Top 5 places to visit in Canada’s Maritimes

The lure of Canada’s Maritimes is clear from their name: the three provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island are surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, with the rich waters supplying much of North America’s mouthwatering seafood, and wild landscapes showcasing some of Canada’s most stunning coastal scenery.

The whale-watching is fantastic here with the largest populations of humpbacks in the world and a dozen species breaching out of the waters. On land, towns and cities such as Halifax, Lunenburg, Saint John and Charlottetown are steeped in history – this is where the nation of Canada was born and locals are proud of their maritime heritage.

On a holiday to the Maritimes, absorb the history, marvel at the wildlife-rich scenery, then devour some delicious seafood. Here are 5 of the best places to visit in Canada’s Maritimes:

Cape Breton: the captivating Cabot Trail

Cape Breton is not only the most beautiful island in the Maritimes but has often been voted the most beautiful island in the Americas. Cape Breton offers some of the world’s most incredible drives, hikes and cycling trips through breathtaking scenery. The Cabot Trail looping around the island is the most famous drive, while the 92-km Celtic Shores Coastal Trail and panoramic views on the Skyline Trail are best admired on foot. For more serene activities, the brackish Bras d’Or Lake at the heart of the island is a haven for sailing and kayaking.

Cape Breton has more than its fair share of historical attractions too. The Fortress of Louisbourg is the largest historical reconstruction in North America, recreating the life of French settlers in the early 18th century. The Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in Baddeck is another highlight, where the great inventor lived for many years.

Bay of Fundy: tidal wonders and whale-watching

As seen on the BBC’s Race Across the World, the tides of the Bay of Fundy are an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon. This 530-km-long bay boasts the highest tides in the world with the difference between high and low marks as much as 16 metres. According to First Nations mythology, the huge tides are caused by a giant whale and this is one of the best places in Canada to go whale-watching to view humpback, minke and finback.

To get your fix of adrenalin, you can ride the waves of a natural water rollercoaster on a rafting trip on the Shubenacadie River, while a more relaxed way to appreciate low tide is walking on the ocean floor to see the distinctive sea stacks at Hopewell Rocks.

The city of Saint John is a historical highlight of the region with restored Victorian architecture and a famous city market. The incredible power of the surrounding waters is on show in the city itself at the unique Reversing Falls Rapids.

Historic Halifax: maritime heritage and scrumptious seafood

The capital of Nova Scotia is the best place to explore the region’s maritime heritage, with one of the biggest natural harbours in the world. Historical highlights of the city include the Citadel on a hill overlooking the harbour dating from the mid-18th century, the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic with 20,000 photographs and artifacts from the Titanic, which sank off Nova Scotia.

More leisurely activities in Halifax include a cruise to Georges Island to explore the underground complex beneath Fort Charlotte, and wandering along the waterfront to take your pick of mouthwatering seafood delicacies, in particular lobster, from dozens of renowned restaurants. Just outside the city, an iconic site is Peggy’s Cove, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the region.

Laidback Lunenburg: colourful colonial grandeur

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Maritimes’ most picture-perfect town with colourful colonial buildings lining its harbour. Along the coast west of Halifax, Lunenburg is one of the oldest towns in the Maritimes with buildings painted lobster-red, pink, blue and green, dating from the 18th and 19th centuries.

The local maritime heritage is proudly on display at Bluenose II, a replica of the iconic vessel from a century ago, while the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic has several other historic schooners and exhibitions on the area’s rum-running history.

Lunenburg is also renowned for its cuisine, including seafood chowder, Lunenburg sausage and Solomon Gundy (marinated herrings with sour cream), so be sure to explore the town’s many fine restaurants.

Prince Edward Island: birthplace of Canada and Anne of Green Gables

You’ll be wowed by Prince Edward Island before you even arrive – Canada’s smallest province has one of the most dramatic entry points in North America, 13km across the amazing Confederation Bridge from New Brunswick.

The island’s capital Charlottetown is known as the birthplace of Canada after the Confederation was negotiated here in 1864. The city is filled with colonial buildings and historic attractions including Saint Dunstan’s Basilica, Beaconsfield Historic House and Province House where the nation was born.

Literary fans can enjoy a visit to Anne of Green Gables Heritage Park in nearby Cavendish, where author Lucy Maud Montgomery grew up, before catching a production of Anne & Gilbert the Musical. The 435-kilometre Confederation Trail, which runs the length of the island, is a must for cyclists and hikers, and the island also has more than 50 historic lighthouses, including West Point, which remains active today.

Ready to explore further? Discover Journeyscape’s range of holidays to the Maritimes.