Visiting the Maritimes

Renowned for their lighthouses battered by the wind and the charm of their coastal villages, the Maritimes attract tourists year after year. Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island feature a delightful combination of beaches and coastlines, Acadian heritage, and lively festivals. Expect to encounter untamed nature and maritime culture.

Top cities to visit

  • Aerial view of Halifax showing the Citadel, waterfront, and harbour on Canada’s Atlantic coast.

    Halifax

    Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, charms visitors with its striking waterfront. The Citadel overlooks the harbour, offering a unique panorama, while the Halifax Waterfront brings the docks to life with restaurants and shops. No visit is complete without trying the iconic dish of Halifax donair.
  • View of downtown Moncton in New Brunswick, with the bridge and waterfront at sunset.

    Moncton

    Moncton, in the heart of New Brunswick, is an ideal starting point for exploring the Maritime provinces. The Tidal Bore on the Petitcodiac River, the Magnetic Hill optical illusion, the vast Irishtown Nature Park, and the downtown area are must-sees that showcase the city’s full character.
  • Panoramic view of Charlottetown featuring St. Dunstan’s Basilica, the waterfront, and a hot air balloon at sunset.

    Charlottetown

    Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island, is best explored through its key landmarks: the Charlottetown Waterfront, Province House—the birthplace of Confederation—and its historic downtown. The city charms visitors with its peaceful harbour atmosphere and seafood-focused cuisine.
  • View of Saint John, New Brunswick, featuring the Reversing Falls Bridge, the Saint John River, and the city in the background.

    Saint-John's

    Saint John, nestled on the shores of the Bay of Fundy, charms visitors with its rich heritage, historic district, and coastal landscapes. From the famous Reversing Falls Rapids and the Harbour Passage to its large parks and fresh seafood, Saint John is a must-visit destination in New Brunswick.
  • View of downtown Fredericton, New Brunswick, featuring the Fredericton Lighthouse and the Saint John River.

    Fredericton

    Fredericton, crossed by the Saint John River, offers a harmonious blend of urban life, culture, and outdoor activities. Stroll along its scenic riverfront trails, explore the Garrison District and its botanical garden, and then discover local art galleries, shops, microbreweries, and markets.
  • Aerial view of Halifax showing the Citadel, waterfront, and harbour on Canada’s Atlantic coast.

    Halifax

    Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, charms visitors with its striking waterfront. The Citadel overlooks the harbour, offering a unique panorama, while the Halifax Waterfront brings the docks to life with restaurants and shops. No visit is complete without trying the iconic dish of Halifax donair.
  • View of downtown Moncton in New Brunswick, with the bridge and waterfront at sunset.

    Moncton

    Moncton, in the heart of New Brunswick, is an ideal starting point for exploring the Maritime provinces. The Tidal Bore on the Petitcodiac River, the Magnetic Hill optical illusion, the vast Irishtown Nature Park, and the downtown area are must-sees that showcase the city’s full character.
  • Panoramic view of Charlottetown featuring St. Dunstan’s Basilica, the waterfront, and a hot air balloon at sunset.

    Charlottetown

    Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island, is best explored through its key landmarks: the Charlottetown Waterfront, Province House—the birthplace of Confederation—and its historic downtown. The city charms visitors with its peaceful harbour atmosphere and seafood-focused cuisine.
  • View of Saint John, New Brunswick, featuring the Reversing Falls Bridge, the Saint John River, and the city in the background.

    Saint-John's

    Saint John, nestled on the shores of the Bay of Fundy, charms visitors with its rich heritage, historic district, and coastal landscapes. From the famous Reversing Falls Rapids and the Harbour Passage to its large parks and fresh seafood, Saint John is a must-visit destination in New Brunswick.
  • View of downtown Fredericton, New Brunswick, featuring the Fredericton Lighthouse and the Saint John River.

    Fredericton

    Fredericton, crossed by the Saint John River, offers a harmonious blend of urban life, culture, and outdoor activities. Stroll along its scenic riverfront trails, explore the Garrison District and its botanical garden, and then discover local art galleries, shops, microbreweries, and markets.

Useful information

Official language(s)

New Brunswick is the only Maritime province where both French and English are official languages. Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island have English as their sole official language. However, French remains strongly present across the Maritime provinces.

Flight duration

Direct flight: 1h15 to 1h45 depending on the destination
Connecting flight: 4h30 to 10h (depending on connection times)

Time zone difference

Maritimes time zone: UTC-4
1h ahead of Quebec (EST)
1h ahead of Quebec (EDT)

Currency

Canadian dollar (CAD)

Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, hotels, gas stations, and tourist attractions. However, it is recommended to carry some cash for small businesses, local markets, remote gas stations, and rural activities.

