10 Stunning Small Towns In The Maritimes
Canada's Maritime region along the country's eastern seaboard takes in the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. Known for its sparsely populated fishing villages, dramatic coastline, and a history interwoven with diverse cultural influences, the region draws foodies, adventurers, history buffs, and nature lovers alike.
With sites and attractions suited to day trippers, full vacationers, and weekend escapists, here are 10 small towns in the Maritimes you do not want to miss.
Baddeck, Nova Scotia
Located on Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Island, Baddeck is known as the beginning and the end of the Cabot Trail. This spot on Bras d'Or Lake is an adventurer's dream, with plenty of room to get on the water by canoe or kayak, hike or bike the trails, and find quiet corners to take in the scenery.
Less adventurous travelers are won over by the whimsically colored clapboard homes and buildings set against the sparkling water, a hallmark of the Maritime provinces.
At the eastern end of the village is the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, a must-visit for history and telecom buffs. The inventive spirit of Mr. Bell comes to life here, and the site offers wide views of the lake along with the perennial gardens of his wife, Mabel.
The Maritimes are also known for toe-tapping live music, including the traditional Baddeck Gathering Ceilidhs. Also called "kitchen parties," these gatherings bring together musicians from fiddlers to bagpipers playing Celtic tunes. Whether you bring an instrument or just join the dance, the evening makes you feel like a true "Caper."
For a taste of Cape Breton craft, the Water's Edge Gallery of Fine Arts and Crafts captures the area through the eyes of local artists.
Baddeck Lobster Suppers is the logical choice for a traditional lobster supper. Family-owned and operated, the hosts know their lobster and also offer community-style meals, including planked Atlantic salmon at their fire pit.
Restored Victorians such as The Telegraph House Hotel, Lynwood Inn, and MacNeil House welcome weary travelers with well-appointed rooms, some of the town's best lake views, and warm hosts.
North Rustico, Prince Edward Island
The village of North Rustico is a Prince Edward Island treasure offering an authentic fishing-town experience. It is worth the trip just to sit at the docks and watch the local fishermen unload the day's catch. Affectionately known as "The Crick," North Rustico's boardwalk invites long strolls and easy views.
The town has also become an unexpected draw for surfers chasing the distinct vibe of PEI surf culture. Rustico Surf Club is the go-to shop for boards and conversation with the local surf community, and the best spot to grab a custom screen-printed t-shirt.
Cyclists can make the most of a trip by touring the multi-use trail along the Gulf Shore Parkway from North Rustico to Cavendish. Every mile offers something new, between wide beaches and tall dunes, red cliffs and open ocean.
The sandy beaches of Prince Edward Island National Park invite you to slip off your shoes, take a slow walk, and dip your toes in the cool waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
For fresh local seafood, try Fisherman's Wharf Lobster Suppers, with ocean views and PEI's longest salad bar, or The Blue Mussel Cafe for seasonal catch with a healthy, inventive twist on traditional favorites.
Book a stay at Around the Sea for unusual accommodations in a circular structure that turns through the day, so everyone gets a turn at the alternating land and ocean views.
Caraquet, New Brunswick
Located on the shores of the Acadian Peninsula, Caraquet is the place to explore the Acadian side of the Maritimes. With views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence on one side and the Baie des Chaleurs on the other, natural beauty is found at every turn.
The Quai des Artistes captures what makes the town special: a cluster of six small waterfront shacks showcasing the work of local artists. The Bernard-Jean Gallery, Constellation Bleue, is an artist-run center that also features contemporary work.
The food scene in Caraquet keeps evolving, with La Brokerie at the top of many lists. This bistro pulls together everything you want from a Maritime meal, between its old red clapboard house with ocean views and its Acadian cooking paired with local spirits and beer. The streets also fill with food trucks and vendors serving up plenty to satisfy any craving.
The self-guided Caraquet Heritage Route is the best way to take in the town's restored historic buildings, each with its own architecture and story, between the only Protestant church in the municipality, the landmark Hotel Paulin, and Fitzpatrick's Tannery.
The Village Historique Acadien's trail takes you on an immersive walk through a series of historic buildings staffed by period-costumed interpreters portraying the daily lives of Acadian families.
The real excitement comes during summer festival season, when the town fills with celebrations including the foodie favorites FestiVin and The Great Tastings, Caraquet's Atlantic Visual Arts Festival, and the Festival Acadien de Caraquet.
Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Wolfville sits in Nova Scotia's wine country, between the farmlands of the Annapolis Valley and the sheltered Minas Basin. Its Maritime character carries clear undertones of urban cool, from the Blomidon Inn's Victorian architecture to the vintage feel of the Al Whittle Theatre.
Wolfville accurately brands its downtown as "cosmopolitan." A university town, it is full of trendy spots along the main street yet holds onto its small-town sense of ease. The main street, known for its boutique eateries and drinking establishments, includes the 1972 landmark The Anvil Beverage Room; one of Canada's leading premium cideries, The Annapolis Cider Company; and Church Brewing Co., with the best patio in town and a striking interior transformed from a place of worship into a local watering hole and live-music venue.
No stranger to arts and culture, spots like Harvest Gallery and Jack's Gallery introduce you to local creativity, while the Al Whittle Theatre and Studio-Z focus on performing arts and films.
Of course, when in Wolfville, you cannot ignore that you are in wine country. The Magic Winery Bus is a fine way to cruise the Annapolis Valley while tasting the wines produced by its distinct terroir.
St. Andrews, New Brunswick
Located on the shores of Passamaquoddy Bay, St. Andrews overlooks the Bay of Fundy, dotted with sailboats gliding across the water. Its wharf and Water Street strip are the quintessential Maritime experience, reflecting the town's history and unmistakable beauty.
The clapboard buildings carry hints of ornate gingerbread detail, simple awnings, and just enough weather-worn storefronts to capture the coastal feel. The Market Square serves as the local gathering place for concerts, farmers' markets, and town events. It is an easy place to take in the sights, sounds, and tastes of St. Andrews, from local talent to local cuisine.
The historic Algonquin Resort is the grande dame of the Maritimes. As one of Canada's most recognizable landmarks, it is just one reason USA Today named St. Andrews one of the best places to visit in Canada.
The downtown has a fine mix of eateries housed in Maritime-style buildings. Indulge your sweet tooth at the blue-and-white patisserie and coffee shop at Drewhaven Town & Country, or sit down for a meal at the red-and-black-fronted Gables Restaurant & Gallery.
Seafood spot Char & Chowder is a must, from its spacious outdoor dining area to its lobster rolls, chowder, and laid-back atmosphere with live entertainment.
If you stay overnight anywhere other than the Algonquin, the Treadwell Inn offers waterfront views, comfortable rooms, and good dining at the Chandler Room Wine Bar and Kitchen.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Despite being the capital of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown still feels like a small town, with fewer than 40,000 residents and a walkable, low-rise core.
Restored red-brick buildings and cobblestone paths make Victoria Row one of the most striking, walkable downtown areas in the Maritimes. The outdoor mall is an all-in-one tourist spot, with shops and restaurants housed in historic buildings. The area is closed to traffic in the summer months, opening it up for leisurely strolls.
You never know what you might find, including the rooftop patio at Vicinato Ristorante. In summer, it is worth the climb upstairs for first-rate pasta, pizza, and classic Italian with a view of downtown Charlottetown. It is also a good spot to sip a negroni as the sun sets. The second-floor patio at Water Prince Corner Shop offers similar views with fresh lobster and seafood.
The soft pastel tones of the shops and restaurants at Peake's Wharf make for a notable waterfront stop. Satisfy your sweet tooth at PEI's well-known Cows ice cream shop, explore the bay on a boat ride, or catch an afternoon performer.
Charlottetown salutes Canadian history, with several statues of Fathers of Confederation around town, including two men who shared the same name, John Hamilton Gray. You can find them in deep conversation on Great George Street across from St. Dunstan's Basilica.
Boutique stays are the move in Charlottetown, between the 1903 Queen Anne Revival mansion at Dundee Arms Inn and the historic properties at Fairholm Boutique Inns.
Chester, Nova Scotia
Set on a quiet harbor overlooking a cluster of peaceful islands, it is no wonder this Nova Scotia town is a popular destination.
As host to an impressive regatta every August, sailing enthusiasts have long known Chester's appeal. Located on the Chester Peninsula in Mahone Bay, the well-preserved buildings of the downtown carry that old-fashioned feel found only in the Maritimes.
Many of the town's streets stand out for their architecture, including the weathered blue facade of the Chester Playhouse on Pleasant Street. Known for its concerts, live performances, and long run as a fixture of Nova Scotian entertainment, it is well worth catching a show at this intimate theater.
