Atlantic Canada: fjords, whales and green expanses
Natural wonders galore: the four fantastic provinces of Canada's east coast
Red sandstone cliffs and small fishing villages colour the green landscape of Atlantic Canada. The region is located on the east coast of Canada and stretches across the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. It is the quickest part of North America to reach from Europe. Over 43,000 kilometres of coastline can be discovered on a round trip through the provinces. The landscape is diverse: from wide river landscapes and impressive national parks to freshly caught seafood on every corner, there is something for nature lovers and gourmets alike.
Cliffs and fjords: the Gros Morne National Park
Labrador and Newfoundland are separated from each other by the Gulf of St Lawrence in the east. The province protrudes furthest into the Atlantic Ocean. The most famous national park in the region, Gros Morne National Park, is located on the west coast of the island of Newfoundland. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has 20 hiking trails leading over steep cliffs and past huge fjords. With a bit of luck, you may also spot moose, black bears and Arctic hares. The absolute highlight of the park is the Tablelands. There you can see and touch a part of the earth's mantle that has been carried to the surface.
Icebergs, caribou & whales: Fogo
The small island of Fogo is located north of Newfoundland and can be reached by ferry. Just under 2,500 people live on the island - and a lot of caribou. The Fogo Head hiking trail is the best way to get to know the island's landscape. The almost four-kilometre-long tour leads along protruding rock formations and to viewpoints from which you can see floating icebergs and - with a bit of luck - even whales. You should also visit the small fishing community of Town of Fogo Island on the east coast. The Lane House Museum is located there. It was built in the 1830s and is the oldest house on the island.
On the trail of the Aurora Borealis
Labrador is a dream come true for those in search of true wilderness. Many areas of the Atlantic Province are sparsely populated. They therefore offer the best conditions for seeing the Northern Lights beyond the Arctic Circle. In many places, there are organised tours that go hunting for the Aurora Borealis. The province is also considered one of the best places to watch passing icebergs. They can be viewed from land, from boats or up close from a kayak. Anyone who thinks that icebergs are only white will be convinced otherwise in Labrador. Their colour spectrum ranges from snow-white to a bright blue.
The highest tides in the world: Bay of Fundy
Around 80 per cent of New Brunswick is covered by forests. Probably the largest of these is in Fundy National Park. On hiking trails totalling over 100 kilometres, you can see beavers building dams and rushing waterfalls. In the middle of it all, you will come across small, remote lakes where you can also swim. The trails continue to the rocky coast, the Bay of Fundy. There you will witness the largest tides in the world. There are daily differences of 13-16 metres between high and low tide. On the shore are the Hopewell Rocks, which resemble the shape of flower vases. Some of them even form arches and bridges.
A paradise for every season: Kouchibouguac National Park
From hot temperatures to cold winter days, activities such as kayaking, geocaching, windsurfing, snowshoeing and tobogganing entice visitors to Kouchibouguac National Park all year round. Covering an area of 239 square kilometres, New Brunswick is home to long sandy beaches, lagoons, marshlands and dense forests. The Kouchibouguac River of the same name flows through it. To see everything, please plan several days - overnight stays in small wooden cabins and camping is possible in the park.
The most mysterious island in Canada: Sable Island
The small island of Sable Island is shrouded in mist in the middle of the Atlantic. It can be reached by plane or boat. The only inhabitants are wild horses. Over 500 of them roam freely through the unspoilt nature of the crescent-shaped island. The place off the coast of Nova Scotia is considered one of the most remote in Canada. For this very reason, it was one of the most dangerous destinations for sailing ships. Numerous shipwrecks lie on the shores of the island and once made it known as the ‘Graveyard of the Atlantic’.
Thousands of years of history: Kejimkujik National Park
You can follow in the footsteps of the indigenous Mi'kmaq group in the south-west of Nova Scotia. This is where Kejimkujik National Park is located. The history leads along canoe routes that have been used for thousands of years through an area with more than 21 different types of forest. A visit in autumn is therefore particularly recommended to see the colourful leaves. During the day, you can discover unspoilt white beaches and turquoise lagoons along the protected coastal area. After dark, the Dark Sky Reserve is the perfect place to observe the starry sky.
Through the dunes: Prince Edward Island
You can reach Prince Edward Island from Nova Scotia via a ferry connection. A journey from New Brunswick takes you over the 13 kilometre long Confederation Bridge, the longest bridge in the world, which rises over ice-covered water. Prince Edward Island is the smallest province in Atlantic Canada in terms of area. In the north, the national park of the same name protects a large stretch of coastline, where red sandstone cliffs meet vast dune landscapes. The best way to explore the park is by bike, on hiking trails or by boat. With a bit of luck, you might even spot a group of seals or red foxes.
Der singende Strand: Souris und der Basin Head Provincial Park
The charming little town of Souris on the east coast of Prince Edward Island, once an important trading port in the province, is located very close to the national park. Today, the town is still known for its mussels, which are served alongside other fresh seafood at and in restaurants along the harbour. Basin Head Provincial Park is close to the town. It is famed for its crystal clear waters and ‘singing beaches’. When you walk on the sand, it makes a deep, vibrating sound - it actually sounds almost like singing or humming, depending on the weather and time of day.
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