Tips

In the Maritime provinces, tipping is expected as it is an important part of employees’ income. In restaurants, a tip of 15% to 20% of the total bill is recommended. In bars, one or two dollars per drink is common. For taxis and tour guides, a tip of 10% to 15% is customary.

Safety

The Maritime provinces are a safe travel destination, and locals are known for their warm hospitality. When enjoying outdoor activities, it is advised to be cautious near cliffs and coastal areas, to pay attention to tides, which can be extreme, especially in the Bay of Fundy, and to check local conditions before setting out on any excursion.

Top things to do and see

  • Drive the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island.

  • Observe the world’s highest tides and the Hopewell Rocks in the Bay of Fundy.

  • Admire the red beaches of Prince Edward Island.

  • Explore Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Photograph Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse.

Hidden gems to discover

  • The Bouctouche Dune (New Brunswick)

    A natural gem of New Brunswick, the Bouctouche Dune enchants visitors with its 12 kilometres of sand, its boardwalk, and its coastal landscapes. Between the beach, birdwatching, and spectacular sunsets, this excursion offers a unique experience in the heart of unspoiled nature

  • Cape Enrage (New Brunswick)

    Shaped by the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy, Cape Enrage reveals a dramatic rocky coastline. With its iconic lighthouse, cliffs, and sweeping Atlantic views, this natural site is a must-see in New Brunswick.

  • Basin Head Provincial Park and its “singing sands” (Prince Edward Island)

    Basin Head Provincial Park is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the Maritime provinces, with white sand, dunes, and turquoise waters. Famous for its “singing sands” that make a soft sound underfoot, this spot offers a unique beach experience on Prince Edward Island.

  • Miscou Island (New Brunswick)

    Peaceful heaven, Miscou Island captivates visitors with its long beaches, dunes, peat bogs, and remote, end-of-the-world atmosphere. With the Miscou Lighthouse, pristine landscapes, and rich Acadian culture, the island offers a peaceful and authentic escape in northern New Brunswick.

  • The Bouctouche Dune (New Brunswick)

    A natural gem of New Brunswick, the Bouctouche Dune enchants visitors with its 12 kilometres of sand, its boardwalk, and its coastal landscapes. Between the beach, birdwatching, and spectacular sunsets, this excursion offers a unique experience in the heart of unspoiled nature

  • Cape Enrage (New Brunswick)

    Shaped by the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy, Cape Enrage reveals a dramatic rocky coastline. With its iconic lighthouse, cliffs, and sweeping Atlantic views, this natural site is a must-see in New Brunswick.

  • Basin Head Provincial Park and its “singing sands” (Prince Edward Island)

    Basin Head Provincial Park is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the Maritime provinces, with white sand, dunes, and turquoise waters. Famous for its “singing sands” that make a soft sound underfoot, this spot offers a unique beach experience on Prince Edward Island.

  • Miscou Island (New Brunswick)

    Peaceful heaven, Miscou Island captivates visitors with its long beaches, dunes, peat bogs, and remote, end-of-the-world atmosphere. With the Miscou Lighthouse, pristine landscapes, and rich Acadian culture, the island offers a peaceful and authentic escape in northern New Brunswick.

Highlights

  • The freshness of the seafood.
  • Stunning scenic drives.
  • Spectacular coastal landscapes with cliffs, beaches, and fishing villages.
  • The impressive tides of the Bay of Fundy.

Keep in mind

  • Expect larger crowds during the peak season, especially in July and August. Booking early is highly recommended.
  • Ocean water remains cool, even in the height of summer.
  • The weather can change quickly, with rapid shifts between sunshine, wind, and rain.

Local food and gastronomy

  • Lobster roll

    The lobster roll is an iconic Maritime sandwich made with fresh lobster meat, mayonnaise, and celery, served in a toasted bun. Rich yet comforting, it's best enjoyed during the summer at seaside shacks, seafood markets, and local restaurants.

  • Seafood chowder

    This seafood chowder is a rich, creamy soup made with potatoes, vegetables, cream, and a variety of Atlantic seafood that varies by province. Lightly seasoned, it is traditionally served with bread or biscuits and enjoyed throughout the Maritime provinces.

  • Hodge podge

    Hodge Podge is a creamy vegetable dish from Nova Scotia, traditionally prepared in summer with freshly harvested potatoes, carrots, green beans, and peas, all gently coated in a rich butter, milk, and cream sauce. Comforting and simple, it is often served with bread, biscuits, or fish.

