Many travellers to Canada head straight to the west coast for skiing and the Rocky Mountains, or to the big cities of Toronto and Montreal. But not as many make it as far east as the Canadian Maritimes (the provinces of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick). Don’t miss out on some of Canada’s best natural beauty, cultural heritage, and rural charm!
Whether you’re wanting to discover more about the local history, Anne of Green Gables, or the world’s highest tides, the Maritimes has a lot to offer. We’ve listed the top 10 places to visit during your adventure in the Canadian Maritimes, including the best activities to do in each area.
Nova Scotia
1. Cape Breton Island
Cape Breton Island is probably the most recommended place in Nova Scotia, and for good reason. It’s home to the world-renowned scenic drive, the Cabot Trail, as well as the jumping-off point for the Newfoundland ferry, North Sydney. Cape Breton is known for its rugged cliffs, European heritage, and coastal roads.
- Drive the Cabot Trail through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, stopping at viewpoints and tackling coastal hikes along the way.
- The Skyline Trail is the number one hike for panoramic views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
- Step back in time to explore the ruins and partial reconstruction of an 18th-century French colonial town at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site.
- Learn more about the inventive genius of Alexander Graham Bell at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in Baddeck, where he spent much of his life.
- Take a whale watching tour from Pleasant Bay or Cheticamp for a chance to see humpback, minke and pilot whales.
2. Annapolis Valley
The Annapolis Valley is the wine region in Nova Scotia, known for its local creation of Tidal Bay wine (the first wine appellation for Nova Scotia). As well as trying this unique Nova Scotian white wine, be sure to visit some of the historic sites in the area to learn more about Nova Scotia’s deep-rooted Acadian history.
- Try award-winning wines in Wolfville and Gaspereau (find the full list of wineries serving Tidal Bay here).
- Visit the 17th-century Fort Anne and Port Royal National Historic Sites for a history lesson about Canada’s colonial past.
- The Grand-Pré National Historic Site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site commemorating Acadian history.
- Stargaze in the Dark Sky Preserve of Kejimkujik National Park, look for Mi’kmaq petroglyphs, or go hiking or canoeing.
- The Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens showcases gardening methods, designs and materials from 400+ years of local history.
3. Halifax
The capital city of Nova Scotia is a vibrant blend of maritime history, a modern culinary scene, and live entertainment. It’s a great alternative to the busier cities in Canada!
- Travel back to 1869 and discover the social and military history of Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. The strategic hilltop fort offers views of the Halifax Harbour.
- Learn about Halifax’s maritime past at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, including exhibits on the Titanic and the Halifax Explosion.
- Sample local delicacies at the Seaport Farmers’ Market, one of North America’s oldest markets.
- Stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy freshly caught seafood at one of the many restaurants on the Halifax Waterfront.
- Take the scenic Dartmouth Ferry across the harbour for city views.
4. Peggy’s Cove and Lunenburg
The active fishing villages of Peggy’s Cove and Lunenburg make for a popular day trip from Halifax.
- See what the hype is about at Peggy’s Point Lighthouse, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world.
- Learn more about Nova Scotia’s fishing heritage and tour a working vessel at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, located on the Lunenburg Waterfront.
- Admire the multi-coloured houses and the iconic Bluenose II schooner along the Lunenburg Waterfront.
- Explore Lunenburg’s artsy shops and galleries found along the historic Lincoln Street.
- Venture to the nearby picturesque fishing village of Blue Rocks (a hidden gem if you’re looking to take photos without the crowds).
Prince Edward Island
5. Cavendish
Fans of Anne of Green Gables must put Cavendish on their Canadian Maritimes bucket list. It’s equally popular with beachgoers wanting to stay at one of the many oceanside family-friendly resorts and cottages.
- Green Gables Heritage Place is the famous inspiration for L. M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables novels.
- Walk around the site where L.M. Montgomery grew up at L.M. Montgomery’s Cavendish Home.
- You can visit the exact house where L.M. Montgomery was born, the Lucy Maud Montgomery Birthplace, located in New London.
- Discover artifacts and stories from L.M. Montgomery’s life at The Anne of Green Gables Museum in Silver Bush.