Chester is a town to explore on foot. Nearly every avenue holds a small find, including Duke Street, where you can sample cold craft brews at the Tanner & Co. Brewing taproom and order a Roman-style pizza at neighboring Il Ferramenta.
Artistic talent runs through the streets of Chester too, between the mini-barn Blue Shutters Art and the rusty-orange house that holds Jim Smith Studio (open by appointment only).
Inns are the accommodation of choice here, whether you opt for the chef-inspired meals and sunlit rooms at the Sunroom Restaurant & Inn or a more intimate stay at the Mecklenburgh Inn, with restored historic rooms, cocktails on the terrace, and chef-prepared breakfasts.
Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia
Be prepared to share this town with fellow tourists. About an hour down the road from Chester, Peggy's Cove is one of the most popular attractions in not just Nova Scotia but all of the Maritimes. Located on the eastern shore of St. Margarets Bay, the granite-sloped harbor, the saltbox houses perched here and there about the village, and the ocean views make a strong impression.
The cove is a postcard come to life: wharves strung with fishing nets, stacks of lobster traps, seagulls wheeling over colorful fishing boats, weathered piers, and waves breaking against the rugged shoreline.
The lighthouse is the most recognizable landmark and one of the most photographed spots along the Nova Scotia coast. Nature lovers head to the Peggy's Cove Preservation Area to take in the landscape, vegetation, and wildlife unique to the coastal barrens.
Six by the Sea is a collection of restored historic buildings. The Peggy's Cove Centre for Arts & Culture and the weather-worn Spindrift Gallery feature exhibits by Atlantic Canadian artists. The bright red one-room schoolhouse, built in 1839, offers tours and performances. You can also dig into the local food scene, between Hunky Dory's unconventional take on the humble french fry and a hearty bowl of seafood chowder at Margaret's. Grab a souvenir at the last of the six, Holy Mackerel, known for its collection of whimsical gifts.
Montague, Prince Edward Island
Known as "Montague the Beautiful," this Prince Edward Island community is a must-visit along the Points East Coastal Drive. Montague holds plenty of small surprises, between its tree-lined residential streets dotted with heritage homes, the ambling Montague River, the restful waterfront, and a clutch of local breweries and culinary stops.
Montague invites you to discover unexpected spots, including the cedar-shingled Copper Bottom Brewery, where you can sit under a tree on the patio sipping local brews over the waterfront.
Bogside Brewing has a strong community spirit, sharing space with three local restaurants serving fresh seafood, barbecue, and pizza. They take the same communal approach to their craft beers, collaborating with other local breweries.
Award-winning Windows on the Water features local, seasonal fare on the shores of the river, in what was once Montague's original grocery store. And speaking of stores, Artisans Waterfront is a creative hub for discovering the work of PEI artists and makers.
One of Montague's most distinctive buildings is the former post office and customs house. This brick beauty is now the Garden of the Gulf Museum, open seasonally with a collection of historical artifacts.
A stay at Lanes Riverhouse Inn refreshes you with river views from your choice of comfortable rooms or private cottages.
St. Martins, New Brunswick
Picture colorful boats at low tide set against the weather-worn boards of a covered bridge, and you begin to understand the appeal of St. Martins. Located on the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, St. Martins could be the authentic Maritime harbor you have been looking for.
Fishing shacks and idle trawlers in the harbor seem to wait for the incoming tide, and St. Martins shows its quirky side at the local favorite, Octopus Ice Cream. Order a scoop from a long list of flavors and browse the work of local artists.
Be sure to drive across the area's covered bridges, including a rare two-lane one. Time your day to explore the St. Martins sea caves at low tide, with their red formations carved by the Bay of Fundy, then have lunch at The Caves Restaurant, arguably one of the best places around to sample authentic chowder or a lobster roll.
You can also dig into snacks and local brews at Old Molly's Bar. The building was once home to the conductor of a local steam engine nicknamed Old Molly, making it a piece of local history. The Quaco Museum tells the story of the area's rich shipbuilding heritage.
End your day at the Beach Street Inn, where well-decorated rooms, meals built on local ingredients, and welcoming hosts are a reminder of what old-fashioned hospitality is all about.
These towns offer an abundance of authentic Maritime experiences, whether you are due for a week-long vacation or just looking to unwind for a weekend. Travelers come for the flavors of local food and drink, the open natural surroundings, and the local artisans, all while piecing together the complicated history of the Maritimes.
