10 Cutest Small Towns In The Maritimes For 2025
Canada’s three provinces of Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia combine to form the Maritime Provinces. Located roughly where the St. Lawrence River flows into the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the larger Atlantic Ocean, these provinces might not have major cities like Montréal in Québec and Toronto in Ontario, but they do abound in cute small towns with distinct charm.
Don’t expect a whole lot of skyscrapers out this way, but do expect spectacular beaches, illuminating lighthouses, and European-style architecture. And if you know where to go, you can even discover unique international experiences. So, let’s sail away and make our way to ten of the cutest small towns in the Maritimes.
Summerside, Prince Edward Island
Summerside may be the second-largest town on Prince Edward Island (PEI), but it’s second to none in stunning coastal scenery and unique cultural experiences. Stop at Eptek Art & Culture Centre to catch a variety of local art in ever-changing exhibits and a wonderful gift shop chock full of local artisan-made goods. Tour a historic Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) base that operated during World War II and the Cold War and spot vintage aircraft on display at the Air Force Heritage Park. Hit the waterfront boardwalk and keep your eyes out for the adorable Summerside Outer Front Range Light (lighthouse).
Speaking of water, a short drive west of town is Linkletter Provincial Park, a lovely green space featuring a calm bay beach, a nice lawn for picnics, and serviced campsites. If, for whatever reason, you prefer a place to stay with some more creature comforts on hand, head back to town and check into The Boardwalk Inn.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown is actually PEI’s largest town and capital city, yet it’s also a quaint, compact, and very easygoing capital city. Visit the Beaconsfield Historic House to tour a 1877 Victorian manor with many of its original features and a verdant garden outside. During the summer season, you can also tour Government House, the grand manor that has served as the official residence of the Crown’s Lieutenant Governor since 1834. Right next to Government House is Victoria Park, a historic gem that was first established in 1873, and now houses everything from a waterfront boardwalk to a skatepark and the Brighton Beach Range Front Light.
Around town, you can find even more stunning gems, including the many masterpieces on display at the Confederation Centre of the Arts, 18 holes of championship-calibre golf at Belvedere Golf Club, and the simple pleasures of Confederation Landing Park. To complete your Charlottetown trip, stay at the Fairholm Boutique Inns, a gorgeous collection of 19th-century Victorian homes that now function as a family-run boutique hotel.
Cavendish, Prince Edward Island
In 1908, L.C. Page & Co. published Anne of Green Gables, a novel written by Lucy Maud Montgomery about the many adventures of the 11-year-old girl Anne Shirley sent to live on a farm in the village of Avonlea. Though Avonlea is a work of fiction, Montgomery based this village on the real-life town of Cavendish, where she lived while writing Anne of Green Gables. Now, you can tour the historic home that inspired this timeless classic at Green Gables Heritage Place and wander the magical woodland trails outside.
Just across the street from Green Gables is Cavendish Beach, part of Prince Edward Island National Park, a beach that fittingly exudes storybook charm with its red sandstone bluffs, rambling sand dunes, and gentle sea water that’s great for swimming and paddling. Also in the neighbourhood is Green Gables Golf Club, an 18-hole championship course sporting panoramic coastal, farmland, and woodland views. And right by the Green Gables and the golf club, you can stay at Kindred Spirits Inn & Cottages, a gorgeous six-acre sanctuary that truly evokes the Green Gables spirit.
Miscou Island, New Brunswick
Sitting in the Gulf of St. Lawrence is Miscou Island, a remarkably beautiful corner of New Brunswick’s Francophone Acadia region. Head up to the northernmost point of the island to find the Miscou Island Lighthouse, one of the region’s oldest lighthouses (built in 1856) that now stands tall over a patch of wild peat bogs. Right by the lighthouse is a gorgeous beach that’s perfect for birdwatching.
To the south of the lighthouse lies the long expanse of natural sand dunes at Miscou Beach, along with the Sentier du Tourbière/Peat Bog Trail that guides you through coastal wetlands and provides another prime space for birdwatching. If you seek the ideal escape into nature, Miscou Island does have campgrounds like Miscou Camping et Chalets and Camping La Vague available to book. But even if you prefer a more full-service hotel, it’s a short drive to Malia Spa & Resort.
Saint Andrews, New Brunswick
Where the St. Croix River meets the Bay of Fundy at Passamaquoddy Bay, Saint Andrews provides a world full of adventures at sea. If you’re down to set sail, do a whale watching or sport fishing boat tour with Island Quest Marine. Back at land, the Fundy Discovery Aquarium is a nice place to witness the bay’s world-famous tides and vast array of local marine wildlife. And for a different perspective on coastal life, head over to Pagan Point Nature Preserve, which includes a stretch of coastal woodlands and a kilometre of shoreline to view animals ranging from herons to crabs and deer.
Around town, you can discover even more special gems, such as St. Andrews Blockhouse National Historic Site, which preserves a fort to protect against U.S. military incursions during the War of 1812. Also check out the Oppenheimer-Prager Museum at Dayspring for a fascinating look into the creative world of artists Joseph Oppenheimer and Eva Prager, and Sunbury Shores for rotating exhibits featuring works by contemporary artists from near and afar. Then, check into The Algonquin Resort to stay at a grand historic landmark that’s been welcoming guests to town since 1889.