- Shop for souvenirs and try the iconic COWS ice cream at the Cavendish Boardwalk.
6. Charlottetown
The capital of PEI has a lot to offer: it’s the birthplace of the Canadian Confederation, is a top foodie destination, has stunning seaside views, and offers many live events throughout the year.
- Take a walk through the Victorian streets and learn about the founding of Canada’s Confederation on the self-guided Historic Walking Tour (just follow the painted lines on the street!).
- Go shopping, take a boat cruise, and see the 2025 display (which changes each year) on the Charlottetown Waterfront.
- In summertime, Victoria Row becomes a pedestrianised street mall. Hidden amongst the cobblestone streets, you can enjoy patio dining, artisan shops and live music.
- Try local produce and crafts at the Charlottetown Farmers’ Market or Founders’ Food Hall & Market.
- Complete the Eckhart in the City Scavenger Hunt, searching for tiny mouse statues across the downtown area (find the clues here).
7. Prince Edward Island National Park
This national park stretches 60 km across the north shore of the island, along the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It’s a haven for hiking, cycling, and relaxing at the beach.
- Hike along the boardwalk and climb the dune for unique views of the Greenwich Dunes trail.
- Learn about the park’s rare ecosystems and Mi’kmaq history with a stop at the Greenwich Interpretation Centre.
- Cavendish Beach is one of the best beaches to see Prince Edward Island’s famous red cliffs. There are also numerous hiking trails.
- North Rustico Beach is a quieter local favourite, popular with surfers and fishing boats.
- Drive the scenic Gulf Shore Parkway across the north shore with plenty of stops and viewpoints along the way.
8. North Cape
The northwest tip of the island is far away from the crowded tourist attractions, so expect peace and quiet, rugged landscapes, wild walking trails, and quirky museums.
- Constructed in 1875, the iconic black-and-white West Point Lighthouse was the first second-generation lighthouse on Prince Edward Island. You can even stay inside it, as West Point is now a functioning inn and museum!
- Although Cape Egmont Lighthouse isn’t open to the public, it’s worth a visit for the beautiful ocean views.
- Check out The Bottle Houses and Gardens, where the houses have been hand-crafted from thousands of glass bottles.
- Celebrate the humble (but delicious!) Prince Edward Island potato with interactive exhibits and on-site restaurant at the Canadian Potato Museum.
- Learn about the importance of wind energy and how wind power is shaping the future of Prince Edward Island at the Wind Energy Interpretive Centre.
New Brunswick
9. Bay of Fundy
Home to the highest tides in the world, the Bay of Fundy lies between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, but the best place to experience this natural phenomenon is in New Brunswick.
- Walk the ocean floor at low tide or kayak at high tide around towering “flowerpot” rock formations at Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park.
- Choose from 30 different hiking trails that traverse the Acadian forest and lead to towering waterfalls, or go kayaking on water that rises up to 12 m in Fundy National Park.
- Enjoy this quiet scenic coastal drive with lookouts, suspension bridges, waterfalls, and more, along the Fundy Trail Parkway.
- Witness the rare tidal phenomenon at the Reversing Falls in Saint John where the river flow reverses direction with the changing tides.
- The UNESCO World Heritage Site Joggins Fossil Cliffs is made up of fossil-rich cliffs dating back 300 million years.
10. Moncton
Moncton is a surprising delight of a city. It calls itself the entertainment capital of Atlantic Canada, and for good reason, as there is a lot to see and do. It’s also Canada’s only official bilingual city!
- Experience the river dramatically reversing direction as the tide changes at the Tidal Bore Viewing spot.
- Delight in the optical illusion of Magnetic Hill, where your car appears to roll uphill!
- Moncton’s downtown is filled with colourful murals; follow the self-guided art walk to find them all.
- Go coffee tasting at Epoch, where you can try a coffee flight, led by experienced baristas.
- There are many options for day trips, including Shediac (home of the giant lobster), Bouctouche (home of one of the few remaining sand dunes in this part of North America), or Cap-Pele (home to beaches and North America’s largest export of smoked herring!).
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