When it comes to viewing icebergs, Iceberg Alley is one of the best places in the world. On a sunny day, view these 10,000-year-old glacial giants from many points along the northern and eastern coasts of Newfoundland and Labrador in every shape and size. The colours of each iceberg differs ranging from snow-white to the deepest aquamarine.
There are a number of ways to experience these amazing natural spectacles. Go on a boat tour, paddle along in a sea kayak or hike along parts of the 29,000 km of coastline and watch a sparkling spring berg parade down Iceberg Alley.
Picture courtesy of ACTP
To mark this occasion an Iceberg Festival takes place every June on the Great Northern Peninsula. It celebrates the coming of spring in the north and the annual arrival of icebergs. The festival features music, food, entertainment, history, culture, great hospitality and of course icebergs. Dip your toes into the North Atlantic! Have a dance! Eat seafood fresh from the sea! If you want breathtaking landscapes and seascapes, fantastic fare and good company, you belong at the Iceberg Festival!
Nor is that all you can do while in this beautiful region. Here nature is very much to the fore and the scenery is spectacular. The people very welcoming and it is still one of those places that is well off the well trodden holiday destinations.
If you would like more information on tailor made holidays to Canada then please call us on Tel: 01323 446550 or Email: info@experienceholidays.co.uk
Come and celebrate the timeless romance of the sea, in the stunning scenery of Atlantic Canada. The Lighthouse Route journeys through an unforgettable landscape of coastal beauty and historic charm that has captured the hearts and minds of travellers for generations. Imagine the landscape as it was when Champlain and de Monts first arrived here four centuries ago. Follow shoreline roads past rugged, wave-carved headlands and tranquil, island-studded bays. Discover historic towns and weathered fishing villages where legends of the sea come alive and the rhythm of life moves in harmony with the tides.
The Lighthouse Route follows Nova Scotia’s South Shore, where the past is a part of everyday life. You’ll find it along quiet country roads where ox teams still haul lumber, and coastal villages where fishermen still row wooden dories out to sea. Explore towns like Liverpool, with its privateer legends, and Lunenburg, where a working blacksmith still plies his trade amidst the beautifully preserved buildings of the old town district. And yes, they do have lighthouses, over twenty of them, from the dramatic beauty of the famous lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove to Yarmouth’s towering Cape Forchu light.
This is a wonderful self drive destination, with B&B and small hotels along the way to make your journey special. The owners of these places will be more than happy to suggest places to visit locally and where to enjoy the local produce. Summer is the key time to go but late spring and early autumn are also well worth considering.
Call or email us for more information on tailor made holidays to Canada: Tel: 01323 446550 or Email: info@experienceholidays.co.uk
Picture courtesy of Nova Scotia Tourism Culture and Heritage
Picture courtesy of Nova Scotia Tourism Culture and Heritage
With over 500 festivals celebrating its rich diverse culture, dramatic beautiful scenery, outdoor adventure, a fascinating maritime history, warm hospitality and a superb gastronomic reputation, Nova Scotia is the perfect fly drive destination.
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Gastronomic Tour of Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia, one of the four Atlantic Canada provinces, is perfectly located to make full use of the abundance of marine life around it. Add to this numerous restaurants and cafe’s, with excellent menu’s and wine lists and a simple self drive tour turns into a gastronomic experience.
Day 1: Halifax
Day 3: Lunenburg
Day 6: Antigonish
Day 6: Mabou
Day 7: Cabot Trail
Day 8: Baddeck
Day 9: Louisbourg
Day 11: Charlos Cove
Day 12: Depart Halifax
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Day 1: Halifax
Fly in to Halifax and the start of your gastronomic tour of this fascinating region. While sampling your first meals, why not get involved in the lively music scene of Halifax which is truly diverse. Two days of exploring the city – not forgetting to visit the oldest Farmers Market in Canada. Halifax 2 nights
Day 3: Lunenburg
Pick up your vehicle and set off along the Lighthouse Route along the South Shore stopping to visit some along the way. Have lunch at pretty Peggy’s Cove before continuing to Lunenburg for a two night stay. Lunenberg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and here, enjoy the fruits of the sea and land. Nova Scotia is famous for its fresh quality food. Why not join the Cooking School based here to hone your skills and watch masters at work! Lunenburg 2 nights
Day 6: Antigonish
Head due East to your next destination Antigonish, perhaps stopping at the University town of Wolfville with its excellent cafes and restaurants. If time allows, consider visiting one of the many vineyards in this area. You will be amazed at the rise/fall of the sea in the Bay of Fundy up to 46 feet – one of the biggest in the world. Antigonish 1 night
Day 6: Mabou
Cross the Causeway to Cape Breton island – the further end of Nova Scotia province and follow the Ceilidh Trail for an overnight stay at Mabou. In early October this area comes alive with the sound of music as the Celtic Colours Festival takes over the whole area. Some of the freshest and tastiest fruits of the sea can be found in little pubs and restaurants in this region. Mabou 1 night
Day 7: Cabot Trail
As you continue north east, the Ceilidh Trail joins the Cabot Trail – you are on your way to one of the most spectacular drives in Canada Cabot Trail 1 night
Day 8: Baddeck
Complete the Cabot Trail to Baddeck and take time to relax and explore the cultural life that is centred on the Bras d’Or Lakes of Cape Breton Island.
