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The Maritime Provinces Travel Guide

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As their name suggests, Canada’s Maritime Provinces – Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island – are dominated by the sea, with a long, jagged coastline punctured by picturesque bays, sandy beaches, towering cliffs, some of the prettiest towns in Canada and the freshest, tastiest lobster in the world – Nova Scotia’s slogan “Canada’s ocean playground” is no exaggeration. Indeed, the ocean was crucial to the development of the Maritimes, not only in bringing waves of settlers but also accounting for its greatest industries: shipbuilding and fishing. Forestry became important in the nineteenth century, and even today, the bulk of the region remains intractable wilderness – 84 percent of New Brunswick, for example, is covered by trees. The Maritimes were also at the heart of the epic struggle between England and France for North America in the eighteenth century, and they boast a rich legacy of historic sights, many associated with the French-speaking Acadians, who were usually caught in the middle.

Most travellers focus on Nova Scotia , where the provincial capital of Halifax makes an appealing base from which to explore the picturesque coastline, then head north to Cape Breton Island . Driving from the US or the rest of Canada, you’ll pass through the often overlooked province of New Brunswick , with plenty of world-class diversions of its own: the gritty, revitalized port of Saint John (never “St John”, and not to be confused with St John’s, Newfoundland), the Acadian Coast and the Bay of Fundy , whose taper creates tidal surges of up to 12m. Prince Edward Island (PEI) was linked to the mainland by the whopping Confederation Bridge in 1997 and possesses one of the region’s most enticing culinary scenes. Leafy, laidback Charlottetown is well worth at least a couple of days, especially as it’s just a short hop from the magnificent sandy beaches of the Prince Edward Island National Park .

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written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 12.05.2021

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An Epic Canadian Maritimes Road Trip Itinerary And Map

If you’ve ever glanced at a map in your life, you’ll see Canada is a big place. Stretching 7,800kms from coast to coast (and we have a third coast too!), we’ve got a lot of landscape all fit into this beautiful country of ours. Each one is unique in its own way, allowing cultures to grow around the landscape. In the Canadian Maritimes, it’s no different. The Maritimes, or Canada’s east coast, has developed its own way of life, and if you visit, you’ll see that it’s a vibrant and hardy way to live.

The Canadian Maritimes is made up of four (or five) provinces: Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Sometimes, parts of Quebec, especially the eastern portions can be included in the broad term of “Maritimes.”

In this epic Canadian Maritimes road trip itinerary, I’ll focus on New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. I should note, again, Canada is a FREAKING LARGE country. Coming from Toronto, we stretched the road trip for 10 days, but there is so much more to see and do in each region.

Road Trip Essentials

I’ve said it twice, so why not a third time, Canada is significant. Not only does this have a role in the amount of time you have to explore, but also you should also take it into account when planning your trip. There are stretches of roadways that don’t have gas stations, rest stops, or places to find food. And there are places along the way that you may lose cell phone signal. On the flip side, there will be many picture-perfect stops to pull over and have a pit stop picnic.

Here are some tips to make your Canada road trip go smoothly:

Tip one: bring along a cooler to keep some fresh food cold. It will be a nice change to make a fresh sandwich or bite into a crisp apple rather than buy junk from a gas station.

Tip two: keep any roadside assistance numbers handy, written down in the front console or glove box. You never know if your phone will run out of juice when you need it.

Tip three: if you get below half a tank of gas, plan to see how far until the next gas station. Not only will this give you relief, but running out of gas is the worst. I once chugged into a Manitoba gas station with a “9 km” gas range left on my car – basically fumes. It caused a lot of anxiety not knowing where the next station was and if we were even going to make it.

Tip Four: have a good selection of music, podcasts, audiobooks, or whatever suits your ears. As I mentioned above, cell signal disappears in parts of the Canadian Maritimes, so you won’t have access to streaming services, and even radio stations are silent.  

Now onto the fun stuff. Here are the best stops for an epic road trip through the Canadian Maritimes.

Canadian Maritimes Map and Road Trip Itinerary

New brunswick.

New Brunswick is the only officially bilingual province in Canada, and its landscape blew me away. It is a very underrated province, but it is more and more available for visitors to sink their teeth into. The province has embraced its Acadian heritage and the fact that it is situated on two of the most incredible waterways – Gulf of the Saint Lawrence and Bay of Fundy – definitely helps its cause.

New Brunswick isn’t a large province, especially in comparison to its neighbor Quebec, but it has a range of landscapes like the northern edge of the Appalachian Mountains, the rugged and hardy coastline of the Bay of Fundy, and the fertile arable land of the east.

There are many treasures to discover here.

1. Kouchibouguc National Park

Try saying Kouchibouguac five times fast. While you may not be able to pronounce this place correctly, you’re sure to enjoy its soft white sand. The national park is situated along New Brunswick’s eastern Acadian Coast and is home to a range of ecosystems, including a beautiful beach-ready for lounging.

2. Saint Andrews by the sea

If the quaint name doesn’t make you want to jet set all the way here, then the charming village will. It was voted top destination in Canada in 2017 by USA Today and has ranked high in many top 10 lists.

Saint Andrews by the Sea is not only a picturesque town but a jumping-off point for many whale watching and scuba diving tours. The best way to experience the town is to sit in one of the many restaurants along the water and feast in local, fresh-caught seafood.

3. Saint John

Not to be confused with St. John’s, Newfoundland, Saint John is Canada’s oldest incorporated city. It’s situated strategically in the Bay of Fundy, and Saint John has become a place that soldiers mustered many times over the history of the New World.

It’s full of rich Canadian and American history, as many loyalists fled to this city during the American Revolution. The history means there are many old buildings to discover. Walk through the loyalist cemetery, become a soldier at Carleton Martello Tower, and enjoy fresh finds at Saint John city market, the oldest continuing farmers’ market in Canada.

4. Fundy National Park

Fundy National Park is the crown jewel of New Brunswick. Here you can experience some of Canada’s largest tides in the Bay of Fundy or go inland to see the thick forests.

New Brunswick is known for its covered bridges, so Fundy National Park is the perfect spot to find some Instagram-worthy locations. It’s also a great place to get out and take a hike. There are plenty of waterfalls within the park and trails ranging from easy to demanding lead to these amazing places. The more accessible one is Dickson Falls Trail – a moderate 1.5-kilometre loop that takes you to the most photographed waterfall in the park.

5. Hopewell Rocks

If you’ve ever wanted to walk on the ocean floor, then this is the place to do it. The Bay of Fundy sees the world’s largest tides, measuring a difference of 15 feet. Hopewell Rocks are rock formations that have been etched away by the tide.

During low tide, you can walk along the ocean floor and explore a world beneath the water. During high tide, you can rent a kayak and take in the formations from above.

Prince Edward Island

There’s no doubt that Prince Edward Island – known as PEI for short – is an iconic Canadian location. This little island province is known for its red sandy beaches, delicious seafood, and its relaxed way of life.

Prince Edward Island is the birthplace of Canada, although the province didn’t join confederation until a few years after its independence. Until the 90s, PEI was only accessible by ferry or plane. Then engineers decided to build the longest (13 kilometers) bridge that spans over ice-covered water, connecting PEI to the mainland.

When in PEI, remember to live on island time and take it easy, because there’s so much to explore!

6. Argyle Provincial Park

If you want to experience the red shores that makes PEI famous, then Argyle Provincial Park is just for you. The day use park is located along the red sands shore drive, about 30 minutes from Charlottetown. You can also walk along the ocean floor here when the tide is low.

7. Cows Creamery

There’s no better place to enjoy a tasty treat on a warm summer day than Cows Creamery. There are many locations around PEI (and the Maritimes), but the origins of all that delicious ice cream come from Cows Creamery in Charlottetown, PEI.

You can take a factory tour to see how their ice cream, butter, and cheese are made. All their ice cream is made with local milk and high-quality ingredients. Go hyper-local and get yourself the PEI strawberry – you won’t be disappointed.

8. Charlottetown

The capital city of PEI, Charlottetown, isn’t very large in terms of city size, but it offers so much history. Explore the Province House National Historic Site, where the idea of Canada was formed, take a stroll in the beautiful Victoria Row, enjoy the sunshine at one of Charlottetown’s many waterfront parks, and take a dive into some delicious fresh seafood.

During the summer months, the Chip Shack in Charlottetown is the place to go for a delicious lobster roll and local Cavendish potatoes. PEI is known for its potatoes that are grown right in the hardy red soil that covers the province.

9. Prince Edward Island National Park

Not only is Prince Edward Island National Park a beautiful place to take a hike or enjoy a beach, but you can camp right on the shore. At the Cavendish campground you can wake up with stunning ocean views, and it’s a perfect way to spend your nights. Don’t forget to take in the towering sand dunes and red cliffs that make up this park.

Look for the red and white lighthouses that dot the northern landscape.

10. Anne of Green Gables

Anne of Green Gables is an iconic Canadian literary tale from the early 1900s. The author, Lucy Maud Montgomery, grew up on the island and created a beautiful story about her experiences.

Today, you can explore Montgomery’s home and the Green Gables, which is a national historic site. You can even find Anne herself wandering through the little farm.

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia has a lot going for it. Not only does it have an incredible landscape, but it also has an incredible food scene. It’s rich in cultural history and has so many places to explore on an epic road trip of the Canadian Maritimes. Have a look at how stunning this Maritimes province is in the following video:

In Nova Scotia, Halifax especially, you’ll notice many places that pay homage to the past – like Pier 21, where thousands of immigrants landed for the first time in a new country, or the Titanic museum – where you can learn about the incredible story of the Titanic, or Grand Pre – a UNESCO World Heritage site that shed light on the diaspora of the Acadians. In Nova Scotia, you’ll find it all, including the heart and soul of the Canadian Maritimes.

It takes a particular person to be able to live and survive in the Canadian Maritimes, and Nova Scotians are a hardy bunch. Here are some places to explore in this Canadian province.

11. Halifax

There’s no doubt that Halifax is a stunning coastal city. From its delicious eats to the waterfront and buildings, there is so much to see and do in the city. Since you’re on an epic road trip of the Canadian Maritimes, it’s time to park your car and stretch your legs.

In the city, you need to check out the masterpiece that is the Halifax Public Gardens, the historical citadel that protects the city, the historic properties along the harbor, the lively waterfront, and, of course, the Alexander Keith’s brewery, which opened over 200 years ago.

12. Peggy’s Cove

It’s easy to see why thousands of tourists flock to Peggy’s Cove each year. The lighthouse is one of the most famous in Canada and the town surrounding it is equally as impressive.

Peggy’s Cove has a striking landscape that has been worn rough by the wind and sea. It can also be very dangerous. You’ll see many signs here warning people away from the shore. One sign reads “Injury and death have rewarded careless sight-seers here. The ocean and rocks are treacherous. Savor the sea from a distance.

13. Lunenburg

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia is a quintessential Canadian Maritimes experience. The old town was built around fishing and sailing. It is also the home of another Canadian icon – The Bluenose II. Due to its colorful architecture and historic settlement, the town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

14. Grand Pre

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site is Grand Pre, a monument to the Acadian people who settled here and were eventually deported in the 18th century. The Acadians settled in the area, using dykes and sluice systems to farm the land. But a war between the French and English meant the New World was up for grabs. Thousands of Acadians were deported, and many died. Grand Pre tells their story.

An epic Road trip through the Canadian Maritimes

Whether you want to see the cities, the history, the ocean, or the landscape, the Canadian Maritimes has it all. From the red soil island of PEI to the historic Nova Scotia, to the breathtaking New Brunswick , you’ll find yourself wishing to stay here forever.

Keep reading: Newfoundland to The Yukon Road Trip Itinerary

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Canada’s Maritime Provinces

• Nova Scotia

By Canada specialist Jon

Canada’s Maritime Provinces have remained firmly under the radar. I like it this way. Fishing villages have maintained their character, where clapboard houses perch on stilts at the water’s edge. Locals are proud of their European roots, speaking in dialects and accents that blend Irish, Scottish, English and French. And, empty roads hug the rocky shoreline, giving you far-reaching views over the ocean.

The whole region is like a country within a country. You’ll find plenty to do in each province, no matter where your interests lie. Visit the place where the Canadian Confederation was signed. Go whale watching in the Bay of Fundy . Or, follow Nova Scotia’s Cabot Trail — one of the most striking coastal drives in the country.

How to explore Canada’s Maritime Provinces

With much shorter flights from the UK and Ireland compared with the west, you can often fit more into one trip. The best way to get around this region is by self-driving . Roads are quiet and generally well maintained. And, unlike the west, drives are never longer than five hours.

You could drive the loop that takes in Nova Scotia , New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island , beginning and ending in Halifax . Alternatively, you could explore Nova Scotia or New Brunswick (via Halifax) in depth on stand-alone trips.

Things to see and do in Nova Scotia

I could instantly see why this province was named after Scotland. Green hills rise and fall across the land, sliding and crumbling into the ocean. Lighthouses cling to the rocky coastline. And, pubs and bars host bagpipe playing, along with the occasional ceilidh. The whole province feels wild and untamed.

You’ll find influences from both the French and British settlers here, blended with a prevailing Canadian maritime culture.

Despite being Nova Scotia’s capital, Halifax feels more like a town, both in its size and the small-community spirit of its residents.

During your stay, you could explore Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, a fort above the city whose outer walls make the shape of an eight-pointed star. The current incarnation dates from the 1800s, and its museum tells the military history of the province. Visit around midday, and you’ll see the firing of the noonday gun.

I also recommend dining on seafood, delivered to waterfront restaurants each morning (the lobster is a particular highlight). I wasn’t a big seafood lover before, but the freshness of everything I tasted changed my mind.

Strolling along the wooden boardwalk on the waterfront, you can browse shops and galleries housed in historic buildings, or visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. Then, in the evening, I recommend dipping in and out of the city’s British-style pubs, which often host live Celtic music.

Lunenburg and the Lighthouse Route

As you drive out of Halifax, rather than sticking to the main highways, I’d follow smaller scenic roads that wind around the coastline. The Lighthouse Route between Halifax and the 18th-century UNESCO-designated town of Lunenburg sticks to Nova Scotia’s southern coastline exactly, weaving around secluded bays and inlets. Make a stop at the small fishing village of Peggy’s Cove to visit Peggy’s Point Lighthouse. With its postbox-red lantern room, white octagonal tower and commanding position on a shelf of wave-smoothed rocks, it’s one of the most photographed lighthouses in Canada.

Founded in 1753, Lunenburg was one of Nova Scotia’s first British colonial settlements. Wooden buildings, painted in greens, pinks, blues and lobster-red, cluster on a slope overlooking the harbor where fishing vessels come and go.

Exploring the town’s quiet streets, you can nip in and out of craft shops and galleries, and eat at restaurants serving seafood chowder, Lunenburg sausage and Solomon Gundy (marinated herrings paired with sour cream). You could also visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, which houses an aquarium and historic fishing schooners.

Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site

This park of dense old-growth forest and glassy lakes makes a good stopping point if you’re heading southwest across Nova Scotia toward Annapolis Royal . You could pause to picnic, or take longer to kayak or canoe along some of the park’s waterways or follow the woodland walking trails.

I like the 2 km (1.2 mile) Mill Falls Trail, which begins from the visitor center and traces the banks of the Mersey River. You can picnic with views over the frothing water of Mills Falls — a series of waterfalls and rapids.

Driving the Cabot Trail

If you’re driving a loop through New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, this 297 km (185 mile) drive usually comes toward the end of your trip. A short ferry ride takes you back to Nova Scotia from Prince Edward Island, landing in the town of Pictou . The first Scottish settlers landed here in 1773, and you can see a replica of their ship, Hector , at the Hector Heritage Quay.

The Cabot Trail starts and ends just outside the village of Baddeck, curling around the ancient highlands of Cape Breton Island’s northern tip. Cliffs plunge into the ocean as gulls and eagles soar overhead, and you might pass the occasional moose by the roadside. I found the best photo opportunities came when I pulled over at a bend, which opened out the next stretch of coastline with the road twisting along it.

You can drive it all in one go, which takes around four hours. But, I recommend staying overnight at Ch é ticamp, which gives you a couple of days to explore the trail in earnest. You could stop to follow walking trails in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, with seafood restaurants providing sustenance.

Things to see and do in New Brunswick

New Brunswick was one of the first areas of Canada to be settled by Europeans, namely the French, in the early 17th century. It still holds onto its Acadian French culture, particularly in the north, and is Canada’s only officially bilingual province.

But, along its southern coast a more British-Canadian culture takes over, with seaside towns like Saint Andrews by-the-Sea offering a quintessential Atlantic Canada stay. You reach New Brunswick via a short ferry ride across the Bay of Fundy from Digby to Saint John , sticking to the southern coast on the journey eastward toward Prince Edward Island .

Whale watching in the Bay of Fundy

The stretch of water between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick provides a summer feeding ground and nursery for humpback, minke and finback whales. You can head out on a boat trip to see them from either side of the bay. From the deck, you observe them from a safe distance feeding on plankton, spraying plumes of water and smashing their tails onto the water.

The plankton attracts large schools of herring and mackerel, which in turn brings dolphins, seabirds and seals to the bay. Your on-board guides are experienced naturalists who can help to spot and identify the different species, as well as telling you about the bay’s geology and history.

Fundy National Park, Bay of Fundy

Drive east and you reach the town of Alma. Basing yourself here for a few days gives you easy access to Fundy National Park  where you can cycle or hike through forested hills to hidden waterfalls, and along the wave-lashed sea cliffs.

For me, the biggest draw of this area is the chance to witness the world’s highest tides. Every day, 160 billion tons of seawater flows in and out of the Bay of Fundy at high tide. According to local Mi’kmaq First Nation folklore, the tides are caused by a giant whale attempting to break a dam at the mouth of the bay. The more scientific reasoning places it as the result of the funneling effect of the narrow bay combined with exceptional tidal resonance.

I find the best way to experience this phenomenon is to visit Hopewell Rocks. At some points in the day you can kayak around these huge, weathered lumps of rock, at others they’re completely exposed as the retreating water reveals a sand and shingle beach.

Things to see and do on Prince Edward Island

To get to Canada’s smallest province, you cross the 13-km (8-mile) Confederation Bridge from New Brunswick over the Northumberland Strait. Once there, you’ll find an emerald land of hills, farmland, wooded valleys and a coastline studded with lighthouses where red-rock cliffs give way to soft sands.

