10 Picture-Perfect Main Streets In The Maritimes

Canada's Maritime provinces are known for their coastlines and culture, both steeped in complex colonial history. Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island are largely made up of small towns whose storied past shows up in narrow streets lined with Victorian architecture, restored boardwalks and fishing villages, and preserved local heritage sites. From Annapolis Royal, one of the oldest settlements in the country, to the birthplace of Confederation in Charlottetown, PEI, the enduring legacy of these places sits alongside modern galleries, upscale restaurants, and world-class event spaces, making for lively downtowns and picture-perfect main streets well worth a closer look.

Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia

As one of the oldest towns in colonial Canada, it should come as no surprise that Annapolis Royal wears its history with pride in a well-preserved downtown lined with heritage buildings and National Historic Sites. Fort Anne National Historic Site is one such landmark and a great starting point on any walking tour of the picture-perfect town. Here, Scottish, French, and English settlers fought for control of Mi'kma'ki, home of the Indigenous Mi'kmaq. Today, the region's history is illustrated and explained through placards, murals, and original artifacts that provide a bit of perspective for visitors and newcomers.

St. George Street boasts an impressive number of high-quality cafes, boutiques, and attractions. Coffee at Sissiboo and a treat from Arch & Po are a must. The former is a locally owned cafe and gallery that features its own fair-trade, organic roasts, while the latter is a bakery housed in the old post office, serving incredible pastries, homemade soups, sandwiches, and other irresistible treats, as well as pizza on Wednesday nights. Across the street, the King's Theatre presents a wide range of live shows and movies in a lovingly restored space, and the Mad Hatter Wine Bar next door serves Nova Scotia labels on a serene garden patio with sunset views over the Annapolis Basin.

Wolfville, Nova Scotia

At the other end of the Annapolis Valley, Wolfville is a pretty university town surrounded by fruit orchards and vineyards. Just off the Harvest Highway, Acadia University is at the heart of Wolfville's vibrant community. Even when school is not in session, Main Street hums with activity. The Al Whittle Theatre is a hub for creative arts, from film festivals to live music and stage plays, and the Church Brewing Company is a popular spot for craft beer and quality pub food with a central patio that is perfect for people watching.

For wine lovers, there is no shortage of vineyards and tasting rooms to choose from. Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards sits at the edge of downtown and offers horse-drawn tours of the vineyard, as well as award-winning wines by the glass, bottle, or flight, paired with excellent food in a modern, elegant setting.

Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia

Mahone Bay graces Nova Scotia's South Shore with beautiful waterfront homes and a small harbour filled with colourful sailboats bobbing on the Atlantic Ocean. It is about an hour from Halifax, making it a popular day trip for city slickers and even a bit of a sleeper community for those who don't mind the commute. Main Street is lined with galleries and studios, including Amos Pewter, a long-standing local workshop where artisans have been crafting handmade jewelry, ornaments, and housewares in a former boatbuilding shop, circa 1888.

For a bite and a bit of fun, Betty's at the Kitch specializes in wood-fired pizza and brunch, and on Thursdays from October to June, a weekly three-course menu is paired with live Celtic music. While Mahone Bay is a treat any time of year, fall is a great time to visit when the town hosts its annual Scarecrow Festival. From about the middle of September to the middle of October, downtown is decorated with hundreds of whimsical creations to celebrate the harvest, and festivities include pie contests, yard sales, community breakfasts, and plenty of family-friendly fun.

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

Lunenburg’s Old Town is a postcard brought to life, with colourful wooden buildings lining narrow streets along the waterfront. The town is one of only two urban communities in North America to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its 18th-century colonial architecture and layout. Start at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, where exhibits and historic vessels tell the story of the town’s seafaring past. Just steps away, the iconic Bluenose II schooner is often docked, offering tours when in port, making for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sail aboard a tall ship.

Art lovers can browse a wide array of galleries and gift shops for unique souvenirs, such as Burnbrae Nova Scotia, which carries the work of local and regional makers and artisans. For a memorable meal, the Salt Shaker Deli and Inn serves fresh seafood and local, seasonal produce in a dining room overlooking the harbour. They also have a handful of tastefully decorated guestrooms above the deli for a comfortable stay in the heart of historic Lunenburg.

Sydney, Nova Scotia

Downtown Sydney centers on Charlotte Street, where heritage buildings and waterfront views set the scene. The town draws throngs of visitors en route to the Cabot Trail and also welcomes more than 100 cruise ships annually. At the terminal, you will find the world’s largest fiddle, a tribute to Cape Breton’s musical roots and a favourite photo stop. Nearby, the Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design is a vibrant gallery that showcases handmade work by Atlantic Canadian artists.

