7 Prettiest Small Towns In The Maritimes

The Maritimes is a region in Eastern Canada consisting of three provinces: Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. The Maritime provinces are renowned for their natural beauty. From picturesque lakes to charming neighborhoods, the Maritimes offer a relaxing and visually stunning trip with a variety of activities to choose from.

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island (PEI) is the smallest province in terms of land area and population, yet it has the highest population density. Among its many nicknames, PEI is informally known as “The Garden of the Gulf,” referring to its postcard-like scenery. The red-coloured cliffs of Cavendish and the waterfront lined with Victorian houses in Charlottetown make PEI a unique and memorable destination to visit.

Charlottetown

Charlottetown is the capital of Prince Edward Island, and this small town is full of fun things to do and see. Take a tour of this seaside city with exciting boat tours such as the Speed Boat Tour, a thrilling ride along the Hillsborough River, and the Harbor Hopper Tour, Charlottetown’s only land-and-sea experience that explores Victorian Gothic architecture and scenic waterfront views. Charlottetown has a lot of marine life to see and discover as well, and you can take boat tours to catch a glimpse of the seals and learn about lobster fishing firsthand.

Not only is Charlottetown beautiful, but it also offers delicious food, allowing you to experience the charm of this small town truly. Pink Crow, Papa Joe’s, and Razzy Road House are only some of the many popular restaurants in Charlottetown. There are quite a few beaches near Charlottetown that are within an hour’s drive, perfect for enjoying the ocean breeze and taking in the peaceful sound of the waves. Blooming Point Beach, Stanhope Beach, and Brackley Beach are all great beaches to see during your visit to the capital of PEI.

Queens County

Queens County is a region in PEI known for its historical sites and natural beauty. Queens County is actually a popular honeymoon destination for Canadians due to its captivating scenery. Prince Edward Island National Park is a must-visit location when visiting Prince Edward Island. The park has red sandstone cliffs, gorgeous beaches, lighthouses, and numerous trails to explore. The park is packed with wildlife to keep an eye out for, like red foxes, warblers, and herons. Enjoy the views around you while picnicking near the lighthouses, marveling at the famous PEI sunsets with s’mores, and more.

Calling all Anne of Green Gables fans, get ready to be Anne for the day while visiting the Green Gables Heritage Place. The author of this charming story, Lucy Maud Montgomery, was a former resident of the site and drew inspiration from the green-colored houses and colorful gardens to create Green Gables in her book. You can take a look at the cottage Montgomery lived in to learn more about her life, and visit the gift shop for exquisite postcards. The site is located in Cavendish. Cavendish is known for its red cliffs and Cavendish Beach, one of the most visited beaches in PEI.

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is located on the East Coast of Canada and is the second smallest province by land area. The province is home to around 13,000 km of coastline, which means that no matter where you are in the area, you are never too far from the water. Nova Scotia is famous for its fresh seafood, award-winning wineries, and its breathtaking views.

Lunenburg

Lunenburg, founded in 1753, is an underrated town rich in history. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Site of Canada, making it a hidden gem and a lovely destination for a vacation. Its most popular landmark is the Bluenose II, a replica of the schooner Bluenose, which became a national treasure after she raced for the International Fishermen’s Cup undefeated. The Bluenose II offers an immersive experience of sailing aboard a Grand Banks schooner for two hours, twice a day.

The best place to enjoy Lunenburg’s beauty is its waterfront, one of the prettiest in Nova Scotia. The boardwalk offers a postcard-like view of the harbor's ships, colorful houses, and the shimmer of the water. The area is perfect for a picnic, and even has a small kids’ play area. You can also take a whale-watching tour to learn more about Lunenburg’s marine life and some of its popular sites. The tours usually pass lighthouses and a few islands, and you’ll see turtles, dolphins, seals, and different kinds of whales. Lunenburg has a variety of top-rated restaurants to pick from during your stay, like the Savvy Sailor, Salt Shaker Deli and Inn, The Knot Pub, and The Half Shell Oysters and Seafood.