Baddeck 1 night
Day 9: Louisbourg
Continue on to the National Historic Site of Louisbourg and stay in the pretty seaside town. Use the full day to drive to Louisbourg and explore the historic town that helped shape the history of the region – with a little more time, include this as a three night stop.
Louisbourg 2 nights
Day 11: Charlos Cove
Return to the mainland, now joining the Marine Drive, for your final night stay at Charlos Cove. Time for a final gourmet meal and splendid accommodation before you think about packing for the last time and heading home. Charlos Cove 1 night
Day 12: Depart Halifax
Back to Halifax for your return journey home or to continue your adventure …
All photographs by kind permission of Nova Scotia Tourism
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Little Gems
Cape Breton Island, linked to the mainland of Nova Scotia by the Canso Causeway is a must. Plan your visit to coincide with the Fall colours and the Celtic Colours music festival. Plan carefully though as some of the visitor attractions close at or about Canadian Thanksgiving!
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Photograph by kind permission of UnCruise Adventures
Don’t forget we will be at Destinations Show at Olympia, London, on February 02, 03, 04 and 05. Find us on Stand AC32 which we are sharing with the American company Uncruise Adventures. Most of the team will be there over the 4 days and would love to see a friendly face or two. This is one of the biggest travel shows in the U.K and a great place to find new destinations and experiences that would suit you. If you have a particular place in mind for your holiday next year (or the year after) give us a call to book an appointment with our team expert for that part of the world. However we will be very pleased to see you as and when you are free.
This week the BBC are showing a few series which are all based in Canada showing what a fabulous place North America really is and certainly not to be missed.
We hope you caught Dan Snow last Sunday night with Operation Gold Rush in the Yukon. More jaw dropping scenery to follow next Sunday night (21.00 BBC2) in part 2.
Arctic Live started Tuesday on BBC 2 from 20.00 – 21.00 live from Churchill and continues on Wednesday and Thursday with Kate Humble, Simon Reeve and Gordon Buchanan.
Finally if this is all too highbrow for you we have Buble at the BBC on Thursday BBC1 at 20.00. This will be similar to the show Graham Norton did with Adele last year which had over 4.5 million viewers.
We have received this lovely feedback from our clients who recently visited Western Canada…
“All the trips you had booked for us worked without a hitch: the whale watching was excellent, and we were able to see a large pod of orcas; the raft trip was also good fun. The car and ferries all worked out well, and we were pleased to have the freedom of the car to go where we wanted. Apart from the last couple of days, the weather was warm and sunny throughout: I think we were lucky there as it had apparently been very wet before we arrived. It’s difficult to say what we liked most, really, as each day we found something very different to do and enjoyed it all.
So thank you very much indeed for all you did to make it a very special and smooth-running trip! We genuinely enjoyed every part of it and felt that you had chosen an itinerary that suited us perfectly. We’ll be saving up for another expedition before too long and look forward to consulting you again I hope!”
Picture courtesy of Dennis Fast and Churchill Wild
We have just received news from the above Lodge that this year’s numbers of Polar Bears around the Lodge are the best they have ever known. The best day they have had was 21 bears sighted between the Lodge and their whale swim point. The ice pack, which was still visible a week ago, has now dispersed pushing the bears back on to the coastline.
Additionally all the bears are looking fit and healthy making for very special photo opportunities – especially when you have an expert on hand to help with how to make the most of your chances.
Picture courtesy of Dennis Fast and Churchill Wild
Picture courtesy of Bill Lyne and Churchill Wild
The other news from the lodge is that the Beluga whales are back in huge numbers as well. Imagine jumping off the back of the Zodiac in a wet suit and snorkel and listening to the whales singing to you. They even seem to answer your own attempts of singing to them!
As this a very special destination and places are limited you need to be getting in touch with us now to ensure you are there for next year’s spectacular.
For more information on the lodge or to make this part of your own bespoke, tailor made holiday please call us on Tel: 01323 446550 or email: info@experienceholidays.co.uk
Picture courtesy of Ian Johnson and Churchill Wild
You will be receiving our Spring Newsletter in the post over the next few days and you will see we are promoting Atlantic Canada once again. If you are not on our mailing list and would like a copy of our Newsletter, contact us (see details below) and we will send it to you.
