Maritime Marvels: Halifax to Fogo Island Escape

The capital city of Nova Scotia, Halifax brims with rich history and cultural maritime delights. An iconic symbol of this Eastern coast province is the white and red lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove. A perennial photographic favorite, the Peggy’s Point Lighthouse stands on a rocky outcrop and looks out on the surging waves of the Atlantic ocean. Equally as eye-catching is the Old Town Clock that has stood sentinel over the city since 1803 when it was gifted by Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent. Explore the Halifax Citadel, one of the most visited National Historic Sites in the country, which once served as a garrison for soldiers. The Halifax Public Gardens is the perfect setting for a leisurely afternoon – ornate wrought iron gates lead to lush lawns, formal flower beds, serene ponds and sparkling fountains. Watch the sun go down amid the bustle of Halifax Waterfront, where historic sites jostle with trendy restaurants while the horizon is dotted with colorful sailboats, majestic liners and even heritage vessels. As you hit the nightspots, don’t forget to check out the thriving craft beer scene in the city, ranging from historic ales of Alexander Keith’s Brewery to stylish pubs that feature drinks from different corners of the world.

Fogo Island is a remote and picturesque island within the Iceberg Alley, off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. Thanks to the cod-rich waters around, the first settlers from the mid-1700s have preserved their Irish and Elizabethan English heritage on Fogo Island. Bogs and boreal forests here are home to caribou and small wildlife, while the Atlantic waters attract whales and seabirds. Dotted with footpaths and panoramic viewpoints, the subarctic landscape is marked by excellent walking trails that meander across rolling hills and rocky cliffsides. Contemporary art studios are scattered across Fogo Island and the Fogo Island Inn is a highlight of the unique architecture of the region. These coastal settlements have museums and heritage properties that showcase Fogo Island’s distinctive history and culture. While there’s year-round local entertainment at intimate shed parties, the Fogo Island Partridgeberry Harvest Festival and the Féile Tilting festival bring some annual cheer.

Gander is a major Canadian Forces airbase to the south of Gander Bay, along the northern tip of Newfoundland. It serves as a convenient stopover town for travelers headed towards Notre Dame Bay. The town has quite a few sights and experiences worth taking in, especially for aviation aficionados. For starters, it is home to one of the world’s largest airports, which dates back to World War II when Gander functioned as a major refueling station for all transatlantic flights. The town’s North Atlantic Aviation Museum displays much of its pioneering era aviation history, through heritage artifacts and aviation models. The Gander Heritage Memorial Park with its Canadian military and WWII monuments and the town’s Commonwealth War Graves are also worth a visit.