Cultural snapshot for newcomers Atlantic Canada
The Atlantic provinces share many similarities, with the first being that they comprise the home of the Indigenous Mi’kmaq people, who still live predominantly in the Atlantic region. As the initial landing point for Vikings and European explorers, the Atlantic provinces are culturally significant to North America as a land where settlers and First Nations came into contact for the first time.
French Acadian settlers, Celtic and Gaelic settlers, and British settlers all landed here and influenced the birth of the four Atlantic provinces, which are still welcome lands for newcomers to this day. In modern times, the Atlantic provinces are known for their access to the sea and world-class production of seafood, as well as a general friendliness and accepting attitude towards visitors and new residents.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are known best for their distinct dialects and friendly hospitality. With English, Irish, French, and Indigenous roots, Newfoundland and Labrador has developed into a province with the most separate English-language dialects in the world, with many witty, sometimes silly-sounding phrases that can sometimes be difficult to understand. The famous friendliness of this province is illustrated in the musical “Come From Away,” based on the real-life story of Newfoundland’s incredible hospitality to international travellers during 9/11. To this day, residents of the province continue to welcome newcomers, who are also sometimes called “Come From Aways”; just one of many funny turns-of-phrases used by locals of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The culture of Newfoundland and Labrador has also grown from its northern marine environment. Iceberg viewing and whale watching are spectacular ways to view nature in action, onshore or by boat, in Newfoundland and Labrador. Fishing is an important part of the culture in Newfoundland and Labrador, whether for commercial purposes, sport, or just to spend time outdoors.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia’s diversity has been a part of its cultural character since European explorers first set foot in the province centuries ago. Nova Scotia is famous for being the first entry point to Canada throughout the twentieth century at Pier 21 in Halifax. Today, the city of Halifax is known for its cultural diversity and lively maritime spirit. The site of the old Pier 21 is now home to the Canadian Museum of Immigration, a series of exhibits dedicated to telling the stories of newcomers throughout the years and celebrating Canada’s fundamental diversity.
Fishing has been important to every culture that has made this land home, from the indigenous Mi’kmaq to the settlers of the seventeenth century to today. Now, Nova Scotia’s fishing industry is famous for its lobster, scallops, snow crabs, shrimp, halibut, and much more. Seafood lovers will enjoy Nova Scotia’s celebration of fresh catches, and can even embark upon the Nova Scotia Lobster Trail to sample Nova Scotia’s favourite dish, lobster dinner.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick is the only officially bilingual province in Canada, with many residents and newcomers speaking both English and French. In a report from the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages, it was found that French-speaking newcomers to New Brunswick come from all different parts of the world:
French settlers first came to New Brunswick in the early 1600s, led by the famous explorer, Samuel de Champlain. The descendants of these settlers became the Acadians, a French-speaking group that has developed its own distinct culture between their French heritage and the new land of the Maritimes.
New Brunswick is also famous for its incredible fishing and seafood, due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Try your hand at lake or ocean fishing in the province for a new experience, or to catch your dinner. Don’t miss the town of Shediac – also known as the lobster capital of the world.
Prince Edward Island
The residents of PEI, similar to the other Atlantic provinces, have a reputation for being extremely welcoming and friendly to folks from across the world. The province’s unofficial mascot is a potato – one of PEI’s most lucrative crops – named Friendly the Spud.
Prince Edward Island is famous for its beautiful pastoral countryside and red sand beaches. Charming farmhouses stand out over rolling green hills and farmland, and no matter where you are in PEI, you are never more than 30 kilometres from the seaside many of which have now been converted into museums or historical landmarks for the public to visit.
PEI is also home to one of the most beloved literary characters in Canada, Anne of Green Gables. Green Gables Heritage Place is a provincial treasure dedicated to the legacy of author L.M. Montgomery and the history and beauty of Prince Edward Island.