The seafood here is second to none — the island supplies much of North America with its fresh mussels and oysters.

Charlottetown: the ‘birthplace of Canada’

I think Prince Edward Island’s capital, Charlottetown , is the best base for exploring the island. The city is known as the ‘birthplace of Canada’, thanks to the role it played as the place where Canada’s Confederation was negotiated. In 1864, provincial leaders gathered here in Province House for the Charlottetown Conference, laying the foundations for a unified nation.

I’d join a historical walking tour of Charlottetown for an understanding of its role in Canada’s formation. As you stroll along the city’s leafy avenues, you pass Victorian clapboard houses and landmarks such as Saint Dunstan’s Basilica, the 19th-century Bishop’s Palace and Province House itself. Your local guide can tell you the background to each sight, and answer your questions about Charlottetown and the wider island.

Touring the fictional home of Anne of Green Gables

The 19th-century Green Gables Farm at Cavendish , in the north of the island, was the setting for Lucy Maud Montgomery’s 1908 novel, Anne of Green Gables. You can tour the carefully preserved white-and-green-gabled farmhouse that inspired Montgomery.

The rooms are recreated to evoke the Victorian period, with patterned wallpaper, wooden furniture and everyday household items of the time. Afterwards, follow trails through the property’s grounds and woodland, where interpreters in period costume depict some of the novel’s characters.

The island’s parks and coastline

In my experience, much of the joy of staying on Prince Edward Island is in the driving. Whichever direction you head in, you’ll eventually reach the sandy, wave-cut coastline, where coppery-red cliffs have been beaten into submission by the waves. Many of the beaches are lapped by shallow water where you can dip your toes. And, with more than 50 lighthouses blinking on the island’s shoreline, there’s a lot to photograph.

Prince Edward Island National Park stretches along the northern coast, facing the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Here, you can walk among sand dunes and hike or cycle along headlands and sandstone cliffs while looking out for coastal birds, such as the endangered piping plover. Within the park’s woodland, you might encounter raccoons, weasels or red foxes, while more than 400 plant species define the landscape.

Best time to visit Canada’s Maritime Provinces

I recommend visiting between June and September, when you’re most likely to experience drier, warmer weather. Outside these months, lots of restaurants and guesthouses close down for the winter, and it can be cold and wet.

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Atlantic Canada

The first part of North America to be discovered by Europeans, Canada’s four Atlantic provinces comprise a small group of islands and peninsulas on Canada’s eastern coast. Though low in population and economically weak, they possess a proud, centuries-old culture that combines a distinct mix of British, Scottish, Gaelic and French customs, creating a unique, tradition-oriented people. Almost everyone in Canada claims to find Atlantic Canada quaint and interesting — even if few are exactly scrambling to live there.

Note:  In most parts of Canada, it’s common to use the term “ Maritime provinces ” or “ the Maritimes ” to refer to the provinces of Atlantic Canada. Within Atlantic Canada itself, however, the term “ Maritime ” is understood to exclude the province of Newfoundland, which has a somewhat different culture and identity from the rest of the Atlantic provinces, as we shall see.

Sunset at Peggy Cove, Nova Scotia. Jay Yuan/Shutterstock

Geography of atlantic canada.

Atlantic Canada comprises a small collection of islands and peninsulas attached to the coast of eastern  Quebec  and extending into — you guessed it — the Atlantic Ocean . Together, they form a crude crescent-shaped bay known as the Gulf of St. Lawrence that connects the Atlantic Ocean to Quebec’s St. Lawrence canal , which serves as Canada’s busiest eastern trading port.

The Atlantic Canadian landscape is one of Canada’s most recognizable, with pine forests, hills and dangerous rocky cliffs that have spawned — out of safety concerns — an iconic lighthouse industry. Since the region is surrounded by water, coastal areas can be particularly cool, wet and foggy with cold, stormy winters (raincoats are another proud Maritime icon) and mild, pleasant summers. Interior, or inland regions, by contrast, tend to be considerably drier, and in winter months receive some of the largest snowfalls in Canada.

In contrast to the other provinces, the four Atlantic Canadian provinces are all quite small with sparse populations. Most can be driven across in only a couple hours.

Africadians

During the American Revolution, the British tried to play free blacks against the rebels, promising former slaves continued freedom in the event of British victory. When that didn't happen, Britain then encouraged black migration to Atlantic Canada, promising safe refuge. Though many blacks did settle in Nova Scotia, where they established African-American communities that remain present to this day, many others eventually left Canada for the British colony Sierra Leone , as part of a British effort to move former slaves back to Africa.

History of Atlantic Canada

Like much of eastern Canada, the Maritimes originally belonged to the French. Established in 1604, the royal French colony of Acadia encompassed all the modern-day Atlantic provinces, and was one of the Empire’s most strategically useful outposts as the gateway to North America. Of this fact nearby British settlers were extremely jealous, and the two powers fought back-and-forth wars over the colonies for most of the 17th century, with the Brits finally securing control of most of the area in 1714, following the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714). Having acquired the region, Britain proceeded to deport all French colonists — also known as Acadians — in what is still remembered as one of the most shameful episodes of Canadian history. Though some Acadians would later migrate back, a lot of the deported wound up in Louisiana , and helped form that state’s unique culture. The lovable term “ Cajun ” is descended from “Acadian,” in fact.

Cleared of the French, the Acadian colonies remained mostly vacant until the aftermath of the American Revolution (1775-1783) sent a vast migration of pro-British Loyalist refugees northward, who turned the region into a thriving community of English loggers, fishermen and shipbuilders. By this point, the British colonial bureaucrats had divided and renamed the territory into the four regions we know today: Nova Scotia , New Brunswick , Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland . By the mid- 19th century , all four colonies had won a high degree of self-government, but were also economically stagnant. The idea of forming a larger, self-governing colonial federation with Ontario and Quebec as a path to greater prosperity was proposed, and Nova Scotia and New Brunswick formed two of Canada’s first four provinces in 1867. Bankrupt PEI jointed in 1871, but Newfoundland refused, and remained an independent, self-governing British colony until 1949.

Throughout the 20th century , all of the Atlantic provinces struggled with serious economic problems and remain the poorest regions of Canada to this day. The “root cause” of Maritime poverty is obviously quite a controversial and much-debated topic, but an undeniably factor has been the decline of many of their traditional industries, such as fishing, forestry and shipbuilding.

The Tall Ships Nova Scotia festival in Halifax. Matthew Jacques/Shutterstock

Scottish Pride

Pipers marching in a Highland Games parade in Antigonish , Nova Scotia. The annual Antigonish festival, which features traditional Scottish activities like caber-tossing and highland dancing, is the longest-running Scottish sports festival in North America, dating back to 1863.

Nova Scotia

A large peninsula shaped like the lobster claws it’s famous for, Nova Scotia is the biggest and wealthiest of the four Maritime provinces. Home to Halifax Harbour , Canada’s main Atlantic port, Nova Scotia was originally known as a hub for shipbuilding and naval bases, as well as a welcoming point for many European immigrants, embodied by its famous Pier 21 — Canada’s answer to Ellis Island. In the 20th century , the provincial economy was tied to two notoriously unsustainable natural resource industries — coal and fishing — and by the 1990s both had collapsed. Today most residents work in tourism or the service sector.

Over 70 per cent of Nova Scotians live in coastal communities with half of the provincial population located in two large cities: Halifax , which is on the main peninsula, and Sydney , on Cape Breton Island to the north. Nova Scotia’s geography is generally sloping, with the eastern half of the province dominated by hills and forest-covered mountains, while the western half houses flat plains and farmland. The provincial coast features rocky beaches covered with massive grey stones, washed smooth after thousands of years of lapping waves.

Latin for “ New Scotland ,” Nova Scotia has been the historic home of a colourful Maritime culture spread by immigrants from England, Scotland and Ireland. Well into the 20th century, it was not uncommon to come across rural Nova Scotian families who spoke Gaelic as their first language, and musicians like Ashley MacIsaac (b. 1975) and Natalie MacMaster (b. 1972) have kept a distinctive Celtic tradition of aggressive fiddle-playing alive and popular.

• Nova Scotia Tourism
• Government of Nova Scotia

The Hopewell Rocks in the Bay of Fundy. Vincent St. Thomas/Shutterstock

The towering Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption's Cathedral in Moncton, a large Catholic church built in the 1930s to service the city's French-Canadian community.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick is a square, mountainous province best-known for its southern coast, the Bay of Fundy , which is home to the highest tides in the world, iconic “flowerpot rocks,” and thriving communities of humpback whales and dolphins. Most New Brunswickers live in the cities of Saint John (not to be confused with Saint John’s , which is in Newfoundland) and  Moncton . The provincial capital of Fredericton , unusually, sits a somewhat distant third.

Unlike their compatriots in the other Maritime regions, many New Brunswick Acadians  (French-Canadians) were allowed to return to their province following Britain’s mass deportation of French settlers in the 1750s, and to this day, northern New Brunswick retains a significant population of French-speakers. In 1969 New Brunswick declared itself Canada’s first officially bilingual province, and it’s estimated more than 30 per cent  of New Brunswickers speak French as their first language — the largest percentage outside of Quebec .

With upwards of 85 per cent of the province covered by forest, logging and shipbuilding have been the traditional backbone of the New Brunswick economy, though both have steadily declined in recent decades. Today, the New Brunswick economy is known for being significantly dominated by the family-run  J.D. Irving corporation, which has come to control a vast array of industries, including lumber mills, gas stations, convenience stores, newspapers, and TV stations.

• New Brunswick Tourism
• Government of New Brunswick

It’s impossible to say anything about Prince Edward Island without also mentioning Anne of Green Gables (1908), a bestselling novel by local author Lucy Maud Montgomery (1874-1942) that continues to define the island’s identity to this day. The book told the story of spunky Lil’ Anne and her stereotypically Atlantic Canadian farm family, and later spawned many sequels and merchandise and look-alike contests and so on. So much of PEI’s tourism industry remains bound up in the Lil’ Anne mythology that it’s estimated that at least a third of all tourism revenue flows from Anne-themed attractions.

Prince Edward Island

A small crescent-shaped island located in the gulf between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, PEI (as it’s known) occupies a mere 5,700 square kilometers of land and contains only 140,000 people making it by far Canada’s smallest province. It has long struggled to achieve national attention as a result, beyond jokes about its size.

PEI was originally little more than a floating plantation owned by absentee British landlords, who drove property values up so high no one could afford to live there. This single issue dominated the island’s early history, with the colony first refusing (1867) and then agreeing (1873) to join Canada in an effort to get Britain to solve the problem. The population continued to remain low into the 20th century  due to a general lack of industry beyond potato farming and fishing.

Due to its small size, virtually all of Prince Edward Island is developed and inhabited, with about a quarter of all residents living in the capital city of Charlottetown and the rest scattered about in small villages across the island. Sprawling green plains, red sandstone cliffs, deciduous forests, and old-fashioned clapboard houses have helped turn the province into a tourist mecca for those seeking quaint Atlantic charm — which has, in turn, helped keep the provincial economy afloat.

• Prince Edward Island Tourism
• Government of Prince Edward Island

Colourful houses in St. John's. Elena Elisseeva/Shutterstock

Canada's Last Province

Canada's Prime Minister, Louis St. Laurent (1882-1973) and Newfoundland Governor Sir Gordon MacDonald (1885-1966) sign a December 11, 1948 agreement making Newfoundland a province of Canada. To this day, the decision remains controversial among some who consider it a betrayal of Newfoundland history. There are all sorts of conspiracy theories about the politics surrounding the deal.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland traces its founding all the way back to 1583, when the British explorer Sir Humphrey Gilbert (1537-1583) claimed the rocky island as Britain’s first overseas colony. The British proceeded to go to great lengths to prevent people from actually living there, preferring to use the colony as a powerful naval base through which they could control much of the lucrative American fishing industry. Only in the 19th century did full-scale settlement begin, and as the colony’s population of British settlers steadily grew, Newfoundland gradually gained political independence from Britain much the same way Canada itself did. Consistently refusing to join Canada, Newfoundland spent the years from 1855 to 1934 as a self-governing dominion of Great Britain, with its own prime ministers, national anthem, flag, Olympic team, and the rest.

Hit particularly hard by the Great Depression (1929-1933), Newfoundland gave up its independence in 1934 and agreed to once again be directly administered by the British for 15 years, before finally voting to join Canada in 1949. In the postwar era, a depletion of fish stocks and a failure to develop other industries doomed the new province to a seemingly perpetual state of recession, with high unemployment, poverty and welfare dependency. Only in recent years, with the discovery of oil off the provincial coast, has Newfoundland finally begun to escape from its long shadow of economic dysfunction.

Despite having recently celebrated their 60th anniversary as a province of Canada, Newfoundlanders (or “ Newfies ” as they are affectionately, or sometimes insultingly, known) still retain a number of unique cultural traditions from their long history of independence. They speak with different accents, use different slang, celebrate different holidays and eat many different foods than other Canadians, and retain a population that has far fewer immigrants and minorities than the rest of the country. Despite controversial government efforts to promote city living, the province’s small population remains scattered around the island, with a very small minority of residents living in Labrador , a resource-rich chunk of northern Quebec that Newfoundland has long fought to keep under its control.

• Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism
• Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
• Newfound and Labrador Heritage

Quick Facts

• The Atlantic Canada region consists of peninsulas and islands extending into the Atlantic Ocean.
• Historically, the Atlantic provinces have had a unique nautical culture associated with fishing and sailing.
• The Atlantic provinces had much more relevance to Canada in the past than they do today, given the size of provinces added since them.
• In recent years, the provinces have faced significant economic hardship and poverty.

"Bluenose" is a nickname for someone from Nova Scotia, though the origins are lost to time. It is also the name of a famously successful racing sailboat from the early 20th century whose image is engraved on the Canadian dime. Used for both work and leisure, sailboats remain a popular icon of Atlantic Canada.

The Atlantic Provinces

• Nova Scotia: Population, 949,500 (2016 est.); capital, Halifax. Province of Canada since July 1, 1867.
• New Brunswick: Population, 756,800 (2016 est); capital, Fredericton. Province of Canada since July 1, 1867.
• Prince Edward Island: Population, 148,600 (2016 est.); capital, Charlottetown. Province of Canada since July 1, 1873.
• Newfoundland and Labrador: Population, 530,100 (2016 est.); capital, St. John's. Province of Canada since April 1, 1949.

St. Pierre et Miquelon

In the aftermath of the Seven Years War (1754-1763), Britain stripped France of all of its Canadian territories but allowed it to retain a pair of tiny islands off the southwestern tip of Newfoundland. More than 250 years later, St. Pierre and Miquelon still remain part of France. Today the rocky islands are home to about 5,000 proud French citizens who have created an oasis of European culture in the Atlantic Ocean.

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Best of Atlantic Canada Two-Week Travel Itinerary

Two weeks is an excellent length of time for visiting each of Atlantic Canada’s four provinces and not feeling too rushed along the way. You could just spend the entire two weeks in the three Maritimes provinces, or only explore the far reaches of Newfoundland and Labrador, but this itinerary has it all.

Nova Scotia

After arriving in Halifax, settle in at a historic downtown B&B such as The Halliburton. Spend the afternoon taking in sights such as Halifax Citadel National Historic Site and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic , and make dinner reservations at a waterfront restaurant.

Drive south through Peggy’s Cove (take the obligatory lighthouse photo) and Mahone Bay (browse the arts and crafts shops, eat lunch at Rebecca’s Restaurant ) to Lunenburg. There’s plenty to see en route, but arrive in time for an afternoon walk through the UNESCO-protected core of downtown, which is filled with colorful buildings. For the views alone, the Salt Shaker Deli & Inn is my favorite Lunenburg lodging.

Drive across to Annapolis Royal to explore the historic town and visit Fort Anne. Stop in Digby for a meal of plump Digby scallops and board the afternoon ferry for New Brunswick and an overnight at one of the lodgings within walking distance of Fundy National Park .

New Brunswick

Mornings are a delight in Fundy National Park, so plan on a coastal hike and then drive through to Fredericton. Here, the Historic Garrison District packs in the past (and art lovers will want to schedule a stop at Beaverbrook Art Gallery ), but the highlight of this day will be watching Loyalist history come to life at Kings Landing Historical Settlement. There’s no advantage to staying right downtown, so reserve a room at On the Pond.

Drive up the Saint John River, making a crossing at the Hartland Covered Bridge, then soaking up the wilderness of Mount Carleton Provincial Park en route to Miramichi. You’ll learn about Acadians and their struggles at Village Historique Acadien.

Prince Edward Island

Drive to Prince Edward Island via the Confederation Bridge. Check in early to Charlottetown’s Shipwright Inn and spend the afternoon on a rural jaunt through Cavendish, passing through Prince Edward Island National Park and stopping at Green Gables Heritage Place.

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Rise early to catch the ferry from Wood Islands to Caribou. Learn about the arrival of the early Scottish settlers at Hector Heritage Quay in Pictou, then drive through to Baddeck, on Cape Breton Island. Squeeze in a visit to Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site . Most rooms at Baddeck’s Water’s Edge Inn have balconies with views of the sun setting over the lake.

Spend the day driving the famously scenic Cabot Trail, choosing between hiking coastal trails, relaxing on the beach, and a whale-watching trip. Catch the evening ferry to Argentia (reserve a cabin for extra comfort).

Newfoundland

You’ll wake to your first views of Newfoundland as the ferry pulls into Argentia. There’s plenty to see on the way to the capital, including the archaeological dig at the Colony of Avalon . Once in St. John’s, head to The Rooms to learn about local history and Signal Hill National Historic Site for the views. Make reservations at Mallard Cottage for dinner.

Still feeling energetic? The lively downtown bars of George Street come alive after dark.

Head west, stopping at Trinity, a tiny fishing village where little has changed in over a century, en route to Gros Morne National Park , where during the long days of summer you have time for a walk through the Tablelands and can still be at Lobster Cove Head in time to watch the sunset. Gros Morne Cabins are a centrally located base in Rocky Harbour.

Join a morning boat tour of Western Brook Pond and drive north along the Northern Peninsula. Make sure to stop at Port au Choix National Historic Site and the thrombolites of Flowers Cove en route to Southwest Pond Cabins in L’Anse aux Meadows. Dinner at the Norseman Restaurant is a must.

