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Things to Do in Canada 254
Acadian Remembrance Day
Good morning!
Did you know? December 13th marks Acadian Remembrance Day in Canada’s Maritime provinces, which honours one of the most dramatic and heartbreaking chapters in Canadian history. On this day in 1758, hundreds of Acadians lost their lives when the Duke William, one of the ships deporting Acadian families during the Great Upheaval, sank off the coast of England. It’s a solemn date, but also a powerful reminder of the resilience of Acadian culture, which refused to disappear even after displacement, loss, and decades of turmoil. Today, communities across Atlantic Canada light candles, ring bells, and keep the stories alive—proof that you can try to erase a people, but you can’t dim a culture that burns this bright.
The first time we learned about the Acadian culture of Canada and the Great Upheaval was at Nova Scotia’s Grand-Pré National Historic Site. From there, we continued to learn about the Acadian culture at many other sites throughout the Maritimes.
So, in the 255th edition of the Weekly Goose, we’re featuring some of the top places to learn about the Acadians that have called “Canada” home for more than 300 years.
Happy Travels!
Read
Canada’s Maritimes are packed with places where Acadian history isn’t just remembered—it’s alive and kicking like a kitchen party fiddle. Here are some top national historic sites and cultural spots that showcase Acadian heritage across New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island…
NOVA SCOTIA
Grand-Pré National Historic Site, Nova Scotia.
Grand-Pré National Historic Site
The big one. Grand-Pré National Historic Site is the symbolic heart of Acadian culture. This is where the story of the Deportation is brought to life through immersive exhibits, gardens, memorials, and sweeping Bay of Fundy views.
You can also learn more about these sites in our guide to Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley!
Fort Anne National Historic Site (Annapolis Royal)
Fort Anne National Historic Site is Canada’s oldest national historic site, with deep ties to early Acadian settlement and the centuries-long French–British struggle.
Port-Royal National Historic Site
A reconstruction of the 1605 Habitation, Port-Royal National Historic Site, is one of the best places in Canada to visualize early Acadian/French colonial life.
Le Village Historique Acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse (West Pubnico)
Le Village Historique Acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse is a coastal gem that recreates life in the 1800s with heritage buildings, traditional music, and real-deal Acadian hospitality.
Maison Acadienne (Chéticamp)
Maison Acadienne is a community museum showcasing Chéticamp’s proud Acadian roots, especially its famous hooked rugs and crafts.
NEW BRUNSWICK
Village Historique Acadien, New Brunswick.
Village Historique Acadien (Caraquet)
Village Historique Acadien is a living-history village where costumed interpreters bring Acadian life from 1770–1949 to life. Think hands-on demos, old-time kitchens, traditional crafts, and enough charm to time-warp you straight into the past.
Monument-Lefebvre National Historic Site (Memramcook)
A powerful site telling the story of the Acadian renaissance—how Acadians rebuilt their identity after the Deportation. Monument-Lefebvre National Historic Site offers excellent exhibits, beautiful grounds, and is home to Evangeline’s legendary vibes.
Fort Beauséjour – Fort Cumberland National Historic Site (Aulac)
Fort Beauséjour is a star-shaped fort where Acadian, French, British, and Mi’kmaq histories collided. Gorgeous views and a crash course in the tug-of-war for control of the region.
Miscou Island Lighthouse (Miscou)
Miscou Island Lighthouse is a beloved cultural landmark with strong Acadian roots. Plus, it’s one of the most photogenic spots in the province.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Musée Acadien, Prince Edward Island.
Evangeline Region / Musée Acadien, Miscouche
This Acadian Museum is the heart of Acadian heritage on PEI, with exhibits on families, traditions, and the island’s Acadian story.
Roma at Three Rivers National Historic Site
Not strictly Acadian, but connected to early French settlement patterns that shaped Acadian life in the region.
Green Park Shipbuilding Museum & Yeo House (Tyne Valley)
Again, not exclusively Acadian, but part of the broader tapestry of Francophone and Acadian maritime life on PEI.
Watch
Back in 2021, we took a wonderful road trip through Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, which is known for its Acadian history, wineries, and gorgeous Bay of Fundy views. Learn more about this fabulous road trip in our video below…
Beaver Bites
Do you ever find yourself reflecting on your days bathing with a rubber ducky and wishing there was a museum to honour such a memorable bath toy? Well, you’re in luck! The owners of the Rubber Duck Museum have moved shop from their original location in a little community that’s part of Washington state (but attached to BC) to B.C.’s Tsawwassen Mills mall. Now you can see all the rubber duckies you want without leaving Canada.
A few years ago, we visited our first rage room in Calgary, enjoying a fun-filled session of smashing the heck out of old objects like printers, ceramics, plates, and more. Today, these are becoming all the rage (pun fully intended). Here are a few locations across Canada if you feel like taking out some anger.
We always get a bit sad when a Canadian tells us they hate the winter. While we understand parts of it can be unenjoyable, you don’t want to be hating two-thirds of the year. So, here are some secrets to enjoying winter in cold countries.
Speaking of winter, this one is supposed to be particularly “wild”, so Environment and Climate Change Canada has launched a new colour-coded alert system meant to simplify inclement weather warnings.
From changing the overall wastefulness of a buffet to crafting specialty meals, breakfast is becoming a focal point of luxury hotels, and a quick way to judge just how luxurious the hotels really are.
Skiiers and snowboarders in Western Canada can rejoice. Unlike previous years, the snow is hitting the slopes early, creating prime conditions for early openings and what’s bound to be an epic season.
International Departures
Looking for some sun this winter? Costa Rica is always a popular choice. While costs certainly soared ahead of other Latin countries, it does offer a tremendous amount of adventure, gorgeous beaches, history, and safety. Last year, I wrote a guide on my personal blog about the ultimate 10-day experience. Check it out…
Just for Fun
Canadian author Thomas King, acclaimed for his works about Indigenous stories and issues, found out he is not Indigenous. King believed he was Indigenous for most of his life, so it came as a shock to him as well.
As much as we love winter activities, we’re always dreaming of white-sand beaches. Here are four overlooked Caribbean destinations to consider…
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