If you saw a world map at least once, you know well that Canada is one of the biggest countries in the world.
It stretches for 7,800kms from east to west and surrounded by three oceans.
Canada is known for its amazingly beautiful landscapes that are pretty unique.
The Canadian Maritimes – it is the east coast of the country.
The region is known for its unique way of life and visiting it, you’ll understand how amazing this place is.
The Canadian Maritimes includes five provinces that are Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland as well as Labrador.
Sometimes, eastern parts of Quebec are also included in the list.
Below, we’ve prepared for you a road trip itinerary through the Canadian Maritimes.
Iy goes through New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Labrador.
We’ve tried to focus on the most amazing places as considering the size of Canada, it will be hard to explore everything.
As a result, we have a 10-day trip through the Canadian Maritimes.
However, you need to know that each place has many more great places you can visit.
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Road Trip Essentials
As we’ve already mentioned before, Canada is an incredible country including its size.
It is an important point when it comes to trip planning and deciding on the time you need for this trip.
You need to know that there are large parts of roads where you won’t be able to find gas stations, hotels, cafes, and so on.
Sometimes, there are even areas where your cell phone has no signal.
It may sound frightening but it’s absolutely worth it as there are lots of very picturesque places.
To make your trip safe and smooth, use the tips below:
- Take a cooler to keep some fresh food cold. During this long trip, you may get tired of junk food and you’ll be happy to have a fresh sandwich or a crisp apple;
- Keep any roadside assistance numbers handy, written down in the front console so you can easily get access to them when your phone is out of power;
- Make sure to check how much time you need to get to the next gas station each time your gas tank is half full. It is a great way to avoid stress and anxiety as well as to ensure that your trip is safe;
- Have a good selection of music, podcasts, audiobooks or whatever suits your ears as there are numerous areas where streaming services and even radio stations are silent.
Now, it’s time to learn about Top-14 stops for your trip through the Canadian Maritimes.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick is one of the most beautiful provinces in Canada and only one where there are two official languages.
It is located on two incredible waterways that are Gulf of the Saint Lawrence and Bay of Fundy.
One important point is that it is known for its Acadian heritage that is well-preserved.
While it is not a large province, New Brunswick for sure has lots of incredible places.
The list includes the stunning Appalachian Mountains, the unique Bay of Fundy, and fertile lands on the east.
There are lots of great places you’ll be impressed with.
Kouchibouguc National Park
Kouchibouguac is for sure a difficult word to pronounce but it is absolutely worth visiting.
You’ll be impressed with its white sand coast.
It is located in the eastern part of the Acadian Coast that has a variety of ecosystems.
Also, there are stunning beaches where you can relax and lounge.
Saint Andrews By The Sea
The place has not only a beautiful name but also an incredible landscape.
The village is really charming and peaceful.
According to USA Today as well as numerous top 10 lists, it is one of the best places to see in Canada.
One other great thing is that Saint Andrews by the Sea is a perfect place for scuba diving and whale watching.
Also, make sure to enjoy some great, fresh seafood in one of the local restaurants that are located near the water.
Saint John
Saint John is one of the oldest cities in Canada.
This village that is located in the Bay of Fundy has been mustered by soldiers during the history of the New World.
The place is known for its very rich American and Canadian history as numerous loyalists came there during the American Revolution.
As a result, there is a variety of beautiful old buildings around the village that may impress you.
Make sure to visit the loyalist cemetery and Carleton Marletto Tower where you can try what does it mean to be a soldier.
Finally, you absolutely should stroll through the local market that is the oldest one in the country.
Fundy National Park
Fundy National Park is for sure the most stunning place in New Brunswick.
The Bay of Fundy is known for its incredible huge tides and thick forests.
There are lots of Instagram-worthy places including numerous bridges all over the park.
Moreover, the park is known for its numerous stunning waterfalls.
Also, it is perfect for walking and hiking as there are both easy and pretty demanding routes.
The best one is the Dickson Falls Trail that is a rather moderate 1,5-kilometre trail that goes through the most beautiful places in the park.
Hopewell Rocks
Have you ever thought of walking on the ocean floor?
If your answer is yes than Hopewell Rocks is a must-visit destination.
It is located in the Bay of Fundy that has the largest tides with a difference of water level of about 15 feet.
Hopewell Rocks are amazing rock formations etched by tides.
When there is low tide, you can literally walk along the ocean floor and explore local underwater life.
When there is a high tide, you can enjoy kayaking and observe rock formations from the other point of view.
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island that is also called PEI is one of the most stunning and well-known places in Canada.
This province is known for its tasty seafood, calm lifestyle, and unique red sandy beaches.
While being the birthplace of Canada, this province was almost the last one that joined the confederation.