Fundy Albert, New Brunswick
The Bay of Fundy may be best known for its distinctive tidal bores, and it’s hard to think of a better place to see them than Fundy Albert. Here lies Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, an incredible expanse of coastal wilderness with over 20 “flower pot” sandstone sea stacks carved over several thousand years. In just six hours, the scenery changes dramatically with the changing tides. During low tide, stroll up to two kilometres of sandy beaches and explore the secluded coves. During high tide, hop into a kayak and paddle by the sea stacks that transform into tree-topped islands at sea.
Beyond Hopewell Rocks, Fundy Albert has plenty more natural treasures. Hike or bike into Caledonia Gorge Natural Protected Area to find thick forests, lovely waterfalls, and a rich ecosystem defined by animals who are hard to find anywhere else. Also, take some time to explore Shepody National Wildlife Area, a network of coastal wetlands and mudflats that welcome an astounding array of migratory birds every year. Whenever you’re ready to call it a day, retreat to the cute and cozy Innisfree Hopewell Rocks, a 160-year-old farm that now operates as a bed-and-breakfast.
Grand Manan, New Brunswick
A short distance across the Bay of Fundy from the U.S. state of Maine sits the Canadian island of Grand Manan, an island that combines the down-home charm of a traditional maritime village with the alluring beauty of a remote island at sea. On the east side of the island is where you will find the town attractions, including the Swallowtail Lighthouse that’s been standing tall at shore since 1860, truly locally made crafts and goods (including jewelry, clothes, and toys) at Pettes Cove Arts, and a fascinating deep dive into local history at the Grand Manan Museum and their extensive collection of geological and historic artifacts.
Though Grand Manan doesn’t have a major human population, it’s long been heralded for its grand biodiversity, including animals like Atlantic puffins and the rare North Atlantic right whales. Head to parks like the Seven Days Work Cliff Nature Preserve and Meredith Houseworth Memorial Seashore to spot some of these animals on the shore. For prime whale watching at sea, do a boat tour with Sea Watch Tours and Top of the Island Boat Tours. And to top off your Grand Manan getaway, stay at Whale Cove Cottages, a beautiful collection of 120+ year-old historic homes that provide ample room to roam.
Ingonish, Nova Scotia
Perched on the northeastern tip of Cape Breton Island, Ingonish provides a true feast for all your senses. See where the mountains meet the sea at Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and enjoy some swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding at Ingonish Beach. (The park has ocean beaches and a freshwater lake.) Also, here is where you can catch multiple hiking trails and tee off at the gorgeous Highlands Links golf course. And for even more hiking up the mountains and along the coast, Cape Smokey Provincial Park is a short drive south.
Beyond the parks, keep your eye out for some tasty surprises, including a great selection of locally made snacks and sweets at Doucette’s Market & Eatery, a menu full of fresh and locally caught seafood at The Slope Bar & Grill, and a variety of Nova Scotia-style classics (including donair) at Andrew’s Pizzeria. Back at the park, Keltic Lodge at the Highlands has two on-site restaurants open for dining and a wonderful mix of rooms and suites available to stay in the park and savour the coastal scenery all day.
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
Situated on the South Shore of Nova Scotia, Lunenburg is a small town that’s won big worldwide acclaim for its unique local flair. Originally settled by the Mi'kmaq indigenous people, this area came under French control in the 1620s, then the British established Lunenburg in 1753 and filled the new town with European Protestants who pledged loyalty to the Crown. Old Town Lunenburg is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its multicultural heritage, and the Knaut-Rhuland House Museum is a wonderful place to learn more about Lunenburg’s history.
For deeper dives into history, head to the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic to see how Lunenburg grew into a working fishing village, spot the Bluenose II schooner that’s Nova Scotia’s official sailing ambassador, and stop at the St. John’s Anglican Church that’s stood in town since 1753. If you seek some natural scenery, go to Battery Point Beach for a quiet stretch of sand and shore. And for a nice place to stay near the center of it all, try a stay at The Sail Inn.
Clark’s Harbour, Nova Scotia
Located on Cape Sable Island, Clark’s Harbour is Nova Scotia’s southernmost town, and it offers a new perspective on Canadian coastal life. Go to Hawk Beach to stroll its pristine white sands, explore a 1,500-year-old drowned forest of petrified tree stumps, and spot the 31-meter-tall Cape Sable Lighthouse that’s Nova Scotia’s tallest. Head to South Side Beach for an even more remote-feeling white sand beach that’s simply breathtaking. And for a nice, family-friendly beach, try Stoney Island Beach for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and even a hut full of beach toys available to borrow.
If you crave an authentic taste of Nova Scotia, stop at West Head Takeout for the freshest local seafood, including Nova Scotia-style lobster rolls and lobster poutine. Also, try The Salt Banker for tasty Italian-Canadian fare and plenty more locally caught lobster. And for the ultimate in local hospitality, book a stay at The East Wind Guesthouse, a cozy and comfy bed-and-breakfast that’s also happy to help with trip planning.
These Towns Exude Effortless Beauty From The Inside Out
Across Canada’s Maritime Provinces, there are cute towns with charming central villages, fascinating multicultural history, and storybook-worthy natural scenery. Relive the magic of Anne of Green Gables in Cavendish. Walk into the colorful coastal garden of “flower pot” sea stacks at Fundy Albert. And for something really special, catch some uniquely Canadian island vibes at Grand Manan and Clark’s Harbour. However you prefer to keep it cute, these small towns are truly beautiful wonders to behold.
