ATLANTIC CANADA, September 6, 2006 "“ Leaf peepers who are tired of high prices and crowds in New England might think about Atlantic Canada this fall. The four Canadian provinces (New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island) are just a hop, skip "“ well, maybe a jump "“ from Maine, but their forests are bigger and their prices are lower. In fact, the American dollar is worth 12% more than the Canadian dollar and prices go down by as much as 35% in the fall, which means substantial savings on everything from hotels and inns to whale-watching tours. Plus the crowds are non-existent.
There are plenty of festivals and events that keep the autumn months humming. From September 29 to October 8, the Kedgwick Fall Festival celebrates New Brunswick's gorgeous fall colors and harvest with music, dance, fireworks, sports competitions and a parade. In Charlottetown, "Anne of Green Gables "“ The Musicalâ„¢" goes through September 30 and runners can participate in the Prince Edward Island Marathon on October 15. The sounds of pipes, fiddles and melodic voices fill the air of Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Island during the Celtic Coulours International Festival, October 6-14. Celebrating Celtic music and culture, this world-class event features more than 250 performers in up to seven concerts a day. And fall means arts and crafts festivals all over Newfoundland, culminating in "Christmas at the Glacier" from October 18 to 22. During the same period, St. John's International Women's Film Festival will showcase works by local, national and international women film makers.
Atlantic Canada's foliage colors are spectacular: crimson, gold, orange and even the bright scarlet of sugar maples. (Yes, the red maple leaf is Canada's symbol and on its flag.) If visitors are up for more than just driving around gazing at breathtaking scenery, Atlantic Canada's sunny days, cool temperatures and clear air make fall the perfect time for hiking, biking or playing golf on some of Canada's best courses.
Visitors will find welcoming hotels and cozy B&Bs all over the four provinces in Atlantic Canada. Photographers will discover picturesque villages and quaint fishing ports, historic lighthouses and harvest-ready farms. Sightseers can visit charming towns like Charlottetown, St. Andrews, Lunenburg and St. John's. History buffs can hear sagas of Vikings in Newfoundland, stories about the Acadians in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island and tales about the Scottish and Irish in all four provinces. Gourmets will enjoy the freshest imaginable seafood "“ straight from the ocean. And since Canadians celebrate their Thanksgiving on October 9, Americans visitors can even indulge in an additional holiday feast.
"Canoe into Color," a two-night package for two starting at $388 CAD (US $350) includes two nights in one of the O'Donnell's Cottages on the banks of the Miramichi River in New Brunswick, guided kayak or canoe tour and a four-course dinner for two. www.odonnellscottages.com One of the finest inns in Newfoundland, Fisher's Loft, overlooks the ocean at Trinity Bay and is renowned for its four-course dinners with garden produce and just-caught fish. The inn is offering a second night free when a couple books one night with breakfast and dinner starting at $334 CAD (US $301). www.fishersloft.com The "Stay & Shop" package offered by the Blomidon Inn features two nights in this atmospheric 19th century sea captain's mansion, daily buffet breakfast and afternoon tea and a four-course Captain's dinner for two plus a $50 voucher for the House of Gifts ($259-249 CAD, or US $233-224). www.blomidon.ns.ca At Kindred Spirits on Prince Edward Island, the two-night "Meadow Memories & Seaside Romance" package for $219 CAD (US $198) includes two nights in a quality room or cottage, a fireside chowder supper, country breakfast daily, evening tea, a picnic basket and ice cream and a pass to Green Gables House www.kindredspirits.ca
Consumers can order a fall foliage brochure from Nova Scotia by calling 1-800-565-0000 or get a weekly foliage report at 1-877-353-LEAF (5323) and on line at www.novascotia.com/leaf and they can download guides and find more information about fall packages, accommodations and events by going to the provinces' web sites: www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca, www.newfoundlandandlabradortourism.com and www.gentleisland.com/fall or calling 1-800-561-0123 (New Brunswick), 1800-561-0123 (Newfoundland and Labrador) and 1-800-463-4PEI (4734) (Prince Edward Island).
The Atlantic Canada Tourism Partnership (ACTP) is a nine member pan-Atlantic partnership comprised of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the four Atlantic Canada Tourism Industry Associations, and the four Provincial Departments responsible for tourism of New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