  • Malpeque oysters (PEI)

    Malpeque oysters from Prince Edward Island are renowned worldwide for their exceptional quality, deep shells, and firm, plump flesh. They are most often enjoyed raw, with lemon or a variety of sauces. A true culinary staple, they stand out for their freshness and delicate flavour.

  • Pets de sœur (Cinnamon roly-poly)

    A beloved Acadian dessert in the Maritimes, pets de sœur are soft, rich, and wonderfully comforting. Made with risen dough, butter, and brown sugar, sometimes enhanced with maple or cinnamon, they are rolled, then baked until lightly caramelized. Simple and satisfying, they are a classic sweet treat.

  • Lobster roll

    The lobster roll is an iconic Maritime sandwich made with fresh lobster meat, mayonnaise, and celery, served in a toasted bun. Rich yet comforting, it's best enjoyed during the summer at seaside shacks, seafood markets, and local restaurants.

  • Seafood chowder

    This seafood chowder is a rich, creamy soup made with potatoes, vegetables, cream, and a variety of Atlantic seafood that varies by province. Lightly seasoned, it is traditionally served with bread or biscuits and enjoyed throughout the Maritime provinces.

  • Hodge podge

    Hodge Podge is a creamy vegetable dish from Nova Scotia, traditionally prepared in summer with freshly harvested potatoes, carrots, green beans, and peas, all gently coated in a rich butter, milk, and cream sauce. Comforting and simple, it is often served with bread, biscuits, or fish.

  • Malpeque oysters (PEI)

    Malpeque oysters from Prince Edward Island are renowned worldwide for their exceptional quality, deep shells, and firm, plump flesh. They are most often enjoyed raw, with lemon or a variety of sauces. A true culinary staple, they stand out for their freshness and delicate flavour.

  • Pets de sœur (Cinnamon roly-poly)

    A beloved Acadian dessert in the Maritimes, pets de sœur are soft, rich, and wonderfully comforting. Made with risen dough, butter, and brown sugar, sometimes enhanced with maple or cinnamon, they are rolled, then baked until lightly caramelized. Simple and satisfying, they are a classic sweet treat.

Good to know

  • Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the different Maritime provinces and reaching coastal sites and remote villages.
  • Even in summer, it is best to pack warm, windproof clothing. Temperatures generally range from 15°C to 25°C.
  • Lobster season generally runs from spring to early summer.

What to bring back?

  • Hand-knit mittens

  • A decorative buoy

  • Handcrafted seaweed soaps

  • Hand-knit mittens

  • A decorative buoy

  • Handcrafted seaweed soaps

  • Hand-knit mittens

  • A decorative buoy

  • Handcrafted seaweed soaps

Frequently asked questions

The best time to visit the Maritimes is from July to late September, when all attractions are open to visitors. July and August are the busiest and liveliest months, with numerous festivals, beaches perfect for swimming and relaxing, scenic hiking trails, and pleasant temperatures. In September, the crowds begin to thin, but the weather stays mild, and the first hints of fall colour appear toward the end of the month.

A car is the best way to explore the Maritimes. It makes it easy to follow the coastal roads, pass through charming villages, and stop whenever the scenery calls for it. For travellers who prefer not to drive, bus service—namely Maritime Bus—offers convenient connections between the main towns and cities across the three provinces. Ferries are also worth considering as they can help streamline your route depending on your itinerary.

10 to 14 days.

This time frame is perfect for exploring the Maritimes at a comfortable pace and discovering the appeal of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. It allows plenty of time to take in the coastal roads, villages, beaches, national parks, and gourmet stops.

  • Festival acadien de Caraquet, in August, in Caraquet, New Brunswick. The largest cultural event in Acadia brings together more than 60,000 festivalgoers to celebrate music, comedy, traditions, and Acadian culture. Highlights include the Blessing of the Fleet and the famous Tintamarre on August 15, a colourful, noisy, and festive parade where pots, spoons, bells, and horns are all part of the fun.

  • Shediac Lobster Festival, in July, in Shediac, New Brunswick. This festive summer event celebrates lobster in a fun seaside atmosphere. Concerts, rides, culinary demonstrations, and a wide range of activities make it a fun gathering for the whole family.

  • Cavendish Beach Music Festival, in July, in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island. Atlantic Canada’s largest outdoor country music festival brings together internationally renowned artists and thousands of festivalgoers in a relaxed seaside setting.

  • Celtic Colours International Festival, in October, on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. A vibrant event where Celtic music, autumn colours, and coastal villages come together to create a truly distinctive atmosphere.

Getting ready for your trip

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