10 Best Places To Call Home In The Maritimes In 2025
Canada's maritime provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island are among the crown jewels in Canada's pantheon of provinces. With their location on Canada's easternmost seaboard, all three provinces have been vital to Canada's growth and survival. Each one offers an abundance of personality, history, and one-of-a-kind experiences. No matter which province one chooses to call home, there is something for everyone. Beautiful beaches? Check. Amazing seafood? Check welcoming and affordable places to call home, double-check! With the abundance of options available like that at a buffet, it can be hard to choose which one is best for you.
Summerside - Prince Edward Island
The idyllic seaside town of Summerside, Prince Edward Island, is the tiny province's second most populous city. Home to just over 16,000 residents, those living in this beautiful town enjoy a low housing cost, with some houses going for as low as $199,900, which is a steal compared to the provincial average of $404,000. This charming community provides easy access to the water and Prince Edward Island's greenery. During the warm spring and summer months, residents flock to Green's Shore Park to enjoy the water, work on their tans, or have a picnic. In the wintertime, it's a perfect place to play some hockey or go skating. Healthcare services in Summerside are provided by the Prince County Hospital in the town's north end.
To learn about the town's local history, be sure to visit the Wyatt House Museum on Spring Street. Built in 1867, the Georgian-Victorian house offers visitors the chance to see what life was like in Canada's "Garden Province" when it was still little more than a seedling. Of course, one of the best things about living in a seaside town like Summerside is the seafood! Head over to local favorite Brothers 2 to sample some of the best the sea has to offer. Something else neat about this town is that 62% of Summersides' power comes from renewable sources. Getting to Summerside is a snap since the Charlottetown Airport is only about 40 minutes away.
Charlottetown - Prince Edward Island
The city of Charlottetown is the province's largest city and one of its most historic. Residents of this quaint town enjoy a diverse range of activities throughout the year. Take part in the Eckhart Scavenger hunt, which involves finding nine brown bronze mice that are scattered around the city, or celebrate the island's native culture while also finding the perfect decoration for your home at the Indigenous PEI Store.
For those who love the theater, the Confederation Centre for the Arts is open all year and features rotating theatrical productions. Despite the city's large size compared to the rest of the province, houses can still be found for $159,000, much lower than the provincial average of $404,000. As the largest city on the island, Charlottetown is home to the Charlottetown Airport, and the state-of-the-art Queen Elizabeth Hospital provides healthcare services to those in need.
Cavendish - Prince Edward Island
Ever since the 1700s, settlers have been calling the community of Cavendish home. It has beautiful beaches, such as the aptly named Cavendish Beach, and its lush, rolling green hills, which inspired author Lucy Maud Montgomery to create her iconic character, Anne of Green Gables. Visitors and residents of Cavendish alike can pay a visit to the Green Gables Heritage Place ot spend time in the home inspired by the beloved character.
For those who enjoy a good walk, the Green Gables Golf course is a great place to spend the afternoon. Chez Yvonne's restaurant is a local favorite offering a variety of succulent dishes sure to satisfy all tastes. The community currently has a population of approximately 360 people, and the average home costs around $ 229,000, compared to the provincial average of $404,000. The community is only about a 29-kilometer (18-mile) drive from the island's major airport.
Miscou Island - New Brunswick
On the northernmost tip of the province of New Brunswick sits the tiny community of Miscou Island, with a population of just 551 people who enjoy a slower, more relaxed way of life. Homes in this area typically sell for as low as $249,900, compared to the provincial average of $328,600. Built in 1856, the iconic Miscou Lighthouse remains in use today. It stands as a testament to the island's rich maritime history. The lighthouse also houses a small gift shop and cafe. Nearby, you can find the beautiful Wilson Point Beach, an excellent place to play volleyball or just walk along the water's edge. For a different experience, take a stroll along the Miscou Peat Bog Boardwalk, where you will get to view the vibrant red colors of this natural wonder as they intermingle with patches of emerald green. To get to Miscou Island, all one has to do is drive over the Miscou Island Bridge that begins in Shippagan, New Brunswick. For those traveling to the island from outside the province, the closest major airport is the Greater Moncton International Airport, approximately a 4-hour drive away.
Grand Manan, New Brunswick
In Canada's Bay of Fundy sits the quaint island of Grand Manan, New Brunswick. Home to just under 2,600 people, who enjoy the area's warm, humid summer months and crisp but not too chilly winter months. The average cost for a home in this welcoming community is about $169,900 compared to the provincial average of $328,600! While the community of Grand Manan may be small, there are many things to do for all ages! Built in 1860, the Swallowtail Lighthouse provides an amazing window into the seaside town's maritime past. The lighthouse is still in use today, though it became automated in 1986. Visitors can take a tour and pay a visit to the gift shop while there. To learn even more about the area's aquatic history, be sure to stop by the Grand Manan Whale and Seabird Station. One of the best parts about New Brunswick is its amazing natural scenery, such as a visit to the Anchorage Provincial Park! There you can spot up to 275 species of birds, along with some potential whale watching. Just remember your binoculars! For those flying in, the closest major airport to Grand Manan is Saint John's Airport, which is about a 3-hour drive away, providing plenty of time to enjoy the area's amazing scenery.