Atlantic Canada remains one of our favourite destinations for all sorts of reasons – stunning scenery, wonderful places to stay, fresh seafood, an abundance of wildlife and marine life but best of all the friendly welcome that you will receive from the people who are living there. Atlantic Canada is made up of the Provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador, each of which has its own unique highlights. Over the next few days, we will blog about these in more detail. We love working with the tourism representatives of these Provinces who are enthusiastic, friendly promoters, keen to see more tourists from the UK visiting them. As are we!
Picture courtesy of Atlantic Canada
Getting there has never been easier with Air Canada flights daily to Halifax, Nova Scotia year-round and St. John’s in Newfoundland and Labrador in peak season. Halifax also has weekly charter flights operated by Canadian Affair in the summer months. With flight times from 5-6 hours this is really a destination within easy reach and well-suited for a short break with a difference, as well as a main holiday.
Atlantic Canada has the 4 seasons that we experience but usually with warmer summers, colder winters and stunning autumn colours.
Keep an eye on our blog over the next few days as we look at each Province in more detail or get in touch now.
This itinerary combines the Provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island; a rugged and scenic coastline, unspoiled wilderness and friendly hospitality make this a perfect destination.
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Atlantic Canada – A trio of delights
Day 1: Halifax
Day 3: Lunenburg
Day 4: Digby
Day 6: Fundy National Park
Day 8: Charlottetown
Day 10: Antigonish
Day 11: Cheticamp
Day 13: Louisbourg
Day 14: Charlos Cove
Day 15: Depart Halifax
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Nova Scotia with its rich tradition of music, ancient culture and traditions is more than just a destination; it’s an event! Add to this a rugged and scenic coastline, unspoiled wilderness and the friendly hospitality of New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island – all this makes Atlantic Canada a perfect holiday destination. Here is a 15 day/14night self drive itinerary idea…
Day 1: Halifax
Arrive Halifax, Nova Scotia. A delightful city, which has the ambience of an old university town, set around a busy harbour. Places to visit include Halifax Citadel, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Prince of Wales National Historic Site. Two nights Halifax
Day 3: Lunenburg
Pick up your rental car and drive to Lunenburg. En route stop at Peggys Cove and Mahone Bay – delightful scenic areas. A colourful fishing village, Lunenburg was originally occupied by Germans, hence the name. One night Lunenburg
Day 4: Digby
Depart Lunenburg and drive via the Kejimkujik National Park to Annapolis Basin. A wonderful scenic drive, visit the Fort Anne national historic site and the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens. Nearby there is excellent whale watching opportunities. Two nights Digby
Day 6: Fundy National Park
Leave Digby and board the scenic ferry to New Brunswick. This passage is home to many species of whales, seen more frequently than in the rest of Canada. Some of the rarest and largest whales in the world come to feed and breed here including the rare Right whale. Continue on to Fundy National Park. The park covers 206 square kms in area and has steep coastal cliffs and clear streams. Hopewell Rocks, shaped like giant vases are covered by the tide each six hours – the largest tidal drop in the world. Two nights Shepody
Day 8: Charlottetown
Depart from Fundy National Park and cross the 13km long New Confederation Bridge over the Northumberland Strait to Prince Edward Island (PEI) with its endless sandy beaches, tiny farms and picturesque country roads. PEI’s National Park is 32 sq. miles in total. It features a 19th century wooden farmhouse, famous as the inspiration for the classic novel “Anne of Green Gables”. Seal watching cruises are available, returning in time to enjoy the evening in tiny Charlottetown, the provincial capital and another maritime centre. Two nights in Charlottetown
Day 10: Antigonish
Take the ferry across to Pictou, Nova Scotia. Antigonish is the highland heart of Nova Scotia. The town is the site of the Annual Highland Games featuring traditional Scottish contests. One night Antigonish
Day 11: Cheticamp
Take the clockwise route into Cape Breton. En route visit the Mabou Gaelic Village and stop at one of Inverness’s fine beaches. Continue on to Cheticamp – an Arcadian fishing village renowned for Whale Watching. This coastline is famed for its bald eagles. Two nights Cheticamp.
Day 13: Louisbourg
Continue along the Cabot Trail – one of Eastern Canada’s most popular scenic drives. You will drive through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and then on to Louisbourg. Visit the Fortress of Louisbourg – Canada’s largest National and Historic Park. Between June and September costumed ‘animators’ live in the fortress, making it come alive as it was in the summer of 1744. One night Louisbourg.
Day 14: Charlos Cove
Take the Eastern Shore to Liscomb Mills, Nova Scotia. The Marine drive leads through forests and over low hills. See also re-created Sherbrooke Plantation. Many excellent ocean views are available from small side roads to the shore. One night Charlos Cove.
