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Looking for some quirky places to visit in Atlantic Canada?

JILL ELLSWORTH SPECIAL TO SALTWIRE NETWORK

Looking to shake things up this summer with a unique or quirky experience? From wax museums to Viking settlements, Atlantic Canada has you covered.

These strange and unique attractions will be sure to set your staycation apart from anyone else this summer.

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

The Fluvarium in St. John’s is one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most unique staycation opportunities.

Rennie’s River has a life of its own and stories to tell about how water has shaped the land, city, and history of St. John’s. At the Fluvarium, you can watch trout swimming down the river; check out aquariums full of eels, frogs, and other freshwater creatures; and participate in interactive activities all while enjoying the beautiful, natural-lit venue.

Created by a group of people dedicated to protecting and enhancing the river, the Fluvarium is home to 7.5-kilometres of walking trails, numerous exhibits, and awesome programs for youth. Also a popular destination for picturesque weddings, the Fluvarium is worth the visit for any staycationers looking for a unique experience this summer.

If you’d like to take a trip to the past, plan a visit to L’anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland’s Viking settlement. This World Heritage Site, located on the northernmost tip of the island, was discovered in 1968 by archaeologists Anne Stine and Helge Ingstad, who uncovered artifacts all the way from Iceland.

During your visit, you can hear from Viking reenactors and walk through reconstructed homes and buildings as you learn about the Viking way of life. Do the names Thor and Loki ring a bell? You’ll learn about their heroic and tragic tales in this incredible destination.

You can even try your hand at blacksmithing or weaving, learn to throw an axe, or take a pottery class. This trip truly has something for everyone.

What You Need to Know:

• The Fluvarium is located at 5 Nagles Pl. in St. John’s

• Summer hours are Monday-friday 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Saturday-sunday 12 p.m.4:30 p.m. with feedings taking place daily at 4 p.m.

• Day passes are $8 for adults and $5 for children under 14, with family passes available

• Masks are required inside and guests are asked to practice social distancing

• More information can be found at fluvarium.ca

• L’anse aux Meadows is located at Division No. 9, Subd. D

• Admission is $12 for adults and free for youth

• For more information, email pc.vikinglhnam-amnhsviking.pc@canada.ca or call 709-623-2608

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

Take things back to the 21st century with a trip to Wax World of the Stars and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium, located on the Mariner’s Cove Boardwalk in Cavendish.

At Wax World, you can take selfies with all of the stars, from Michael Jordan and Johnny Depp to Halle Berry and Cher. Don’t forget animated favourites like Shrek and Donkey! This is the selfie-lovers dream staycation destination.

At the Odditorium, you’ll get to check out some of the world’s strangest oddities collected by Ripley himself. From shrunken heads to fossilized dinosaur eggs, you have 14 galleries to choose from as you learn about some of history’s weirdest and wildest.

“Ripley’s Odditorium was one of my favourite memories as a child. Glad I got the opportunity to go back as an adult; it’s still an awesome place to visit. I would definitely recommend it,” said Kristy Fitzpatrick

What You Need to Know:

• Both attractions are located at 8863 Cavendish Rd., Route 6

• More information can be found at martimefun.com

• Individual tickets range from $10-16 but a doubleplay ticket will grant visitors access to both attractions. Double play tickets are $16 for youth and $25 for adults.

NEW BRUNSWICK

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to have lunch on Noah’s ark?

Well, you can make that dream a reality at Noah’s Ark Café in Oakland, N.B. Open Wednesday-saturday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., this special café offers visitors the opportunity to dine in a giant replica of Noah’s ark. With fresh baked goods such as homemade bread, cinnamon rolls and doughnuts, a visit to Noah’s Ark is certainly worth risking the flood of drool you might cause.

While in New Brunswick, you can visit the world’s longest covered bridge in Hartland. Measuring 1,282 feet long, the bridge crosses the Saint John River from Hartland to Somerville and is the namesake of the famous and delicious Covered Bridge Potato Chips.

Prior to the construction of the bridge, the only way to cross the Saint John River was by ferry, and midway through construction the town’s doctor, Dr. Estey, was the first person to cross as he responded to an emergency call. Construction workers were able to place temporary planks across the bridge to allow him to make his way over just in time.

Hartland Covered Bridge is now a National Historic Site of Canada and holds a special place in the hearts of New Brunswickers.

“I drove pretty far to visit Hartland this year. To me, distance doesn’t matter when I’m about to see the world’s longest covered bridge with my own eyes,” said Hasinur Rahman Ayon from Nova Scotia.

What You Need to Know:

• Noah’s Ark Café is located at 350 Burnham Rd. in Oakland

• Hartland Covered Bridge is located on Route 105 Hartland

NOVA SCOTIA

If you’re looking to add something to your staycation bucket list that will be unlike anything you’ve seen before, take a visit to the concrete garden in Liverpool.

Local artist Ivan Higgins has created more than 25 intricate concrete sculptures that visitors can enjoy as they walk through a winding forest trail.

Higgins has been sculpting for more than 15 years and his works live across the world in gardens, businesses, and galleries. You’ll see giant dragons, lifelike figures frolicking with animals, and sculptures depicting movement so realistic you might think they’re coming alive before your eyes.

“All of these creations by the sculptor Ivan Higgins invite you to join them whether in a single contemplation, sharing with a special friend, a group of pals, or visiting tourists. Come for a visit and then, come again,” said Hal Mcgee from Nova Scotia.

What You Need to Know:

• The concrete garden is located at 4122 Sandy Cove Rd. in Brooklyn, behind Cosby’s Garden Centre

• To learn more about Higgins’ art, visit concretecreations.info

ATLANTIC

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2021-07-24T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-07-24T07:00:00.0000000Z

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