Visit L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, then drive to St. Barbe and put your feet up for a couple of hours on the ferry crossing to Labrador. Head north along the Labrador Straits to Mary’s Harbour. Park your vehicle and pack an overnight bag for the short boat trip to Battle Harbour, an “outport” (remote fishing village) that was abandoned in the 1960s, but where restoration efforts include a restaurant and an inn.

Return to the mainland and spend the day exploring this remote stretch of coast. Red Bay National Historic Site should definitely be on your itinerary, as should the lighthouse at L’Anse Amour. Catch the ferry back to St. Barbe and continue south to Port-aux-Basques in time for the evening ferry back to Nova Scotia.

Head Back Home

Arriving in North Sydney around dawn, you have plenty of time to make an afternoon flight home from Halifax. If you’re not flying out until the following morning, take Marine Drive along the Eastern Shore and spend the night along this remote stretch of coast, where Sherbrooke Village is a historical highlight and where the beaches of Taylor Head Provincial Park are perfect for a walk.

Andrew Hempstead

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The Maritimes

Every year, the Maritime provinces light up the vacations of many travellers like a lighthouse. Located on Canada’s east coast, the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island offer sightseers and seasoned sports enthusiasts alike the chance to discover and escape into nature. Cultural activities, festivals and sea excursions also form part of the local, Acadian folklore.

You can eat fresh lobster all year long in New Brunswick, thanks to the different fishing zones.

Tourist attractions

Our eastern neighbour

New Brunswick (NB) has the largest land surface area of the Maritime provinces. Flanked by the Bay of Fundy and the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and neighbouring the American state of Maine, New Brunswick is a surprisingly diverse province. Fredericton, its capital, is known for its historical beauty, and Saint John for its Reversing Rapids, created by the movement of the tides.

A small island packs in a lot of fun

Rugged cliffs, fascinating tides and over 800 km of practically deserted beaches of red or white sand attract many vacationers seeking inspiration. To best appreciate Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada’s smallest province, you need to take your time exploring it. Activities, events and relaxation abound to satisfy the whole family.

Attractions for all tastes

Travel back in time in Nova Scotia (NS) and listen to the stories that have marked Canada’s history. Outdoor activities, zoos and festivals will delight active people. The downtown of Halifax, Canada’s ocean city, boasts shops, museums and art galleries. Also explore the authentic Gaelic culture of Cape Breton Island. There’s something for everyone!

The joy of festivalgoers

The Acadians’ zest for life is contagious, and the many cultural celebrations are part of the recipe for their joy. Throughout the year, festivals abound in the Maritimes. Lac Baker, in New Brunswick, even has a Tourism Festival in the summer!

Far from being lighthouse keepers, our experts will nevertheless know how to light your journey to the Maritimes.

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Top attractions

• The beautiful Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens, Nova Scotia.
• The Acadian Shores , for an endless string of stunning beaches.
• The Hopewell Cape , in New Brunswick, for the tides and majestic flower-pot rocks.ewell Cape, au Nouveau-Brunswick, offre des marées et rochers majestueux.
• Cavendish Beach , on Prince Edward Island, famous for its red sand.

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Local products.

Market Square in Saint John, New Brunswick, to stock up on local products and souvenirs.

Meat Cove Camping , located at the northern tip of Cape Breton, boasts a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean.

Capital visits

Charlottetown, the charmer

Strolling on the streets of PEI’s capital is a must. Full of life, the “birthplace of Confederation” entices the eye: streets full of flowers, ancient trees, heritage houses; you’ll feel completely at home.

Fredericton, the storyteller

A city with a rich history dating back hundreds of years, Fredericton (NB) was the new home of French Canadians in the 18th century. Now a lively city, proud of its origins, it tells its history through theatre, performances and concerts.

Halifax, the harbourmaster

The capital of Nova Scotia is known for its important fishing harbour on the Atlantic and is home to the largest naval base in the country. Its fortress, breweries and lighthouses are among its tourist attractions.

Eat seafood in Shediac (NB).

Immerse yourself in history in lunenburg (ns)., go swimming in the warm waters off the acadian coast (nb)., drive the cabot trail in cape breton (ns)., visit green gables heritage place (pei)..

Quebecers, adjust your watches (for those who still wear them), since during the summer, it is always “one hour later in the Maritimes”!

Good to know

Leave your mark.

• In winter, participate in the Northern Odyssey in New Brunswick by snowmobile : 1,500 km of trails.
• In summer, fly fish for Atlantic salmon on the world-renowned Miramichi River  (NB).
• Take the double challenge of Hopewell Rocks (NB): walk in the water at low tide and come back by kayak at high tide.
• Hike to the highest summit in the Maritimes, Mount Carleton (820 m), in New Brunswick. Take one of 11 marked trails and discover over 100 types of bird and 30 species of mammal along the way.
• Venture along the 435 km of the Confederation Trail (PEI) by bike, on foot, with snowshoes or on a snowmobile.
• Explore the wild beaches and steep cliffs of Cape Chignecto Provincial Park in Eatonville (NS).

Fall under the Maritime spell

• The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo in Halifax (NS): dance, music, military and police parades. It’s impressive, free and for the whole family.
• Festival acadien de Caraquet , in New Brunswick: occurring in August, this must-see festival brings many people together and features artists, boat and building designers and many exhibits.
• PEI Jazz & Blues Festival in Charlottetown: free and ticketed concerts in June
• In Cape Breton (NS), the Celtic Colours International Festival , dedicated to Celtic music, takes place in October, while in the summer, hundreds of musicians attend the Deep Roots Music Festival in Wolfville and the Stan Rogers Folk Festival in Canso.

Did you know?

It took only four years to build the Confederation Bridge between Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. Spanning 12.9 km, it is the longest bridge in the world crossing ice-covered water.

Strong points

• Close to Quebec
• Services offered in English or French, depending on the province
• Canadian dollar
• No customs to deal with or any forms to fill

Keep in mind

• Avoid driving in the evening or at night on Prince Edward Island, since most roads are not lighted.

The world’s longest covered bridge (390 metres) is in Hartland, New Brunswick, and has been declared a National Historic Site of Canada. Opened in 1901, the bridge was covered in 1922, and it has remained solid thanks to the quality of its construction.

What to bring back

• Local products: cider, wine, jam, jelly
• Boat replicas (particularly of Bluenose, the famous schooner of Nova Scotia)

What to eat

• Any seafood or fish dishes, particularly shrimp and lobster (in a bisque or roll) and crab cakes
• Potatoes and potato chips

To be inspired

• Books to read before leaving: Anne of Green Gables , La Sagouine , and Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie
• Listen to the music of: Natalie MacMaster, Wilfred LeBouthillier, Lisa LeBlanc, Édith Butler

Getting around

• The simplest way to get around is by car.
• Flights are available out of Quebec’s major cities to each province. Once in the Maritimes, however, consider renting a car.
• Ferries are efficient, but they operate at set times, so it’s best to book in advance.

Where to stay

• Depending on the level of comfort you seek, you can choose a hotel, inn, campground, youth hostel, resort or even more unusual places, such as a teepee or lighthouse.
• In high season, it is best to book your accommodations before your departure.

Travel insurance: Don’t leave the province without it!

Did you know that Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) pays for some health services received outside Quebec, but not others? Transportation by ambulance, for example, isn’t covered.

CAA-Quebec Travel Insurance offers specific travel insurance at a lower cost for your travels within Canada. Ask for details.

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The ultimate Maritimes road trip

The Maritimes is a region consisting of three magnificent Canadian provinces that are still relatively unknown to travellers: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

Yet the region is home to highest tides in the world, breathtaking landscapes, a warm Acadian welcome, delicious seafood, scenic routes, sandy beaches, numerous historic sites, and a multitude of charming villages. 

If you're looking for a road trip that will show you a different side of Canada, buckle up for 14 days of fresh sea air!  

Road trip map

Road trip summary, day 1: halifax.

Your ultimate road trip begins with your arrival in Halifax , capital of Nova Scotia.

After dropping off your luggage at the hotel, go for a stroll around this lively city on the shores of one of the best natural harbours in the world . 

Try and catch up on some sleep, because tomorrow you will have quite a bit of driving to do!

Destination Maritimes

Day 2 : moncton  (266 km / 165 mi).

It's the first day of your Maritime adventure, and you are already changing provinces.

Today you discover Moncton , the largest city in New Brunswick (the capital is Fredericton). 

But first, make a stop in Shediac, a charming fishing village known as the lobster capital of the world. It goes without saying that we recommend lobster for lunch!

During your short stay in Moncton, be sure to visit Magnetic Hill, where you will experience an extraordinary phenomenon that defies the very laws of physics. 

Believe it or not, if you stop at the bottom of Magnetic Hill, your car will roll back up the hill, all by itself! Even the most skeptical will be baffled.

At the end of the day, pay a visit to Pumphouse Brewery, a popular brew pub with a wide selection of house-brewed craft beer . Don't be discouraged by the lineup: it's well worth the wait!

Day 3 : Bay of Fundy, Saint John  (157 km / 97 mi)

Start your morning with a visit to Hopewell Rocks, a famous site boasting one of Canada's most impressive natural phenomena. 

The exceptionally high tides (10 to 14 metres) at Hopewell Rocks have sculpted gigantic sandstone "flower pot" formations that visitors can explore on foot at low tide, and kayak around just a few hours later.

You can walk on the ocean floor at low tide in search of precious treasures, like a modern Indiana Jones. 

Before leaving the area, be sure to take in some sun on one of the two sandy beaches. 

Day 4 : Bay of Fundy, St. Andrews (103 km / 64 mi)

You don't have much driving to do today as you head for St-Andrews-by-the-Sea, a popular site for marine mammal observation (whales, seals, etc.). 

This picturesque seaside resort town was voted Best Destination in Canada by the USA Today 10 Best Readers' Choice 2017 , and is home to a National Historic Site. You will quickly succumb to the charms of its rich architectural heritage. 

The many Loyalists houses give St. Andrews a unique feel. The town features more than 280 well-preserved buildings constructed before 1880. 

One of the main attractions in St-Andrews is Ministers Island, which can only be reached at low tide. This vast summer estate belonged to none other than Sir William Van Horne, the president and driving force behind the Canadian Pacific Railway.  

Finally, be sure to go for a walk through the magnificent Kingsbrea Garden, just steps from your hotel. Once the property of a wealthy family, it is now an award-winning horticultural masterpiece with themed gardens that delight visitors from around the world.

Day 5-6 : Kouchibouguac  (310 km / 192mi)

Your road trip continues to Kouchibouguac National Park . 

Along the way, take the panoramic coastal route from Alma to Moncton (Route 114). It's a bit of a detour, but the scenery is better. After all, you are on holiday! Be sure to stop at Cape Enrage to admire the spectacular view!

Kouchibouguac National Park is a popular family destination, boasting calm sandy beaches with some of the warmest salt water north of Virginia.

The park also features an impressive mosaic of landscapes: peat bogs, salt marshes, forests, sheltered lagoons, sand dunes and more. 

Spend an enjoyable day playing in the water, building sand castles, watching the birds and walking along the huge sand dunes. 

Stargazing is also a popular activity in the park. In fact, Kouchibouguac was declared a "Dark Sky Preserve" in 2009 by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.

Day 7 : Acadie  (201 km / 125 mi)

Next you head for Caraquet, capital of the Acadian Peninsula and one of the most welcoming and authentic regions of our beautiful country! 

Acadie abounds with natural treasures, such as Miscou Island. This haven of calm and tranquility offers visitors enchanting scenery and wild, unspoiled natural beauty.

Spend some time exploring the island's trails, and be sure to take a closer look at the historic lighthouse. 

Built in 1856, this heritage structure is an iconic symbol of the island, and of the Acadie region. It is possible to tour the lighthouse and even to climb to the top of the tower, if you are not daunted by the 96 steps!

At the end of the afternoon, pay a visit to Village Historique Acadien, a realistic reconstruction of 1850s Acadian life. 

Village "inhabitants" in period costumes will bring history to life (and probably make you smile at their charming accents). 

One thing is certain: you won't be bored during your stay in Acadie, with its colourful culture and joyful spirit.

Day 8-9 : Prince Edward Island  (385 km / 239 mi)

With heavy hearts you bid farewell to Acadie, but rest assured, the next province has lovely surprises in store. 

You get there via the impressive Confederation Bridge. This 12.9-km span has linked PEI to the mainland since 1997. 

Your adventure continues in Charlottetown, capital of Prince Edward Island . This tiny capital city can boast of being the birthplace of Canada. Learn more about this chapter in Canadian history at Province House National Historic Site. 

At the end of the afternoon, go for a stroll along Victoria Row, a charming pedestrian street lined with shops and restaurants. 

Take a seat on an outdoor patio and enjoy the live (often Celtic) music that invades the street's restaurants and bars after nightfall. 

Spend the following day relaxing on the magnificent beaches of the island's national park. The splendid Cavendish Beach is considered the most beautiful in the area. 

After all, you could use a break from the steady pace of your road trip! 

Day 10-11 : Cape Breton, Ingonish  (567 km / 352 mi)

Get an early start and set a course for Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia.

Arm yourself with a large cup of coffee, because you have a long drive ahead of you. Take the ferry from PEI to Nova Scotia. 

Once you reach the stunning region of Ingonish Beach (on the east coast of Cape Breton Island), you will immediately forget the many hours spent behind the wheel.

By the way, if you're travelling with the family, you might like our road trip ideas for children . 

The next day, go for an invigorating hike on Franey Mountain. A fairly challenging 7.4-km trail leads to the top, where you will have a sweeping view of the Clyburn River winding through the valley 425 m below, as well as a section of the Atlantic coast. 

Sit on the large, flat rocks to get your breath back and gaze at the vast open wilderness before you. Keep your eyes open, because rumour has it that moose also like the view!

Day 12 : Cape Breton, Cheticamp  (115 km / 71 mi)

Today's destination is Cheticamp, a fishing village nestled in the heart of the Cape Breton highlands.

To get there, you will take a scenic drive that is almost too beautiful to be true: the Cabot Trail, which skirts the edges of the park, at times clinging to steep oceanside cliffs . 

24 look-offs along the trail provide opportunities to admire a rugged wilderness of turbulent ocean, rocky cliffs and lush forest, considered to be some of the most beautiful landscapes in Canada.

We bet that these images will remain etched in your memory for a long tome to come!

The Skyline Trail is the perfect place to stop and stretch your legs. This easy 7.5-km trail leads to a dramatic headland cliff that is a popular site for sunset viewing.

Day 13-14 : Halifax, excursion to Peggy's Cove + Lunenburg   (399 km / 245 mi)

For the final stage of your road trip, you return to Halifax , capital of Nova Scotia, to complete your discovery of the Maritime provinces.

This time, we strongly recommend paying a visit to the Citadel National Historic Site. Perched high on the large hill dominating downtown Halifax, the Halifax Citadel offers commanding views of the city and its harbour. The star-shaped fort was built to defend the city against attackers.

The Historic Properties district is the perfect place to enjoy a drink on an ootdoor patio at the end of the day. 

But first, take a stroll through the narrow streets lined with shops and admire the 18th century wood and stone buildings along the waterfront boardwalk that once served as warehouses and now house specialty shops, restaurants and bars.

The following day, treat yourself to one last memorable outing, this time to the tiny village of Peggy's Cove. There you will find the most photographed lighthouse in Canada. Built in 1915, the iconic Peggy's Cove lighthouse keeps watch over the waves and guides the lobster fishermen back to shore. 

But that's not all! The village itself is charming with its small harbour and magnificent wooden sheds built on stilts. 

Along the way, make a stop in the charming colonial town of Lunenburg. Once considered a pirate's lair, this colourful fishing port can boast of being one of only 2 towns in North America to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Return to Halifax at the end of the day.

Day 15 : Halifax

Enjoy the last moments of your Maritime vacation before heading for the Halifax Airport and boarding your return flight home.

And there you have it!

So, are you ready for a Maritime road trip ? 

If you have any questions and/or suggestions, don't hesitate to write them in the comments below .

An enthusiast of our great outdoors and a travel advisor within the Authentik team, it’s with great pride that I share our country’s best-kept secrets and hidden treasures with the rest of the world. Welcome to our neck of the woods !

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Atlantic Canada wows adventurous visitors with astounding natural scenery and fascinating cultural destinations. In my view, there are several reasons why Atlantic Canada is special. Apart from having a huge list of bucket list of things to do in Atlantic Canada , the feel of the Atlantic region is compellingly unforgettable

The provinces in Atlantic Canada are: 

Newfoundland and Labrador

• New Brunswick

Nova Scotia

Prince edward island.

A visit to Canada’s Atlantic provinces provides a warm home welcome with lilting accents and ready smiles. In Atlantic Canada, you’ll be welcomed like family. So come, be a part of it, and I’ll bet that just like me you’ll long to return. Here are some interesting facts and amazing places in Atlantic Canada.  

Peggy’s Cove

Wild barrier islands, hooked rug museum of north america, charlottetown, prince edward island national park, l’anse-aux-meadows national historic site, gros morne national park, woody point and norris point, bay of fundy national park, stonehammer geopark, kouchibouguac national park dark sky preserve.

With a glorious coastline, that to the east is protected by a series of barrier islands and with the rich fruit-growing area of the Annapolis Valley well-matched by cultural and historical attractions and traditions, Nova Scotia (or New Scotland) is a must-see.

Its capital, Halifax , is a welcoming city that’s increasingly renowned for its artsy scene.

Take a peek in the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia to see the Maud Lewis exhibition.

She was an artist who painted in the naive tradition, creating colourful images of oxen and horses pulling wagons through to her famous golden-eyed black cats.

One of Canada’s most famous historic forts is the Halifax Citadel, which is a National Historic Site of Canada.

You can learn about Atlantic Canada history and kids can be a Soldier for a Day. 

It may not be obvious but Nova Scotians know how to have fun and Halifax is one of the best cities in Canada to party . 

Just west of Halifax is where you’ll find astonishing Peggy’s Cove.

What I thought would simply be a “tourist trap” proved to be a place of great natural beauty boasting not only perhaps the most-photographed lighthouse in Canada, but also a traditional fishing village.

Here buy yourself an example of an authentic Atlantic Canada craft, a whirlygig.

These fanciful wooden carvings of creatures or of fishermen paddling boats, spin and whirl on the wind and make lovely garden ornaments.

