The Maritimes FAQs

Find out all you need to know about visiting The Maritimes.

When is the best time to visit The Maritimes?

The best time to visit The Maritimes is April to October when the weather is best and the best time for whale-watching. Summer from June to August has the warmest, sunniest weather and the most culinary and arts events.

What is the official language of The Maritimes?

English is widely spoken in The Maritimes. French is also spoken in many areas and New Brunswick has both English and French as official languages.

How do I manage my travel money in The Maritimes?

The official currency of Canada is the Canadian dollar (CAD). Cash, credit, and debit cards are widely accepted, and cash machines are easy to access.

What places combine well with The Maritimes?

The Maritimes are easily combined with Quebec and Newfoundland in Canada, and New England in the USA.

What are the main cultural events in The Maritimes?

The main festivals and events in Atlantic Canada include a range of food and drink, music and arts celebrations.

Halifax in Nova Scotia has a busy events schedule in summer including the Cold Waters Seafood Festival, Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, Halifax Jazz Festival, Seaport Cider and Beerfest. Lunenburg has the famous Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl and Folk Harbour Festival, Digby the Lobster Bash and Scallop Days, and Saint John the Salty Jam Music Festival and Harvesting the Arts.

Cape Breton Island hosts the Celtic Colours International Festival, the world’s biggest Celtic festival in October, while Prince Edward Island hosts the Cavendish Beach Music Festival, attracting international stars.

In Newfoundland, St John’s hosts the George Street Festival in July and the Royal St John’s Regatta in August, while St Anthony hosts the Iceberg Festival in June.