Family fun spots to visit in Atlantic Canada

JILL ELLSWORTH SPECIAL TO SALTWIRE NETWORK

With the summer of 2021 entering the homestretch, many Atlantic Canadians are still seeking adventure after months of COVID restrictions and with the fall season around the corner.

There are plenty of places to visit right here in Atlantic Canada this August — resorts, dining opportunities, activities and experiences — to add to your summer bucket list to make the most of your time.

Will you be staycationing with kids this month? Here are a few family-friendly ideas from each of our Atlantic provinces that will have you booking your trip in no time.

NEW BRUNSWICK

Are your kids ready for an adventure in New Brunswick? Make sure to add Timbertop Treetop Adventure Park to your itinerary.

This magical forest playground will bring out the kid in anyone as you swing from the trees and zipline past the St. John River. Timbertop offers the “Low & Go” adventure for kids ages five and up, where they can build confidence and balance in a treetop adventure just their size. Parents, siblings or friends can supervise the littles as they explore three courses with various challenges. Timbertop’s promise is that outdoor play isn’t just for kids, so be sure to check out the “Go Wild Adventure” available to guests ages eight and older. This course is full of the most epic obstacles with a bird’s-eye view of an Acadian old-growth forest. You won’t want to miss this one-of-akind experience.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Booking information and more can be found at timbertop.ca.

• Packages range from $25 to $45 per climber with group discounts available.

• Timbertop Adventures is located at 730 Dominion Park Rd. in Saint John.

• For more information, call 506-657-6060 or email info@ timbertopadventures.com.

NOVA SCOTIA

If a fun-for-the-whole-family atmosphere is what you’re looking for, look no further than Cabot Shores Wilderness Resort in Indian Brook.

Nestled on the gorgeous Cabot Trail, Cabot Shores offers a place to connect with nature while spending time with loved ones. Their mission is to help visitors create experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.

Kids have the chance to be kids while exploring the natural environment, swimming at the beach, fishing, kayaking, dancing to Cape Breton tunes and more. Cabot Shores is the perfect backdrop for your next great family vacation.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Booking information and more can be found at cabotshores.com.

• Campsites have an average daily rate of $36; yurts, domes, cottages and lofts range from $160 to $350 and packages can be customized to meet your needs

• Cabot Shores is located at the start of the Cabot Trail at Indian Brook, 10 kilometres North of the Englishtown Ferry (Exit 12).

• For more information, call 833-633-9150 or email info@cabotshores.com.

• Pet-friendly, accessible and following all provincial and federal COVID-19 requirements.

• An online waiver is required to participate and masks are mandatory when interacting with staff and on certain challenges within the adventure. Visitors will be asked COVID-19 screening questions upon arrival.

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

If you’ve got science or history lovers in your family, Signal Hill is the place to be.

Visit St. John’s most popular landmark while learning about the city’s historic past, or hike along the coast catching stunning views of the Atlantic.

While special events have been postponed due to COVID-19, the visitor centre, Cabot Tower and gift shop are all open, along with five beautiful trails to explore.

After you’ve gone back in time, take a trip into the future at the Johnson Geo Centre. This geological interpretation centre located close by is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to foster curiosity in science.

The Geo Centre is home to 14 exhibits and attractions that allow kids to explore the solar system, gardens of the deep, the great rock wall, and a 3D theatre. Your little Einstein will have the time of their life checking out all of the sweet scientific adventures.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Booking information and more can be found at geocentre.ca and pc.gc.ca.

• Admission is free to the Geo Centre for kids under five, with youth tickets for $6 and adult tickets for $12.

• The Geo Centre is located at 175 Signal Hill Rd., just a short trip down the road from the Signal Hill Historic site at 230 Signal Hill Rd.

• For more information on the Geo Centre call 709-8643200.

• Masks are required for all indoor public spaces in Newfoundland and Labrador and visitors to both attractions are asked to maintain social distancing throughout their experience

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

P.E.I. has always been a popular vacation destination for families, and as the little island with something for everyone, that’s no surprise.

If you’re planning an island staycation this year, be sure to add Sandspit Amusement Park and the Green Gables Heritage Place to your list.

Located in Cavendish Beach, Sandspit offers a blast from the past with its classic amusement park atmosphere. From exciting rides like the Cyclone roller-coaster or the Cliffhanger to family attractions like the bumper boats or the mini-golf course, you’ll have hours of entertainment at your fingertips. Not to mention the tasty carnival treats!

“Every summer, my family would travel to P.E.I. and I never missed a trip to Sandspit,” says Tess Carrigan from Cape Breton. “It’s a fun-filled place for the whole family where some of my most favourite childhood memories were made. The bumper cars have always been my personal favourite.”

After a thrill-seeking day at Sandspit, slow things down with a relaxing visit to the Green Gables Heritage Place, stepping inside the world of Canada’s most beloved fictional character — Anne of Green Gables. Take a tour through Anne’s home while learning about what inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery to bring her tale to life.

“Children visiting the site can take in the sights and sounds of the story at the Green Gables Visitor Centre’s Exhibit Hall, which contains a block model replica of the Green Gables House, colourful international book cover wall, visual storybook and local bird sound catalogue,” says Heather Martin of Parks Canada.

In addition to touring the Green Gables House and learning more about the story of Anne, kids can also walk the beautiful, peaceful trails surrounding the site, where Montgomery herself once roamed and set many scenes for Anne and her friends in the novels.

“‘Anne-imator’ actors are also on-site to recreate magical moments for fans with this beloved literary heroine,” adds Martin.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW — SANDSPIT:

• Booking information can be found at maritimefun.com

• Sandspit is located at 8986 Cavendish Rd.

• Children under 36 inches tall are free, all other guests are $26.50.

• Guests are required to book their passes in advance and are encouraged to wear masks throughout their stay.

• For more information call 902-963-3939.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW — GREEN GABLES:

• Booking information can be found at pc.gc.ca.

• Green Gables is located at 8619 Cavendish Rd.

• As with all Parks Canada fees, adult passes are $7.90 and youth get in for free.

• Masks will be required and some interactive exhibits may be closed due to COVID19 restrictions.