Established in 1753, Lunenburg was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it is the best surviving example of a planned British colonial village in North America.

Soon after its settlement, it became a shipbuilding centre for the Maritimes.

Nowadays, 70 per cent of the original 17th and 18th-century buildings are still extant, meaning the streets of the old village exhibit a genuine historical ambience.

Today, old-town Lunenburg is one of the most colourful villages I’ve had the pleasure to wander.

Scarlet-hued, white-trimmed wooden buildings line the harbour, making a fitting historical backdrop to tall ships such as a replica of Canada’s famed schooner, the Bluenose.

Built as a fishing and racing schooner in 1921, the original ship was never beaten when it raced on the international circuit.

Today Bluenose II joins other ships jostling merrily at their moorings in the harbour.

The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic furthers this heritage feeling.

Here we learn about the history of fishing and seafaring on the Atlantic, particularly while touring several vessels moored on the wharf, or by watching films in the museum’s theatre. 

Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore is home to a rainforest and an archipelago of 100 wild barrier islands which are now a part of a substantive, pristine Nature Trust legacy project.

Barrier islands are offshore islands that shelter a mainland’s otherwise exposed shore.

I first heard about these islands during a trip with Coastal Adventures, while kayaking one gloriously sunny afternoon.

Owner-operator Dr Scott Cunningham led our group of 8 kayakers through this largely untouched habitat, showing us fascinating Mi’kmaq (First Nation) middens.

Essentially, these are “garbage dumps” left by early peoples, which represent a fascinating treasure trove to today’s archaeologists.

As we paddled the protected inner channel we saw osprey, bald eagles, seals and other wildlife.

Although I’ve not yet returned to experience any of them, Cunningham leads one-to-many-day kayak-camping expeditions.

World-class?

Yes, because this pristine environment is a lesser-known, fascinating maritime environment that’s an exciting destination for paddling enthusiasts. 

A surprising addition to my list?

Not really, if you’re a culture vulture like me.

The so-called “comfortable arts” of sewing, making hooked rugs and other such traditional artisanal crafts are not as recognized as other art forms.

Enter the indomitable Suzanne Conrod, a hooked rug aficionado and passionate collector who decided to start collecting these rare handmade rugs.

She and her late husband worked hard to found and open this museum and in 2013 their dream came true.

Entering this space is to step inside a world of extraordinary if utilitarian beauty.

Hooked rugs were indeed a much-required and often, little-admired household item. Instead of being prized, they were considered necessary items to keep settler’s earthen floors cleaner – and warmer throughout Canada’s long, harsh winter months.

The reason, Conrod says, that heritage rugs are so uncommon is that they wore out.

Or, she noted, “Thrown out when new-fangled linoleum arrived on the scene.”

Visit and be amazed by Conrod’s stunning collection of old and contemporary works.

For more about Canada read:

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• Canada in Spring
• Canada in Summer
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• 21 Traditional Canadian Foods
• Best Party City in Canada
• 10 Best Cities in Canada For Kids
• 30 Facts About Canada
• Exploring Sunshine Coast BC
• Air Canada Australia – Brisbane to Vancouver
• Train Across Canada
• The Rocky Mountaineer
• Canadian Road Trip
• Exploring The Icefields Parkway
• Driving The Alaska Highway
• The Icefields Parkway
• 13 Gardens in Canada
• Wildlife in Canada
• Best Ski Resorts In Canada
• 20 Canadian National Parks
• Castles In Canada

Prince Edward Island in Canada or “PEI” is called “The Gentle Island” for good reason.

Its sandy beaches, pastoral landscapes featuring red earth embraced by emerald-green fields and woods lend it a peaceful, laid-back ambience that’s a dramatic contrast to other parts of the rugged Atlantic coast like Newfoundland. 

No wonder this landscape provided inspiration for author Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic, international bestselling children’s book, Anne of Green Gables .

The red-headed imp of a girl was my and countless others’ heroine while growing up, and so it’s no surprise that my world-class destinations here include the Confederation Centre of the Arts, as well as Prince Edward Island National Park of Canada, which both have Anne connections.

Historically speaking, the smallest province in Canada was the birthplace of Canada.

The Charlottetown Conference was held in the capital city, Charlottetown, on September 1 to 8, 1864.

Elected officials met to discuss the possibility of a Maritime Union but they didn’t stop there.

When Upper and Lower Canada (now Ontario and Quebec) members asked to join in, together they dreamed a grand notion: a confederation of the provinces which would become Canada.

Three years later, the vision of Confederation was realized, and Canada was born.

Let’s take a glimpse into this gentle isle.

Imagine a colourful array of buskers, actors and musicians thronging an outdoor amphitheatre in the heart of historic Charlottetown.

Now imagine a cultural centre whose raison d’être is to celebrate Canada’s birthplace and you have the Confederation Centre of the Arts.

Here find a theatre, art gallery, and an ongoing art education program through hands-on classes for children and adults.

The building itself has been recognized for being a superior example of brutalist architecture, which contrasts intriguingly to Charlottetown’s heritage buildings.

In 2015, Architecture Canada and Heritage Canada National Trust awarded the Centre the Prix du XXe Siècle Award.

This prize recognized the fact that the Centre takes in a full block in the heart of the city, meaning that it’s both accessible and representative of being a symbol of the significance of PEI’s artistic community.

And what a symbol it is.

For instance, Anne of Green Gables – The Musical™ has been running for 51 consecutive seasons, winning it Guinness World Record designation.

In fact, more than 70 original musicals have been developed at this Centre since its opening in 1964.

Celebrate the arts.

Take in a musical or play at one of the Centre’s three theatres, and view the latest exhibits in the art gallery. 

Because it’s one of the most-visited Canadian national parks, this stunning environment of dunes, beachfront, lagoons and woodlands require constant ecological monitoring to ensure its delicate biodiversity remains protected from enthusiastic visitors.

Along the shore, sage-coloured marram grasses growing on dunes bend and nod, waving in the face of gusty offshore breezes.

“White horse” waves roll in, making their unforgettable background soundscape as holidaymakers stroll seemingly endless beaches.

Children build sandcastles adorned with seashells and happily bury their parents up to their necks in the sand – that enchanting, hilarity-filled pastime of youth.

Meanwhile, the park is noted also for its endangered species.

Birdwatchers flock here to see an increasingly rare shorebird, the piping plover.

They construct their nests on the beaches and in spring you may discover Parks Canada naturalists have cordoned off the nesting areas.

Bring binoculars and you’ll possibly be delighted by the glimpse of a tiny fluff ball on skinny legs (a plover chick) dashing about on the sand.

Use field glasses, too, while walking on boardwalks through wetlands to get a closer look at stately great blue herons as they stand patiently waiting, hunting fish.

Balancing the natural elements of this park is the creative wonder of Green Gables, the Cavendish area’s farmhouse home of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s heroine, Anne of Green Gables.

Although not the author’s real home, the house was owned by her father’s cousin.

Montgomery visited it often and wrote, “Cavendish is to a large extent Avonlea. Green Gables was drawn from David Macneill’s house, though not so much the house itself as the situation and scenery, and the truth of my description of it is attested by the fact that everyone has recognized it.”

Parks Canada protects it as an important cultural symbol of PEI. 

At first glance, the rugged coastline of Newfoundland rising from the ocean and the ancient Precambrian rock of Labrador’s Canadian Shield form an austere-looking, forbidding landscape.

Locals will tell you life’s not easy here – but they live it with fierce pride and love matched by boundless irony and humour.

The sea provided a living for many, and now, with climate change, fishing quotas and more, residents are adapting, with many “working away” – meaning, elsewhere in Canada or abroad.

However, this place gets in the blood and even for Canadians who’ve never set foot on it, the province holds a very special place in our definition of what it is to be Canadian.

To me, it’s because Newfoundland and Labrador symbolise perseverance in the face of daunting odds.

The sea pounds the coastline; rocks and bogs define the landscape.

Nonetheless, waves of immigrants came here from the earliest, ancient cultures of some 9,000 years ago, to the Vikings in 1000AD, Italian John Cabot in 1497, and then in the 15th and 16th centuries, fishermen from Portugal, France, England and Spain.

Despite the presence of whaling stations and migratory fisher peoples, the actual official settlement didn’t commence until the French founded Placentia in 1662.

And last but by no means least, Newfoundland and Labrador is Canada’s youngest province, having joined in 1949 – late when you consider Confederation of the first four provinces was in 1867.

So what’s here that’s world-class?

Here’s a teaser bucket list of three amazing sights.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978 because it’s the first known place in the Americas to be settled by Europeans, L’Anse-aux-Meadows is also a Canadian National Historic Site operated by Parks Canada.

Five centuries predating Christopher Columbus, Leif Eriksson and his crew of seafaring Vikings arrived here in the year 1000.

Although they didn’t found a permanent settlement here on Newfoundland’s finger-like Northern Peninsula, they erected dwellings, a forge, and some workshops from found materials such as peat and wood.

These structures have been recreated, so visitors can get a sense of what life may have been like here in the New World.

A visitors’ centre helps us understand how the Vikings lived here, plus guided tours include a visit to the forge and storytelling.

In fact, Leif Eriksson’s voyage and settlement here is recounted in the Viking Sagas, collections of stories written in the 13th century. 

Getting to L’Anse-aux-Meadows keeps us in the Viking theme because Newfoundland created a touring route called the Viking Trail.

It takes from two to 10 days to explore its length and naturally, the longer you take, the more you’ll appreciate.

From the first European settlement to the colliding tectonic plates, here at Gros Morne, the park delivers astoundingly windswept hiking and wildlife watching amid a primeval-looking landscape where Earth’s mantle of rock is exposed.

Operated by Parks Canada, Gros Morne is a gem because earth sciences are explained by on-site naturalists as well as interpretive panels at an excellent visitors’ centre. 

Do the 16-kilometre circuit hike of Gros Morne Mountain to gain panoramic views of ocean coastline, rocks and skyscape.

It’s breathtaking.

It rains often so be prepared and don’t be discouraged.

Of course, we all want at least some blue-sky days when exploring, but here in this primordial landscape, swirling mists spin their own magic.

After exploring 500 million years of geological history along Gros Morne’s ancient Tablelands, take a two-hour boat ride through Western Brook Pond.

The fjord’s billion-year-old, sheer cliffs rise from the lake which is fed by spectacular waterfalls from the plateau above.

This is a photographer’s dream.

To get to the boat dock, first, we hike along a boardwalk wending its way through a peat bog.

Here watch for deer, moose, and other wildlife such as ospreys (fish hawks).

What I’ve not yet done is take a hike ascending to the rim of Western Brook Pond, where it’s also then possible to camp overnight.

For more information on this activity plus the boat excursion of the landlocked fjord, visit BonTours.

Also in Gros Morne are the seaside towns of Woody Point and Norris Point, overlooking Bonne Bay.

I’ve included them here because to me, these villages are “quintessential” Newfoundland and worth a visit.

Come in August to take in Woody Point’s famous festival, Writers at Woody Point.

Shelagh Rogers hosts the festival and she’s a Canadian treasure of her own.

Rogers is the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s (CBC’s) host of a popular radio program called “Between the Covers” where she interviews authors about their books and lives.

During this annual writers’ festival, authors read, musicians play, and Rogers reveals the artists’ souls during her series of public interviews.

It’s an especially intimate feeling you get here because visitors mix and mingle with authors.

Such personal interactions between readers and writers are rare – yet it seems ever so natural here in Atlantic Canada.

Of course, Woody Point is more than an August festival. It’s a picturesque seaside village where you can hire kayaks to get an up-close-and-personal view of the coastline.

As a visual artist who appreciates folk arts such as rug hooking, I enjoyed visiting Molly Made Fibre Art Studio.

I long to return to take one of the five-day workshops offered here, where the proprietors’ goal is to keep this traditional craft alive and well.

Neighbouring Norris Point is home to the Bonne Bay Marine Station, a perfect destination to learn about Atlantic Ocean life and lore.

Here find live specimens of endangered species such as wolffish, and a rare (and beautiful) blue lobster.

Discover how fjords were formed – and which flora and fauna denizens call them home.

Naturally, Newfoundland is far more than just these three destinations on the western shore. 

There’s a host of amazing treasures to discover. 

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• Polar Bears in Winnipeg Zoo
• Canadian Wildlife Experiences  
• Big Five Safari in Manitoba
• Cool Cat Cafes in Canada

New Brunswick 

With a history of European settlement dating from the early 1600s, New Brunswick’s human heritage is a sister story to its Atlantic Canadian cousins (Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador).

French, English, Scots, Irish settled here.

After the American Revolution, a steady stream of Loyalists (people in America who were loyal to the British Crown) arrived.

These included German, Dutch and Black settlers.

Some Black immigrants were free; some were slaves who arrived here with their Loyalist families. 

Not only is the human history fascinating here in New Brunswick, s o is this province’s natural history. 

With tides of 12 metres or more, the Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world and one reason why Parks Canada operates this park as one of Canada’s natural wonders.

The Atlantic Ocean floods into the narrow, long and “paper-clip-shaped” Bay of Fundy every 23 hours and 25 minutes.

It’s the combination of the length and shape of the bay plus the “bathtub-like” rocking motion of the incoming and outgoing waters which creates conditions for the tide’s phenomenal height. 

What’s totally thrilling is to be able to hike on the floor of the ocean during low tides at Hopewell Rocks, then kayak in the same spot, during high tide.

These red sandstone rocks have been eroded by the sea and winds into flowerpot shapes, making fun if not sometimes challenging subjects for photographers.

Remember, always, to be aware of the tides: being caught in rushing water here is no joke. 

Parks Canada offers many stellar interpretive programs here, so check their website for family-friendly activities where you can learn about edible plants, go on a photo safari, do yoga oceanside or even attend a traditional-style kitchen party.

Don’t know what that is?

A kitchen party is an authentic Atlantic Canada tradition , where families and friends bring instruments and their voices, and sing and play the afternoon away…often into the early evening.

A Geopark is a UNESCO world heritage park of special global significance due to its geological history.

Stonehammer is North America’s first Global Geopark, being a collection of sites where we can explore a billion years of Earth’s history.

From the collision of continents, earthquakes, climate changes such as ice ages and more, New Brunswick just happens to be a place on our planet where the exposed geology can tell Earth’s geological history very well indeed.

How to discover and understand Earth’s evolution?

Start at St. John’s New Brunswick Museum where interactive models in the permanent exhibit, “Our Changing Earth” demonstrate how continents collided and have shaped our current world landscape over 4.5 billion years.

After learning about Stonehammer’s significance, it’s time to jump in and experience some Geopark activities.

Among these, consider kayaking with Go Fundy Events guides who paddle rivers whose watery routes were carved by glaciers 15,000 years ago.

Bike, hike or drive the Fundy Trail Parkway to win aerial views of the Bay of Fundy’s extraordinary tides.

The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada is on a mission!

The organization is part of an international movement of astronomers who have recognized that light pollution is obliterating views of the canopy of stars, planets and galaxies.

Accordingly, Dark Sky Preserves (DSPs) are being designated across Canada and the world, in order to identify and conserve areas where the dark sky can still be seen.

Enter Kouchibouguac, which was designated as a DSP in 2009.

Because it is an area where no sky glow (artificial light) exists, this Canadian national park has been designated as one of Canada’s 17 RASC recognized Dark-Sky Preserves.

Parks Canada offers programs on astronomy and dark-sky themes and is actively working to reduce park lighting. 

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Atlantic Canada

Atlantic Canada—consisting of the three Maritime provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island (often referred to as P.E.I.) as well as Newfoundland and Labrador—is a place of remote coastlines, wind-sculpted sand dunes, and scenic parklands. As the first part of North America visited by Europeans, it’s known for its 400 years of history, plus fresh seafood, magnificent vistas, and lovable quirks.

The pace may be slower here, but this coastal part of Canada has plenty to offer adventure seekers. Pine forests and rocky cliffs dominate New Brunswick’s unspoiled landscape, while puffins and icebergs are visible in the rugged stretches of Newfoundland and Labrador. For something slightly more low-key, visit the picturesque fishing villages of Nova Scotia or discover the birthplace of the Canadian confederation in P.E.I., the country’s smallest province. Threaded together by scenic routes, the little towns of Atlantic Canada are ideal for road-trippers. Take your time exploring and you’ll be welcomed by locals, who are happy to show off their distinctive food and culture.

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When’s the best time to go to Atlantic Canada?

The best time to visit Atlantic Canada depends on what you want to see or do, but be prepared for all weather conditions no matter the season. Spring can be rainy and cool, and while summer is mostly warm and pleasant, it can sometimes go from clear and sunny to rainstorms in minutes. September and October bring cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and fall colors, but winter requires some grit—if you’re planning on driving, be prepared with good snow tires, antifreeze windshield washer, and a healthy dose of caution: Snow and ice storms can blow through suddenly. Also note that, while Atlantic Canada has a temperate climate similar to that of New England, temperatures in Newfoundland and Labrador are typically cooler and can approach freezing by late summer.

How to get around Atlantic Canada

Transportation to and within Atlantic Canada isn’t as developed as it is throughout the rest of the country, but there are still several options for getting around. Each province has its own commercial airport, though most visitors fly into Halifax—the region’s main international hub, regularly serviced by Air Canada, United, and discount airlines like Swoop (and seasonally by American Airlines, Delta, and Flair Air). Travelers can also arrive by train; both VIA Rail Canada and Amtrak run through Halifax station.

Once in the region, you’ll most likely need a rental car. Municipal buses only service cities like Fredericton, Saint John (New Brunswick), Moncton, Halifax, Sydney, and St. John’s (Newfoundland), and cycling is more of a recreational activity. Thankfully, well-marked roads make it easy to drive between provinces. For most places, the fastest route will be via the 100-series highways, but if you’re not in a hurry, opt for a slower, more scenic drive along older routes like 1, 2, and 3, which pass through several communities. When traveling between Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, you’ll cross the Confederation Bridge—the world’s longest, connecting P.E.I.’s Highway 1 to the Trans-Canada highway—over the Northumberland Strait. (Note: There’s a toll charge for vehicles leaving P.E.I.)

Those inclined to travel by water can rely on ferry service. Northumberland Ferries runs from Wood Islands, P.E.I., to Pictou, Nova Scotia, as well as from Saint John, New Brunswick, to Digby, Nova Scotia; Marine Atlantic Ferries goes from Newfoundland to North Sydney, Nova Scotia; and Bay Ferries shuttles passengers from Bar Harbor, Maine, to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.

