Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island make great getaways for adventurous families. So if you’re looking for an incredible holiday with fresh air, outdoor activities, and low screen time look no further than the Atlantic coast of Canada.
Unleash your spirit of adventure in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island
Harbour Hopper, Halifax Nova Scotia
Amphibious fun in Halifax Nova Scotia
A holiday in Nova Scotia should include a road trip along the Atlantic coast of Canada and visit to Halifax. One of the best ways for families explore Nova Scotia’s exciting waterfront capital is on the amphibious Harbour Hopper tour. Kids will be thrilled as the hopper goes straight from the road into the water. The narrated tour gives an idea of the city’s history from its role during war time and peace times as well as the rich account of its naval dockyards.
Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is a province of lighthouses
Nova Scotia is a province of lighthouses. There are over 160 to explore, but none is more iconic than Peggy’s Cove. Another must do on a road trip, try to get there early in the day. Not only will you catch the beautiful morning light, you’ll avoid the crowds as it is one of the most popular lighthouses to visit in Canada. The authentic local fishing village is also fun to explore and kids love climbing over the rocks at Peggy’s Cove.
Tidal bore rafting, Bay of Fundy
Try tidal bore rafting in Nova Scotia
Like a geography lesson and exhilarating adventure in one, tidal bore rafting is an adrenalin inducing zodiac trip on a river as the water travels upstream!
This incredible phenomenon occurs when tidal waters flow into outgoing rivers and is only seen in a few parts of the world. Here in Nova Scotia, 160 billion tonnes of water rushes into the Bay of Fundy at high tide. Because there is only so much space for it to travel, the great tides actually reverse the flow of rivers that would typically stream into the Bay.
You won’t find this experience anywhere else and kids who really like to get their hands dirty can even try mud sliding at the end of the tour.
Sunset watching, Kejimkujik National Park
Camp under the stars in Kejimkujik National Park
Anyone with kids that are budding astronomers should factor in a night’s camping in Kejimkujik National Park or ‘Keji’ for short.
Keji is a Dark Sky Preserve and, away from the light pollution of towns and cities, it offers stunning celestial displays each night. Brilliantly set up for star gazing, the park hires ‘dark sky kits’ throughout the summer. The kits include binoculars as well as explanations of what you’re looking at and a red light to read the charts and maps at night just like a real astronomer.
A top campsite for families is Jeremy’s Bay Campground, which is nestled within a lush Acadian forest near the shoreline of Kejimkujik Lake.
Louisbourg Fortress © Chris MacFarlane
Explore Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
The Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site brings you back to French colonial life between 1713 and 1758. Look forward to impressive fortifications, reconstructions of elegant 18th century houses, as well as evocative ruins.
This perfect slice of history is presented in a way that will get kids imaginations running wild. They can join the Xplorers program and Club Parka to hear traditional Nova Scotian songs and stories and watch lace-making demonstrations. They’ll also be able to pick up a loaf of “soldier’s bread”, baked in traditional stone ovens using an historic recipe. Then families can watch soldiers march to fife and drum and listen to ‘townspeople’ share their stories.
Ann of Green Gables, Prince Edward Island
Visit Anne of Green Gables’ sites on Prince Edward Island
Plan some holiday reading and introduce kids to the classic novel, Anne of Green Gables, by L. M. Montgomery.
The book is set on beautiful Prince Edward Island so while you’re here you can explore the author’s birthplace in New London and the Site of Montgomery’s Cavendish home. The Ann of Green Gables Museum in Park Corner is where Lucy Maud Montgomery was married. Plus there’s a Green Gables Heritage place where visitors can re-live Anne’s youthful escapades. Or you could simply admire the views that moved Montgomery on the scenic Island Drive and Anne of Green Gables Tour.
Roll up your sleeves for a Prince Edward Island farm experience
Prince Edward Island farm experiences give families a taste of the good life by helping working farmer, Nancy Sanderson, feed and tend to her livestock.
The two-hour Chore Time farm experience is ideal even for younger children. And, after all that effort, parents and grandparents can treat themselves to some fresh local produce in the Farm Shop. Don’t miss Prince Edward Island’s world-famous potatoes!
Prince Edward Island National Park, Greenwich
Make a splash with water activities
Home to sandy beaches and the warmest waters north of the Carolinas, Prince Edward Island is made for water activities. Plus huge stretches of continuous coastline mean families can choose adventures to suit themselves.
Hop on a deep-sea fishing tour in a traditional Cape Islander and fish for mackerel or cod. Stand up paddle boarding on calm seas is a favourite way to explore the coastline. Families who like something a bit less sedate can even try kiteboarding. Malpeque Bay is an ideal location for this as it has the perfect combination of shallow waters and strong continuous winds to get the heart racing. Don’t worry if it’s your first time, instructors are available to everyone the ropes.
Swap a staycation for a ‘neighcation’ in Atlantic Canada
Swap a ‘staycation’ for a ‘neighcation’ on Prince Edward Island and kids can flex their Dr Doolittle skills by learning to talk to horses, with help from local experts.
Stable owners and horse whisperers, Jasmine and Mark Bastarache, teach families how to bond with animals on their Talking With Horses package. Then they take you out on a trail ride through stunning Prince Edward Island countryside.
If feathered friends are more appealing, local falconer, Jamie Stride, introduces families to his magnificent birds of prey on Fun With Falcons. Not only do kids meet the birds, they get to wear handler’s glove and hold falcons and hawks before being taken out to see the birds’ impressive flying and swooping skills.