Day 15: Depart Halifax
Take the attractive coast road, taking in some spectacular scenery as you head towards the city of Halifax. Take the Airport Road, drop off your rental car and check in for your return flight.
All photographs courtesy Nova Scotia Tourism and Culture www.novascotia.com
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Little Gems
***Plan your visit to coincide with the wonderful Celtic Colours festival which takes place on Cape Breton Island in early October***
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This itinerary takes you off the beaten track to explore this beautiful province/island: fishing villages, rich geological history, unique landscapes, hidden lodges, diverse wildlife and a warm welcome await.
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Newfoundland
One of the four Atlantic Canada provinces and much closer then you might think and reminiscent of New Zealand in many ways, but considerably closer.
Day 1: St John’s
Day 3: Avalon Peninsula
Day 5: Trinity
Day 6: Terra Nova
Day 7: Twillingate
Day 8: Gros Morne National Park (south Side)
Day 10: L’Anse Aux Meadows
Day 12: Gros Morne National Park (north side)
Day 14: Depart Newfoundland
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Awaken your senses to a boundless beauty, with breathtaking views and dramatic exposures as you drive to the harbours and fishing villages that are definitely off the beaten track. Newfoundland is an island the size of the UK with a mere half million inhabitants where titanic icebergs float by tiny villages and Inuit culture thrives.
Day 1: St John’s
St John’s is the small vibrant capital city of Newfoundland. Take a harbour cruise to view Icebergs and Humpback whales and drive to see Cape Spear, the Cabot Tower, Quidi Vidi Village, the Titanic Museum and Signal Hill. St Johns 2 nights
Day 3: Avalon Peninsula
Drive south to the Avalon Peninsula. From here tour Witless Bay where the largest Puffin colony in North America nests. Also visit Cape St Mary to see the colony of Northern Gannets. Avalon Peninsula 2 nights
Day 5: Trinity
Drive north to Trinity – the cultural capital of Newfoundland. Follow the fascinating Discovery Trail and recognise various film sets along the way. Trinity 1 night
Day 6: Terra Nova
Drive to Terra Nova. Terra Nova National Park has sheltered bays, rugged ocean coastline and rolling forested hills. Keep an eye out for Ospreys, Eagles, Lynx and Moose. Terra Nova 1 night
Day 7: Twillingate
Drive on to Twillingate. Visit the Long Point Lighthouse, one of the best places in Newfoundland to see humpback whales and icebergs. Take a cruise of Iceberg Alley – majestic icebergs, breathtaking scenery and a mixture of wildlife. Twillingate 1 night
Day 8: Gros Morne National Park (south Side)
Take time to explore the south side of this magnificent park. Suggestions include visiting the impressive Discovery Centre, perhaps take a boat cruise on Trout River Pond – an excellent way to see the spectacular Tablelands. Gros Morne south side 2 nights
Day 10: L’Anse Aux Meadows
Drive the Viking Trail up the Northern Peninsula and visit both L’Anse aux Meadows – the only authenticated Viking settlement site in North America and Norstead Viking Village – a fascinating re-enactment of how Vikings lived over 1000 years ago. L’Anse Aux Meadows 2 nights
Day 12: Gros Morne National Park (north side)
Drive north into the Gros Morne National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Visitor Interpretation Centre, walk along the boardwalk to Western Brook Pond and take a boat cruise. Gros Morne north side 2 nights
Day 14: Depart Newfoundland
Fly from Deer Lake Airport back to St. John’s and then home to London
If time permits, spend a couple of nights in the Lighthouse Keepers Cottage on Quirpon Island – fantastic views, sunsets and sunrises to die for, whilst whales and dolphins frolic and bask beneath the rocky headlands…
Credit Jackie Appleton
Credit Jackie Appleton
Credit NFL Tourism
Credit NFL Tourism
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Little Gems
Don’t miss the Tablelands, one of only two places on the planet where the earth’s mantle is exposed. Little grows here other than a few harebells clinging to tiny crevices where soil has lodged.
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Client Feedback
‘What an experience, in so many ways the people seem to be stuck in a different age, but what lovely, friendly people, they were the high point of our wonderful adventure. Enormous amount of Icebergs (which dragged down temperature) about, very interesting, and gave some good photo’s. A very beautiful country, enjoyed all stopovers on route. So, must say, that the tour and arrangements stood up to the usual quality we have come to expect from Experience, thoroughly pleased.
Only problem now is: we have to decide is which direction we want you to send us next.
Many thanks Jackie’.
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Worldchoice Consortium.
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Experience Holidays is fully bonded under the Civil Aviation Authority ATOL scheme and is a member of the
Worldchoice Consortium.