Can’t miss things to do in Atlantic Canada

- Newfoundland is home to some impressive icebergs. Head to the shoreline along southeastern Newfoundland or the Labrador coast between late May and early June to watch the 10,000-year-old glacial giants float through Iceberg Alley, or hop aboard a boat tour to see them up close.

- Fans of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables series of novels will want to make a pilgrimage to the Prince Edward Island farmhouse that inspired the fictional home of literature’s most famous redhead. Only open from mid-May through late October, Green Gables Heritage Place boasts a visitor center, heritage experiences with “Anne,” and walking trails like Lover’s Lane and Haunted Woods, just like in the books.

- A trip to Nova Scotia must include a visit to the Bay of Fundy , home to the highest tides in the world. The bay empties and refills twice a day, so visitors can walk the ocean floor at low tide, then return mere hours later to kayak around Hopewell Rocks. You can also go birdwatching for semipalmated sandpipers at Mary’s Point, rappel 142 feet down Cape Enrage over powerful currents, hike through Acadian forest in Fundy National Park , or hop on a ferry to Grand Manan Island and spot whales along the way.

- Outdoors adventurers shouldn’t miss Stonehammer in New Brunswick, North America’s first UNESCO Global Geopark. The area encompasses more than 60 significant geological and fossil sites dating from the late Precambrian period to the Ice Age. Shaped by oceans, colliding continents, volcanoes, earthquakes, and climate change, it’s also ripe for exploration, offering everything from hiking and rock climbing to kayaking and zip-lining over old-growth forests and rapids. Bike the winding trails of Saint John’s Rockwood Park, climb a 452-year-old volcanic rock wall, take a pontoon boat out on the Kennebecasis River, or walk on a fault line, all while appreciating the magnificent nature around you.

Food and drink to try in Atlantic Canada

Atlantic Canada is famous for its seafood, so travelers would be remiss not to try Prince Edward Island oysters, Nova Scotia’s Digby scallops, or cod from Newfoundland and Labrador. Additionally, no trip here is complete without a lobster feast, whether in a roll, over poutine, or simply boiled in fresh seawater on the beach and served whole with drawn butter.

The region’s local cuisine is distinctive and worth sampling. Much of the population in the Maritime provinces is descended from French settlers, a fact that’s reflected in dishes like rappie pie (with meat and grated potatoes), Acadian tourtiere (a meat pie with onion and summer savory), fricot (stew with dumplings), and poutine râpée (potato dumplings). Haligonians also swear by the Halifax donair (similar to a gyro, but with a garlicky sauce made from condensed milk); Islanders stand behind Cows Creamery and its old-fashioned ice cream in flavors like chunky chocolate mint and maple-walnut; and New Brunswick natives are crazy about wild blueberries. (Canada is the world’s largest producer and exporter of blueberries, most of which come from New Brunswick.)

In Newfoundland and Labrador, look for the pancake-like toutons and brewis (salt cod and hard bread) with scrunchions (fried salt pork backfat), as well as the curiously named Jiggs dinner, which consists of boiled salt beef, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and turnips and is often served with blueberry duff (a sweet and savory steamed pudding). The province is also the only one in the country permitted to serve wild game in its restaurants, so don’t be surprised if you see moose—an overpopulated species—on a menu.

When it comes to drinks, beer is king. Try Alexander Keith ’s IPA or Garrison Brewing ’s Tall Ship Amber Ale in Nova Scotia, Moosehead Lager in New Brunswick, and Quidi Vidi Brewing Co. ’s Iceberg Beer in Newfoundland.

Culture in Atlantic Canada

Steeped in nautical heritage, Atlantic Canada features plenty of community museums and archives dedicated to the region’s seafaring ways. Visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax for an immersion in the World Wars, the Titanic , and the Halifax Explosion. Those more interested in art should head to the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (which includes the restored home of prolific folk artist Maud Lewis), while music fans should plan their trip around events like the Cavendish Beach Music Festival in July or the Celtic Colours International Festival in October.

Seven of Canada’s 20 UNESCO World Heritage sites are in Atlantic Canada. Nova Scotia is home to a rainbow of historic homes in the fishing port of Lunenburg and 500-million-year-old fossils in Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve , while Newfoundland boasts the Grand-Pré (a significant memorial to the Acadian people) and Gros Morne National Park (carved by glaciers and featuring deep fjords, alpine ridges, coastal waterfalls, highland tundra, and ocean inlets).

Local travel tips for Atlantic Canada

- Newfoundlanders speak with an English dialect that includes words and phrases not spoken outside the region. Don’t be surprised if you’re invited over for some screech and boughten bread (store-bought bread) because you’re a CFA (come from away, or someone from outside the community).

- Moose are a common hazard on roads, so drive with caution.

- All the Atlantic provinces apply a 15 percent sales tax on most goods and services.

Local Resources

The Guardian

Guide Editor

Atlantic Canada

• 1.1.1 Indigenous cultures and Vikings
• 1.1.2 Acadia
• 1.1.3 the French and German protestants
• 1.1.4 the New England Planters, the Loyalists, and the British veterans
• 1.1.5 the Black settlers
• 1.1.6 the Scottish Highlanders
• 1.1.7 The West Country English and the Wexford Irish
• 2 Provinces
• 4 Other destinations
• 5.1 Acadian French
• 5.2 Newfoundland English, French, and Irish
• 6.1 By plane
• 6.2 By train
• 7.2 By ferry
• 12 Stay safe

Atlantic Canada , also known as the Atlantic Provinces , consists of Newfoundland and Labrador , New Brunswick , Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island in eastern Canada . The term the Maritimes is also used, but it does not include Newfoundland and Labrador since it originated before 1949 when Newfoundland and Labrador joined Canada.

Generally rocky and forested with only relatively few small valleys and plains suitable for agriculture, this region was built on what could be pulled from the sea or the forest. This was true for the original indigenous inhabitants as well as the early European settlers, and right up to the twentieth century this was still a region of fisherman, lumberjacks, and miners. The communities that grew up here were small and isolated, and industrialization and urbanization only lightly touched most of the region, which meant that when the age of mass tourism arrived in the early-to- mid-20th century, there were plenty of "rustic" and "quaint" villages to see, but fewer good road or hotels. Today, however, tourism is one of the main industries here, which means that even in many very small towns quality accommodations and food are plentiful but also busy during high season (summer) and not as distinctly local as in years past, often being chain hotels and chain restaurants. And because of the climate, tourism here is based around a very short season indeed, with most visits happening in July and August.

Nevertheless, the region can be extremely rewarding to many kinds of visitors. Archeology and history buffs will find ancient indigenous sites, Viking settlements , early European outposts, huge reconstructed French fortresses and British citadels , tall ships still being built, and preserved historic fishing villages. Sport fishers and foodies will both have access to fresh daily catches of seafood pulled from cold, clean waters. Outdoor enthusiasts will find beaches and forests to explore, plenty of golfing, and some of the world's best whale watching. And for those interested in learning about authentic local cultures, this is perhaps North America's most interesting place because it is truly multicultural and varied. Although this region conjures up Celtic images for Canadians, on account of the Scottish and Irish heritage many people in this provinces, here each peninsula and valley has a distinct local heritage, drawing from indigenous (Mi'kmaq, Innu, and Inuit), European (English, French, Irish, Scottish and German), and even African-American and Jamaican sources.

Understand [ edit ]

This region is not very cohesive in terms of climate or landscapes: the warm, fruit-growing Annapolis Valley has little in common with the rocky coast of Nunatsiavut more than one thousand kilometers away . But two things make this region distinct from the rest of North America: the predominance of the sea and forests in the local culture and economy and a similar colonial history.

The term "Atlantic Canada" is still relatively new, having been adopted by Canadian bureaucrats following Newfoundland's entry into Canada in 1949. As such, there is an important distinction between the Atlantic Provinces, which include all four provinces, and the Maritimes: the Maritimes refer to the three Atlantic provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and PEI. Maritimers and Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will be quick to point this out if someone confuses the two, but are quite forgiving regarding this confusion.

The distinct cultures and ways of life here are layered one on top of the other because of the waves of settlements (not always peaceful) and that have arrived here over the centuries. Although these people were not always strictly segregated from each other, there was a certain amount of separateness, if only because transportation was poor, and the region is more of a typically Canadian "mosaic" rather than a U.S.-style "melting pot".

Ethnic and regional cultures [ edit ]

Indigenous cultures and vikings [ edit ].

The Atlantic Provinces have been inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous peoples, the First Nations (formerly, but now rarely called "Indians") and the Inuit (formerly, but now rarely called "Eskimos"). When they Vikings arrived in "Vinland" (Newfoundland) around AD 1000 they encountered people they called Skraelings, but we do not know what they called themselves. When Europeans returned to Newfoundland 500 years later they found the Beothuk people, who later went extinct through a combination of European encroachment, disease, and the occasional bloodletting between the two populations.

The Mi'kmag (or "Micmac" in older spelling) are the confederacy (alliance of regional councils) that predominated in much of the Martimes when Europeans arrived, and who later also moved onto the island of Newfoundland.Their culture still survives today and they have separate communities called "reserves" across the three Maritime provinces and a presence in the cities and in Newfoundland as well. Places to learn about the Mi'kmaq include Membertou Heritage Park near Sydney and the Metepenagiag Heritage Park near Miramichi .

The Innu (a First Nation) and the unrelated Inuit both occupy much of Labrador, where they lived in relative isolation until recently. Though they were involved in the fur trade and were visited by missionaries (notably the Moravian church) their lands were not wanted for farming by European authorities and so they kept a nomadic hunting-and-gathering lifestyle until the 19th century. Today they continue to engage in hunting and fishing from permanent settlements and have an uneasy relationship with the mining and hydroelectric development going on in the area.

Acadia [ edit ]

Acadia (in French l'Acadie ) was the name given by the French to a territory in northeastern North America, including parts of eastern Quebec, the Atlantic Provinces of Canada and modern-day New England stretching as far south as Philadelphia. Later, the territory was divided into the British colonies which were to become American states and Canadian provinces. The main base of operations in the later years of French military presence was at Louisbourg , where the government of Canada has reconstructed the fortress. The Acadians were expelled from the region by the British in 1755 during the French and Indian War. Many of these expelled Acadians found their way to Louisiana , becoming known as Cajuns, while others returned to their homeland. Acadians also re-settled on the Western Shore of Newfoundland and the town of Stephenville was still majority French-speaking in 1941 when an American military base was built there, completely changing the demographics of the place.

Today, Acadia refers to regions of Atlantic Canada with French roots, language, and culture. In the abstract, Acadia refers to the existence of a French culture on Canada’s east coast. Acadians have clung fiercely to their identity since their ancestors' return, and there are numerous historic sites and museums that will attest to this, such as the Acadian Museum of PEI near Summerside , and including two separate places named le Village historique Acadien ( "the Historic Acadian Village") one in New Brunswick and one in Nova Scotia, as well as the National Historic Site at Grand-Pré .

the French and German protestants [ edit ]

Starting in 1750, around 2000 Protestant settlers from Germany and France landed in Halifax. They settled there in and nearby small villages, the most famous of which is Lunenburg , which developed into a prosperous fishing town and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

the New England Planters, the Loyalists, and the British veterans [ edit ]

After the French-speaking Acadians were expelled from most of Nova Scotia, there area was repopulated with settlers from the New England colonies to the South. At first they came just for the economic opportunity that came from the land (the Planters) but later many more came fleeing the American Revolutionary War (the Loyalists). They basis of much of the culture of southern Nova Scotia and southern New Brunswick is this "new" New England culture. Important historic related places relate to the Loyalists include Loyalist House in Saint John , Tilley House in Gagetown and the Loyalist habitations at Kings Landing near Fredericton .

The Loyalist were later joined by settlers from Britain and Ireland, often ex-sailors and soldiers. Their lifestyle is preserved at places such as Ross Farm in the centre of Nova Scotia between Chester (Nova Scotia) and Wolfville .

the Black settlers [ edit ]

A small number of the Loyalists fleeing the U.S.A. brought Black slaves with them to the Loyal colonies. Black slaves who helped the British side during the American Revolutionary War were given freedom and evacuated with other Loyalists. And some Black freemen sided with the royal cause during the rebellion. As well, around 500 Jamaican Maroons were exiled to Nova Scotia in 1796. While many of these Black settlers later left (including to Sierra Leone ) enough stayed to form the basis of distinct Black culture in parts of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. There is a Black Cultural Centre near Halifax and a Black Loyalist Heritage Site in Shelburne (Nova Scotia) .

the Scottish Highlanders [ edit ]

When poor farmers across the Scottish Highlands were ejected from their leased lands, many went to this region, and in particular Prince Edward Island and northern Nova Scotia including the island of Cape Breton . The first ship, the Hector , famously landed 200 of them on 15 September 1773 in Truro (Nova Scotia) in what would become a major wave into the area. Today Cape Breton is especially proud of its Gaelic roots and is home to the Highland Village museum and hosts the Celtic Colours festival each autumn. Gaels from Cape Breton also further spread this culture to Newfoundland, settling in the Codroy Valley in Western Newfoundland.

The West Country English and the Wexford Irish [ edit ]

Newfoundland's coastal culture is in large measure derived from England's West Country and County Wexford in Ireland, where many of the early settlers came from. Trepassey and the Irish Loop is, as the name suggests, one of the more Irish regions.

Music [ edit ]

The Atlantic region is famous for its traditional music, heavily influenced by the folk traditions of Western Europe, but with a distinctive local twist. Music is one of the main carriers of local ethnic cultures here, and it is possible to hear both French and Scots Gaelic songs sung, on Cape Breton Island for example, despite the overwhelming use of English in daily life.

Although Celtic influences are seen throughout the region, Newfoundland's music is distinct, incorporating much of the traditions of Irish and British sailors' and fishermen's sea shanties. Newfoundland's traditional music industry is at least as strong as that of Ireland, and groups like Great Big Sea have found mainstream success on "the mainland" (Canada).

Provinces [ edit ]

Cities [ edit ]

While Atlantic Canada has been mostly a rural place steeped in natural resource economies, it is home to a number of historic cities that are central to the cultural life of the region.

• 44.647778 -63.571389 1 Halifax -- the largest city in the Atlantic Provinces, a historic port city that serves as the region's economic centre on the eastern coast of Nova Scotia .
• 46.1378 -60.1829 2 Sydney -- the most populated city in Cape Breton Island , a part of Nova Scotia .
• 45.2796 -66.0628 3 Saint John -- the oldest incorporated city in Canada, as well as the second-largest city in New Brunswick .
• 46.093333 -64.775 4 Moncton -- New Brunswick's largest city and the only officially bilingual city in Canada, notable for its Franglais dialect and Acadian history (it was a centre in New Brunswick for Acadian Deportation by the British).
• 45.95 -66.666667 5 Fredericton is the capital city of New Brunswick. It is situated on the St. John River and is a very clean and beautiful city.
• 46.233611 -63.128333 6 Charlottetown -- the capital city of Prince Edward Island and the city where the Confederation of Canada was negotiated. The area also has Acadian history across the harbour in the settlement on Port La Joye .
• 47.5675 -52.707222 7 St. John's -- one of the oldest cities in North America and the historic capital of the New World on the island of Newfoundland .

Other destinations [ edit ]

Atlantic Canada is full of interesting places found outside of its urban centers. Check out:

• 45.00015 -65.49883 1 Bay of Fundy — separating New Brunswick and Nova Scotia , boasts the World's highest tides
• 49.689444 -57.738056 2 Gros Morne National Park — UNESCO World Heritage Site, north of Corner Brook , Newfoundland and Labrador
• 50.4635 -56.7686 3 L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site — Site of an ancient Viking settlement, the earliest European settlement in North America, dating from 1000 A.D., in the Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland and Labrador
• 44.492778 -63.9175 4 Peggy's Cove — a scenic and historic Nova Scotia fishing community with picturesque ocean views and the world's most photographed lighthouse. Look for the metallic plaques melded into the rocks warning all who walk on the rocks that danger is imminent from crashing waves. There is a souvenir shop near the lighthouse for the usual run-of-the-mill mementos. The township of Peggy's Cove is a delight for photographers - even amateurs will have an easy time taking poster-worthy pictures.
• 45.266667 -66.066667 5 Saint John River Valley — historic wooden covered bridges, river ferries, falls, as well as artist studios and historic sites
• 44.3992 -65.2183 6 Kejimkujik National Park — petroglyphs, canoeing, sandy beaches, and many species of birds
• 46.4167 -63.075 7 Prince Edward Island National Park — covers much of the central north coast around Cavendish and area, including "Green Gables" and other sites related to the Anne of Green Gables books and their author, Lucy Maud Montgomery

Talk [ edit ]

While the people of the Atlantic Provinces predominantly speak English and French, there are regional dialects of these languages that can throw off the average Central Canadian tourist, not to mention those from abroad.

Some rural communities in the Maritime Provinces have unique vernacular expressions unfamiliar to tourists. For example, "some fine" means "very good". Such expressions will not hamper a tourist's understanding of locals, but it may be a noticeable feature in certain areas. Not limited to Atlantic Canada, some of these expressions can be found in neighbouring US states.

Acadian French [ edit ]

Acadian French (le français acadien) is a dialect of French spoken by the Acadians in the Canadian Maritimes provinces. Like other Canadian French dialects, it diverged from the French of France about 400 years ago at the time of the French colonization of the Americas, and sounds different to visiting Francophones. Acadians and francophones from Quebec can understand each other with little difficulty.

Newfoundland English, French, and Irish [ edit ]

In Newfoundland, another dialect of English is found in combination with any number of local variations. It is often noted that a Newfoundlander can give away his or her home town simply by speaking. In some areas, an Irish lilt can be heard, while in other areas it may not be present.

