8 Best The Maritimes Towns For A Weekend Trip
You've hustled and bustled your way through the week. You may be on the verge of burnout, but luckily, you also happen to live near the Maritimes (or are interested in visiting). The birthplace of the Canadian Confederation isn't just a historically significant part of Canada—it's also home to the highest tides in the world, with towering summits, offering once-in-a-lifetime panoramic views of the mighty Atlantic Ocean, enough to make you forget all your worries as you enjoy the day off and celebrate the week.
This article will explore eight top towns in the Maritimes to visit for an unforgettable weekend trip.
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
According to the latest figures, there are only 1,223 UNESCO World Heritage sites on the planet. And Lunenburg is one of them. A quick glimpse of its colorful waterfront instantly reveals why this town is beloved throughout Canada and the world. To see it for yourself, check out the Lunenburg Waterfront, a prime spot with a wide range of landmarks and points of interest to see, like the iconic Bluenose II.
The Bluenose II is perched right along the waterfront, towering over the blue sea with its meticulously crafted wooden frame. Years ago, the government of Nova Scotia commissioned the ship to resemble the original Bluenose, which to this day, represents the Maritimes culture and more narrowly, the fishing industry, which played a pivotal role in heralding the region's economy and culture. Though the Bluenose II is a replica of the original Bluenose, it has secured its own distinction and prestige given its age (63 years) and price tag to build it ($2.5 million).
Afterwards, explore the treasures inside the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. The multi-level museum, consisting of three floors, possesses a plethora of artifacts, including antique fishing equipment and tools, historic photographs, and interactive panels on local fish species, to name a few.
For your accommodation, consider the Dockside Inn & Restaurant, a waterfront hotel offering top-notch views of the Lunenburg Harbor from its patio. Beyond good views, locals have praised its delectable menu, with seafood chowder and crispy haddock frequently being cited as the resort's most popular items.
Saint Andrews
Also known as "Saint Andrews By-the-Sea," this charming resort town offers endless fun with engaging points of interest and places to see. One of those places is the esteemed Bay of Fundy. To see it, consider booking a trip with the Jolly Breeze Whale Adventures, where you can witness massive whales that can grow to 75 feet in length. Luckily, now is best time to book as the months between July and September are peak season—with the odds of seeing them hover between 75% and 95%.
Next, explore the Kingsbrae Garden, a haven for horticulture lovers and art. This establishment was honored with the "Garden of the Year" award by the Canadian Garden Council in 2013, and it's not hard to see why. With over 27 acres of prime land to trek, you'll come across a rich array of flora species with diverse themed gardens, in addition to an animal habitat home to goats, alpacas, and peacocks. After getting your steps in, grab a bite at their cozy cafe, which offers replenishing meals sourced locally within the very same garden you journeyed through.
Afterward, a brief 6-minute drive away takes you to Ministers Island Lookout that grants sweeping, panoramic ocean views. It also consists of walking trails and a nearby vintage building called the Van Horne Estate, consisting of 50 rooms, 11 fireplaces, and an enormous livestock barn where the Van Horne family raised animals. Some have described the location as a place where "time sits still," allowing you to be present and relax—something becoming increasingly rare in our fast-paced world.
Moncton, New Brunswick
Remember those tides we mentioned earlier? They're a brief 35-minute drive away from Moncton. The Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park is lauded as one of the best places to see this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon. If you've wondered what it's like to walk on the open ocean floor, wonder no more. Here, you can, so long as you visit at low tide and follow proper guidelines. The surreal experience of walking on the seabed amid dramatic, towering flowerpot formations is a rare opportunity for visitors who have never experienced living near the coast.
Back in Moncton, the Royal Oaks Golf Club provides plenty of reasons to visit, including a PGA-length course that encompasses 7,103 yards. Experienced golfers can take advantage of the challenging layout, while newbies can practice with free-range balls and work on their swing amid the vast green open space and small rolling hills.
And located just 15 minutes away, the Magnetic Hill Zoo aptly draws visitors from far and wide as its name suggests, with its diverse array of animals, with over 600 of them to see, including lions, tigers, jaguars, and zebras, to name a few. Aside from exotic animals that roam in the zoo, Magnetic Hill hosts unique seasonal events with different themes based on the time of the year. One such theme is called Wild Nights, when the zoo morphs into a winter wonderland with thousands of lights from late decorated around the zoo from November through January.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
The "Birthplace of Confederation" is more than just a historic city; Charlottetown is a key cultural hub in Prince Edward Island and more broadly, the Maritimes.
Begin your visit on Victoria Row, a lively, vibrant, pedestrian-friendly street where you'll have access to a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops. The street is admired as one of the top tourist attractions in town.
Next, uncover all the hidden treasures and knowledge at the vintage Beaconsfield Historic House, a 148-year-old Victorian home that takes you back to a simpler time. The furnishings, antique appliances, and ocean views are among the many points of interest in the house. Furthermore, its architectural significance showcases the remarkable craftsmanship that went into building the house, which was built just a short decade after Canada officially became a country.
A few minutes away, the Confederation Centre of the Arts is dedicated to telling Canada's story and heritage through the arts and performances, situated in an enormous three-story venue, attracting 266,000 visitors annually who flock to see live musicals, theatre productions, comedy, and pertinent cultural events. The shows are high-quality, reinforce a strong sense of Canadian identity, and offer artistic excellence for attendees. Even if you're not into the arts, you'll leave entertained.
Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Some towns are lucky to have one or two things going for themselves in terms of culture, history, and landmarks. Wolfville has it all. For example, given its geographical position, residents here have the luxury of seeing record-setting tides. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a typical tide rises and falls by an average of three feet. However, the water tides near Wolfville can see surges of up to 53 feet (16 meters)—to put that in perspective, that's the length of five basketball nets stacked on top of each other or an apartment building with four to five floors.
When in Wolfville, there are plenty of options to see these tides. A few that come to mind are Wolfville Reservoir Beach, Evangeline Beach, and Kingsport Beach. If you're willing to drive a little further, the Blomidon Provincial Park and Campground invites you to an array of scenic trails and campgrounds to stay the night. During the day, visitors have paved paths to wander through the forest or relax by the beach, and come dusk, you can camp out at tranquil sites by the cliff as you fall asleep with mesmerizing views. As always, follow proper guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Come Saturday morning, the Wolfville Farmers Market comes alive with brewed lattes, coffee, fresh baked goods, and hot meals made to go. The venue has bestowed residents and visitors with ingredients sourced from local farmers for over 30 years and is a fun way to immerse yourself in the heart and soul of Wolfville's community. And when you're done, scope out the Wolfville Waterfront Park. The park is only a brief seven-minute walk away and grants incredible views of the sea. It also harbors hammocks and picnic tables, perfect for those to-go meals and baked goods from the farmers' market.
Shediac, New Brunswick
Ever wonder where and how Canada's warmest saltwater beach is? The mystery is solved. It's right here in Shediac in Parlee Beach. This award-winning beach has been honored with the Blue Flag international eco-certification, a globally certified, prestigious designation given to specific beaches that meet a high threshold of standards. A few metrics taken into account are water quality, waste management, and overall safety and accessibility. Frequenters have noted its scenic boardwalk, picnic areas, volleyball court, and, best of all, the beach itself. And if that wasn't enough, its amenities include snack bars, a gift shop, clean restrooms, and outdoor heated showers.
If you consider yourself an opacarophile (lover of sunsets), a seven-minute drive to Pointe-du-Chêne wharf offers top-notch views of the sun during dawn and dusk hours, as the deep gold color transforms the landscape, leaving everlasting memories of the sea. Alternatively, the Shediac Wharf hosts several souvenir stands, restaurants, and seasonal food vendors to give tourists and residents a taste of New Brunswick's local cuisine.
Finally, don't miss out on taking a picture by the Giant Lobster statue, one of the town's main tourist attractions. It's not just any statue, it's the most enormous lobster statue on the planet—weighing 90 tonnes, according to Tourism New Brunswick..
Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia
Charming waterfront? Check. Natural beauty? Check. Endless islands to explore? Also check! The New York Times ran a piece on Mahone Bay way back in 1964. The article described this esteemed region as "a tiny world in itself," given its storied past and, more pertinently, tourist appeal.
There are over 350 islands to explore, laden with picturesque landscapes and gentle terrains, with sprawling floras and green pastures to appreciate and gaze at. Fast forward to today, these same islands still attract visitors with their open waters and diverse wildlife. To experience this yourself, consider a tour with South Shore Tourism Cooperative, which takes visitors on a private three-hour adventure from the Mahone Bay Civic Marina.
When you're done, the town's Main Street has plenty of loacl businesses and galleries to see, including the Northern Sun Gallery & Gifts, Lighthouse Market and Saltwater Treats & Treasures (offering items with everything made in Nova Scotia), and the Mahone Bay Museum, a quaint venue showcasing the region's shipbuilding history, indigenous heritage with exhibitions relating to the Mi'kmaw people, and knowledgeale, engaging staff to outline all the historic treasures.
Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia
Some tourist towns are stereotyped for being too crowded and busy. Tatamagouche, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. This quirky village with its small population is peaceful, scenic, and provides a warm atmosphere.
One of the best places to see in town is the Fraser Art Gallery, featuring a unique artisan shop where you can explore and purchase a wide selection of crafts made by local talent, with much of the craft influenced by Nova Scotia's maritime heritage and geography. While there, inquire about their monthly events, with each season bringing something special. For instance, on Saturday, October 4th, their Annual Fraser Gala and dinner kicks off at the beautiful Fox Harb'r Resort. Two months later, the Festival of Trees takes place, where attendees can enjoy some warm and soothing apple cider, hot chocolate, and fresh-baked cookies amid decorated trees and art.
Alternatively, immerse yourself in the town's community by exploring the Creamery Square, a lively hub of local businesses and events. The area features a waterfront farmers market where you can enjoy fresh produce and baked goods and buy artisan items, with the idyllic Waughs River being within your view.
To stay the night, sleep in at the cozy Train Station Inn, a three-star hotel housed in a restored historic building. The vintage furniture, mixed with the cottage-like design, invites an instant sense of nostalgia for the past. Additionally, the hotel is located steps away from nature preserves like the Patterson Wharf Park and previously-mentioned shops.
To conclude, these maritime towns will leave an indelible mark on your memory thanks to their rich culture and history, which are mixed with breathtaking landscapes and geography. From the colorful waterfront views of Lunenburg to the stunning vistas of Saint Andrews, every town offers its own story, culture, and experience.
It's no wonder that the Maritimes remain among Canada's most popular travel destinations—but don't take our word for it. Explore one of these weekends yourself.
