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Maritimes
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Explore Canada's Maritimes for Atlantic coastlines, historic ports, Acadian culture, seafood, forests, island scenery and dramatic Bay of Fundy tides.

The Maritimes are the three eastern Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Together they form a compact but varied region on the Atlantic coast, where sheltered bays, tidal estuaries, forested uplands, fertile farmland and fishing communities shape both the scenery and the culture. New Brunswick borders the United States to the west and north, while Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island extend into the Gulf of St Lawrence and the Atlantic. Journeys between the provinces reveal marked differences in landscape, language and local tradition.
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Nova Scotia combines a busy maritime centre in Halifax with a long, indented coastline of fishing villages, headlands and historic ports. Lunenburg, with its British colonial town plan and seafaring associations, and the Annapolis Valley, known for orchards and vineyards, present a different character from the exposed Atlantic shore of Cape Breton. The Cabot Trail traces the highlands and coastal scenery of northern Cape Breton Island, although the island's communities and distances mean it deserves several days rather than a hurried excursion.
New Brunswick is the only officially bilingual province in Canada, and its landscapes range from the Bay of Fundy's dramatic tides to the wooded interior and the Acadian peninsula in the northeast. Saint John and Moncton are useful urban bases, while Fredericton offers a riverside capital with museums and cultural institutions. Along the coast, the Fundy shoreline is defined by cliffs, islands, salt marshes and beaches, with the tides creating constantly changing conditions for walking, boating and wildlife observation.
Prince Edward Island is the smallest province, known for red sandstone shores, rolling agricultural land, covered bridges, sandy beaches and a strong literary association with Lucy Maud Montgomery. Its rural roads and compact scale suit slow exploration, particularly around Charlottetown, the North Shore and the island's eastern communities. Across the Maritimes, seafood is central but not exclusive: apples, berries, potatoes, dairy products, craft beer, cider and Acadian and Gaelic culinary influences add regional depth.
The region's history is visible in Indigenous Mi'kmaq, Wolastoqiyik and Peskotomuhkati homelands, Acadian settlements, British colonial towns, shipyards, forts, churches and railway towns. Visitors should allow time for weather changes, tidal planning and long coastal drives. The most rewarding itineraries balance larger centres with small communities, museums, working harbours, protected landscapes and opportunities to understand the living cultures that continue to shape Atlantic Canada.

When is the best time to visit Maritimes?

Best: June–August · 21–24°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January0101
February190
March690
April1180
May1780
June (best)2180
July (best)2490
August (best)2490
September2090
October14100
November9110
December2110

Getting to and around Maritimes

How to get there

The principal international gateway is Halifax Stanfield International Airport, located north of Halifax in Nova Scotia, with domestic links to major Canadian cities and seasonal international services. Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport and Fredericton International Airport serve New Brunswick, while Charlottetown Airport serves Prince Edward Island; connections may require a transfer in a larger Canadian or international hub. VIA Rail's Ocean provides a long-distance rail link between Montreal and Halifax, with stops in parts of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, although service patterns should be checked before travel. Major roads connect the provinces through New Brunswick, and ferries provide access to Prince Edward Island from Nova Scotia and to Nova Scotia from Newfoundland, which is outside the Maritimes.

Transportation

Distances are manageable between the main cities but much greater on coastal and rural routes, so a hire car is often the most practical choice for the Cabot Trail, the Bay of Fundy coast and much of Prince Edward Island. Intercity buses and limited rail services connect some larger centres, while local public transport is strongest in Halifax, Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton and Charlottetown. Rural services are less frequent and may not reach isolated beaches, lighthouses or trailheads. Cycling is possible on quieter roads and dedicated routes, but visitors should plan for hills, wind, limited shoulders and long stretches without services.