A few Newfoundland English expressions you may encounter:

• Where you to? : Where are you? (also used to ask 'How are you?')
• Stay where you're to. : Don't leave.
• Stay where you're to 'til I comes where you're at. : Wait there for me.
• Flat on the back with that! : An expression of approval, male speaker
• Flat on the back for that! : An expression of approval, female speaker
• b'y (pronounced bye): boy, guy, man, friend (sometimes used in a general way to include males and females)

Though Newfoundland English is alive and well, Newfoundland Irish is extinct and Newfoundland French very nearly so. Newfoundland Irish was a dialect of the Irish language specific to the island of Newfoundland and was widely spoken until the mid-20th century. It was very similar to the accent heard in the southeast of Ireland, due to mass immigration from the counties Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford and Cork. Newfoundland is the only place outside Europe with its own distinctive name in the Irish language, Talamh an Éisc , literally "Land of Fish". Newfoundland French is distinct from other Canadian dialects including Quebec French and Acadian French and was deliberately discouraged by the government through the 20th century; today it holds on for dear life with a few hundred speakers clustered in the Port au Port Peninsula.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

Largest airports in the region:

• Charlottetown
• Fredericton
• Halifax (main international airport in the region)

By train [ edit ]

Get around [ edit ], by bus [ edit ], by ferry [ edit ].

Ferry service is available from Wood Islands , Prince Edward Island to Pictou , Nova Scotia , and from Port aux Basques , Newfoundland to North Sydney , Nova Scotia.

See [ edit ]

• Historical recreations at the Halifax Citadel or Fortress Louisbourg
• World's highest tides at Fundy National Park on the Bay of Fundy
• Anne of Green Gables' house at Prince Edward Island National Park on PEI
• Alexander Graham Bell's house at Baddeck , Nova Scotia
• A coal mine under the ocean floor at Sydney , Nova Scotia
• The Viking archeological site of L'anse Aux Meadows, NL
• The iconic Hopewell Rocks outside of Moncton, NB

Do [ edit ]

• Eat a "church basement lobster supper" in PEI
• Join the "Order of Good Cheer" in Annapolis Royal , NS
• Golf the historic course at St. Andrews , NB
• Watch a production of Anne of Green Gables in Charlottetown , PEI
• Go to the Ripley's Believe it or Not Odditorium in Cavendish , PEI
• Go deep-sea cod fishing just about anywhere in the region
• Go whale watching just about anywhere
• Go iceberg hunting off Newfoundland
• Drive the scenic Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island, NS
• Go fly fishing on the Miramichi River upriver from Miramichi, NB

Eat [ edit ]

The whole region is famous for its seafood. The clam chowder is to die for and the mussels are legendary. Nova Scotia is famous for its scallops and lobsters; PEI for mussels, oysters and lobsters; Newfoundland for "fish" (always refers to cod) and seal-flipper pie (yes, made from flippers of seals). The local cuisine is marked by the origins of the population, French for the Acadians (e.g. scallops severed "coquille St. Jacques"), and British and Irish for the English-speakers (e.g. hodge-podged vegetables).

Drink [ edit ]

When out at a pub enjoying the scene, the usual Canadian mass-market beers are available, but local specialties may be found as well. In Nova Scotia try an Alexander Keith's India Pale Ale and in New Brunswick reach for Moosehead Lager. All four provinces in the region each have several excellent craft breweries: for example, PEI has 5 independent craft breweries from tip-to-tip with a total population of 150,000.

In Newfoundland the drink they try to force on tourists in called "screech". This is a high-proof rum from Jamaica that is the province's unofficial national drink. The drink goes back the days of the British Empire, when sailing ships full of salted codfish from Newfoundland would sail down to Jamaica and return home with a cargo of rum. Be careful when trying this, it is very strong!

Fruit wines are made in all four provinces (e.g., blueberry, strawberry), while Nova Scotia and New Brunswick also make grape wines.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Since most tourist destinations in the region are rural, crime is less of a threat than getting lost. The weather can turn ugly quickly, so be prepared. Moose are a huge member of the deer family (called "elk" in Europe), and are a common hazard on the roads.

Go next [ edit ]

The neighbouring province of Quebec offers an immersion in a unique French-speaking culture, while just to the south there is the charm of the New England region of the United States. Both are accessible by ferry or road.

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Canadian Maritimes Provinces Tours & Trips

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27 Canadian Maritimes Provinces tour packages with 952 reviews

• Sightseeing

The Maritimes: Nova Scotia

My husband and I did the tour of the Martimes in Nova Scotia. It was beautiful country. Our tour guide, Louise, was fantastic. She is so kind and caring; she is an amazing safe driver. She's always there for you. The only thing I didn't like about the trip was the motel in Baddeck. It was so old; musty smelling. Needs a total renovation. Everything about it was pretty awful. No-one on the trip was happy with this hotel. Other than that, we did enjoy the rest of the trip. the other hotels were fine. The Picnic Louise arranged was a lot of fun and the hike was awesome on the Cabot trail.

• In-depth Cultural

Wonders of the Maritimes & Scenic Cape Breton (11 destinations)

It was a good tour with agood tour guide and an exellent driver.

Wonders of the Bay of Fundy

Lana was an excellent tour guide, she was very knowledgeable of the places we visited and the history behind them. She would go out of her way to make sure you are happy. Yves was a great bus driver; if you buy something along the way and would like to store it in the coach he would bring it back to the coach for you. We visited many places along the way, national parks and historic sites. Breathtaking scenery...make sure you bring your camera and have enough memory to store lots of pictures! Highly recommended.

The Maritimes: Prince Edward Island to New Brunswick

• Walking Adventure

Landscapes of the Canadian Maritimes (Classic, 12 Days, Halifax Airport And Post Trip Hotel Transfer)

• Coach / Bus

Enchanting Canadian Maritimes (10 Days)

Fantastic trip. Well organised and friendly, approachable staff. Was so easy to see so much more than we could have organised on our own. Met some lovely people. So much fun! Will definitely do a tour again and highly recommend.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Train & Rail

Wonders of the Maritimes & Scenic Cape Breton with Ocean Train to Montreal

The guide was very friendly and knowledgable. The observation car on the train was spoilt because we couldn't see out of the front windows. Apparently they are not cleaned in Halifax as they don't have the equipment, so they make the return journey to Montreal with uncleaned windows - there are so many people sleeping rough why can't they employ a couple of these people with water and mops to clean the windows? I am sure a member of the rail staff could supervise them for the few minutes this would take,and it would certainly improve the visibility and I am sure a few dollars would be appreciated by those who need it. I hope you pass this recommendation on and look forward to receiving any comments on this suggestion. One other point was our sleeping car was near the observation car and a long walk to the restaurant which was the other end of the train. People with mobility problems had difficulty making this walk - couldn't the restaurant car be nearer the middle? I was glad to visit Montreal again - I lived there in the 1960s when De Gaujl said 'Vivre le Quebec libre', and overnight it seemed all the English companies moved to Toronto. I was in an agency working with the Eskimos and the French worked with the Indians, and they amalgamated and so I too was out of a job and had to leave. Montreal has certainly expanded since the late 1960s. I understand that comfort on the train is not your department, but you may be listened to. I will certainly recommend this tour to people, and hope you will continue with it. Fiona Wilkins

Enchanting Islands

It was VERY good ! Tour host was wonderful! Very knowledgeable & helpful Bus driver was very courteous & an excellent driver

Atlantic Canada (6 Days)

Life changing experience Wonderful way to meet people from all over the world ! And get to see and do things I may not have done other wise My tour guide Joe was absolutely amazing and Made the experience extra special

Enchanting Islands Escape

well organized, comprehensive tour of maritimes with lots of variety

• Coastal Walks
• Hiking & Trekking

Maritimes Coastal Wonders featuring the Cabot Trail (2024)

I had a great experience on this Colette tour with Bernadette and Dave. They were excellent guides and drivers, and the tour was well-organized. I would recommend it.

Landscapes of the Canadian Maritimes (Classic, 12 Days)

This was our 7th trip with Insight and this was a nice paced tour of the Maritimes. The tour director was excellent as well as the coach driver. As long as my wife and I can keep traveling we'll be going with Insight.

Highlights of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island

Take the trip. You won't be disappointed.

Canadian Maritimes Adventure

What people love about canadian maritimes provinces tours.

Luc was the best tour guide ever. He kept our group on time and informed. Every stop was interesting, and the hotels and lodges were very good.

It was an excellent trip!

The wonders of the Bay of Fundy tour was the best tour I’ve ever been on. We were a small group who enjoyed each other’s company and shared many varied and interesting experiences. As a solo traveler I was welcomed by everyone in the group and never felt on my own. Our tour director, Eunice, was welcoming, knowledgeable and went the extra mile to ensure we really experienced the local culture and delicacies. Our coach driver, Hank, who was also welcoming and knowledgeable, had a quietly confident manner which made you feel extremely safe when on the road. He also went the extra mile to ensure we got the most out of every experience. I would highly recommend this tour.

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Best of the Canadian Maritimes

11 days | highlands, islands, wild tides and good times in the maritimes.

Experience the charms of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island on an 11-day exploration of Canada’s Maritime provinces. Discover the rocky shores of Peggy’s Cove and the Skyline Trail of Cape Breton. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lunenburg, shop for locally made Mi’kmaq arts and crafts, get to know historic Charlottetown and visit the home of Anne of Green Gables. Enjoy dinner on board a working lobster boat, and meet with a Mi’kmaq guide. You’ll soon see why this corner of Canada is so beloved by all who visit.

Trip overview

• Walk the stunning coastal trails of Cape Breton Highlands National Park and follow the Skyline Trail mountain pass out to sweeping sea views.
• Meet a Prince Edward Island fisherman and enjoy a traditional lobster and mussel dinner on his private property along the shore.
• Meet with a Mi'kmaq guide at Lennox Island to learn how to make bannock and listen to traditional stories.
• Hear the stories behind “Anne of Green Gables” with a walking tour through Cavendish, where L.M. Montgomery drew her inspiration.
• Cruise the waters of Shediac Bay on board a lobster boat, with a hands-on demonstration of lobster fishing and a delicious, locally caught lunch.
• There are a few opportunities for easy hikes, so having sturdy footwear is recommended.

Welcome to Halifax! Your tour starts today with a welcome meeting at 10am before you head to historic Lunenburg on the South Shore, one of only two urban communities in North America designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore Mahone Bay and nearby Blue Rocks on a leader-led walking tour and learn about this old fishing community that’s become a hub for artists and photographers. Enjoy some free time exploring the old town centre, which is a National Historic Site of Canada. And since Lunenburg was a rum-running town in the days of Prohibition, make sure you take the time to sample of the local brews. Head back to Halifax in the late afternoon and meet later in the evening for an optional dinner if you wish.

• Hotel (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

• Lunenburg - Guided walking tour
• Lunenburg - Mahone Bay & Blue Rocks

Today’s driving time is approximately 2.5 hours.

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Take a trip to famous Peggy’s Cove, a picturesque fishing village that is one of the most photographed places in all of Canada – for good reason! Rocky outcrops, the crashing Atlantic, colourful fishing boats and that famous red-tipped lighthouse are what you expect to see on Maritimes postcards. Follow your local leader along the Peggy’s Cove Rock Walk, which meanders along the barren coastline that glaciers created some 12,000 years ago. Grab lunch in the village (your own expense) – perhaps a creamy seafood chowder or fresh lobster roll.

• Peggy’s Cove – Rock Walk

Today’s driving time is approximately 1 hour.

Today you will drive from Halifax to Baddeck, but not without a stop at the excellent Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Center. Located in the heart of a development owned by Millbrook First Nation, it tells the story of the Millbrook Mi’kmaq and the important role they played and continue to play in the Maritimes. Don’t miss the gift shop which sells beautiful traditional arts and crafts. On arrival in Baddeck, relax and settle into your hotel before we head for an included dinner together.

• Lodge (1 night)
• Millbrook - Mi'kmac Cultural & Heritage Centre

Today’s driving time is approximately 4 hours.

Today offers a big day of discovery and adventure. Start with a visit to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site to gain insight into the life and work of this inventor, scientist, and teacher who is arguably best known for inventing the telephone. Then drive along the Cabot Trail and stop for a leisurely hike within Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The Skyline Trail is the park’s signature hike, which leads out to spectacular sweeping views over the sea. If it’s a nice day for driving, your leader will take you further along the Cabot Trail – a 4 hours’ drive, but with plenty of beautiful stops along the way. Enjoy a picnic lunch while you’re out along the trail before returning to Baddeck for the night.

• Cape Breton Highlands National Park – Hike
• Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site (Entrance Fee)

Today’s driving time is approximately 5 hours.

Drive from Baddeck to Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island and the smallest provincial capital in the country. It’s the perfect destination to explore on foot when you arrive in the late afternoon. Stroll alongside the picturesque harbour or take in the leafy parks and Victorian-era streets lined with gabled houses. Tonight you may like to join your group for an optional dinner and toast your adventure.

• Charlottetown - Leader-led orientation walk

An orientation meeting will take place at 10am this morning to welcome any new travellers joining you for the next leg of your journey, then head out with your leader for a walking tour of the town. Finish with a tasting at Upstreet Brewing – a fellow B Corp business that brews a mix of classic, seasonal and experimental craft beers. Your afternoon is free to wander on your own before regrouping in the evening for a truly special dinner. Head out along the stunning Points East Coastal Drive (approximately 45 minutes) to meet a local fisherman and enjoy a traditional lobster and mussel boil on his private property.

• Points East Coastal Drive – Mussel and Lobster Shore Boil
• Charlottetown-Leader Lead Walking Tour
• Charlottetown – Upstreet Craft Brewing Beer Tasting

As this is a combination trip, the travellers in your group may change today.

There will be a welcome meeting at 10am to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and meet travellers joining you. It’s important that you attend the meeting as your leader will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Drive from Charlottetown to the Greenwich section of Prince Edward Island National Park, home to a rare parabolic dune system as well as miles of pristine white sand beaches. Located along the famous Points East Coastal Drive, Greenwich is the perfect place to discover the small towns, beaches and wildlife that make Prince Edward Island so unique. As you walk the dune trail and dip your toes in the surf, look out for rare coastal plant species and a variety of seabirds.

• Prince Edward Island National Park

Today's total driving time is approximately 2 hours.

This morning visit Lennox Island First Nation to meet with a Mi'kmaq guide for a tour of the cultural center and St. Anne church. Immerse yourself in Mi'kmaq culture and history, and learn the traditional way of preparing bannnock at a campfire. Settle in with a cup of tea and soak up the stories about life on Lennox Island. Then drive to nearby Cavendish where L.M. Montgomery famously drew her inspiration for the “Anne of Green Gables” novels. Visit Green Gables Heritage Place and explore the area on a walking tour (with a focus on Anne, of course!). Then, check out the very cool Bottle Houses – a village of buildings, including a tavern, a chapel and gift shop, that are literally made out of thousands of bottles. At spectacular Thunder Cove Beach the sandstone cliffs, sea stacks and caves make for an otherworldly landscape that most visitors to Prince Edward Island totally miss. Spend the night in the coastal city of Summerside.

• Cavendish – Bottle House Leader Led Tour
• Thunder Cove Beach
• Cavendish – Green Gables Heritage Place
• Lennox Island First Nation Experience

Enjoy a free morning exploring Summerside on your own. You may want to check out the local museums, galleries and cultural centres, or you can just wander through the neighbourhoods of historic homes. Then get your sea legs ready! Today you’re cruising the waters of Shediac Bay on a working lobster boat with local fishers. Get a hands-on demonstration of lobster fishing and enjoy a delicious freshly caught lunch on board. After lunch, drive to Moncton and your hotel for the night.

• Summerside – Lobster Boat Cruise with Lunch

Today's total driving time is approximately 1.5 hours.

Cross over into New Brunswick and make your way to the postcard-perfect Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park. Arrive for low tide and join a naturalist guide for a walk right out onto the sea floor and get up close to the towering sandstone formations known as the Hopewell Rocks, or Flowerpot Rocks. When the tide comes in, waters in the bay can reach up to 16 metres, so a trip here is all about timing and your local leader will make sure you get the most out of your visit. In the afternoon, take a quick detour to spectacular Cap Enrage with its charming lighthouse before continuing on to explore Fundy National Park. Then it's a short drive onwards to the historic seaport city of Saint John, where you’ll stay for the night.

• Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park - Walk
• Bay of Fundy - Fundy National Park
• Bay of Fundy - Cap Enrage

Today's total driving time is approximately 3.5 hours.

Your tour ends today, and you are free to leave at your leisure. Or, if you like, stick around and explore the city of Saint John and more of the Maritimes on your own.

10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Private Vehicle

Hotel (8 nights), Lodge (2 nights)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1.Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 10am. Please make your own way to the Joining Point Hotel listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary. 2. Please be careful when booking flights from Saint John; make sure you fly from Saint John, New Brunswick [YSJ]. Please do not book flights from St. John's, Newfoundland [YYT] as this is in another province. 3.Check out of the hotel is at 10am. If you could like to spend more time in Saint John we can happily request you additional nights - please speak to your booking agent. 4.A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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Wonders of the Maritimes Road Trip

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INTRODUCTION

Embrace the beauty of the Canadian Maritimes on this 10-day Atlantic Canada road trip through spectacular coastal scenery, charming fishing villages and magnificent national parks.

This itinerary was designed by our atlantic canada specialist wendy who lives in region and has designed the itinerary to cover all the sights in the shortest possible time., highlights include the unesco world heritage site of lunenburg, hopewell rocks and prince edward island national park. , there is also time to drive the cabot trail, a scenic drive around nova scotia's cape breton island. .

Itinerary at a Glance

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 Halifax | Arrival Arrive in Halifax and check in to your accommodations which are ideally located in the downtown core of this vibrant and cosmopolitan urban centre on the Atlantic Ocean. You may wish to add additional nights in Halifax or a city tour to your vacation package. Bursting with culture and rich history, Nova Scotia’s capital city has much to offer.

Day 2 Halifax to Annapolis Royal | 281 km/175 mi Head south to Lunenburg, visiting Peggy’s Cove along the way. Peggy’s Cove is a small village with houses built right into the granite rock and a lighthouse overlooking the Atlantic. Old Town Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a lovingly restored Victorian town that begs you to wander and explore. Make a stop at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, renowned for its hiking trails and incredible canoeing on wilderness lakes and rivers. Arrive in Annapolis Royal, a quaint settlement housing Victorian mansions on the banks of the Bay of Fundy.