History enthusiasts can explore Cossit House Museum, a restored 18th-century home and one of the oldest surviving houses in Sydney, offering insight into early life in the region via costumed interpreters and guided tours. When hunger strikes, Governors Pub & Eatery boasts an eclectic menu, with everything from donairs, a Nova Scotia specialty, to fresh seafood and Irish classics.

St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, New Brunswick

Water Street in St. Andrews runs along Passamaquoddy Bay, framed by stately brick buildings and sweeping ocean views. To walk from one end to the other, begin at the Blockhouse, a fortification built during the War of 1812 and another National Historic Site. From here, it's a leisurely stroll through town with ample opportunities for sipping, shopping, and snacking all along the way.

Honeybeans is the go-to for a bit of caffeine and a homemade bagel to start the day. Shops and galleries are abundant, many featuring maritime-themed gifts and home decor, like the carefully curated Nautical Shop. While it's tempting to grab a spot on one of the many waterfront patios for a lobster roll or fish and chips, the share plates and creative cocktails at fun and trendy William and Water truly can't be beat.

Shediac, New Brunswick

Did someone say lobster? Shediac is the self-proclaimed lobster capital of the world and home to the world's largest lobster, which is both a source of local pride and also symbolic of two of the region's most important economic drivers, namely tourism and the commercial fishing industry. While the sandy beaches are the main attraction here, the town of Shediac has a lot to say for itself, with a laid-back coastal vibe.

The Homarus Center is an educational pit stop next to the giant lobster offering hands-on interactions with sea creatures native to the Northumberland Strait, while the Blue Lobster Kitchen has a menu stocked with fresh seafood and a covered patio with live music. A trip to Shediac really wouldn't be complete without dipping your toes in the warmest waters north of the Carolinas; fortunately, Parlee Beach Provincial Park is a stone's throw from the action on Main Street.

Caraquet, New Brunswick

In the region's Acadian capital, Caraquet’s Boulevard Saint-Pierre Ouest is steps from the water and forms the cultural heart of this community on New Brunswick's northeast coast. The Village Historique Acadien, located just outside the immediate core but closely tied to town life, offers important context and an immersive journey through centuries of Acadian history with authentic buildings and bilingual guides in period costumes.

In the centre of town, La Constellation Bleue is an artists' cooperative that showcases contemporary work by local artists in a modern gallery space, serving primarily Francophone communities. There is always something going on at the Carrefour de la Mer, a boardwalk and waterfront complex that hosts concerts and community events throughout the year, especially during le tintamarre, a raucous street festival held in August to celebrate National Acadian Day.

Summerside, PEI

Water Street gives life to lovely Summerside on Prince Edward Island, and the colourful shops along the boardwalk at Spinnaker's Landing are a common gathering spot during the summer tourist season. Nearby, the Eptek Art & Culture Centre highlights local history and rotating art exhibitions, with regular art and craft demonstrations in the summer and a weekly film series in winter.

Just north of Water Street, the Wyatt House Museum invites visitors inside a beautifully preserved residence filled with period furnishings and artifacts, not to mention the rumoured ghosts of an upper-class Summerside family from the 19th century. For dinner, or supper as it's called in the Maritimes, The Summerside Shipyard dishes up refined comfort food in a casually elegant space on the water.

Charlottetown, PEI

As the capital of Prince Edward Island and the birthplace of Canadian Confederation, Charlottetown punches well above its weight for a city with fewer than 50,000 people. Queen Street and nearby Great George Street frame a stunning downtown filled with Victorian façades and cultural landmarks. Confederation Centre of the Arts, for example, is somewhat of a crown jewel, home to art galleries and the long-running musical Anne of Green Gables, beloved the world over.

For a true taste of PEI, Merchantman Fresh Seafood & Oyster Bar serves Island oysters, among other fresh seafood and craft beer in a lively heritage setting, and a short walk away, Province House is an enduring architectural highlight. This is where the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island met from 1847 to 2015.

Merry Times Await

Across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, main streets serve as cultural lifelines and everyday gathering places. You can sip Nova Scotia wines in Wolfville and Annapolis Royal, sample oysters in Charlottetown, or celebrate Acadian pride along Caraquet’s Boulevard Saint-Pierre Ouest. From Shediac’s giant lobster to Sydney's giant fiddle, each town offers its own unique take on Maritime charm.