If you’ve never been to Atlantic Canada, you’re seriously missing out. The picturesque eastern edge of Canada spans the four provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island (PEI). Canada’s easternmost region boasts an enchanting blend of colourful fishing villages, unspoiled scenery, incredible wildlife, and some of the friendliest locals you’ll ever meet. Need more convincing? Here are six reasons why you need to visit Atlantic Canada.
1. There’s no end to the next-level scenery
Huge in scale yet sparsely populated, Atlantic Canada is bursting with natural beauty, minus the crowds. Think towering fjords, lush forests, and over 43,000 kilometres of wild, windswept coastline. Witness PEI’s red sandstone cliffs and pristine beaches to Newfoundland’s iceberg-studded bays and UNESCO-listed Gros Morne National Park. There’s also Nova Scotia’s legendary 297-kilometre-long Cabot Trail, considered one of the most spectacular panoramic drives in the world.
2. You can sample incredible seafood
The culinary scene in Atlantic Canada is a seafood lover’s dream. Buttery lobster rolls, creamy seafood chowders, freshly shucked oysters, and internationally acclaimed Digby scallops are all on the menu. Visit during spring or summer to catch one of the region’s vibrant lobster festivals that celebrate maritime food, culture and music.
3. It’s a wildlife wonderland
Atlantic Canada is renowned for its abundant wildlife with puffins, seals, moose, caribou, and even polar bears all found throughout the region. Visit during whale-watching season (between June and September) to spot beluga whales, humpbacks, minke whales, and if you’re lucky, the elusive North Atlantic right whale. Don’t forget your binoculars!
4. The culture is as rich as is it is diverse
As the first part of North America to be discovered by Europeans, Atlantic Canada is home to an eclectic mix of British, Scottish, Gaelic, and French customs and traditions. Visit a pub in Newfoundland for a lively night of Celtic music and storytelling, head to New Brunswick to discover its French Acadian roots or learn about the First Nations People in Nova Scotia – home to the Indigenous Mi’kmaq.
5. It’s steeped in living history
With its rich mix of culture, it’s no surprise that Atlantic Canada is a treasure trove of historical landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Step back in time in Lunenberg, with its perfectly preserved 18th century buildings and cobblestone streets, or visit Nova Scotia’s Fortress Louisbourg for a window into French colonial Canada. Explore North America’s only known Viking Settlement in Newfoundland, or head to Halifax and learn about the region’s seafaring heritage at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
6. Visit the world’s most photographed lighthouse
Picture-perfect Peggy’s Cove is a small fishing community that has rightfully earned its reputation as Canada’s most popular tourist destination. Perched on the rugged shores of Nova Scotia, it’s home to weathered fishing shacks, freshly caught seafood, quaint shops and art galleries, and of course the iconic red-and-white lighthouse, serving as an essential stop on any Maritime trip.
Have we piqued your interest? Explore Atlantic Canada on a Globus or Cosmos tour.
