Staff favourites

Watching the sun rise over the Atlantic at Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site is a spectacular bucket-list experience. You’ll be in awe of the colours and stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and rugged coastline. It's a better wake-up call than any cup of coffee I've ever had.

My favourite gem in Kouchibouguac National Park is the Bog Trail. The view from the observation tower is amazing, and walking through the bog almost makes you feel like you’re on another planet! It’s very unique. Love it!

Rose Island, (Sallikuluk in Inuktitut) has been used by generations of Inuit who have lived, hunted, gathered, and used the island as a meeting place. Part of Torngat Mountains National Park, this small island located in Saglek Bay, is also a resting place for Inuit as there are over 600 traditional Inuit rock graves. When you step onto the island you know you have arrived at a truly special place.

Rugged and remote, this impressive waterfall plunges 16 m down a rocky ravine in its rush to join the Upper Salmon River. This is the largest waterfall in Fundy National Park and an annual favourite destination amongst our staff.

This is one of the least used trails at Signal Hill National Historic Site, but the view at the top is spectacular. It offers stunning views of the city of St. John’s, the Narrows, and Quidi Vidi Lake.

My favourite place in Prince Edward Island National Park is the Greenwich Dunes Trail. Despite having hiked it many times, my excitement always builds as I cross the floating boardwalk on Bowley Pond, climb the dune access and then turn around to see the most breathtaking views of the parabolic dune system. It’s unlike anything else on Prince Edward Island.

One of Prince Edward Island’s best kept secrets is Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst National Historic Site and its 5 km trail system. The trails meander through the terrain of an 18th century Acadian settlement and offers the best views of Charlottetown Harbour. I recommend packing a picnic and a kite!

The moment I climbed aboard the 10-person Voyageur canoe for a guided tour in Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site I was hooked! Meandering up the Mersey River to the Stillwater Orde, a rarely visited and pristine part of the park, I felt completely removed from civilization. As I dipped my paddle into the still waters while listening to captivating stories of the past, I knew I was in a special place.

I cannot visit Grand-Pré National Historic Site without watching the presentation in the multimedia theatre, designed like the hull of a ship. The state-of-the-art presentation depicts the story of the Acadian Deportation and helps you better understand your visit through the site. There is not a dry eye at the end!

Hidden in plain sight! A beautiful photo found at Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site; Alec watching Mabel pilot his speed record hydrofoil - the HD4. It tells so much about them: her adventurous spirit and his anxiety, caution and pride all at the same time. Leads to the story of the importance of Mabel’s role in Alexander Graham Bell’s life.

Part of the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, this serene place was once the scene of a smoky confrontation during the 1758 British siege of Louisbourg, when 200 ships surrounded the cove. Much of the landscape remains unchanged, sparking one’s imagination and spirit of this place adjacent to one of the most spectacular beaches on Cape Breton Island.

I took my eleven year old son and his friend to the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site for his birthday to partake in the Soldier’s Life program. Immediately after the role-playing began, you could see a drastic change in them both. Serious fun! From donning their uniforms and working on drills to announcing the changing of the guard, these boys were up for every challenge.

Signal Hill National Historic Site is a sight to behold, but getting to experience it as a solider of the Royal Newfoundland Companies in 1862 takes it to the next level. Firing a musket over the majestic St. John’s Narrows while wearing a historic uniform—that’s Signal Hill at its best.

My favourite things to do in Kouchibouguac National Park are paddle boarding in the shallow lagoon pools, watching the sun bathe the white sandy dunes when it sets, and seeing the stars dance in the reflection of the water at night. At this Dark-Sky Preserve, you get a spectacular celestial show at the end of your epic day. It’s a very humbling experience.

The looming beauty of this trail will never lose its magic for me. Every time I visit Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, I always make sure to carve out time to do this special trail. Over the years I keep coming back and every time my fondness for the giant, shady trees grows even deeper.

This trail takes you through all three forest types showcased in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, past a beautiful lake to 360° panoramic views. The mica, for which the destination is named, glitters on the ground around you while quartz boulders glow white amid a riot of spring blooms or fall foliage.

Sundays are the best time to come to Green Gables Heritage Place. We put on an incredible Sunday picnic where visitors can learn to make ice cream, play games and participate in races with the characters of Avonlea and meet our most famous resident, Anne Shirley!

Sitting in the red chairs on the roof top terrace, looking at the beautiful Bras d’Or Lake, and imagining Alexander Graham Bell enjoying the same view, being inspired but at the same time, finding his spirit soothed and calmed by the beauty and sereneness, allowing his mind to be open to creativity and new ideas.