7 Small Towns In The Maritimes With Unmatched Friendliness
What makes a town feel warm and welcoming before you even walk down its streets? In Canada’s Maritime provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island), small towns sit between coastlines, rivers, and farmland reaching the ocean. These towns have been shaped by the sea, shipbuilding, and, in many cases, Acadian and Celtic traditions that are still evident in everyday life. They’re known for much more than their history. They offer walking trails, beautiful waterfronts, vibrant markets, and community events where no one stays a stranger. You won’t need a plan. Just show up, walk around, and let the towns do the rest. These seven towns are waiting for you.
Montague, Prince Edward Island
People in Montague are as relaxed as the river they live on. Begin your adventure at the Montague Waterfront Marina, where you can rent a kayak or e-bike and travel along the shoreline at your own pace. If you want a slower-paced ride, book a Ride Solar tour, which includes quiet, solar-powered party boats and bikes; an easy way to explore the harbor with snacks, drinks, and zero emissions.
Next, stop at Artisans Waterfront, a seasonal café and gallery where friendly locals sell pottery, prints, and handmade goods. A short drive away is Roma at Three Rivers, a historic site with costumed guides, picnic areas, and views of the Brudenell River. On August 3, Waterfront Park hosts the Diversity Festival, which brings food, music, and community to the riverfront.
Summerside, Prince Edward Island
Summertime happiness in Summerside. It’s all sunshine, seafood, and smiles. To begin your adventure, look no further than Spinnaker’s Landing, a set of shops and food stalls by the water. Grab a lobster roll, listen to some live music, or stop to chat with artists selling their work. After this, hop on the Baywalk Boardwalk Trail, which follows the shore and is lined with fishing boats, murals, and the occasional neighbor waving from their porch.
Just a few blocks inland is the Wyatt Historic House Museum, where knowledgeable guides will take you around the home and share family stories with genuine pride. Finish your day at the Harbourfront Theatre, and if your visit is in late July, join the crowds at Lobster Carnival, a full weekend of boat races, parades, and island delicacies.
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, schooners, and a good pour define Lunenburg. Start with Lunenburg Walking Tours, where local guides paint a picture of shipwrecks, shipbuilders, and waterfront legends. Then visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, where former fishermen share tales of life at sea through touch tanks and scale models. Nearby, the Bluenose II is often docked and open for tours; a proud symbol of the town’s maritime heritage.
Walk along Montague Street to Ironworks Distillery, set in an old marine blacksmith shop, where you can sample small-batch spirits served by friendly staff. Before you leave, visit Terra Beata Farms, just a short drive away, to try cranberry wine and preserves made on-site. The Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival runs from August 7 to 10 and fills the town with music on wharves, church steps, and tucked-away corners.
St. Andrews, New Brunswick
In St. Andrews, the view draws you in and the people make you stay. If you ask a local, they’ll point you to Kingsbrae Garden, a 27-acre haven with art installations, rare plants, and the occasional well-fed alpaca. Just down the hill, the Blockhouse National Historic Site sits by the bay, a wooden outpost from 1812 that still guards the shore. Stop at Honeybeans Coffee, Tea & Treats for a cup of local coffee and a good conversation overlooking the harbor.
Then walk to the wharf and book a whale watching cruise. Tours are relaxed, personal, and full of marine surprises. If you’re visiting in late July, don’t miss the Indulge Food and Wine Festival, where chef dinners, tastings, and porch parties turn the whole town into one long table.
Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Wolfville sits in the Annapolis Valley and has more going on than you’d think. Start at Noggins Corner Farm Market, open every day with crisp apples, fresh pies, and cider presses running through fall. Then head to the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre and Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens, where forest trails and native plants surround a quiet research site open to visitors. Stop at Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards next, known for organic wines, views of the Minas Basin, and wood-fired pizza on the patio.
If you’re ready for something longer, bike the Harvest Moon Trailway, a quiet rail-to-trail path winding through orchards and tidal marshes. In late September, the town comes alive for the Deep Roots Music Festival, with folk, bluegrass, and plenty of community spirit.
Sackville, New Brunswick
Sackville is a small town known for its wetlands and welcoming people. Start your visit at the Sackville Waterfowl Park, a scenic stretch of wetlands with boardwalks, benches in the reeds, and the occasional birdwatcher. A short drive takes you to the Tantramar Wetlands Centre Inc., where you’ll find outdoor observation decks and hands-on exhibits focused on marsh life. Back in town, visit Struts Gallery, a contemporary art space with rotating exhibits and local installations.
End your visit at Ducks Aren’t Real, a café known for its good brews and laid-back vibe. If you’re visiting in August, join the locals for SappyFest, a town-wide block party filled with indie bands, zines, and late-night pop-ups.
Antigonish, Nova Scotia
Antigonish is a small town known for its Highland pride and friendly locals. Start at the Antigonish Heritage Museum, where staff share stories of Mi’kmaq history, Acadian roots, and early settlers. Then visit The Made in Nova Scotia Store, a downtown favorite with local pottery, preserves, soaps, and wool blankets. Get some fresh air at Columbus Field, a park in the town center with open grassy areas, trails, and weekend soccer games.
Stop in for lunch or coffee at The Tall and Small Café, a long-time local hangout with mismatched chairs and familiar faces. If you’re in town in July, don’t miss the Antigonish Highland Games, one of the oldest and friendliest festivals in Canada.
No One’s a Stranger Here
Not every small town lives up to the welcome sign, but these seven do. In the Maritimes, there’s nothing staged about friendliness. It’s just how people are. Whether it’s someone giving directions, a server remembering your order, or a stranger pulling up a chair, these towns make visitors feel like locals. They offer festivals without fences, boardwalks without the crowds, and days that make room for slow living. If you’re looking for real people in real places, you’ve found them. And be sure to leave space in your schedule, because in towns like these, staying longer just happens.
