Yolanda Zappaterra asks three tour operators for their most exciting Atlantic Canada itineraries
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Becky Francis, director of sales EMEA, Insight Vacations
What’s the brief?
A couple are looking for an escorted maritime themed Canadian holiday with a focus on great seafood and local culture, including interaction with traditional fishing communities and participation in local activities that will connect them with the destination.
We suggest
Our Landscapes of the Canadian Maritimes tour, which visits Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Guests can engage with people every step of the way.
Food is a big part of that, and on Prince Edward Island they’ll try local mussels at Georgetown Historic Inn, scallops in Digby and lobster in Shediac Bay, all while meeting fishermen and producers. For example, an Acadian lobster fisherman will take them out in Shediac Bay.
But it’s not just about food – the culture of the provinces is a big part of the tour. Guests will visit the Abegweit Mi’kmaq Nation on Prince Edward Island, experience a Celtic evening, visit the Gaelic College and learn about Maritime history and culture.
All in all, they’ll come away with a real sense of the rich hospitality, culture and history of the Maritimes, having also enjoyed delicious sea-to-table food experiences.
Book it: Insight Vacations’ escorted Landscapes of the Canadian Maritimes 12-day guided tour starts at £3,519 per person, and includes premium B&B accommodation, seven meals, transport and guide. Price does not include flights.
insightvacations.com
Sara Park, marketing campaign manager, Premier Holidays
What’s the brief?
A couple are looking to explore eastern Canada through a mix of road and rail, discovering its scenery, highlights and coastal attractions while also getting a good sense of the culture and way of life for the people who live in it.
We suggest
Clients can explore the Maritimes by car before travelling by rail between some great cities. They’ll start in Halifax, a city known for arts, music, food and urban gardens, among other things.
The driving route also stops in Digby, where it’s a must to sample scallops. They can take a ferry to New Brunswick and the seaport city of Saint John.
If the architecture and eclectic shops don’t appeal, the city is surrounded by nature experiences. Then it’s on to Moncton for outdoor adventure, urban amusements and enticing eateries.
An overnight train goes between Moncton and Quebec City, filled with old-European charm in a modern setting, and then it’s on to cosmopolitan Montreal and finally Toronto.
Book it: Premier Holidays’ 14-night Explore Maritime & Eastern Canada by Road & Rail includes accommodation and one night on the Via Rail from Moncton to Quebec, and six days compact car hire with GPS. Prices from £2,199 per person based on two adults sharing, when booked by October 31 for travel on May 1, 2023.
premierholidays.co.uk
Stuart Rogers, product & commercial manager, Canadian Affair
What’s the brief?
A family are looking for the adventure of a lifetime exploring the natural world of eastern Canada on both land and sea. They hope to encounter lots of wildlife, take part in different activities and see and do things that will be unforgettable.
We suggest
A holiday full of adventure in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, where they’ll see nature in fast action across stunning coastal and inland scenery.
The marine and land wildlife is fantastic; there are 250 species of birds, and the family can go whale and dolphin watching, or look for reptiles and amphibians. Kids love seeing the largest collection of fossil bones in North America, and may also spot moose, turtles, frogs, salamanders and snakes.
For activities, there’s rafting and canoeing along Atlantic salmon runs, shucking oysters and casting a lobster pot. In terms of encountering things, the national and provincial parks offer cave art, extreme tidal ranges, rugged highlands and ancient forests. It’s the adventure of a lifetime, and an opportunity for the family to bond.
Book it: Canadian Affair’s 17-night Beaches, Islands, Lobster, Moose and More selfdrive package includes flights, car hire and accommodation on a room-only basis in three and four-star hotels. The cost for a family of three departing in May 2023 is £2,139 per person if the child is aged 12 or under, or £2,249 per person with a child of 13 or over.
canadianaffair.com
PICTURES: Shutterstock/Prashanth Bala, Denna Jiang, Colin D. Young
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