What’s New in Atlantic Canada 2023

Tuesday, Mar 28, 2023 0

Atlantic Canada is a must-visit destination for 2023, bursting with new experiences for travellers looking for stunning landscapes and new experiences. Providing a memorable escape, the provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island are home to an array of gorgeous scenery, delicious culinary offerings and are full of opportunities for adventure. Read on for a round-up of new openings, experiences and exciting anniversaries from the region.

NEW BRUNSWICK

NEW The Kingston Spa at La Belle Cabane to open in spring 2023

A new wellness experience, The Kingston Spa at La Belle Cabane, is coming to New Brunswick in spring 2023. Built with sustainability in mind and aimed at providing wellbeing experiences, the spa located in the beautiful Kingston Peninsula, is focused on mental healing, incorporating self-worth, stress management and emotional healing. Paying homage to indigenous culture, the spa will utilise the surrounding landscape in its sessions to provide a one-of-a-kind relaxing experience.

https://www.labellecabane.com/kingstonspa.html

175th anniversary of Fredericton

New Brunswick’s capital city of Fredericton will be celebrating its 175^th anniversary on the 30^th of March 2023. Flag raising and a birthday cake celebration will be held at city hall on day with further celebrations to follow in August, including an ice cream social, arts, street entertainment and concerts. https://tourismnewbrunswick.ca/fredericton

Experience Le Pays de la Sagouine by NEW night trail

Opening in August 2023, the Lumina Night Walk is a new immersive experience at Le Pays de la Sagouine in Bouctouche, New Brunswick. Inspired by Acadian culture and crafted by Acadian artists and artisans, this immersive 1.5-kilometer enchanted walk will welcome guests to experience the area like never before. Featuring enchanting light shows and storytelling, immersive multimedia will be used to produce a captivating show of colour and light. https://sagouine.tuxedobillet.com/

NEW Indigenous experiences in Greater Saint John area

Three new Indigenous experiences are available to those visiting Saint John in New Brunswick this year. Designed to provide an understanding of Indigenous culture through storytelling, discover the origins of Saint John, Canada’s oldest incorporated city, and the local history of the Wolastoq and Mi’kmaq peoples from a unique Indigenous viewpoint. Through a series of walks and gathering over fires, visitors will learn about Indigenous groups and their relationships with the surrounding land, including the beautiful Wolastoq River and Fort la Tour – the archaeological site containing the remains of 17^th century fur trading. www.firstnationsstorytellers.com

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

Come From Away to come home to Gander in Summer 2023
The beloved musical Come From Away, celebrating the town and community of Gander that welcomed the world in extraordinary circumstances, will be coming home in the summer of 2023. Telling the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers in the aftermath of 9/11, visitors will be able to experience the musical in Gander itself where the story unfolded. Marking the first fully staged production in Newfoundland and Labrador, and featuring cast and musicians from Broadway, London, Toronto and the Canadian province, this show is not one to miss. The official run will be from the 22^nd July through to the 3^rd September, with tickets available to purchase now. https://artsandculturecentre.com/gander/

Gander Airport’s International Lounge Reopens

The restoration on the Gander Airport’s international lounge is officially over. Opened in 1959 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, this historic spot is one of the most famous places in Newfoundland and Labrador. Serving as a stopping point for travellers and celebrities, it is said to be Canada’s most important room as it reopens to host world travellers once again. Guests can encounter its vast history whist they marvel at the celebrities and politicians that have visited this fascinating space. Features of the lounge include art, a theatre and artisanal cocktail bar, all whilst keeping the glamour of its original design. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/gander-international-airport-lounge

Be Road Trip Ready this 2023 on the Trans-Labrador Highway

Completed in mid-2022, this new road allows visitors to travel on more than 1,100 kilometers of pristine paved highway between the Labrador Straits and Labrador West. Before the completion of this highway, much of this route was unpaved, but bumpy roads are no more for travellers and locals set on exploring. This route is home to the dense and vast wilderness along with its scenic and coastal route ends. The possibilities are endless for travellers seeking a new adventure in 2023, with endless stops and Insta-worthy shots along the way, now is the perfect time to ride the road of discovery and experience Newfoundland and Labrador like never before.

