Atlantic Canada travelers choose from 15 Best Western hotels.

Peggy's Cove Lighthouse
Nova Scotia

Spring and summer in Atlantic Canada and the Maritime provinces is delightful. May brings the opening of Halifax Public Gardens in Nova Scotia. The iconic star-shaped masonry building housing the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, features grounds open year-round, but look to May for the museum and buildings to open for tours. Celebrate May long weekend in Nova Scotia as world theatre invades Liverpool to the south of Halifax; runners get their pick of marathons and running events in Fredericton, New Brunswick’s capital city, or in Halifax for an active May long weekend. The long days of spring and summer take over Atlantic Canada - it is time to get outdoors and have some fun.

Liverpool, 150 km south of Halifax, hosts the Liverpool International Theatre Festival for a long weekend in May. The festival is held once every two years, 2012 visitors are in luck. From May 16th through the 20th the historic Astor Theatre in downtown Liverpool fills with amateur theatre performances from across the globe. 2012 marks the eleventh Liverpool International Theatre Festival welcomes the world to town, and to the stage of the Astor Theatre.

Runners set your training sights on the Scotiabank Fredericton Marathon May 13th 2012. Events include the Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10K, 5K and for walkers, a Half-Marathon and 10K. Join springtime runners from across Canada and North America on this New Brunswick flat and fast course taking participants on trails along the Saint John River and Nashwaak River.

Scotiabank also hosts the Blue Nose Marathon for active residents and visitors to Halifax. The 2012 marathon is held Victoria Day weekend May 18th through the 20th. Featuring five events, there is fun for all ages and abilities. Along with the marathon, events include a half marathon, 10k, 5k and kid’s 4.2k run. The course takes runners and walkers through historic Halifax and Dartmouth with Nova Scotia musicians entertaining along the route. The Halifax World Trade and Convention Centre and the Metro Centre host race registration and the weekend GoodLife Fitness Expo.

Young athletes from the Atlantic Provinces gather in Argyle this season for the 2012 Finale des Jeux de l’Acadie. From June 29th to July 3rd, youth from across Atlantic Canada gather for the Arcadian Games, featuring both sports and cultural programing. Argyle, 30kms east of Yarmouth, is the 2nd Nova Scotia city in the 32-year history of the games to host the finals. During the day, kids participate in one of eight sporting events, with evening cultural activities and performances making for five full days of sports, fun and camaraderie.

Travel to Charlottetown, the provincial capital Prince Edward Island and enjoy some summer fun. Charlottetown Summerfest is June 29th through July 1st. Charlottetown Summerfest makes a great getaway to celebrate Canada Day. Events include concerts at Confederation Landing Park on Charlottetown’s Waterfront, Victoria Park hosts free Canada Day activities, and you are sure to see the largest fireworks show east of Montreal.