The Atlantic Ocean’s waves carve the shores of this easternmost region of Canada. Scroll down to discover which of these four provinces will be the perfect spot for your next getaway.
As Canada’s only officially bilingual province, New Brunswick is home to an intriguing mix of cultures. Southern NB is home to Loyalist culture (New England settlers who journeyed to Canada during the American revolution to stay loyal to the Crown) while northern NB is dotted with Acadian (descendants of 17th-century French settlers) villages and Indigenous experiences. Just outside Fredericton is Kings Landing. The living history museum is home to more than a dozen 19th and early 20th century buildings where costumed interpreters work in the sawmill, printing press and more. Le Pays de la Sangouine in Bouctouche is an island-wide theatre performance with Acadian characters and a restaurant that serves up French-Canadian classics like pets de soeur. Further north, near Miramichi, is the Metepenagiag Heritage Park, which showcases the history of the Indigenous Mi’kmaq people. The museum showcases 3,000 years of history and overnight tipi campfire experiences. Learn more
Newfoundland and Labrador is known for its welcoming locals and
nowhere is this more evident than in its many bars and pubs. In
fact, the province boasts more bars per capita (3.87 bars per 10,000
population) than anywhere else in Canada. The place to find the
highest concentration of bars is on George Street in St. John’s,
with over two dozen drinking establishments. Stop in at the Celtic
Hearth, with displays of the building’s 150-year history, to try
local Quidi Vidi Beer (brewed with 20,000-year-old iceberg water)
and Jiggs dinner pie, a local specialty featuring salt beef and pork
riblets. Featuring live music every night of the week, the street
also hosts a summer music festival in August that attracts visitors
from around the world. Or, try a kitchen party at Sullivan's
Songhouse. This east coast tradition is an intimate gathering of
musicians who sing songs and tell tales.
Learn more
Nova Scotia’s position between the Bay of Fundy and the
Northumberland Strait has made it the ideal location for acres of
vineyards, growing everything from sparkling, white, red and fruit
wines. Avondale Sky Winery is located in a 180-year-old former
church about an hour outside capital Halifax. Pick up a bottle of
the province’s first appellation wine, Tidal Bay, a refreshing white
that pairs well with fresh seafood. On the western shores of the Bay
of Fundy, home to the world’s highest tides, visitors can dine on
the ocean floor at low tide. The three course-meal includes local
cheeses and charcuterie, lobster tail and a fresh local berry
dessert. For something a little more down-to-earth, grab an east
coast staple called donair from Pizza Corner, a Halifax intersection
known for its pizzerias. Donairs are made with spit-roasted shaved
beef, diced onions and tomatoes and a sweet garlic sauce all wrapped
up in a pita.
Learn more
Canada’s smallest province, Prince Edward Island, is also Canada’s
#1 golf destination. Crowbrush, one of the island’s 16 courses, is
consistently ranked the best in Canada and has spectacular ocean
views and undulating fairways. If golf isn’t your thing, the island
recently opened Canada’s newest hiking trail, The Island Walk. The
700-kilometre trail circles the island, giving outdoor enthusiasts
views of PEI’s red sand beaches and farmlands as well as stops in
its charming cities like Victoria-by-the-Sea and Charlottetown.
Cyclers won’t want to miss the Confederation Trail, which runs 273
km tip-to-tip across PEI on a decommissioned railway line. The flat
trail makes it perfect for all fitness levels. After all that hard
work, relax on one of the island’s beaches. Basin Head, on the south
shore, is known as the “singing sands” for its white sands that
“sing” when stepped on.
Learn more
Coded by
Mandy Savoie