Truro

Truro, also known as the Hub of Nova Scotia, is a town in central Nova Scotia packed with adventure and beautiful sights. To experience Truro fully and truly immerse yourself in its beauty, consider taking part in tidal bore rafting on the Salmon River, a thrilling experience made possible by the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy. Surrounded by lush forests and the crashing waves of the river, rafting is one of the most popular things to do in Truro.

Victoria Park, one of Truro’s most popular destinations, is the perfect place for some outdoor activities. The park has over 75 km of trails for hiking and mountain biking, the iconic Joseph Howe Falls and Waddell Falls, the Wishing Well, and, for a challenge, 175 steps up Jacob’s Ladder leading to the top of the gorge. For a more relaxing park visit, there are numerous places for a family picnic, a kids’ play area, and you might even catch a movie screening. While visiting Truro, stopping by Christie Brook Falls is a must. The area features three waterfalls that pour into clear pools, which are home to a variety of fish. Depending on the water levels and the waterfall you're at, you may be able to swim in the cool water. The trail to the falls is relatively easy, but be cautious of slippery rocks.

Chester

Chester is a picturesque town on the Chester Peninsula, renowned for its stunning beaches. Take a trip down to Freda’s Beach for a quick ocean escape, and spend the day watching boats in the Front Harbor. For a more lively beach visit, Bayswater Beach Provincial Park offers significant picnic areas after a long day of swimming. Make sure to visit Sheila’s Canteen, which has been serving fish n’chips for over 40 years. If you’re looking for a beach with a view of gorgeous forests, Mill Cove Beach is the spot to go.

Chester’s beauty can also be found at the Chester Art Center, a non-profit gallery featuring the work of local, national, and international artists. The center also offers workshops and classes to help you unleash your inner artist and discover more local artists. The town has a variety of restaurants to try during your trip, such as The Rope Loft, Club House, Sunroom Restaurant & Inn, and Jamal’s Pizza.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick is the easternmost of the Maritime provinces, and it is the largest province by land area. New Brunswick, informally known as “Little Quebec,” is recognized for its diverse economy, rich history, and natural beauty. Every town and city offers a variety of attractions and activities, ensuring an exciting vacation experience.

Miramichi

Miramichi, the largest city in Northern New Brunswick, is known for its peaceful Miramichi River. Whether you're seeking a sporty activity like canoeing or paddleboarding, or a more laid-back experience such as river tubing, the Miramichi River has a lot of activities to offer. You can also take a look at the river from the Priceville Footbridge, which was restored between 2019 and 2020.

Located on a hill overlooking the Miramichi River, the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel has stood for over a century since its construction. The Gothic structure is one of the biggest churches in Eastern Canada, and is the third parish church on the site. The building is visually stunning, and its interior is even more impressive.

Another Miramichi treasure is the French Fort Cove Park. The park is very popular with both locals and visitors, offering numerous activities to enjoy throughout the year. Canoeing, biking, and pond hockey are only some of the many activities available at French Fort Cove. It also has Miramichi’s longest zipline, leading from one end of the cove to the other.

Edmundston

Edmundston is a small town nestled along the Saint John River and surrounded by mountains. Along with its small-town charm, Edmundston has beautiful places to visit and explore, like the New Brunswick Botanical Garden. Take a look at the thematic gardens like the rose garden, perennial garden, and the medicinal and aromatic plant garden. Not only is the garden a pretty and calming retreat, but some areas teach visitors more about the local history and culture through Mosaicultures. Mosaicultures are drawings and sculptures made out of plants, telling stories of local legends and historic events. You can take a coffee break on the terrace of Café Flora and look down at the beautiful flowers and plants.

Edmundston also has a lot of historical site,s like Fortin du Petit-Sault (Petit-Sault Blockhouse), a fort belonging to the British defensive line during the “Aroostook Bloodless War” in the early 1800s. The Du Réel au Miniature Railroad Interpretation Centre Museum is another site rich with history and education. The museum is a 1900s train shed replica, and a guided tour tells you all you need to know about railroad history.

The Maritimes Region is a breathtaking destination to add to your bucket list. From its picturesque scenery to its hospitality and charm, visiting these three provinces and their beautiful towns makes for the perfect vacation for all ages. Whether you’re looking to embrace the natural beauty of the Maritimes, relaxing on the beach, or speeding down a zipline, the provinces have it all.