Day 3 Annapolis Royal to Saint John | 113 km/70 mi + Ferry Depart Annapolis Royal and drive to Digby to board the ferry to Saint John, world-famous for its Reversing Falls Rapids—the colossal, tidal tug-of-war between the Bay of Fundy and the St. John River. Twice daily at high tide, the powerful Fundy waters roar into the Saint John River. The titanic clash of natural forces causes the river to reverse direction. (breakfast included)

Day 4 Saint John to Moncton | 212 km/131 mi The highlight today is the scenic drive along the Bay of Fundy. Witness the power of the world’s highest tides at the Hopewell Rocks. Visit the informative Hopewell Rocks Interpretive Center and learn everything you need to know about the tidal phenomenon. Take a drive through Fundy National Park before reaching Moncton.

Day 5 Moncton to Charlottetown | 164 km/101 mi Before leaving Moncton we suggest a stop at the Magnetic Hill where you can put the car in neutral to experience the illusion of being pulled up hill by a ‘magnetic force.’ Continue to Shediac, known as The Lobster Capital of the World for its lobster fishing, processing plants, live-lobster tanks and the famous Lobster Festival. Enjoy a lobster fishing cruise & dine on fresh lobster. Then follow the Confederation Bridge, the longest bridge in Canada, to Charlottetown, P.E.I.

Day 6 Charlottetown & Prince Edward Island | Exploring Drive by red cliffs, white beaches, gently sloping sand dunes and green fields as you make your way to Prince Edward Island National Park. Before returning to Charlottetown, visit Green Gables Heritage Site, the alluring inspiration of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic Anne of Green Gables books. (breakfast included)

Day 7 Charlottetown to Baddeck | 274 km/170 mi + Ferry Depart Charlottetown taking Route 1 to Wood Islands Ferry crossing to Caribou, Nova Scotia. Drive the short distance to Pictou & visit Hector Heritage Quay, where a full scale replica of the Hector has been built using traditional ship building techniques. Depart Pictou and continue to Cape Breton via the Canso Causeway and onto Baddeck. This scenic village overlooks the beautiful Bras d’Or Lakes. (breakfast included)

Day 8 Cabot Trail Touring | 296 km/184 mi You’re off to experience one of the most stunningly picturesque drives in North America. The Cabot Trail winds around the rocky splendor of Cape Breton’s northern shore, ascending to the incredible plateaus of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Look-offs offer unforgettable vistas of Cape Breton’s rugged coastline so be sure to have your camera on hand.

Day 9 Baddeck to Liscomb Mills via Louisburg | 423 km/262 mi The Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site awaits you today. Words cannot do justice to this reconstruction depicting one-fifth of the settlement of 1744 New France. Roam the streets and chat with authentically costumed guides. Proceed along the shore of the Bras d’Or Lake to Liscomb Mills where you can relax and enjoy your surroundings.

Day 10 Liscomb Mills to Halifax | 170 km/105 mi Take a leisurely drive back to Halifax, along the way visit Musquodoboit Harbour & Valley a haven for nature lovers, and Martinique Beach the longest beach in the province. (breakfast included)

Package Includes:

• 1 night accommodation in Halifax
• 1 night accommodation in Annapolis Royal
• 1 night accommodation in Saint John
• 1 night accommodation in Moncton
• 2 nights accommodation in Charlottetown
• 2 nights accommodation in Baddeck
• 1 night accommodation in Liscombe Mills
• Bay Ferry Tolls – Digby to Saint John
• Bay Ferry Tolls - Wood Islands to Caribou
• Historic Sites admission to the following:
• Alexander Graham Bell
• Halifax Citadel
• Fortress of Louisbourg
• Kejimkujik (Day Use only)
• Carleton Martello Tower
• Fort Beauséjour
• Monument Lefebvre
• St. Andrews Blockhouse
• Green Gables House
• Prince Edward Island National Park

Hotel Information | Superior Grade

• Halifax – Lord Nelson Hotel | Classic Room
• Annapolis Royal - Hillsdale House | Standard Room | Breakfast Included
• Saint John – Delta Saint John | Standard Room
• Moncton – Delta Beausejour | Standard Room
• Charlottetown - The Great George | Classic Room | Continental Breakfast Included
• Baddeck - Inverary Resort | Traditional Room
• Liscombe Mills – Liscombe Lodge | Standard Room | Breakfast Included

Not included:

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Arrange a call with a Canada Travel Designer and bring your vacation one step closer!

DATES & PRICING

Departs from Halifax: Daily (Tour Code: SD199)

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Maritimes Coastal Wonders

About this tour.

From the nautical beauty of Peggy’s Cove to the rugged splendor of the Cabot Trail, the Maritimes will enchant you. Choose how you explore Lunenburg – at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic or on a locally guided walking tour. Undertake a competition to cook the best mussels. Visit the Anne of Green Gables Museum and learn about potato farming. See the 4-story high Hopewell Rocks. Savor a traditional Maritimes lobster feast and learn how to eat lobster like a local. Visit the Bay of Fundy where some of the world’s highest tides are recorded. Don’t miss the rugged beaches, picturesque fishing villages, and rich seafaring history of Canada’s amazing Maritime Provinces.

Your Tour Includes

• 5 Handpicked Accommodations
• 2 Choice on Tour Options

Included Highlights

• Peggy's Cove

Your Tour at a Glance

10 Breakfasts

2 - Moderate

Travel Style

Customize your tour.

Optional Excursions

Starting at $65.00

Activity Level

• Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Extension Style

Travel styles, highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

• Take a ferry ride to Prince Edward Island, the "Land Cradled on the Waves."

Explore the Cabot Trail and fall in love with its rugged terrain.

Journey along the shoreline to the amazing Hopewell Rocks.

Cultural Experiences:

Explore interesting inventions at the Alexander Graham Bell Museum.

• Learn a few handy Gaelic phrases and join in the fun of a "milling frolic."

Culinary Inclusions:

Savor a traditional Maritimes lobster feast at the Fundy Trail.

Attend culinary “boot camp” for bragging rights on who cooks the best PEI mussels.

• Choice on Tour
• Cape Breton Island
• Cabot Trail
• Prince Edward Island
• Anne of Green Gables Museum
• Hopewell Rocks
• Fundy Trail
• Grand Pré National Historic Site

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Getting Prepared

Know before you go, travel tips, enhance your tour.

• Choice On Tour

Unique Experience

Cultural Experiences

Enhance Your Trip

Join a guided walking tour of Saint John showcasing the history and local flavors of this city by the Bay of Fundy. Your journey begins with a visit to Saint John City Market, the oldest continuing farmer’s market in Canada and a National Historic Site. While most merchants will be closing up shop by the afternoon, take this chance to soak in the scene inside this grand market building – plus, sample local ciders and wines paired with market charcuterie. Leaving the market, make your way downhill into the heart of the city as your guide shares stories that bring Saint John’s history to life. Stop to taste the beers that made Canada famous and seafood chowder made with the day’s fresh catch. Finally, visit an ale house in Market Square to try fresh brews paired with delicious local smoked fish. Your walking tour ends at the lively boardwalk by your hotel.

Take a ferry ride to Prince Edward Island, the "Land Cradled on the Waves."

Learn a few handy Gaelic phrases and join in the fun of a "milling frolic."

Accommodations

The westin nova scotian, inverary resort, the holman grand hotel, hilton saint john, need more information.

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Adventures of the 4 JLs

Join our family as we explore the world.

7 Day Maritime Provinces Road Trip Itinerary

The Maritime Provinces are a delightful region located in eastern Canada and consist of three provinces: New Brunswick , Nova Scotia , and Prince Edward Island . These provinces are known for their coastal scenery, fishing villages, and lighthouses. When our boys were occupied with sleep away summer activities, Jeremy and I decided to take a couples road trip to this delightful destination!

Our Chosen Itinerary

With our kids at sleep-away camp/activities, we knew we had a limit to our vacation itinerary. A road trip through the Maritime Provinces are best seen with at least 10 days, but in our typical fashion, we decided to cram as much as we could into 7 days. Note that if you aren’t flying into this area (e.g. Halifax), you will need to add extra time to this itinerary. For example, we were coming from the Boston area and needed to add at least a full day of driving on either end.

• Day 1: Arrive into Saint John , New Brunswick, by mid-afternoon and explore for an hour or two. Overnight in Moncton .
• Day 2: Explore Prince Edward Island including: the Green Gables Heritage Place , a scenic drive through Prince Edward Island National Park , and a walk on North Rustico Beach . Sleep in Charlottetown .
• Day 3: Take ferry to Nova Scotia and begin to explore the Cabot Trail . Walk on Ingonish Beach and sleep near Ingonish.
• Day 4: Explore the Cape Breton Highlands National Park  portion of the Cabot Trail and hike the Skyline Trail . Visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site and sleep in Baddeck .
• Day 5: Relocate to Halifax and sleep there. Visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site .
• Day 6: Day trip to Peggy’s Cove, Mahone Bay, and Lunenburg . Intended to sleep in Lunenburg, but had to deal with a Covid problem instead…
• Day 7 : Intended to explore the Fundy National Park and spend the night in  Fredricton , but had to deal with a Covid problem instead…

Map showing the basic road trip route from Saint John , through Prince Edward Island , and to the PEI/Nova Scotia Ferry Terminal in Wood Islands (runs seasonally):

Map showing the basic road trip route from the PEI/Nova Scotia Ferry Terminal in Caribou, Nova Scotia (runs seasonally); through the Cabot Trail , Halifax , and Lunenburg ; and back to Fredericton, New Brunswick:

You should note that if you skip New Brunswick and fly into either Halifax or Charlottetown , you will have quite a bit more time to explore both Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia .

Day 1: Saint John (NB) and Moncton

Coming from the Boston area , the Maritime Provinces are not a short drive. Most people choose to fly in, but with our needing to leave unexpectedly early, driving helped in our case.

Saint John, New Brunswick

With a 3:30pm arrival into Saint John, New Brunswick (not to be confused with St. John, Newfoundland), we didn’t have a lot of time to explore this city, but we were able to take a walk through town and pop into a few sights.

My favorite part of the city walk was the  Saint John City Market and viewing the various church spires.

Before getting back into our car, we made sure to find a  Tim Hortons donut shop and stop by the King’s Square park and the   Loyalist Burial Ground .

There were a few museums we could have gone into, but they were getting ready to close and we wanted to spend some time in Moncton as well.

All-in-all, Saint John is quite small and slightly run down, but it does make a good road trip stop to either take a break from driving or spend the night. Read the full post about Saint John here.

Moncton, New Brunswick

Moncton greeted us with a large aluminum factory. Despite the initial industrial feel, Moncton appeared to be much bigger and newer than Saint John. Definitely not as much character as Saint John, but we could see it being a very pleasant place to live and work.

After checking into our hotel, we decided to walk towards the downtown and the  trail  going through  Riverfront Park .

If you are here at the right time,   Tidal Bore Park is a great viewing spot to watch the   tidal bore that rushes up the river twice per day. Unfortunately, our timing was not quite right.

Read the full post about Moncton here.

Day 2: Prince Edward Island

In the morning, we started my favorite day of our Maritime Provinces road trip . We almost crossed Prince Edward Island off our itinerary due to time constraints, but it ended up being one of our favorite days of the trip!

Confederations Bridge

We entered the island over the  Confederation Bridge , then followed the “scenic route” signs to Cavendish .

Green Gables Heritage Place

In Cavendish, we chose to visit the Green Gables Heritage Place , which is a must for all Anne of Green Gables fans!

Scenic Coastal Route through Prince Edward Island National Park

From here, we decided to take the Scenic Coastal Route through  Prince Edward Island National Park .

North Rustico Beach

Wanting to explore one of PEI’s beaches, we made a stop at North Rustico Beach for a walk. Lovely!

North Rustico Harbour

We then went to North Rustico Harbour and enjoyed some Canada Day festivities.

Covehead Harbour Lighthouse

After lunch, the   Covehead Harbour Lighthouse was our next stop. We decided to walk on the beach for a bit one way, and on the road on the way back.

Charlottetown

Eventually, we made it to our hotel in  Charlottetown . We had wanted to go to the   Province House National Historic Site , but since it was closed, we decided to spend most of the afternoon and evening wandering through the town.

Eventually, we reached the Confederation Landing Park .

We also wanted to see   Victoria Park , and were pleased to find a Canada Day celebration.

Read the full post about Prince Edward Island here.

Days 3-4: The Cabot Trail

Prince edward island to ingonish.

In the morning, we made our way from Charlottetown to the  Wood Islands Ferry Terminal . This began our foray into Nova Scotia !

The ferry terminal in Caribou is a little out of the way, but not nearly as far out of the way as taking the   Confederation Bridge . Our final destination for the day was  Ingonish in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park , and is a minimum of 3.75 hours of driving from Caribou.

We stopped in Antigonish for lunch. In retrospect, I wish we would have gotten out of the car and walked through the downtown.

Instead, we decided to take a “scenic drive” through Marble Mountain that we saw advertised on the ferry. As it turns out, the roads were very poor and most of the great views were blocked by trees and other vegetation. If you have extra time, consider spending more time in Baddeck rather than doing this scenic drive.

Knowing that we would be spending the night in Baddeck on a future night, we decided to simply drive through the town and not stop.

Eventually, we made it to the entrance of Cape Breton Highlands National Park and then to our rustic cabin in  Ingonish .

In the evening, we explored the beach in front of our cabin, found a delicious dinner at Coastal Restaurant and Pub , then took a post-sunset walk on   Ingonish Beach .

Exploring Cape Breton Highlands National Park

After waking up early to watch the sunrise, we started our foray into the Cape Breton Highlands National Park portion of the  Cabot Trail , making sure to stop at occasional pullout.

Black Brook Beach

We had though about walking down to  Black Brook Beach , but decided to skip due to concerns that we wouldn’t have enough time to see everything else. In retrospect, we probably could have made time for this.

Coastal Route Detour to Cape North

We then decided to take the coastal route detour to  Cape North . We made a wrong turn and headed north, rather than west, but found our mistake fairly quickly and arrived in Pleasant Bay  way too early for lunch. Everything except a small gift shop was still closed, but did manage to buy a couple of candy bars for lunch.

Skyline Trail Loop

The highlight of the day was the Skyline Trail  loop! From everything we read, if you pick one hiking trail, this is the one that you should pick.

Not being sure if we wanted to do the full 5.1 mile loop or the 4 mile round trip hike, we started walking the short way to the main lookout point. The trail was wide and flat; it felt like more of a walk than a hike, but the scenery was breathtaking. The trees, ferns, and grasses were brilliantly green. The lushness of the boreal forest was incredible.

Great choice! Hike this trail if you can!

Le Buttereau Loop

Similarly to the Black Brook Beach, we thought about hiking the 1 mile Le Buttereau  loop, but in the end, decided that the Skyline Trail was enough and that we wanted more time in Baddeck,

Eventually, we made it to Chéticamp , which could be a great place to overnight if you want more time in Cape Breton Highlands National Park . We used it as a place to improve upon our candy bar lunch.

ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL MUSEUM

Arriving into Baddeck, we decided to stop by the  Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site , which also had some great views of the lighthouse. We were surprised to learn how much more he did than simply invent the telephone. None of it was near as successful as the telephone (big surprise), but some of it was quite interesting and other things were laughable.

Eventually, we checked into the  Dunlop Inn , which was right on the water, just a short walk from the spot in the picture below. The staff recommended eating at their restaurant, the Cable Room , which turned out to be quite tasty. Afterwards, we took a stroll along the water and relaxed a bit in preparation for another long day of driving.

Read the full post about the Cabot Trail here.

Day 5: Halifax

Nova Scotia is a lot bigger than it appears on a map. The minimum drive time between Baddeck and Halifax is 3.5 hours and if you take the coastal route, it will be closer to 5 hours. We had thought about driving through Sherbrooke Village , but after our experience with the roads through Marble Mountain, we opted to take a nice predictable highway. As it turns out, it was the right choice since it allowed us to spend more time in Halifax.

Since we didn’t make any stops, this put us into Halifax just after lunch, which is plenty of time to see both the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site .

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

Our first stop was the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic , which will explain all the ways the ocean has influenced Halifax. In addition to the major exhibit on the Titanic disaster corpse recovery, there are also exhibits on ship building, trade, and a major military explosion. It is really quite fascinating.

HALIFAX CITADEL NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

After checking into our hotel, we still had time to walk to the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site . Sitting at the top of the hill, this fortress was very important to the defense of the city. As much as the patriots tried, they could not dislodge the loyalists during America’s Revolutionary War.

Outside the fortress are some great views of the city.

A Walk Through the City

As evening approached, most of the other museums started to close, but we had seen the ones that interested us most. We decided to simply stroll and enjoy both the downtown and the waterfront, choosing to get dinner along the Harbourwalk.

Halifax Public Gardens

Before heading out in the morning, we decided to try and find a cafe for breakfast and then walk to the Halifax Public Gardens . Breakfast was a big mistake, since nothing was open in the area we chose to walk and we had to backtrack back to the food court at the mall. Fortunately, the gardens were nice. We always enjoy visiting gardens around the world !

Read the full post about Halifax here.

Day 6: Peggy’s Cove, Mahone Bay, and Lunenburg

Peggy’s cove.

After seeing the Public Gardens in Halifax , we checked out of our hotel and started the 45 minute drive to Peggy’s Cove . The town is quite small, but the lighthouse is beautiful! After walking around the lighthouse, we decided to get an early lunch at a lobster shack. If you wait until a more normal lunch hour, the lines will become quite long.

We continued along the water for about an hour until we reached Chester . While cute, it wasn’t as cute as some of the towns that were coming up. We briefly thought about getting out of the car and taking a walk, but were concerned about our timetable, so drove through instead. If you find the lunch lines at Peggy’s Cove to be too long, this could make a good lunch alternative.

Our next stop was Mahone Bay , about 20 minutes further down the road, which is famous for the three churches that you can see in the picture below. We stopped outside the town for a photo, then took a stroll through the town. There are tons of shops and restaurants and we found it to be a pleasant way to spend an hour. We could have spent longer, but knew that our next stop was going to be more impressive so got back into the car.

We drove another 15 minutes and made it to Lunenburg , a UNESCO World Heritage site ! The town is considered to be “the best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement in North America.” As we wandered the town and soaked up the atmosphere, we were pleased that we had chosen to spend the night here rather than one of the other towns on our itinerary.

We chose to visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic , which was a reasonable museum for a town the size of Lunenburg, but we found the admission price to be a bit steep for what it is. The history of fishing was quite interesting and we liked the outdoor fishing vessel exhibits, but unless you are an avid sailor interested in the history of the the Bluenose sailing races, the rest of the museum is skippable.