Ingonish, Nova Scotia
Ingonish, Nova Scotia, is a town of impeccable beauty and friendliness; its citizens make it the ideal place to live. Golfers will love spending time on the links at the Cape Breton Highlands Links golf course. The Cape Breton Highlands National Park is another wonderful destination to enjoy Ingonish's natural beauty. Even when living in town, the park makes for a fun mini-vacation camping trip. Local favorite Salty Rose's & The Periwinkle Cafe offers an assortment of savory treats, and also features a gift shop! Homes in this area can be found for as low as $134,000, which is significantly below the provincial average of $457,658. The closest major airport to Ingonish is Halifax Stanfield International Airport, approximately a 2.5-hour drive away along Canada's famous Trans-Canada Highway. The road trip from the airport is the perfect chance to load up a few podcasts and take in some of Canada's incredible beauty.
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
The lovely town of Lunenburg is a coastal town with a history that is as impressive as its shoreline. Incorporated in 1888, the town retains much of its original architecture, to the extent that Lunenburg is one of only two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in all of North America. The Grand Banker Bar & Grill is the ideal spot to try some of the best seafood the Maritimes have to offer, making it an excellent choice for a date night or a quick meal with friends. Between June and late September, residents will find the legendary Bluenose II ship docked in port. This legendary vessel offers the chance to earn your sea legs and go for an unforgettable two-hour cruise along Nova Scotia's coast. One of the most distinct landmarks in Lunenburg is the Lunenburg Academy. Built between 1893 and 1895, the distinct building is visible from everywhere in Lunenburg. Visitors are able to view immaculately preserved classrooms without risking detention for "leaving early" and heading to the Academy gift shop. Art lovers should be sure to visit the Cranston Gallery.
The median price for a home in Lunenburg is about $225,000 compared to the provincial average of $457,658. The town's roughly 2,396 residents have their medical needs met by the Fishermen's Memorial Hospital. Getting to Lunenburg is a snap, as it's only about an hour's drive from the province's capital city of Halifax, which is also home to Halifax Stanfield International Airport.
Clark’s Harbour, Nova Scotia
About three hours away from Halifax and the Halifax Stanfield International Airport, you'll find the town of Clark's Harbor. The town of 725 people is one of those "blink and you'll miss it" sorts of towns, but those who do miss it are sure to be missing a lot in a small package. A perfect example is the Clark's Harbour United Church of Stone. Built in 1921, the impressive structure was constructed from cobblestones gathered from the surrounding area. For a bit of fun in the sun and relaxation, Hawk's Beach is a great place to enjoy Nova Scotia's idyllic summer months. A home in Clark's Harbour will run about $249,000 compared to the provincial median of $457,658. Though a sharp eye and a quick call may be able to help fetch a home for less. For a taste of some excellent local cuisine, make sure to head to West Head Take Out!
Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia
Founded back in 1605 under the name "Port Royal", Annapolis Royal is one of the oldest colonies in North America. To gain a genuine insight into the town's remarkable, sometimes tumultuous past, visit the Fort Anne Historic Site, Canada’s first administered National Historic Site. Or take a stroll through Canada's largest registered historic district: the Historic District of Annapolis Royal.
The Annapolis Royal Farmers and Traders Market is the perfect spot to pick up some local produce as well as gifts for those back home or even yourself. (Don't worry, we won't tell!) When you've worked up an appetite and don't feel like cooking for yourself, pop over to local favorite The Whisky Teller Pub for food and live entertainment. Annapolis Royal is a little over a 2-hour drive from Nova Scotia's capital city of Halifax, and homes cost an average of about $239,000, which is well under the provincial average. The town of 530 has its medical needs met by the Annapolis Community Health Center.
Bathurst - New Brunswick
The official motto of Bathurst, New Brunswick, is "see what awaits you." For both visitors and residents alike, this statement couldn't be any more accurate. The welcoming town of about 12,157 residents is home to the Gowan Brae Golf and Country Club on the shores of Bathurst Harbour in the Bay of Chaleur. The town of Bathurst is an easy two or so-hour drive from the major city of Moncton, where the Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport can be found. In town, the average cost of a house is about $149,000, which is practically a steal compared to the provincial median of $328,600! The town's Promenade Waterfront is a great place to take a stroll and visit one of the many stores. Art lovers will want to pay a visit to the Bay Breeze Art Gallery; you might even find a piece that ties your living room together while you're there. Should any medical needs arise, the Chaleur Regional Hospital is a state-of-the-art medical facility.
Living Well in the Maritimes
From the typically great climate to the excellent seafood and affordable prices, the Canadian Maritime provinces have a great deal to offer anyone considering living there. Every city and town spread across the provinces of Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick has its own unique identity, forged by amazing histories that live on through its residents. In saying that, each of these towns mentioned is missing one key element that keeps it from being "complete", and that element is you.