Top city travel guides in Maritimes

The cities of Maritimes, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Maritimes

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Maritimes

The Maritimes offer a varied attraction landscape built around coast, history and outdoor access. Halifax combines museums, harbour walks and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, while nearby communities and the South Shore provide historic ports, boatbuilding traditions and coastal scenery. Lunenburg is notable for its preserved colonial streetscape and seafaring heritage, and the Annapolis Valley brings orchards, vineyards, farms and historic settlements. In northern Nova Scotia, Cape Breton Highlands National Park and the Cabot Trail provide hiking, lookouts and mountain-to-sea landscapes. New Brunswick's attractions range from the Bay of Fundy coastline and Fundy National Park to the cultural institutions of Fredericton, Saint John and Moncton, with whale-watching and coastal excursions available in suitable seasons. Prince Edward Island adds sandy beaches, red cliffs, rural lanes and literary associations with Lucy Maud Montgomery. Across the region, museums, lighthouses, galleries, historic churches, Indigenous cultural interpretation, fishing harbours and provincial parks provide a more grounded experience than sightseeing from major cities alone.

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Best landmarks in Maritimes

The Maritimes' most recognisable landmarks reflect defence, seafaring, tides and distinctive regional architecture. Halifax Citadel rises above the city as a nineteenth-century fortress overlooking one of the world's great natural harbours, while the Halifax waterfront preserves a strong connection with naval and commercial history. Lunenburg's historic townscape, with its orderly streets and colourful wooden buildings, expresses the importance of Atlantic shipbuilding and trade. In New Brunswick, the Hopewell Rocks on the Bay of Fundy coast are sculpted sea stacks seen most dramatically around low tide, although the tidal environment requires careful planning. The Reversing Falls area at Saint John illustrates the force of Fundy waters in a changing urban landscape. Prince Edward Island's Confederation Bridge links the island with New Brunswick across the Northumberland Strait, while red sandstone cliffs and beaches form natural landmarks throughout the island. Covered bridges, historic lighthouses, church spires and fishing wharves add smaller-scale markers of Maritime settlement across all three provinces.

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Explore Maritimes on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Maritimes

Maritime dining is closely connected to the Atlantic and the region's farms. Lobster, scallops, mussels, oysters, crab and haddock appear widely, although availability and quality vary by season and coast. Nova Scotia is associated with seafood, apples, blueberries and wines from the Annapolis Valley; Prince Edward Island is known for potatoes, shellfish and agricultural produce; and New Brunswick combines Bay of Fundy seafood with Acadian specialities such as fricot and pâté, alongside locally produced dairy, meat and vegetables. Menus range from fish-and-chips shops, lobster suppers and harbour cafés to contemporary restaurants in Halifax, Charlottetown, Saint John, Moncton and Fredericton. Rural inns, breweries, cider makers, bakeries and farmers' markets are useful places to encounter regional ingredients without treating every dish as a fixed tradition. Visitors should also look for French-language and Acadian influences, which give parts of the Maritimes a culinary character distinct from mainstream Canadian dining.

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Best bars in Maritimes

Evening life in the Maritimes varies sharply by location. Halifax has the region's broadest selection of pubs, cocktail bars, breweries, live-music rooms and late-night venues, concentrated around the downtown core and waterfront areas. Charlottetown, Fredericton, Saint John and Moncton offer smaller but active scenes built around restaurants, bars, theatres, local beer and touring music; Moncton also serves as an important nightlife centre for southeastern New Brunswick. In rural Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, evenings more often centre on traditional pubs, inns, community performances, seasonal music and brewery taprooms than on large clubs. Acadian and Celtic musical traditions appear in different communities, but events and opening arrangements change, so check locally. Responsible drinking and arranging transport matter particularly on coastal and rural roads where taxis and public transport can be limited.

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Best nightclubs in Maritimes

Evening life in the Maritimes varies sharply by location. Halifax has the region's broadest selection of pubs, cocktail bars, breweries, live-music rooms and late-night venues, concentrated around the downtown core and waterfront areas. Charlottetown, Fredericton, Saint John and Moncton offer smaller but active scenes built around restaurants, bars, theatres, local beer and touring music; Moncton also serves as an important nightlife centre for southeastern New Brunswick. In rural Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, evenings more often centre on traditional pubs, inns, community performances, seasonal music and brewery taprooms than on large clubs. Acadian and Celtic musical traditions appear in different communities, but events and opening arrangements change, so check locally. Responsible drinking and arranging transport matter particularly on coastal and rural roads where taxis and public transport can be limited.

