The Top Spots in the Maritimes
People don’t pay enough attention to Canada’s East Coast! From “Singing Sands” to breathtaking Northern Lights, tourists can feast their eyes on nature’s greatest gifts—and fill their bellies with Canada’s freshest seafood.
Photo by Dre Erwin on Unsplash
1. Cape Breton Island
Whether you appreciate a stunning sunset or prefer indoor tourism, Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island has something for everyone. It’s home to plenty of entertainment like theaters and delicious dining, but its outdoor spots are where the real magic happens—cycling trails, beaches, and whale watching await!
2. Hopewell Rocks
When you think of the ocean, your mind likely races to Florida or California. It’s time to include Canada in your roster because you can see the ocean at Hopewell Rocks and walk its floor in low enough tide. This New Brunswick National Park also has trails and its telltale rock formations.
3. Bay of Fundy
Calling all nature lovers! The Bay of Fundy comes with all sorts of adventures from kayaking, whale watching, and sightseeing the world’s highest tides. You can even hunt for fossils—the Bay of Fundy has a complete fossil record that’s over 300 million years old.
4. L’anse aux Meadows
If you’ve ever wanted to stand where Vikings stood, L’anse aux Meadows is the place to be. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s the only authenticated Norse site in North America. Chock full of museums and historical reenactments, visitors can try their hand at blacksmithing or speak with in-character actors.
5. The Rooms
Not to be confused with the terrible film, we’re talking about The Rooms, an all-in-one location with something for every tourist. This historic site is part museum, part art gallery, and part home of archives. Explore their latest exhibits and peruse government archives, all with a great view of St. John’s harbor.
6. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
What better place to learn about maritime history than Nova Scotia? This museum walks curious tourists through several immersive exhibits, but its most notable permanent one is Titanic: The Unsinkable Ship and Halifax. Given that Halifax was the closest major port to the ship’s sinking, you can only imagine what artifacts lie here.
7. Quebec City
There’s so much to do in Quebec City that we couldn’t possibly narrow it down! From national parks and cobblestone streets to delectable food and magical Christmas scenery, there’s no shortage of sights. It’s much easier for you to visit and see what strikes your personal fancy.
8. Northern Lights
Though some locations are notorious for the northern lights, others are just as capable of painting the night sky. Kejimkujik National Park in Nova Scotia and Corner Brook in Newfoundland are just two of the sweetest spots for nature’s light show.
9. Iceberg Alley
Don’t assume every iceberg is nestled in Alaska—Newfoundland’s Iceberg Alley has plenty for tourists to see. You don’t need to spot them from the coast either. Adventurous travelers can paddle out to get up and close and personal.
André Carrotflower on Wikimedia
10. Cape Spear Lighthouse
It’s just you and the open sea at this National Historic site. Tour Newfoundland and Labrador’s oldest surviving lighthouse, listen to those idyllic crashing waves, and see if you can spot any whales or beautiful birds. You can also mosey walking trails or pop your head inside for a piece of history.
11. Cabot Trail
We already touched on Cape Breton Island, but Cabot Trail is a sight all its own. Hop in the car and spend the day cruising this 185-mile-long road; you’ll score coastal views and nab overnight accommodations in picturesque cottages should you choose to stop.
12. Giant Lobster
The East Coast comes chock full of fresh fish—and the world’s largest lobster. You might not be able to eat it, but you can still pose with the 16-foot-tall sculpture nestled among some of Canada’s greatest seafood joints.
James Mann from Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada on Wikimedia
13. Gros Morne National Park of Canada
Get your hiking boots and visit the second-highest peak in Newfoundland! Between those summit views and touring the Tablelands, there’s plenty to see before sinking your teeth into fresh fish.
Michel Rathwell from Cornwall, Canada on Wikimedia
14. Bell Island Mine
Despite so many lives impacted by mining, you’d be surprised at how little you know about their day-to-day. You can remedy that at the Bell Island Mine. You’ll get thorough miners’ cavern tours, learn about the island’s history, and experience a Cultural Tourism Award winner.
15. Green Gables Heritage Place
Any classic literature fans in the house? Pop over to this modest historical house in Prince Edward Island, the very one that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables series. It’s particularly marvelous at Christmastime, especially if you have kids!
16. PEI National Park
Speaking of PEI, its national park boasts some remarkable views and beaches. It’s also a popular camping site—whether you pitch a tent or enjoy those views in a cozy trailer, there’s no shortage of things to see.
Bonnie from United States on Wikimedia
17. Quartier Petit Champlain
We know, we know! We already suggested you visit Quebec City but we’d be remiss without suggesting this famous street. If you ever need to revive your Christmas spirit, head here for circus performances, caroling, and winter aesthetics.
18. Confederation Bridge
While you’re here, you might as well drive on Canada’s longest bridge! It’s eight miles long and connects PEI to New Brunswick—it’s also the world's longest bridge over ice-covered water, giving drivers endless views of blue.
Colin Bowern from Waterdown, Canada on Wikimedia
19. Magnetic Hill
Wouldn’t it be nice if Mother Nature took the reins? Give yourself a break on New Brunswick’s Magnetic Hill, a popular tourist attraction that encourages you to put your car in neutral and let it cruise uphill, all on its own!
20. Basin Head
We’re not done with PEI’s National Parks just yet. Basin Head has everything from beaches to museums, but the pièce de résistance is its so-called “singing sands.” The high silica content causes the sand to actually squeak when you walk on it, earning the beach its nickname.
