Atlantic Canada Showcased!
By Nancy Dorrans
Last month, as the monarchs headed south, I migrated north to the hidden corners of New Brunswick and Newfoundland to attend the Atlantic Canada Showcase 2025.
I was eager to learn more about our neighbors to the north and was welcomed with open arms! This educational travel and trade event was described as “…a journey of discovery through the Atlantic provinces. From the charming local communities to the stunning landscapes and rich history, experience the unique beauty and culture of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.”
St. John
Many of the other “buyers” attending this event flew to St. John, but I drove in a few days early. First stop? Fish and chips at an Irish pub downtown St. John. The place was packed as there were two extra cruise ships docked in town for the night. They were supposed to be in Bermuda but… Oh well! St. John, New Brunswick (as I soon discovered) is a safe and deliciously friendly haven.
Sea Caves of St. Martins
Next morning, I took my time wending down the scenic ways of coastal New Brunswick… From Red Head Road to Mispec Beach, hiking William’s Trail, gazing out across the Bay of Fundy to Nova Scotia from Cape Spencer. Then wandering around the not so hidden Sea Caves of St Martins.
The Showcase would offer a unique chance to connect with over 70 regional suppliers in two days, with just nine minutes per meeting. Whew! That’s hardly enough time to introduce each other.
Since I was ahead of the rest, I had scheduled a pre-showcase rendezvous with Jordan Jamison of Bay of Fundy Adventures in St. Martin. He and co-owner Mike Carpenter offer day and multi-day trips that include activities such as sea kayaking, hiking, and wilderness camping. Our afternoon meeting at his headquarters gave us time to share exciting ideas for future collaborative adventures.
That evening I dined on Beach Street Inn mussels and a beet salad with candied walnut and goat cheese at the Inn’s Periwinkles Restaurant. Jordan had told me that this place had a certain pull, and I was feeling it. I was already scheming ways to come back!
Fundy Nantional Park & Cape Spear
October began and I traversed a few trails in Fundy Trail Provincial Park, passing through Fundy National Park to explore the shores of Hopewell Rocks at low tide!
Later that day, I was on my way on PAL Airlines to St. John’s, Newfoundland (via Deer Lake) to begin my pre-showcase adventure. A wet and chilling wind greeted me that first morning in St. John’s as I braved my way up to Cape Spear National Historic Site. Huge turquoise waves swirled and crashed against North America’s most eastern point. A sight that absolutely took my breath away.
Driving my rental car past the pretty fishing village of Petty Harbour, I decided to hike out in search of La Manche suspension bridge. “The village of La Manche was abandoned in 1966 after a severe storm destroyed the small fishing industry there.” Another absolutely stunning view!
The Jigger in Bay Bulls served up the most delicious pea soup for my lunch. Then, landing back in St John’s, I checked into the very hip Jag Hotel. This day ended with live music from the band Kitchen Party, chats with random travelers, more fish and chips, and a beer at O’Reilly’s Irish Newfoundland Pub!
So far so good in Newfoundland!
Now the difference between St John, New Brunswick and St. John’s, Newfoundland is much more than just an “‘s“! Both have amazing histories, cultures, scenery, music, food, trails, and the friendliest folk. But in Newfoundland there’s just so many cheeky Newfie sayings!
I would be back to New Brunswick for a post-showcase tour after the trade show event… More on that adventure next time. Until then, “Long may your big jib draw!”