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Best shops in Maritimes

Shopping in the Maritimes is strongest in historic town centres, regional capitals, harbour districts and farmers' markets rather than in concentrated luxury precincts. Halifax offers independent boutiques, galleries, booksellers, craft breweries and food shops alongside larger retail areas, while Lunenburg and other South Shore communities are known for art, maritime-themed crafts and locally made goods. Charlottetown combines a compact historic centre with galleries, independent shops and island food products, and Fredericton and Saint John provide craft, design and book shopping in New Brunswick. Look for pottery, textiles, woodwork, jewellery, paintings, preserves, berries, maple products, seafood products and cider, checking customs rules before taking food across borders. Market schedules are seasonal and can vary, so verify days locally. Souvenirs with Indigenous designs should be purchased from reputable artists or retailers who identify the maker and support authentic community production.

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Maritimes essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD), used throughout Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Credit and debit cards, including contactless payment, are widely accepted in towns, hotels, attractions and established restaurants. Carry some Canadian cash for small rural businesses, farmers' markets, roadside stalls, laundry facilities and occasional service interruptions, particularly outside larger centres. Tipping is customary in restaurants and for many personal services, but the expected amount depends on the service and is not a regional legal requirement.
Safety
The principal visitor concerns are practical rather than unusual: changing coastal weather, slippery rocks, strong tides, ticks, isolated roads and long distances between services. Keep well back from cliff edges and do not enter tidal areas without checking local guidance and return times. In national and provincial parks, follow food-storage and wildlife instructions, stay on marked trails and carry suitable clothing and water. Drivers should allow extra time on rural roads, watch for wildlife and avoid assuming that every coastal route has reliable mobile coverage or nearby fuel.
Emergency Situations
Dial 911 throughout Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island for police, fire and ambulance services. Provide the nearest road, community, trail, wharf or landmark, as rural addresses can be difficult to identify quickly. Coastal incidents may involve the Canadian Coast Guard and local search-and-rescue services, while park authorities coordinate assistance in protected areas. For less urgent medical needs, use provincial health advice services or ask accommodation staff for the appropriate local facility; do not rely on a mobile signal in remote coastal or forest areas.
Do's and Don'ts
Do respect public and private access signs, leave beaches and trails as you found them, and ask before photographing people, ceremonies or community events. Do acknowledge that Indigenous and Acadian histories are living subjects rather than simply tourist themes. At restaurants and pubs, follow Canadian conventions on queueing, service charges and tipping, and remember that alcohol consumption is regulated by provincial law. Do not cross mudflats or tidal channels without local advice, remove shells or natural materials from protected areas, or assume that a rural road, wharf or shoreline is open for unrestricted access.
Local Tips
Plan coastal days around tides and weather, but keep a flexible alternative because fog or wind can obscure viewpoints and disrupt boat activities. In New Brunswick, exploring both English-speaking and Acadian areas gives a fuller understanding of the province's culture. Prince Edward Island is compact, yet summer roads and bridges can be busy, so begin popular outings early. In Nova Scotia, Halifax works well as an urban base, whereas Cape Breton and the South Shore reward overnight stays. Ask local producers about seasonal seafood, apples, berries, potatoes, cheese and cider rather than relying only on restaurant menus.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHowdy[/ˈhaʊdi/]
GoodbyeTake care[/teɪk kɛr/]
YesAye[/aɪ/]
NoNaw[/nɔ/]
Please/You're welcomeNo problem[/noʊ ˈprɑːbləm/]
Thank youThanks a bunch[/θæŋks ə bʌntʃ/]
Excuse me/SorryExcuse me[/ɪkˈskjuz mi/]
How are you?How's it goin'?[/haʊz ɪt ˈɡoʊɪn/]
Fine. And you?Good. You?[/ɡʊd ju/]
Do you speak English?Can ya speak English?[/kæn jə spiːk ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ/]
I don't understandI don’t get it[/aɪ doʊnt ɡɛt ɪt/]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu, please?[/kæn aɪ siː ðə ˈmɛnjuː pliːz/]
I don't eat meatI don’t eat meat[/aɪ doʊnt iːt miːt/]
Cheers!Cheers![/tʃɪrz/]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the bill, please?[/kæn aɪ ɡɛt ðə bɪl pliːz/]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![/hɛlp/]
Go away!Get lost![/ɡɛt lɔst/]
Call the Police!Call the cops![/kɔl ðə kɑps/]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![/ɡɛt ə ˈdɑktər/]
I'm lostI’m lost[/aɪm lɔst/]
I'm illI’m not feeling well[/aɪm nɒt ˈfiːlɪŋ wɛl/]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I’d like to buy...[/aɪd laɪk tə baɪ/]
I'm just lookingJust browsing[/dʒʌst ˈbraʊzɪŋ/]
How much is it?What’s the price?[/wʌts ðə praɪs/]
That's too expensiveThat's a bit pricey[/ðæts ə bɪt ˈpraɪsi/]
Can you lower the price?Can ya make it cheaper?[/kæn jə meɪk ɪt ˈtʃiːpər/]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time is it?[/wʌt taɪm ɪz ɪt/]
It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock[/ɪts wʌn əˈklɒk/]
Half past (10)Half past ten[/hæf pæst tɛn/]
MorningMorning[/ˈmɔrnɪŋ/]
AfternoonAfternoon[/ˌæftərˈnun/]
EveningEvening[/ˈiːvnɪŋ/]
YesterdayYesterday[/ˈjɛstərdeɪ/]
TodayToday[/təˈdeɪ/]
TomorrowTomorrow[/təˈmɔroʊ/]
1One[/wʌn/]
2Two[/tuː/]
3Three[/θriː/]
4Four[/fɔːr/]
5Five[/faɪv/]
6Six[/sɪks/]
7Seven[/ˈsɛvən/]
8Eight[/eɪt/]
9Nine[/naɪn/]
10Ten[/tɛn/]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the...?[/wɛrz ðə/]
What's the address?What’s the address?[/wʌts ði əˈdrɛs/]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point it out?[/kæn jə pɔɪnt ɪt aʊt/]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?[/wɛn ʌs ðə nɛkst bʌs/]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket to ...[/ə ˈtɪkɪt tə/]

