7 Maritimes Towns With Unforgettable Main Streets

Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island are better known to many travelers as the Maritimes in Canada. They have become a vibrant and lively tapestry of history and natural beauty, with many communities adjacent to the water. At the heart of these cities and towns is a main street alive with local businesses, fresh food, and friendly people. Whether you stroll down the tree-lined streets of Wolfville in Nova Scotia or enjoy the historic Victoria Row in Charlottetown, there is always something new to explore in the Maritimes.

Wolfville, Nova Scotia

Roughly 100 northwest of Halifax, Kings County, Nova Scotia, travelers can find the active town of Wolfville, a site best known for its port access to the Minas Basin. One of the interesting things about Wolfville is that it is a university town, so throughout the year, it is overflowing with a youthful energy up and down the lanes and streets. Acadia University is home to thousands of students during the school year, gentrifying the entire community to become a lively spot for entertainment and gatherings at all hours of the day. The Main Street here in town is lined with trees and highly walkable, making access to some of the area’s most popular local businesses as easy as moving your feet.

Main Street, also known as Evangeline Trail, comes alive through the bustling day traffic and the nightlife, whether you are joining the droves of hungry patrons filling the booths at Paddy’s Brewpub & Rosie’s Restaurant or visiting to see a performance at the renowned Al Whittle Theatre. Concerts and stage performances are scheduled year-round at the venue.

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Charlottetown is widely regarded as one of the most influential locations in establishing what Canada is today. When it ultimately decided to form a confederation and break away from the direct rule of Great Britain, this was first discussed and planned here. Today, the city is home to over 35,000 residents, making areas like the main thoroughfares vibrant and lively all day and night. History enthusiasts appreciate this capital city for its unique connection to Canada's sovereignty, while others visit because it is one of the most dynamic and tourist-friendly destinations on Prince Edward Island.

The heart of the community is Victoria Row, home to several popular local businesses, including Receiver Coffee Co. and the bookstore Bookmark. One of the main attractions for those seeking to experience the region's talents is the Confederation Centre of the Arts, which showcases a gallery of various media representing multiple generations of Canada's and the world’s finest creations.

Saint Andrews By-the-Sea, New Brunswick

As the name suggests, Saint Andrews By-the-Sea in New Brunswick is predominantly a resort town with many ties to marine life and industry. The Main Street here is a drag that follows along the seaside, featuring multiple colorful buildings, shops, and small Inns that make for charming accommodations. Colonial architecture is a dominant feature in the neighborhoods of this small village, with some of the structures dating back to before Canada surrendered to Great Britain after the War of 1812.

The entire community is active from sunup to beyond sundown, with popular establishments like the Red Herring Pub in the Crocker Hill Store on the main thoroughfare. Visitors to Saint Andrews by-the-Sea are often coming for either the memorable whale watching excursions into the Bay of Fundy, or for community events like Paddlefest in May, an outdoor adventure featuring live music and entertainment.

Antigonish, Nova Scotia

If you were to blend a collegiate town with an area rife with heritage and history, you would likely refer to Antigonish, Nova Scotia. The settlement here originally featured Scottish families; much of this flair can still be seen in local businesses and traditions. Most notably, the Scottish heritage is best on display at the annual Antigonish Highland Games, the oldest event of its kind still happening in North America. For businesses leaning into this background, check out The Townhouse, a community-driven location often packed with people enjoying delicious food and beverages straight from the tap.

Main Street here is memorable because there are so many small shops and boutiques, all seeming to offer something unique and inviting for tourists and locals. One of the popular stops along Main St. is the Posh Peppermint for its array of home goods and gifts. About a block away, local artist creations are displayed at the Lyghtesome Gallery. This is part of the sprawling campus of Saint Francis Xavier University, a predominant part of the town's economic system.

Summerside, Prince Edward Island

Even though many of the towns and cities throughout Prince Edward Island are waterfront villages, Summerside is special because of its cultural flair and working harbor. Maritime industries like boating, fishing, and tours out onto the water are a prominent part of the economic backbone of this thriving town. Water Street is the main roadway through the community, lined with boutiques and restaurants. An extension of this is the revitalized boardwalk.

While many might come to Summerside to take in a show at the Harbour Front Theatre or bask in the history of the island region at the Wyatt House Museum, the lively main street cutting through the municipality offers plenty to keep you busy. Those coming in the middle of July should check out the Lobster Carnival, a celebration of the delicious crustacean, harness racing, and live entertainment.

Amherst, Nova Scotia

Amherst is not the largest town in the province by any means, but it does have a strong community spirit that might make this small community feel larger and livelier than its population suggests. The main street through the town is lined with sandstone buildings almost as old as Amherst itself, which house some of the most popular local businesses, like the Deanne Fitzpatrick Studio, a spot renowned for rug hooking artwork, rug sales, and events.

On Victoria Street, visitors can experience the best of the food and fun the community offers, from the popular Old Warehouse Restaurant & Lounge to Breakfast at Brittney’s. There are also numerous places to indulge in some retail therapy, like the plaza full of shops and boutiques on the east side of Victoria.

During the holiday season, the main drag brightens with thousands of lights to celebrate Christmas.

Tantramar, New Brunswick

A university town first and foremost, Tantramar was formed in 2023, bringing former towns like Sackville and Coles Island into a larger cityscape and merging neighborhoods. It is home to Mount Allison University and has become an active, creative community. The youthful energy of the town radiates through Main Street and the connected Trans-Canada Highway, with several local shops, indie cafes, and even record stores. Some of the most popular places for visitors to stop include Fener’s Place, a diverse menu of Middle Eastern foods on the corner of Main and York Streets.

Nature also contributes to Tantramar's liveliness and attractiveness, including Swan Pond, which runs right along Main Street in Sackville. This road also abuts Waterfowl Park, a green space for relaxing and appreciating nature's wonders.

The first week in August is when the university and the community come alive for the multiple-day Sappyfest, which features performances, live music, art, and poetry.

When trying to learn the story of any town you visit, it is always a good practice to begin on the Main Street. You can learn a lot about the Maritimes by inspecting the colorful colonial structures still in place in Saint Andrews by the Sea or visiting the overflowing streets of Tantramar for the SappyFest event in August. With every new destination in the Maritimes, you are exposed to parts of the town's unique tapestry of culture and history rooted in Canada's formation, as well as provinces that persevere as one of the country’s greatest natural assets.