Discovery Series – Atlantic Canada
Discovery Series Atlantic Canada is a mug for the four easternmost provinces of Canada – New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador – where European settlement began in the early 1600s. French Acadians established communities in the 1600s before British conquest led to the tragic deportation of Acadians in 1755. The region’s economy was built on fishing, shipbuilding, and maritime trade, with cod fishing sustaining communities for centuries until the devastating collapse of fish stocks in the 1990s. Today, Atlantic Canada balances its proud maritime heritage with modern industries, including offshore oil, tourism, and technology, while maintaining distinctive cultures shaped by Scottish, Irish, French, and Indigenous influences.
– Peggy’s Cove stands as Nova Scotia’s most photographed landmark, featuring a picturesque lighthouse perched on massive granite rocks overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This iconic fishing village with its weathered buildings and dramatic coastal setting attracts visitors worldwide. Peggy’s Cove represents the quintessential maritime scenery and the rugged beauty that defines Nova Scotia’s shoreline.
– Bay of Fundy’s Hopewell Rocks showcase the world’s highest tides, which rise and fall up to 16 meters twice daily, revealing towering flowerpot rock formations at low tide. These dramatic geological wonders, carved by centuries of tidal erosion, create a surreal landscape where visitors can walk the ocean floor. The Hopewell Rocks represent the incredible natural forces that shape New Brunswick’s coastline.
– Fishing boats remain vital to the Atlantic provinces’ coastal communities, representing generations of families who have made their living from the sea. These working vessels continue traditions dating back centuries despite modern challenges facing the fishing industry. Fishing boats symbolize the resilience and determination of maritime communities deeply connected to ocean livelihoods.
– Whales migrate through the waters of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland, making the region one of the world’s premier whale-watching destinations with species including humpbacks, fins, and right whales. The Bay of Fundy and Newfoundland coasts offer spectacular viewing opportunities throughout the summer months. Whales represent the rich marine biodiversity and ecotourism that draws visitors to experience the Atlantic provinces’ ocean wonders.
– Moose roam throughout the forests of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and particularly Newfoundland and Labrador, where they were introduced in the early 1900s. These massive animals frequently appear on rural roads, becoming both an iconic symbol and a driving hazard. Moose represent the wilderness and untamed interior landscapes beyond the coastal communities.
– Fiddles and traditional music form the heartbeat of culture across the Atlantic provinces, with Celtic and folk traditions brought by Scottish and Irish immigrants flourishing in kitchen parties and festivals. The fiddle’s lively reels and jigs accompany step dancing and storytelling that preserve cultural heritage. Traditional music represents the soul of the region and the living connection to ancestral roots.
– Lobster defines the fishing industry and culinary identity of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick, with cold Atlantic waters producing some of the world’s finest lobster. Lobster suppers, festivals, and fresh catches celebrate this prized crustacean throughout the region. Lobster represents both economic importance and the gastronomic excellence that attracts food lovers to the Atlantic provinces.
– Jellybean Row Houses line the steep hills of downtown St. John’s with their brilliant colours – red, yellow, blue, green, and purple – creating one of Canada’s most distinctive streetscapes. These heritage homes brighten the city against frequent fog and grey skies while reflecting Newfoundland’s spirited character. The colourful row houses symbolize St. John’s unique personality and architectural charm.
– Signal Hill towers over St. John’s harbour as a National Historic Site where Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901. This strategic hilltop served as a military fortification for centuries, guarding the entrance to St. John’s harbour. Signal Hill represents Newfoundland’s pivotal role in communication history and its strategic importance in Atlantic maritime defence.