History of Maritimes

Indigenous Homelands and Mi'kma'ki

The Maritimes are part of the historic and continuing homelands of the Mi'kmaq, Wolastoqiyik and Peskotomuhkati peoples. Mi'kma'ki encompasses much of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and parts of New Brunswick, while the Wolastoqiyik are closely associated with the Wolastoq, or Saint John River, and the Peskotomuhkati with the southwest borderlands. Indigenous communities developed extensive knowledge of coastal waters, rivers, forests and seasonal resources long before European settlement. Their presence remains visible through contemporary governments, cultural centres, language work, art and interpretation, rather than belonging only to the region's distant past.

Acadian Settlement and Expulsion

French colonists established Acadian communities in parts of present-day Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island from the seventeenth century onwards. They adapted to tidal marshlands through dyke building and developed farming and fishing communities connected across the Bay of Fundy and Gulf of St Lawrence. During the mid-eighteenth-century Anglo-French conflicts, many Acadians were forcibly removed in the event remembered as the Great Deportation. Some later returned, and Acadian identity, French language, music, churches and community institutions remain particularly important in eastern and northern New Brunswick and parts of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

British Colonial Rule and Halifax

Britain founded Halifax in 1749 as a strategic naval and administrative centre on one of the world's great natural harbours. The settlement became central to British military power in Atlantic North America and to the wider contest with France and its allies. Fortifications, churches, warehouses and government buildings reflect the city's colonial development, while nearby sites such as the Halifax Citadel preserve later layers of defence. British rule also reshaped landholding, migration and relations with Indigenous and Acadian communities throughout the Maritimes.

