Breathtaking Canada (From Hampshire Society)

Breathtaking Canada

2:51pm Thursday 12th February 2009

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As far as holiday romances go I knew this one was not going to go very far, especially as I sat down to eat him just minutes after our first kiss!

But as I puckered up for my first kiss with a live lobster it dawned on me that my five-day trip to Canada had been full of new experiences.

Having never been to Canada before I was unsure what to expect: other than snow, what else would this country have to offer?

But it soon became clear that there is so much more to this beautiful country and its charming people.

Even the flight was an historic first for the province of New Brunswick, where we were met with great excitement as we landed.

For the first time a direct flight from Gatwick landed in the town of Fredericton, a town that has such passion for its history, music and culture.

As we drove from the airport and I caught my first glimpse of Canada I was taken back by the views - views which I thought only existed in the movies.

Each house had its own unique style and colour, no two being the same, and the natural beauty of the lakes was so incredible, I couldn't believe I was there.

My first stop was the Delta Fredericton hotel that boosts terrific views of the tranquil Saint John Lake.

Waking up and drawing back the curtains to unveil such a view could not fail to get your holiday off to a relaxing start.

I was up early the next day to ensure I had enough time to sample all Fredericton had to offer.

From its historic buildings including Government House and The Beaverbrook Art Gallery, to some breathtaking outdoor hikes, this quaint town couldn't fail to charm.

My next stop was St Andrews and a stay at the impressive Fairmont Algonquin hotel, thought to be the inspiration for Stephen King's The Shining.

The only thing frightening about this place was how good the food was and how accustomed I could get to this luxury.

During the buffet of chef's delicious delicacies, I had my first taste of fish chowder and oysters before gorging on crepes and cakes.

The perfect start to the morning after stuffing myself the night before was a breathtaking hike to Ministers Island.

The weather wasn't great but that didn't matter - it was great to be outside.

In the afternoon, I got to do something I'd all been looking forward to for a long time - whale watching.

After donning a not-so-glamorous orange suit I knew myself and the group were in for a special treat.

There are many ways to go whale watching in St Andrews but I would have to recommend the Fundy Tide Runners.

Speeding across the water in a rib you get a much better experience being so close to the water.

It was my favourite part of the holiday despite not seeing any whales, because it was too early in the year - I really enjoyed the thrill of jetting across the open sea.

Surrounded by beautiful countryside throughout the trip, our fourth day gave me the chance to get out and enjoy all it had to offer.

Fundy National Park has a variety of routes for all fitness levels but as ever up for any challenge, I took on the six-mile coastal walk.

Being in the wilderness was great, following the natural trails up the hills and being greeted with some spectacular views.

Having never really hiked before and often feeling out of breath after climbing the stairs I wasn't confident I'd make it, but I did and the sense of achievement was brilliant.

Day five was upon me in the blink of an eye and on the menu, lobster, Canada's speciality in New Brunswick's French-speaking province, Moncton.

Lobster has always been so plentiful in the region that children used to be embarrassed to take lobster sandwiches to school because it was a sign of being poor!

Never having eaten lobster before and getting squeamish when having to de-shell prawns I was convinced I was not going to be able to eat one from the shell.

But the guide Alex Champoux aboard the Shediac Bay Cruise was so passionate and enthusiastic I got caught up in the moment and before I knew it I was happily ripping my lobster open with my hands and sucking scraps of meat from its legs.

Before I left, not many people had heard of New Brunswick but having spent five days travelling across the province, soaking in all it has to offer I'm confident this will not be the case for much longer.

Travellers will be flocking to take advantage of the launch of this new direct flight as New Brunswick cannot fail to cater for every taste.

It must have something after all, not being a fan of seafood before I arrived, I left converted and in a clinch with a lobster!

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