8 Off-The-Grid Maritimes Towns To Visit In 2025
Between captivating coastal landscapes, fascinating historical attractions dating centuries back in time, and fresh seafood delights that will melt in your mouth, Canada's beautiful Maritimes region is filled with culture, hospitality, and charm. From the laid-back pace of life in New Brunswick, to the friendly demeanor of Nova Scotia, and the significant history of Prince Edward Island, it is time to explore these eight off-the-grid Maritimes towns to visit in 2025.
Shediac, New Brunswick
Welcome to Shediac, one of the most mesmerizing off-the-grid Maritimes towns to visit in 2025. Discover coastal wonders as you explore “The Lobster Capital of the World,” capturing striking photos with the Giant Lobster statue standing 16-feet tall on Main Street. Dive deeper into the world of lobsters through the interactive, engaging experiences of the Homarus Centre, before you treat yourself to all kinds of chocolate treats crafted with simple ingredients at Adorable Chocolat shop. From there, spend some time laying back in the sand or swimming in the salt waters of Parlee Beach, granted the Blue Flag international eco-certification.
Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Step into the heart of the Annapolis Valley to visit Wolfville, where beautiful gardens, magnificent historical sites, and picturesque wineries come together to create the picture-perfect Nova Scotia town. Not to mention Wolfville is situated along the Minas Basin’s shores, which is part of the Bay of Fundy; home to the highest tides in the world according to National Ocean Service. See the expansive waves rising and falling from Waterfront Park, before you prepare to head on a wine-tasting adventure in the exquisite Lightfoot & Wolfville or Mercator vineyards. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens seeing native plants of the Acadian Forest Region and explore the heritage Randall House Museum constructed circa 1800 by the cooper Aaron Cleveland.
Summerside, Prince Edward Island
Nicknamed “The City By The Sea,” Summerside is the perfect place for an authentic island adventure. Bask in the beauty of the waterfront as you venture down the Baywalk Boardwalk, a 6.5-kilometer walking and cycling trail passing through the Natural Duck Pond Conservation Area to the Acadian forest and stunning shoreline. Next, uncover Summerside’s extensive shipbuilding past dating back to the 1800s with a Historic Walking Tour, or discover Edwardian heritage buildings like the Wyatt Historic House Museum built back in 1867. Make sure you also try fresh local bites, explore the quaint shops, and enjoy live entertainment in the recreated fishing village of Spinnakers’ Landing.
Saint Andrews, New Brunswick
Named “the best place to visit in Canada” by USA Today in 2017, Saint Andrews continues to be one of the most mesmerizing off-the-grid Maritimes towns to visit in 2025. Soak in the seaside charm as you venture through historic Water Street, awarded the “Great Place in Canada” label by the Canadian Institute of Planners. Stop by Saint Andrews Brewing Company to enjoy a refreshing beer by the water and speak to Island Quest to book an exhilarating Whale, Porpoise, Seal, Eagle, and even Shark watching cruise through the legendary Bay of Fundy. Enjoy a breathtaking walk through the expansive Kingsbrae Garden, where stunning streams, lovely ponds, spectacular sculptures, themed gardens, the old-growth Acadian forest, and an abundance of wildlife await.
Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia
Find a piece of Canadian paradise in Mahone Bay; a gorgeous Nova Scotia town renowned for its picturesque churches, abundant bird and marine life, and magnificent heritage museums. See the stunning St. James Anglican Church, constructed with a High Victorian Gothic Revival style between 1885 to 1887 according to HistoricPlaces.ca. Travel centuries back in time through the extraordinary exhibits of Mahone Bay Museum. Main exhibits include the 1754 Settlement of the Area, Three Churches of Mahone Bay, local Shipbuilding, WWI, Local Female Artists, Settler Families of Mahone Bay, and more. Sip on quality craft beer and ciders in Saltbox Brewery, soaking up the sun on the lovely waterfront patio in the summer, and try the fresh fish tacos, lobster rolls, and chowder in Rebecca’s Restaurant serving delicious local cuisine.
Cavendish, Prince Edward Island
Would you like to truly immerse yourself in the unique natural beauty of Canada’s East Coast? Discover a world of surprises and delights in Cavendish, one of the most breathtaking off-the-grid Maritimes towns to visit in 2025. Start your adventure by visiting the Green Gables Heritage Place. These gorgeous green grounds were what inspired Canadian Author Lucy Maud Montgomery to write the famous Anne of Green Gables novel, which later became an icon of Canadian culture. Another eye-catching destination you will not want to miss is Cavendish Beach; see the remarkable red sandstone cliffs that only makeup part of the beauty of Prince Edward Island National Park. Get your adrenaline running at Sandspit Cavendish Beach, an amusement park the whole family will love home to the iconic Cyclone roller-coaster and admire the incredible scenery as you venture through the Cavendish Dunelands Trail.
Bouctouche, New Brunswick
Unlock magic in Bouctouche, where spectacular seaside scenery blends with extraordinary sand dunes. Plan a peaceful picnic in Irving Arboretum, seeing many types of trees that grow in the province. From there, capture eye-catching photos as you venture through the vibrant fields of Ocean Breeze, a family-run Lavender Farm featuring nearly 20,000 plants, where you can find lovely floral-based gifts and souvenirs to take home with you. Unravel the area’s history in Musée De Kent, a magnificent neo-gothic revival style museum housing over 1,200 paintings and Acadian folk art pieces. From there, enjoy a one-of-a-kind immersive experience as you lose yourself in a world of enchanting lights, soundscapes, and projections exploring the Akadi Lumina walking path (available from May to October).
Truro, Nova Scotia
Adventures await in Truro, one of the most fascinating off-the-grid Maritimes towns to visit in 2025. Commonly referred to as “The Hub of Nova Scotia,” Truro offers a wide range of attractions, from the scenic trails, lovely rivers, and cascading waterfalls of Victoria Park to the quaint shops and eateries of the historic downtown area. See the spectacular tidal bores rushing through the Bay of Fundy from the Fundy Discovery Site before you head indoors to watch a captivating performance at the Marigold Cultural Centre. Creatives can also find all kinds of crafts and one-of-a-kind home decor in Alderberry Village, whether you are looking for a memorable souvenir or the perfect gift to take home.
Between the unique coastal structures of Shediac, the mesmerizing waterfront trails of Summerside, and the incredible parks of Truro, you will quickly fall in love with the beauty of the Maritimes. Whether you prefer New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, or Nova Scotia, each of these three provinces features breathtaking small towns known for their own culture and charm. Start planning your next adventure and choose from these incredible eight off-the-grid Maritimes towns to visit in 2025 today.