Loyalist Migration and New Brunswick

After the American Revolution, thousands of Loyalists moved north into British North America, contributing to the creation of New Brunswick as a separate colony in 1784. Many settled along the Saint John River and the Bay of Fundy, strengthening towns such as Saint John and influencing architecture, administration and land settlement. Their arrival formed one part of a more complex population history that also included Indigenous peoples, earlier Acadian communities, Black Loyalists and later immigrants. The surviving historic streets of Saint John and Fredericton help illustrate the region's nineteenth-century colonial growth.

Shipbuilding, Fishing and Maritime Trade

During the nineteenth century, the Maritimes developed major shipbuilding, fishing and timber industries. Wooden sailing vessels were constructed in ports across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and carried timber, fish and agricultural produce through Atlantic trade networks. Lunenburg, Saint John, Yarmouth and numerous smaller harbours grew through this maritime economy, while Prince Edward Island developed important fisheries and agricultural exports. Steam power, changing shipping technology and global competition later weakened traditional shipbuilding, but boatbuilding, fisheries, port work and seafaring remain important elements of regional identity.

Confederation and the Railway Age

Nova Scotia and New Brunswick joined the Canadian Confederation in 1867, while Prince Edward Island entered in 1873. Railways subsequently connected Maritime ports and towns with central Canada, encouraging migration, trade, tourism and industrial development. The Intercolonial Railway and later routes helped move coal, timber, fish and manufactured goods, although the region often remained economically dependent on decisions made beyond Atlantic Canada. Railway stations, bridges, port infrastructure and travelling cultural traditions still recall this period of closer national integration.

Modern Acadian and Regional Renewal

The twentieth and twenty-first centuries brought economic change as traditional fisheries, coal and manufacturing faced restructuring, while universities, public services, tourism, technology and cultural industries grew in importance. Acadian communities pursued stronger recognition of French-language rights and institutions, especially in New Brunswick, Canada's only officially bilingual province. Mi'kmaq, Wolastoqey and Peskotomuhkati communities have also advanced cultural revitalisation, language education and land and treaty discussions. Contemporary Maritime identity therefore combines inherited maritime traditions with active debates about language, Indigenous rights, rural change and sustainable coastal economies.

Maritimes in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

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The closest regions to Maritimes, if you have time for more than one.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Maritimes, Canada

Explore the Maritimes with Evendo - your 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more. Plan, book, and discover effortlessly.

  • Detailed guides on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking options for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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Discover the best of Maritimes, Canada with Evendo. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, our free app provides detailed guides, local tips, and easy booking options to make your trip unforgettable.

  • History of the Maritimes and travel essentials
  • Local advice to maximize your visit
  • Easy navigation through the app and the destination
  • 'Near Me' feature to find nearby attractions
  • Curated local tips for authentic experiences
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Planning a trip to the Maritimes, Canada? Let Evendo be your ultimate travel companion. This free app-based travel guide offers detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in the Maritimes. Imagine exploring the stunning landscapes of Peggy's Cove, the historic sites of Halifax Citadel, or the picturesque beauty of Prince Edward Island with insider tips and rich descriptions at your fingertips.

With Evendo, you can easily discover famous landmarks like the Bay of Fundy, known for its breathtaking tidal changes, or the Cabot Trail, which offers some of the most scenic drives in the world. Want to indulge in local cuisine? The app features top-rated restaurants such as The Bicycle Thief in Halifax or the Blue Mussel Cafe in North Rustico, complete with images, local tips, maps, and contact details.

But that's not all. Evendo allows you to book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app, saving you the hassle of searching for what to see and do, and then figuring out how to get there. Whether you're looking for a guided tour of the historic Lunenburg or a kayaking adventure in the Bras d'Or Lake, Evendo has you covered.

The app also includes features like the history of the Maritimes, travel essentials, tons of local advice, and easy navigation to help you make the most of your visit. The 'Near Me' feature lets you see what attractions are around you no matter where you are, and curated local tips ensure you experience the Maritimes like a local. Best of all, Evendo is 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs.

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