Starting July 3rd, 2020, summer staycation seekers in Atlantic Canada will enjoy unrestricted travel between the four Atlantic Canadain Provinces of:
- Nova Scotia
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland
- Prince Edward Island
It’s easy to see why residents of Atlantic Canada are excited about staycation travel this summer. Everyone is eager to make summer staycation plans, and Atlantic Canada is the place to be.
In the hours and days following the official announcement of the Atlantic Canadian Travel Bubble, Marine Atlantic was inundated with bookings for reservations on their Nova Scotia to Newfoundland ferry. Demand for travel to Newfoundland, in particular, is high.
The timing of the Atlantic Canada Travel Bubble opening date also aligns well with the Newfoundland Recreational Cod Fishing dates that are scheduled to begin on Saturday, July 4th, 2020.
Newfoundland wharves are already busy with locals putting their boats in the water and getting geared up for another summer of cod jigging, whale watching, and staycation adventures in Newfoundland.
It’s no surprise Newfoundland is a top destination when it comes to staycation travel in Atlantic Canada. As an island in the Atlantic off the coast of mainland Canada, Newfoundland has a raw and rugged appeal that’s different than any other Atnaltic Canadian staycation destination.
Often times when heat waves strike mainland Canada, like in late June 2020 when Nova Scotia saw a record heatwave pushing 40°C, Newfoundland offered ideal temperatures around 25°C.
Near perfect summertime temperatures and pleasant weather is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to why Newfoundland is a hot staycation destination.
Whales and rare seabirds come in droves to Newfoundland every summer, and this year we have already counted more whales, seabirds, and wildlife than ever before. It’s not like you can’t spot a whale, moose, or even a puffin in the other Atlantic Canadian Staycation provinces, but the experience doesn’t even come close when compared to the whale watching and wildlife viewing opportunities available here in Newfoundland.
Yesterday we saw a sea otter walking through the garden and as this article is written the noise of keystrokes are overshadowed by the sound of whales spouting just offshore and loons calling in the distance.
Places like the Witless Bay Marine Ecological Reserve, just 30 minutes from downtown St. John’s, offers adventure seekers the largest concentration of humpback whales and rare seabirds anywhere on the planet.
There are so many whales in this area, it’s hard not to see a whale. On a coastal drive along the Irish Loop on the southern shore of Newfoundland’s Avalon Peninsula, you will literally count hundreds of whales without ever leaving your car.
Getting out on the water is a great way to experience whales and wildlife on their turf, but whale watching from shore is equally as popular, with famous East Coast Trail hikes like Tinkers Point and coastal picnic spots like Cribbies Meadow in Tors Cove, ideal spots to have a picnic while whale watching from land and enjoy some easy hiking along the East Coast Trail coastline.
Restaurants in the area like Fork and Captain’s Table even offer picnic lunch take out options, making it easy for you to just get out there and enjoy.
Newfoundland has coined 2020 as Stay Home Year, and most locals are taking full advantage.
It feels like Newfoundland is the place to be when it comes to staycation travel.
Holiday Makers and staycation adventure seekers are staying away from traditional resort vacations and big hotels, opting for smaller guesthouses and boutique hotels offering:
- self-check-in
- outdoor private entrances
- premium amenities like private outdoor hot tubs
Places like Whale House Guest House in the Witless Bay Marine Ecological Reserve protected zone offer keyless entry and self-check-in to private oceanside suites with private outdoor entrances and hot tubs overlooking humpback whale feeding grounds.
Direct access to the East Coast Trail, beach, local wine shop, and great restaurants coupled with nature, seclusion, and solitude make this a 2020 summer staycation retreat like no other. If you’re looking to switch things up a little this summer, try swapping your gym routine for some adventures on the East Coast Trail or a gourmet coastal picnic instead of eating indoors.
This is a great year to explore the outdoors and get off the beaten path. Both are easy to do when staycationing in Newfoundland.
If you’re driving to Newfoundland, be sure to reserve your spot on the Marine Atlantic Ferry now since competition for premium date reservations is fierce.
If you’re arriving by air and plan to rent a car, be sure to reserve before arriving at the St, John’s Airport car rental kiosk. Marine Atlantic sells out many sailings early, and since this summer 2020 North Sydney, Nova Scotia to Argentia, Newfoundland ferry crossings are cancelled, travel by ground and sea to Newfoundland is limited to the North Sydney, Nova Scotia to Port aux Basques, Newfoundland ferry crossing, putting extra pressure on this route.
Need more info on how to get to Newfoundland by ferry? Here is everything you need to know about how to get to Newfoundland by Ferry.
Are you planning a Newfoundland Atlantic Canada Travel Bubble Staycation or are you in the middle of a staycation in Newfoundland right now? What are the highlights? Let us know in the comments below.
