Scenic Highlights of Canada

A vibrant city with a rich history and blend of traditional and modern culture, Belfast offers you the chance to not only explore its strong maritime links with the Harland & Wolff shipyard, where the RMS Titanic was built, before she set sail on her ill-fated maiden voyage from Southampton on 10 th April 1912, but also as gateway to the impressive rock formations of the Giant’s Causeway, discovering its links to the mythological giant, Finn McCool. You can stroll through the city’s streets, alive with music and traditional Irish pubs, admire the urban street art, or visit the Titanic Distillery and learn of its whiskey tradition and why it disappeared, before sampling a few Irish spirits at Belfast’s first working distillery in 90 years.

Capital city of Newfoundland, St. John’s offers an old-world charm combined with historic buildings, colourful houses and a thriving cultural scene. The outskirts of the city also offer the chance to meet indigenous wildlife and other natural inhabitants. In the Downtown District, you’ll find the best food, pubs, entertainment and shopping, while Signal Hill, one of Canada’s National Historic Sites, provides serene views of the harbour and surrounding areas, and was where the first transatlantic message was received in 1901, proving that signals can travel over great distances beyond the horizon, heralding a new age of communication in history. After enjoying the sights of North America’s oldest city, you can journey onward to explore the Avalon Peninsula, Cape Spear and the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve.

Located at the mouth of the York River, Gaspé has outstanding sea and mountain scenery and is home to four national parks. Perhaps the most famous in this region is Percé Rock, a unique island of limestone that arches over the sea in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and regarded as an area of historical and geological importance. The culture and buildings in Gaspé reflect the British, Irish and French influences that have moulded the city since the 1500’s.

Situated on the banks of the Saint Lawrence, Baie-Comeau is one of Canada’s hidden gems, shaped by Mother Nature and natural phenomena. The local landscape is covered with forests, and the Manicouagan crater contains a circular reservoir, caused by the impact of the meteor that originally created the crater. Quebec is supplied with hydroelectricity from the Manicouagan-Outardes project – a multi-dam hydroelectric complex in the area.

The walled city of Quebec is situated on a cliff which swoops down into the St. Lawrence River. The renowned Chateau Frontenac overlooks the river, and is considered to be the world’s most photographed hotel. Close by is the village of Wendake, home to the Huron-Wendat Nation, who have a culture they are rightfully proud of, including wearing traditional dress and using ancient forms of medicine.

Located on the west coast of Newfoundland, the Bay of Islands are a number of rocky islands, some of which are surrounded by towering cliffs, while others are low and wooded. The Humber Arm extends deeper into the fjords of Newfoundland, and is where the modern town of Corner Brook, perhaps best known for its connections to British explorer Captain James Cook, is situated.

Located on the west coast of Newfoundland, Corner Brook is perhaps most well-known for its connection to British explorer Captain James Cook, who honed his skills here as a navigator and captain. He produced accurate maps that were still used by anglers and traders for a century, and his monument stands proudly at Captain Cook’s Lookout. A popular pastime in Corner Brook is to enjoy a ‘Boil Up’, where locals gather to enjoy freshly cooked local seafood, jams and spreads, closely watched by native birdlife.

Located on the northernmost tip of Newfoundland, L’anse Aux Meadows is the only known site established by Europeans in North America, noted from the excavated 11th century Viking settlement here, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Closely linked to the Olsen family, who provided the boat Halten to explorer Helge Ingstad and his archaeologist wife Anne Stine for their expedition to Newfoundland in 1960 to begin their excavations; the buildings include three homes, one forge and four workshops - the main structure has a new roof and rebuilt interior and houses many fascinating artefacts.

The charming town of Cobh has always maintained a strong maritime connection and is perhaps most notably remembered for being the final port of call on the ill-fated RMS Titanic’s maiden voyage in 1912. As you set foot here, you can experience the sense of excitement the passengers felt on boarding the most luxurious cruise liner of her time, which can be encountered further at the Titanic Experience. You can explore nearby Blarney Castle, where legend has it that those who visit must uphold the tradition of kissing the Blarney Stone, said to bestow the gift of eloquence, or visit the ornately detailed Neo-Gothic St. Coleman’s Cathedral. Alternatively, immerse yourself in local life here and discover the Jameson Distillery in nearby Midleton, learn how Paddy Whiskey is made, and enjoy a warming taste of its nutty and woody notes. The iconic city of Cork is easily accessible from Cobh, with regular trains departing from the nearby station.