Until the ’90s, people can get to PEI only by plane or Ferris.
Later, one of the longest bridges in the world was built.
The bridge goes through the ice-covered waters and connects the island and the mainland.
Also, make sure to stay for a little time at this place and enjoy the local way of living.
Argyle Provincial Park
If you want to see the famous red shores of Pei, you need to visit Argyle Provincial Park.
It is located along the red beaches and only 30 minutes away from Charlottetown.
Also, it is one other great place to walk along the ocean floor when the tide is low.
Cows Creamery
Cows Creamery is a perfect destination for anyone who looks for a great place to have tasty treats during the summer.
Of course, there are lots of great places where you can have an ice cream in the area.
However, the truth is that all this ice cream is made in Cows Creamery in Charlottetown, PEI.
Visiting this place, you need to take a tour of the local factory that produces great ice cream, butter, and cheese.
All these products are made of local ingredients of absolutely high-quality.
If you want to feel like a real local, make sure to try the PEI strawberry.
Charlottetown
Charlottetown is the capital city of PEI.
While being a pretty small city it has numerous attractions.
One of the main places you need to see is the Province House National Historic Site, where the idea of Canada appeared.
Also, walk through the Victoria Row that is absolutely beautiful.
There are lots of stunning waterside parks in the area that will for sure impress you.
Finally, local seafood offered by various restaurants is very delicious.
Visiting the city during the summer, you need to go to Chip Shack where you can enjoy great lobsters and Cavendish potatoes.
Local potatoes grown in red soils are very famous as well as very tasty.
Prince Edward Island National Park
Prince Edward Island National park is a great place for swimming, sunbathing, hiking, and camping.
While staying at the Cavendish campground, you have an opportunity to enjoy absolutely stunning ocean views.
Also, it is a great place to stay overnight.
Just make sure to explore local sand dunes and red cliffs as well as red and white lighthouses located in the area.
Anne Of Green Gables
Anne of Green Gables is a Canadian tale written by Lucy Maud Montgomery in the early 1990s.
It is a biographical book that presents a beautiful story about author’s life in the area.
Nowadays, you have an opportunity to visit Montgomery’s island while staying at the Green Gables.
It is a national historic site.
Also, if you are lucky enough, you’ll be able to meet Anne herself while walking through the area.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is an amazing place that has a bunch of beautiful places as well as absolutely delicious food.
The region has a very rich history and culture so you’ll for sure find numerous places to explore.
You need to know that there are lots of places that pay homage to the past of the region.
For example, Pier 21 is exactly the place where most emigrants landed when they reached the shores of Canada.
One other great place is the Titanic museum where you can learn everything about this famous ship.
Also, you need to visit Grand Pre that is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
All of this, as well as a bunch of other amazing things, can be found in Nova Scotia.
Halifax
Halifax is for sure an absolutely stunning city located on the Canadian coast.
It has lots of things to offer you including incredible food, gorgeous waterfront as well as beautiful buildings.
Enrolling in an epic road trip through the Canadian Maritimes, you for sure need to make a stop in Halifax to stretch your legs.
While staying in Halifax, you need to visit the Halifax Public Gardens that is a historic citadel that protects the area including Alexander Keith’s brewery that has been working for 200 years.
Peggy’s Cove
Coming to Peggy’s Cove you’ll easily understand why this place is so popular among tourists.
The most famous site in the city is the local lighthouse.
The truth is that it is the most famous lighthouse not only in the area but in the whole country.
The town itself is very beautiful but make sure to explore the surrounding areas as well.
Peggy’s Cove will impress you with its stunning landscapes worn by the sea and wind.
Just keep in mind that it can be pretty dangerous there so you’ll see numerous warning signs.
There is even a sign that says “Injury and death have rewarded careless sight-seers here”.
As the area is treacherous, it is better to enjoy the view while staying on a distance.
Lunenberg
Lunenburg is the most important area in the Canadian Maritimes that you should visit in any case.
The town has a long-lasting history that is based on fishing and sailing.
The place is known as a home to the Bluenose II.
It has beautiful, colorful architecture and historic settlements that make the town a UNESCO World Heritage.
Grand Pre
Grand Pre is one another UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Canadian Maritime.
It is a monument that was made to honor Acadian people who settled in the region and were deported in the 18th century.
While living there, the Acadians used dykes and sluice systems for farming.
During the war between France and England, numerous Acadians were deported and lots of them died.
The monument of Grand Pre is here to tell the story of these people.
An Epic Roadtrip Through The Canadian Maritimes
The Candian Maritimes has a whole variety of attractions including historical sites, beautiful landscapes, ocean, amazing cities, and unique culture.
Exploring this area once, you won’t be able to forget about it and will for sure want to stay there forever.
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