Read the full post about Peggy’s Cove, Mahone Bay, and Lunenburg here.

Day 6-7: Covid Strikes Again

Just as we were making plans for dinner, we got a text saying that one of our kids had a close Covid exposure and was likely to continue to have some level of exposure. Sigh. Not wanting to leave him in that environment, we decided to pack up early and head home. We were able to drive 3.5 hours to Moncton, then get an early start and drive all the way back to the Boston area the next day.

If we would have been able to continue our road trip as planned, we would have spent our seventh day exploring Fundy National Park and then would have spent the night in  Fredricton before taking a slower drive home. We potentially would have tried to spend the next night in Portland, Maine . But alas, Covid can put a real damper on travel plans.

Conclusions

In any case, we did have an amazing time exploring the Maritime Provinces ! It was a very fast paced trip, so do consider slowing down the itinerary a bit if you have a couple of extra days.

The next time you are in Canada , consider visiting this amazing part of the world!

Keep reading  our travel blog  for more  itinerary ideas around the world !

Here are some more posts from this trip through the Maritime Provinces :

Driving through New Brunswick, Canada: Saint John and Moncton

Nova Scotia: Day Trip to Peggy’s Cove, Mahone Bay, and Lunenburg

A Day in Halifax, Nova Scotia

The Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia

A Day in Prince Edward Island, Canada

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International

A maritime road trip through the canadian east coast.

By Ksenia Prints

| Updated: May 17, 2024

Winding along wind-swept coasts, charming wineries and boutique inns, Canada’s continental Maritime provinces offer a lot more than polite residents and lighthouses. Head on a Canadian East Coast road trip and explore all the beauty the region has to offer.

When people think of Canada’s East Coast, their imagination tends to stop at Peggy’s Cove or whale tours. But to do so would be a mistake that could prevent you from experiencing one of the most charming and effortless road trips to navigate across the vast True North.

A road trip across the Canadian East Coast offers travelers a mix of Acadian culture, scenic landscapes and historical sights. This region is a treasure trove of breathtaking vistas and coastal charm . From the rugged beauty of Cape Breton Island’s Cabot Trail to the world’s highest tides in the Bay of Fundy, the East Coast presents an opportunity to explore the natural wonders and diverse heritage that have shaped Canada.

There really is something here for everyone. Families can explore the colorful fishing villages that dot the coastlines, while foodies can savor seafood straight from the Atlantic. Nature enthusiasts can set out on lengthy hikes and culture lovers can immerse themselves in the area’s arts, museums and musical traditions.

The perfect Canadian East Coast road trip will lead visitors through Halifax’s historic waterfront to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lunenburg, contrasting with Prince Edward Island’s pastoral landscapes known for their literary connection to “Anne of Green Gables.” Every twist and turn of an East Coast road trip reveals another layer of Canada’s mosaic, inviting roadtrippers to discover the hospitality and enduring allure that the East Coast proudly offers.

Planning your trip

When planning a road trip through the East Coast of Canada, travelers should consider the optimal season for travel, select a route that aligns with their interests, arrange their accommodations or camping well in advance and ensure they pack all essentials for the journey. The good news is we’re here to help you with all of that.

Best time to visit

The ideal time for an East Coast Canada road trip is during the summer months, from June to September when the weather is warm and tourist attractions are fully operational. My family and I went there in April and were disheartened to find many places shut for the season. The ocean winds can also be particularly biting, so warmer weather makes for easier travel.

Route selection

For the best experience, tailor your route to include can’t-miss destinations like the world’s highest tides at the Bay of Fundy and the scenic drives of Nova Scotia’s Cabot Trail. For urban centers, we recommend stopping in Halifax for an all-around experience, Saint John for history and architecture and sleepy Charlottetown for a place to take a break.

Accommodation and camping

Booking accommodations early is recommended. Accommodations range from hotels in major cities to campsites in national parks such as Gros Morne National Park. If you are camping, keep in mind that many places have a two-night minimum. 

Packing essentials

Essential items include weather-appropriate clothing, keeping in mind temperatures can fall pretty low at night and that rain is a common sight. As with all road trips, a first aid kit and updated navigation tools are also a must. If you’re a hobbyist photographer, don’t forget to include a camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes you will encounter.

Highlights of the East Coast

The Canadian East Coast is steeped in history and culture. The Maritime provinces are a hodgepodge of architectural styles and historical sites, where both the British and the French laid claims over different parts of the territory. Past wealth can be traced to commerce, forestry and fishing. Though some of the provinces have fallen on harder times, the echoes of past grandeur can still be glimpsed through the grime left by modern oil, pulp and ship manufacturers. 

Historic sites and cultural experiences

Travelers can immerse themselves in the region’s past at Halifax’s Citadel Hill and the vibrant atmosphere of the Halifax waterfront. Cultural richness unfolds in the Acadian villages, where you can discover traditional music and stories that have shaped local identities. Wherever you go, make an effort to seek out the histories of the Mi’kmaq, Maliseet, Passamaquoddy, Beothuk and Innu, the First Nations who traditionally made their homes in this region.

Natural wonders and parks

The East Coast features the Bay of Fundy, with the world’s highest tides offering a dramatic seascape. Cape Breton’s Cabot Trail presents a breathtaking journey through the highlands and lush parklands, a serious draw for nature enthusiasts.

Coastal towns

Quaint coastal towns like St. Andrews provide a taste of maritime life and fresh local seafood. Lunenburg in Nova Scotia is a beauty that is not to be missed. Prince Edward Island’s potatoes, mussels and lobster are must-try delicacies, reflecting the region’s deep connection to the sea.

“Driving from Halifax to Sydney takes you through some of the most stunning landscape the country has to offer. As you pass into Cape Breton, you’re surrounded by majestic forests, tall cliffs, and stopping to take pictures of Bras d’Or Lake, a tidal inland lake that opens to the sea, is a must.” Jenn Allen, All The Best Spots

Transportation options

Efficiently traveling through East Coast Canada requires understanding the various transportation options and being prepared with safety and emergency information. Travelers have multiple modes of transport to choose from. They can rent a car, which provides the flexibility to explore at their own pace. As the roads are pretty easily accessible, any car with sufficient baggage room for your needs will do.

Regional flights are an option for those looking to travel between provinces, especially for reaching more distant areas like Newfoundland. Public transport, though more limited, is available in larger cities like Halifax .

Safety and emergency information

Stay informed about local weather conditions, especially during winter months when roads can be hazardous. In case of emergencies, be aware of the local emergency number, which is 911 across Canada. It’s also wise to keep a list of hospitals and service stations, particularly when exploring remote areas.

Local cuisine

The Canadian East Coast offers a plethora of distinct flavors that are as rich as its cultural heritage. From potatoes to seafood, white fish and cider , there is no shortage of great local produce in the area. 

Seafood undoubtedly dominates the local cuisine, with dishes like lobster rolls and Digby scallops being regional favorites. Lobster rolls are a classic, typically served on a toasted bun with a filling of fresh, succulent lobster meat mixed with mayonnaise and celery. Known for their size and sweetness, scallops from Digby, Nova Scotia, are often pan-seared to a golden finish. For dessert, wild blueberry pie, utilizing locally harvested blueberries, is a must-try.

Acadian cuisine is another subsect of the food history here, but you may have to dig deeper to uncover the modest offerings of this lesser-known heritage. Separately, each maritime province offers its own unique and iconic dishes, making food an integral part of the East Coast experience.

Wrapping up

No journey through Canada would be complete without experiencing the unparalleled charm and natural splendor of the East Coast. As you plan your road trip, make time for little stops that let you experience everything, from the musical traditions to the historic sites that echo centuries of heritage.

Seek out the breathtaking coastal vistas, whether it’s witnessing the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy, the reversing tides in Saint John or traversing the winding paths of the Cabot Trail. Above all, savor the simple pleasures that define maritime life — freshly caught seafood, quaint fishing villages and the warm hospitality of the locals. With an open mind and a sense of adventure, this East Coast road trip promises to be a journey you’ll never forget.

Ksenia Prints is a food writer, blogger, photographer and recipe developer from Montreal, Canada. She blogs over At the Immigrant’s Table , a food blog showcasing healthy, beautiful international recipes for adventurous home cooks. She loves to highlight ethnic cuisines and immigrant cultures by working with chefs from relevant countries and adapting those recipes to gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, sugar-free and other dietary restrictions.

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Atlantic Maritimes Tour

Experience the fresh salt air, unspoiled nature, rich history and warm hospitality of one of the world’s most popular destinations on our most comprehensive bus tour of the Canadian Maritimes. Combine this tour with our Newfoundland and Labrador’s Viking Trail Tour for an 18-day east-coast experience!

• Bay of Fundy, home to the world's highest tides
• Joggins Fossil Cliffs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Cruise the warm waters of Shediac Bay aboard a lobster boat and enjoy a delicious, lobster dinner
• Peggy’s Cove, a picturesque fishing village and famous lighthouse and Lunenburg’s Grand Banks’ fishing fleet
• Cabot Trail, Cape Breton and the fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site

2021 Prices: From CA$4,159  – quad or triple From CA$4,481 – twin From CA$5,718 – single

2022 Departures: Select dates May to October

2022 Prices: Small group (max. 24) From CA$4,659  – quad or triple From CA$4,981 – twin From CA$6,368 – single

Standard group (max. 46) From CA$4,159  – quad or triple From CA$4,481 – twin From CA$5,718 – single

Taxes: 15% HST

Prices are shown in CA$ per person based on two people sharing a twin room, three people in a triple, four people in a quad and one in a single.

Tour Code: 009917-W21

Arrive in Halifax and check in to your accommodations which are ideally located in the downtown core of this vibrant and cosmopolitan urban centre on the Atlantic Ocean. Meet our Tour Director and fellow travellers this evening at a Welcome Reception. Meals: none

Option: You may wish to add transfers from Halifax Airport to your downtown hotel, additional nights in Halifax or a city tour onto your vacation package. Bursting with culture and rich history, Nova Scotia’s capital city has much to offer. We can arrange for extra nights at the hotel as well as airport transfers.

This tour is a combination of shorter tours within Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI. Combining tours provides a lot of flexibility of taking only a portion of the tour if the whole tour is too long. It does, however, necessitate some crossover days as tour participants are leaving and joining tours in progress and a possible change of tour director en-route.

The world’s highest tides, fresh salt air, sandy beaches, rocky coves, cosmopolitan cities, remote lighthouses, rich history, warm hospitality, rustic fishing villages, succulent seafood, unspoiled nature, varied activities, first-rate facilities and travel routes. All of these things and more make Canada’s Maritime Provinces one of the world’s most popular destinations. Experience the best of the Maritimes on this delightful tour of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

Explore the Bay of Fundy and learn about the world’s highest tides as we meander its colourful coastline to New Brunswick’s bilingual city of Moncton. En route, explore the Joggins Fossil Cliffs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See magnificently exposed layers of rock revealing the world’s most complete fossil record of life in the “Coal Age” of 300 million years ago. After crossing into New Brunswick, an unforgettable culinary experience awaits as we cruise the warm waters of Shediac Bay aboard a lobster boat; learn about the fishing industry and savour a delicious lobster supper. (For October tours a lobster dinner at a local Moncton restaurant will be substituted). Check into our downtown hotel for the night. Meals: B, L, D

Experience a true natural wonder this morning as we visit the Hopewell Rocks on the coast of the Bay of Fundy. Marvel at these massive flower-pot shaped formations sculpted by the highest tides on the planet. Travel through Fundy National Park on to Canada’s first incorporated city, Saint John, on the southern New Brunswick coast. Enjoy a city tour, including the Reversing Falls, where twice daily the tides force the Saint John River to reverse its flow. Check into our Saint John accommodations for a two-night stay. Meals: B, L

Enjoy a day trip to picturesque St. Andrews by-the Sea where the quaint charm of this coastal town is sure to captivate. After a Whale Watching Boat Tour (weather permitting), the afternoon is yours to experience the friendly people, beautiful architecture, and rich marine life of this seaside gem at your own pace. Meals: B, L

We take the ferry back to Nova Scotia to Digby, the scallop capital of the world, where the fresh sea air and passionate Acadian culture combine to form an enchanting and historically rich town. We overnight at a beautiful property overlooking the Annapolis Basin on the Bay of Fundy. Meals: B, D

Travel the lush Annapolis Valley and learn about the French Acadians of Grand Pre, who established their first settlement in the early 1600s. Learn about this landscape’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and fact and fiction blent and revel the romance of the Land of Evangeline. Visit a local winery for a tour and tasting before arriving in Halifax for a 2-night stay. Meals: B

Discover the rustic charm of the renowned fishing village of Peggy’s Cove where we will enjoy breakfast overlooking one of the world’s most photographed lighthouses. Travel Nova Scotia’s South Shore and on to the UNESCO World Heritage Town of Lunenburg, renowned for her fleet of Grand Banks’ fishing schooners. Take a walking tour to fully experience one of the most remarkably preserved colonial settlements in the New World, and visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic to learn about the town’s famous seafaring heritage. Meals: B

Once only accessible by ferry, today we arrive on Prince Edward Island via the Confederation Bridge, the world’s longest continuous multi-span bridge. En route, learn about Mi’kmaq culture at the Millbrook Culture and Heritage Centre. Check into your Charlottetown accommodations   for a two-night stay and enjoy a theatre performance by local entertainers at the Confederation Centre of the Arts (may be substituted depending on the theatre’s schedule). Meals: B

Enjoy a free morning in Charlottetown, Canada birthplace, or join a complimentary walking tour of the city. This afternoon, drive by red cliffs, white beaches, gently sloping sand dunes and green fields along the North Shore of the island, as you make your way to Prince Edward Island National Park. Before returning to Charlottetown, visit Green Gables Heritage Site, the alluring inspiration of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic Anne of Green Gables books. Enjoy true Maritime hospitality this evening at a traditional hall-style lobster dinner. Meals: B, D

Ferry over the Northumberland Strait back to Nova Scotia and proceed to Cape Breton Island – the Scotland of North America via the Canso Causeway. Visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in Baddeck to learn of the many accomplishments of this genius who made his home on the island. Arrive at our accommodations on the Bras d’Or Lake where we will spend two nights. Meals: B, D

We’re off to experience one of the most stunningly picturesque drives in North America. The Cabot Trail winds around the rocky splendour of Cape Breton’s northern shore, ascending to the incredible plateaus of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Look-offs offer unforgettable vistas of Cape Breton’s rugged coastline so be sure to have your camera ready and at hand. Also enjoy a Whale Watching Boat Tour (weather permitting). Meals: B, L, D

The Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site awaits us today. Words cannot do justice to this reconstruction depicting one fifth of the settlement of 1744 New France. Roam the streets and chat with authentically costumed guides. Proceed along the shore of the Bras d’Or Lake to the mainland, and back to Halifax for one last night in the Maritimes. Meals: B

Your tour concludes upon check out from the hotel. Extensions are possible if you would like to stay on longer in Halifax or add on a visit to Newfoundland and Labrador. Just ask. Meals: B

• 12 nights of accommodation (including four 2-night stays)
• 21 Meals, including 2 lobster dinners - B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner
• Welcome Reception
• Tour Director or Driver Guide
• Lobster Dinner Cruise on Shediac Bay
• Annapolis Valley Winery Tour & Tasting
• Peggy’s Cove
• Lunenburg – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Confederation Bridge to Prince Edward Island
• World famous Cabot Trail
• Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
• 2 Whale Watching Boat Tours
• Joggins Fossil Cliffs – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Hopewell Rocks Ocean Tidal Exploration Site
• Fundy National Park
• Saint John City Tour including Reversing Falls
• St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea Day Trip
• Ferry from New Brunswick to Nova Scotia
• Grand Pre – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic
• Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Centre
• Anne of Green Gables Heritage Place
• Prince Edward Island National Park
• Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
• Cape Breton Highlands National Park
• Airfare to/from Halifax
• Meals other than indicated
• Items of a personal nature
• Tours or transfers other than indicated
• Airport transfers upon arrival/departure
• Applicable taxes

Disclaimer: We do our utmost to ensure that information posted on our website is correct at the time of publication, however trip details are subject to change without notice by the suppliers and operators involved. We update the information as soon as possible when changes are advised to us, however, we cannot assume responsibility for such changes made by the suppliers and operators.

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THE VOICE OF VIETNAM - VOV World

Ha giang works to position and build its unique tourism brand.

(VOVWORLD) - A seminar on positioning and building Ha Giang province’s tourism brand was held on March 30 by the provincial People’s Committee, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Vietnam Tourism Association.

As the northernmost province of Vietnam, Ha Giang has much potential and many advantages for tourism development. The locality aims to turn tourism into a key economic sector by 2025 and attract 3 million visitors per year. Under an orientation to 2030, it expects Dong Van Karst Plateau to be recognized as a national tourist area that welcomes 5 million tourists per year.

By exploiting its core values and unique tourism products in a green and sustainable direction while promoting digital transformation, Ha Giang is becoming an emerging Asian destination, thereby earning a spot on the world’s tourism map.

"Ha Giang has worked to preserve its cultural values and keep intact its natural heritages, especially the Dong Van Karst Plateau. We’ve maintained our traditional festivals to attract both domestic and international tourists to Ha Giang. This is how we plan to develop Ha Giang’s tourism," said Trieu Thi Tinh, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Dr. Vu Nam of the Tourism and Hotel Faculty of National Economics University said Ha Giang needs to prepare resources and strengthen coordination with relevant agencies  to create a unique and sustainable tourism space.

Ha Giang should devise new plans and policies consistent with the current development trends, Nam said. 

"Ha Giang needs a strategy that clearly defines the its core values and unique offerings compared to other localities in Vietnam and the world, to guide the province’s brand positioning. Ha Giang’s tourism products need a unique selling point to encourage tourists to buy its tourism products, which will boost the competitiveness of Ha Giang tourism."

At the seminar, Ha Giang and Cao Bang provinces announced a new joint tourism product that features their two UNESCO Global Geoparks - the Dong Van Karst Plateau and the Non Nuoc Cao Bang. It aims to promote the provinces’ joint tourism offerings, contributing to the effective conservation and promotion of the heritages and improving locals’ livelihoods.  

VOV VOVworld Ha Giang tourism UNESCO Global Geoparks Dong Van Karst Plateau Non Nuoc Cao Bang

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