Golden leaves, fresh seafood and cooler temperatures, Atlantic Canada during autumn offers the very best of the Provinces without the crowds. New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island all host fall festivals that celebrate each of the region’s eclectic music scene, quirky traditions, and mouth-watering local delicacies.
Here is our round-up of the very best celebrations for autumn 2018 in Atlantic Canada.
New Brunswick – Festival in Fall
Mild weather and a colourful landscape make New Brunswick a cosy destination in the fall months. With an average temperature of 15 degrees, the cool climate compliments the warm colours of the changing season. Autumn in New Brunswick is full of festivals to cater for everyone from music enthusiasts to gastronomic aficionados. Experience the Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival where Fredericton’s beautiful and historic downtown comes alive for six days during 11 to 16 September as hundreds of world class performers appear on multiple stages. Foodies can spoil their senses at the Indulge festival and enjoy delicious, interactive food and wine experiences. The festival takes places between 10 and 14 October 2018.
For more ideas on what to do in Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada, read Atlantic Canada 2018 Hot Spots.
Newfoundland and Labrador – Gros Morne Fall Fest
Autumn is a great time of year to visit UNESCO World Heritage Site; Gros Morne National park in Newfoundland and Labrador with the warm earthy colours making for spectacular foliage viewing. Visitors can combine their visit with the Gros Morne Fall Fest over the last few days of September. Taking place amid the serene surroundings of Gros Morne National park in the town of Cow Head, the festival brings together the lively traditions of the regions attracting both locals and visitors. Celebrating both music, food and culture, the four-day event includes everything from art workshops, food stalls to live music and performances. The festival takes place from 27 to 30 September, 2018.
Alternatively, if you do not wish to venture to the Atlantic coast of Canada there are plenty of great things to do in Ontario especially if you are a festival lover.
Nova Scotia – Celtic Colours
Nova Scotia’s beautiful autumn colours can be enjoyed whilst celebrating Cape Breton Island’s living traditional culture during nine days in October at the Celtic Colours International Festival. From 5 to 13 October, a full range of musical and cultural events can be experienced with some of the world’s finest musicians, guided walks, hikes and boat tours in addition to workshops and presentations on Celtic history.
Nova Scotia’s harvest season is truly a sight to behold. Home to the greatest number of farmers markets per capita in Canada, visitors can experience one of Nova Scotia’s 40 farm markets where they can get a taste of the freshest locally sourced food and drink. From freshly baked bread to locally made cheeses and Nova Scotian wine, visitors will also have the opportunity to meet with local producers and smallholders. For those that enjoy the more active scene, visitors can take advantage of the corn fields and burn some energy in the corn mazes during September and October at Noggins Corner Farm Market.
Prince Edward Island – Fall Flavours
With the second lobster season in full swing, September sees a month long culinary celebration with the Fall Flavours Festival in Prince Edward Island. Offering an array of different events and experience throughout the month, from 31 August to 30 September, visitors can tantalise their taste buds with the authentic tastes and traditions of the Province. There are plenty of opportunities to taste handcrafted beers, catch lobsters with the locals, attend a culinary boot camp and be inspired by live cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs. Local restaurants in Prince Edward Island will also feature special fall-inspired menus which can be enjoyed throughout the Fall Flavours Culinary Festival.
During 13 to 16 September visitors can also visit the Shellfish Festival where oysters, mussels and lobster take centre stage during this four-day celebration of Prince Edward Island’s world-famous shellfish. Two of Food Network Canada’s best chefs, Chef Lynn Crawford and Chef Michael Smith will host the event and participate in live cooking demonstrations. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of culinary activities, competitions and live music performances.
Further reading: Atlantic Canada 2018 Bucket List Adventures