need to travel across the world to see towering cliffs, boisterous waterfalls and awe-inspiring views. Look no further than Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Rocky Harbour, N.L.
Enjoy the raw beauty of the park as you hike across the earth’s mantle, travel along the water through ancient fjords, and soak in everything this unforgettable site has to offer.
Gros Morne features both marked and unmarked trails which are home to rare plants, animals and birds. Hiking the Tablelands will give you the opportunity to walk across the ancient seafloor, while the Green Gardens trail takes you through a boreal forest for the perfect view of the sea stacks and coves. You can even opt for a guided tour, offered by knowledgeable and friendly Parks Canada staff members.
“The entire park was beautiful. The views were exceptional and even the drive was great. Every person we met along the way was so nice which made the trip that much better. Newfoundlanders take Atlantic Canadian hospitality to the next level,” says Tara Aucoin, who visited from Halifax.
Need to know:
• The park is located at 3 D.O.T. Dr. in Rocky Harbour
• Fees are standard across Parks Canada locations, with adult admission costing $10 and youth getting in for free.
• Several locations and buildings on-site are wheelchair accessible, including the Discovery and Visitor Centres, the Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse, and the Broom Point fishing premises along with three accessible trails. All-terrain wheelchairs can be borrowed for free from the Visitor Centre.
• For more information, contact grosmorne.info@gc.pc. ca or call 709-458-2417.
NOVA SCOTIA
If you’re looking for an unforgettable eco-adventure, add the Ovens Natural Park in Riverport, N.S., to your staycation bucket list. These incredible trails hug the cliffs and offer a stunning view of “the ovens,” the famous sea caves which gave the park its name.
The unique landscape has welcomed hikers and campers for more than 75 years, where the quiet setting offers a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
While there, you can try your hand at gold panning, rent a kayak, or head out on a cave trail walking tour.
The sandstacks at Medford Beach, near Kingsport in Kings County, N.S., offer another spectacular experience. These unique formations have been scoured by the ocean for years, resulting in an everchanging and stunning view year after year for both tourists and locals.
Whether you’re walking along the beach during low tide or kayaking during high tide, you’ll have the perfect up-close view of these natural sculptures.
Need to know:
• Learn more about Ovens Natural Park or book your reservation at ovenspark. com.
• The Ovens Natural Park is located at 326 Ovens Road in Riverport.
• The Ovens is open daily
from 8:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
• To access the Medford sandstacks, you will need to park at Kingsport Beach (29 Medford Road) and walk along the beach until you reach the stacks. Remember to check the tides before heading out.
NEW BRUNSWICK
Last but not least, you have to make a pit stop at the Hopewell Rocks, one of New Brunswick’s premier tourist attractions.
Another example of nature carving its own stunning sculptures, Hopewell Rocks are also home to the highest tides in the world, which happen twice a day. These tides reach up to 15 metres, the height of a four-storey building.
The official Hopewell Rocks Facebook page offers daily charts indicating high and low tides so visitors can plan their special walk on the ocean floor or check out the water at its highest.
Guided tours, both on foot and by kayak, are available to visitors so you can make the most of your time as you take in the picturesque beauty of the park.
“I really enjoyed visiting Hopewell Rocks and would recommend it to anyone who has the chance to see it,” says Chelsea McKee from North Sydney.
Need to know:
• Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park is located at 131 Discovery Road in Hopewell Cape.
• You can also check out the live video feed here: https://tv.ivideon.com/ camera/100-COHKKywb3 nPzcJvDbwFW97⁄196608/?l ang=en.
• To learn more about Hopewell Rocks visit thehopewellrocks.ca.