7 Of The Friendliest Towns In The Maritimes
The Maritimes, an extremely picturesque region in Eastern Canada, is made up of three provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. Known for its beautiful coastlines, rich history, and warm-hearted people, the area offers curious travelers a unique blend of small-town charm and inviting landscapes to explore.
Each of these small provinces boasts plenty of friendly communities where locals take pride not only in welcoming visitors but also in showcasing a distinct culture that’s imbued with a reverence for the sea. Often overlooked by travelers in favor of major tourist destinations like Halifax and Saint John, these smaller towns in Atlantic Canada provide an intimate, relaxed, and downright friendly travel experience. Find out more about seven of the friendliest towns in the Maritimes.
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
The lovely town of Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its beautiful waterfront and colorful buildings, just two of the many factors that make it a visually attractive place to explore. The town’s rich seafaring history is celebrated at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic where you can learn about Nova Scotia’s maritime heritage and even hop aboard a replica of the famed schooner, Bluenose II.
Be sure to spend time strolling through the town’s charming streets, and if you’re looking for a great time to visit, consider doing so during the annual Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival. Held every August, this popular event brings the community together with live traditional music (think Irish and Celtic folk styles) and a welcoming atmosphere that draws visitors from near and far. Seafood is, of course, a staple here, and restaurants like the Grand Banker Bar & Grill and The Beach Pea Kitchen & Bar serve up fresh caught delicacies daily.
Shediac, New Brunswick
Known as the “Lobster Capital of the World,” Shediac is a welcoming town on New Brunswick’s eastern shore that’s worth spending a day or two exploring. Famous for its 99-ton giant lobster sculpture (it’s the town’s #1 selfie spot), this lovely community offers plenty of opportunities for visitors to enjoy fresh local seafood in restaurants like Seaside Grazing while soaking up the friendly coastal atmosphere. You can learn more about the importance of the local fishing industry with Shediac Bay Cruises, all while learning about the local lobster industry firsthand from friendly crew members. Best of all, this fun tour ends with a lobster feast.
Events like the Shediac Lobster Festival, held every July, are great times to visit, with this particular celebration (one of the largest in the Maritimes) drawing large crowds to enjoy lobster feasts, live music, and that famous Eastern Canada hospitality. A final tip: visit the nearby Parlee Beach, one of the warmest saltwater beaches in Canada, for a chance to dip your toes in the waters of Northumberland Strait, part of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island (aka, PEI), is a quaint town brimming with friendly faces and maritime charm. As the birthplace of Canada’s Confederation, Charlottetown offers visitors a fascinating historical experience, with Province House National Historic Site (built in 1847) and the Confederation Centre of the Arts among the town’s top attractions. Charlottetown’s scenic waterfront area with its boardwalks and parks is home to landmarks such as Queen’s Wharf and Dundas Terrace National Historic Site, so allocate sufficient time to explore and take in those excellent views of the harbor.
The friendliness of Charlottetown is perhaps most evident during its festivals, in particular the PEI International Shellfish Festival held every September. This popular e event not only celebrates the island’s bountiful seafood haul, it also brings together locals and visitors to enjoy shellfish-based cuisine, plenty of live music, and fun culinary demonstrations. Other must-dos here include exploring nearby Green Gables Heritage Place where the iconic Canadian novel, Anne of Green Gables, was set.
Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia
Annapolis Royal is a small town with a big heart. A popular tourist destination situated along the Annapolis River, this picturesque small town played a major role in Canadian history, with attractions like Fort Anne National Historic Site offering a fascinating glimpse into the area’s past. Tours are highly recommended, with friendly local guides providing engaging stories that bring the region’s early years to life.
The Annapolis Royal Farmers' and Traders' Market provides an opportunity to meet local crafters and growers every Saturday and Wednesday, with an indoor winter program from October to May. The annual Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens Festival, held in July, also adds to the town’s appeal with visitors invited to explore the award-winning gardens.
Summerside, Prince Edward Island
The second-largest town on PEI, Summerside is undoubtedly one of the friendliest towns in Canada’s Maritimes region. Head first to the waterfront, where you can enjoy a stroll along the Baywalk Boardwalk, a 6.5-kilometer-long walking and biking trail that features an in-town section lined with shops and cafés. Another attraction to visit is the College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts of Canada where you can experience the island’s strong Celtic traditions through music and dance performances.
The town’s warm community spirit is very much on display during the Summerside Lobster Carnival in July, a fun annual event that brings townsfolk and tourists together for lobster feasts and concerts. You can find out more about this event, as well as the town’s history, at the Summerside Interpretive Centre and PEI Fox Museum, which includes fascinating insights into the rare native silver black fox.
St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, New Brunswick
St. Andrews-by-the-Sea is a charming coastal town that’s especially popular among tourists for its stunning scenery. Located on the Bay of Fundy, this very picturesque town boasts incredible ocean views, whale-watching tours, and historical sites like the Algonquin Resort, which has been welcoming guests since 1889.
Looking for an excuse to visit? Every August, St. Andrews hosts its popular Paddlefest, a fun festival that attracts both locals and tourists with live music, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. St. Andrews is also home to Kingsbrae Garden, a 27-acre horticultural paradise that’s especially perfect during the spring and summer months.
Baddeck, Nova Scotia
Located on the shores of the Bras d’Or Lake, Baddeck is a picturesque community with a friendly, small-town atmosphere. Known for its connection to Alexander Graham Bell, the town offers visitors the chance to explore the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, where exhibits showcase Bell’s experimentation that was to lead to some of his greatest inventions.
The town’s waterfront is perfect for strolling, with opportunities to hop aboard a boat tour around the lake. The friendliness of Baddeck is on full display during Regatta Week. Held every August, this fun event attracts competitors from across the region to celebrate sailing and the town’s connection to the sea.
The Final Word
Easy to get to from the United States as it shares a border with the state of Maine, the Maritimes region is filled with friendly towns that truly exemplify one of Canada’s greatest attributes: its friendly people. From the historic streets of Lunenburg to the coastal charm of St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, these towns offer a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty that all add up to a memorable getaway destination. For anyone looking to experience an authentic taste of Maritimes charm (not to mention its world-renowned seafood), these seven friendly towns are perfect destinations.
