6 Overlooked Towns In The Maritimes Worth Visiting

Atlantic Canada is home to some of the best seafood and nature experiences that Canada, maybe even the world, has to offer, but where are the best places to go? The Maritimes are made up of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island (PEI), and are bucket list destinations for nature and food lovers. When planning a Maritimes trip spanning three provinces, it can be easy to overlook the quieter towns, but these towns offer a unique experience that can’t be found in bigger cities like Halifax, Charlottetown, or Moncton.

This guide highlights the six most overlooked Maritime towns, perfect for visitors seeking less-crowded beaches, authentic seafood, and unforgettable coastal attractions. From PEI’s red cliffs to Nova Scotia’s vibrant harbor villages and New Brunswick’s relaxed beach towns, these towns offer the same, if not better, seafood, scenery, and experiences as the region’s busier hotspots. If you’re searching for underrated Maritime travel, coastal road trips, fresh seafood, and quieter seaside escapes, these towns belong on your itinerary.

Shediac, New Brunswick

Come to Shediac hungry because this New Brunswick town is known as the Lobster Capital of the World. On the drive in, be sure to stop at the Giant Lobster, a perfect place for roadside pictures with a huge lobster statue that gets dressed up for different holidays. Local restaurants like La Coast serve unforgettable lobster rolls, and other lobster-inspired dishes like lobster poutine and tacos.

There is more to enjoy than just lobster in Shediac, too, as visitors love Parlee Beach, one of the warmest saltwater beaches in Canada, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing with fewer crowds than major coastal hotspots. The town’s boardwalk, marina, and waterfront trails make it easy to enjoy slow, scenic days.

Shediac Bay Cruises provides fun, hands-on lobster experiences, while nearby coastal lookouts offer quiet outdoor escapes. With a relaxed pace and the freshest seafood you’ll find, Shediac is a welcoming, family-friendly destination ideal for beach lovers, food enthusiasts, and anyone seeking an authentic, laid-back Maritime vacation experience.

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

Just an hour's drive from Halifax, Lunenburg is a postcard-perfect coastal town famous for its brightly painted heritage buildings and UNESCO World Heritage status. Wandering its waterfront streets feels like stepping into history, with artisanal shops, cozy cafes, and waterfront restaurants such as the Salt Shaker Deli offering fresh seafood and incredible views. Visitors can tour the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, sail aboard the Bluenose II when in port, join a whale-watching adventure, or stroll along the scenic Harbor Walk.

Beautiful nearby beaches like Hirtle’s Beach and hiking trails at the Gaff Point Nature Reserve provide peaceful outdoor adventures. With fewer crowds than larger cities in the Maritimes, Lunenburg offers an intimate, immersive atmosphere where cuisine and coastal scenery blend into a memorable, relaxing getaway. Lunenburg is a perfect day trip to escape the hustle of bigger Maritime cities.

North Rustico, Prince Edward Island

North Rustico is a quiet yet lively fishing village on PEI’s stunning North Shore, known for its red cliffs, soft beaches, and authentic Maritime character. Visitors can stroll the harbor boardwalk, watch boats bring in fresh catch, or dine at beloved local restaurants like Blue Mussel Café. The nearby Gulf Shore Parkway offers exceptional biking and walking opportunities, connecting to some of the island’s best lookout points.

North Rustico Beach provides gentle waves and spacious shorelines, perfect for families seeking fewer crowds than around Charlottetown. Deep-sea fishing tours, kayaking, and sunset views add to North Rustico’s coastal appeal. With friendly locals, fresh seafood, beautiful coastal scenery, and easy access to PEI National Park, North Rustico is a must-visit spot that many visitors overlook.

Cheticamp, Nova Scotia

Cheticamp sits at the edge of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, making it one of the best bases for exploring the world-famous Cabot Trail. Outdoor enthusiasts will love hiking iconic routes like the Skyline Trail, where moose sightings and dramatic ocean cliffs are common. In the fall, visiting Cheticamp is exceptional with the reds and oranges of the trees.

The village itself celebrates Acadian culture through music, food, and art, with cozy restaurants like the Doryman Pub and Grill that often host live Acadian music events along with serving fresh seafood dishes. If the season is right, Captain Zodiac Whale Cruises leave right from the local harbor to observe marine life in the area.

Cheticamp’s rug-hooking heritage adds a unique cultural touch, showcased in local shops like Freya and Thor Gallery and Cafe. With fewer crowds than the Cabot Trail’s busiest points, Cheticamp offers a perfect blend of nature and culture for travelers looking for the best pit stops along the Cabot Trail.

Alma, New Brunswick

Be sure to stop in at Alma on your way to Fundy National Park. Though many people just drive through this small town, Alma is more than just the gateway to Fundy National Park. Alma has a warm, small-town feel, offering excellent seafood and coffee in local spots like the Octopus’s Garden Cafe and Bistro. Alma Beach provides stunning low-tide exploration, and kayaking and tidal adventures bring travelers up close to the dynamic Fundy coastline.

Alma is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring Fundy National Park’s coastlines and forests on hikes like Dickens Falls and Matthews Head. Alma is also a great starting point for visitors to experience the world’s highest tides at Hopewell Rocks National Park. The town’s minimal crowds and easy access to both national and provincial parks make it ideal for nature lovers looking to slow down.

Cavendish, Prince Edward Island

Cavendish is one of PEI’s most iconic destinations, known for Cavendish Beach and its cliffs, rolling dunes, and ties to Anne of Green Gables. Visitors can explore Cavendish Beach inside PEI National Park, where soft sands and warm waters create perfect swimming conditions. If booked ahead of time, visitors can even stay walking distance from the beach at Cavendish Campground.

The area features beautiful golf courses like Eagle's Glenn of Cavendish and family-friendly attractions like Shining Waters Family Fun Park. Food lovers enjoy seafood restaurants like The Lost Anchor and finish meals off with local ice cream at the COWS Creamery. While Cavendish can be lively in midsummer, visiting in June or September offers gorgeous weather with far fewer crowds.

It is worth noting that some restaurants and attractions are seasonal and closed during the winter season. With natural beauty, fun activities, and a welcoming atmosphere, Cavendish remains a must-see Maritime getaway.

Whether you’re craving the world’s freshest lobster, peaceful beaches, or access to iconic national parks without the crowds, these six underrated Maritime towns deliver the perfect blend of beauty and flavor. Each destination, spread across New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, offers its own unique charm while showcasing the warm hospitality the Maritimes are known for.

Travelers who venture beyond the popular cities will find calmer coastlines, immersive cultural experiences, and scenery that rivals any major city. For your next East Coast adventure, skip the crowded hubs and embrace these hidden gems for a truly authentic and relaxing Maritime getaway.