https://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/trip-ideas/road-trips-landing

Fogo Island Inn celebrates its 10^th anniversary

The renowned Fogo Island Inn is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2023 and with a newly expanded year-round direct air service from Toronto to Gander, this unique corner of the world will now be even more accessible. From the 1st of June 2023, guests can travel more frequently with Air Canada direct from Toronto to Fogo Island, before taking a ground or water transfer to the remote island and inn. Since opening on the 15th May 2013, the unique resort has continuously provided memorable experiences for visitors to one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most beautiful islands. To mark the occasion, full-time permanent residents of Fogo Island and Change Islands will be invited to spend a complimentary night as guests, demonstrating the long-standing commitment to the local community.
https://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/plan-and-book/accommodations/30123335

NOVA SCOTIA

Climb the Light at Cape Forchu

Reopening in 2023 is the Climb the Light Experience at Cape Forchu in Nova Scotia. Guests can climb the seventy-seven steps of the lighthouse until they reach the lantern room, where picturesque panoramic views of the landscape and boundless sea awaits. With prices starting from just £9.50 per adult, visitors can soak up the history of the site and its surrounding areas and be a lightkeeper for a day. After the historic tour, there is a breath-taking beach to experience or guests can stroll through the museum for a second dose of history. The fun doesn’t stop there as Cape Forchu spoils its guests with more opportunities, such as stargazing and a whale display, where guests can view real whale skeletons. https://capeforchu.com/

Nova Scotia’s first Marriot Autograph Collection Hotel

Situated in the centre of downtown Halifax, the new Muir, Autograph Collection is Nova Scotia’s first Marriot Autograph Collection Hotel. Ideally located with scenic views and access to the exciting culinary district, the modern hotel is perfectly located for exploration of this distinctive location. The impressive 5-star property hosts 109 guest rooms and picturesque views of the waterfront. https://www.novascotia.com/places-to-stay/accommodations/muir-hotel/8129

Culinary adventure at the NEW Queen’s Marque District

The new Queen’s Marque District and Halifax waterfront is a must-visit for foodies. Since opening the area has become a culinary destination in its own right, with a hot pot of flavours to choose from. Ranging from authentic Argentine dishes at Bar Sofia, to a Parisian-inspired eatery at Café Lunette and traditional Nova Scotian seafood at newly opened Salt + Ash, there is a huge variety of choices for those looking for a delicious meal after a busy day exploring the beautiful Canadian province. New for 2023, Swanky Burger will be serving old school classic burgers and Toridori – an impressive Asian fusion restaurant, will be bringing an expansive collection of noodle creations, from Malaysia to Japan.
https://muirhotel.com/queens-marque-local-dining/

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

Unwind at Prince Edward Island’s First Nordic Spa and Resort

Nestled in the picturesque scenery of St. Peter’s Harbour is an all-new Nordic Spa and Resort opening early next year. Guests can enjoy the tranquillity of Mysa’s ‘Thermal Experience’, where they can relax and unwind by lounging in a pool of water that cycles through hot and cold that’s said to put you in a state of total relaxation. Featuring 17 water-view accommodations, guests can explore the 16 immersions on this resort – including thermal baths and Nordic cold baths. After a day of reinvigorating relaxation, enjoy the on-site restaurant with a comprehensive and balanced menu, sourcing sustainable produce from their very own on-site gardens or local supply. https://mysanordicspa.com/

Conservation countdown begins for Province House National Historic Site

Conservation has been well underway for some time at this hub of Canadian history, but in 2023, Province House is ready to welcome visitors back after its 8-year restoration. The Charlottetown landmark, that has been under conservation since 2015, is getting a new lease of life this coming year. Visitors will be able to take in the grand surroundings while absorbing its rich history. As the setting of the Charlottetown Conference in 1864, this building is famous for being the birthplace of Canada. This historic meeting with delegates from colonies including Nova scotia and New Brunswick, triggered further discussions that led to the creation of the Dominion of Canada in 1867. With new exhibits being developed, now is the perfect time for history lovers everywhere to be one of the first to see history restored to its former glory. https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/pe/provincehouse/activ