7 Of The Most Captivating Small Towns In The Maritimes
The Maritimes is a collection of three provinces on the East Coast of Canada: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. Minimally populated, steeped in ruggedly beautiful natural surroundings, and replete in Indigenous, early Canadian, and well, maritime history, this region is effortlessly captivating. But since the term maritime simply means "of the sea," I think it's fair (nay, necessary) to give a nod to a couple of spectacular towns that are also encompassed by the Atlantic Ocean and/or its substantial off-shoots. After all, East Coast travelers are not going to be dissuaded by imagined political distinctions but rather will follow the tide wherever it compels them - especially when there are scenic roads and blustery ferries connecting all of these seven towns.
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia's coastal port town of Lunenburg is a treasure trove of legacy, beauty, and mixology. For starters, its Old Town, where nearly three-quarters of the 18th and 19th century colonial buildings still stand, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This makes it one of only two urban communities in all of North America to receive this esteemed designation. The colorful waterfront is endlessly photogenic and walkable (with ghost tours, tours of the architectural achievements, and food-centric itineraries all available through Lunenburg Walking Tours). And when those moody Atlantic fronts roll in, make for the local museums (such as the opulent Lunenburg Academy National Historic Site, or the maritime-themed Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic), or get in touch with the region's licentious rum-running lore by sampling the goods at any of the multiple distilleries, craft breweries, and/or seaside eateries).
Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia
Roughly equidistant from Lunenburg and the provincial capital of Halifax, the idyllic village of Peggy's Cove is small but compelling. Nestled around the water body of the same name and on a small geographical nub that peeks its nose out into the Atlantic (at the mouth of St. Margarets Bay), Peggy's Cove feels like a postcard microcosm. The focal point is the noble namesake lighthouse - built in 1915 and, arguably, the most iconic of Nova Scotia's 160 lighthouses. Working lobster boats still rely on this touristic beacon today. Once you've had your fill of the ocean swells, turn your attention to the rock carvings at William E. deGarthe Memorial Provincial Park, the small cluster of seafood bistros, and the subtle, everyday intrigues of this two-centuries-old fishing village. If you're itching to see more of the broader Peggy's Cove region, add some miles (or rather, kilometers) to the odometer by driving the scenic and interpretive Coastal Heritage Trail (from East River to Goodwood).
Digby, Nova Scotia
Over on the Bay of Fundy side of Nova Scotia (or rather, on a small inlet of the substantial bay) the spritely town of Digby is sure to delight. For starters, its colorful fishing boats haul in copious quantities of lobsters and scallops (perhaps you've heard of the world-famous "Digby scallops") that are then served fresh in the slew of waterfront restaurants. Wildlife tour boats also forge their way into the Bay of Fundy - widely considered to be one of the best whale-watching locations in North America. Finback and minke whales, along with harbour porpoises and Atlantic white-sided dolphins are the first to arrive in the spring, and then between mid-June to late September, humpback, pilot, and (endangered) North Atlantic right whales frequent Fundy. It is also common to see an array of seabirds, sea turtles, puffins, basking sharks, and maybe even the odd orca or blue whale. As an added bonus, Digby offers year-round ferry service across the bay to the lively seaport city of Saint John, New Brunswick.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
The tiny island province of Prince Edward Island is home to one of the quaintest capital cities you have ever seen. With a population of only about 40,000 people, Charlottetown, is one of Canada's smallest provincial capitals, and yet, its impact is forever palpable. In fact, Charlottetown, with its French and British colonies (layered on top of deep Mi'kmaq roots) and the meeting of the premiers in 1864 (which kickstarted a series of nation-establishing conferences), is considered the birthplace, or "cradle" of the Confederation - though, one of our bonus entries might have something to say about that. This eclectic legacy can be seen and felt across Charlottetown's scenic skyline, thanks to the stately mansions and government offices, the 19th-century stylings of Victoria Row and Great George Street, and the twin spires of St. Dunstan's Basilica that stand head and shoulders above the mostly two and three-story, tree-bordered structures.
For the modern-day explorer with a "what have you done for me lately?" mindset, PEI's main hub has floating restaurants (and a paddle tavern) to compliment a robust culinary and nightlife scene, an array of year-round events, including the namesake theatre festival (i.e. the largest in all of Atlantic Canada), and localized tours that hone in things like oyster tonging, and Anne of Green Gables.
Saint Andrews, New Brunswick
Saint Andrews, or "St.-Andrews-by-the-Sea," as it is also called (to up the charm factor), is an 18th-century British settlement-turned waterfront resort town in New Brunswick. Perched on the tip of a small peninsula that juts into Passamaquoddy Bay (itself an offshoot of the sheltered Bay of Fundy), St. Andrews captures the wild allure of the Atlantic but without the full brunt of its capriciousness. Visitors can enjoy a walk through the Historic District (a National Historic Site of Canada), where faithful architecture blends seamlessly with the cute and creative commercial buildings along Water Street. Next, explore the verdant shoreline at Kingsbrae Garden or across the rugged Pagan Point Nature Preserve, where deer and shorebirds roam the pebbly beaches. Finally, take to the sea in the form of an island-hopping adventure (thanks to the aid of local ferries), or sign up for a whale-watching tour aboard the Jolly Breeze tall ship.
Gaspe, Quebec
Immediately north of the Maritimes (but heck, further east and more water surrounded than most of New Brunswick), this French-Canadian coastal town adds even more captivating culture and scenery into the mix. Gaspé, which stems from the Mi'gmaq word Gespeg, meaning "lands' end," is the cornerstone municipality of the Gaspésie region (which, rather fittingly for our purposes, is dubbed "Québec by the Sea"). Thanks to the stone cross erected here in 1534 by Jacques Cartier, Gaspé also claims to be the "Birthplace of Canada." This historical novelty is certainly worth a gander, but it is the pristine wilderness surrounding the charming community that brings devoted travelers - perhaps most notably, the anglers. Some 1,500 summer fishers come in search of the salmon of three converging rivers. The region's four national parks are another cluster draw. The closest, Forillon National Park, is just minutes around the bend from Gaspé - ready to drop jaws with its seaside cliffs, bushy northern Appalachian forests, and a population of 500+ moose. And finally, the five nearby sandy beaches on the Gulf of St. Lawrence are as surprising as they are magnetic.
St. John’s, Newfoundland
The easternmost province of Newfoundland may fall under the banner of Atlantic Canada (which, coincidentally, also includes the Maritime provinces), but as it is just a hop and skip away and completely surrounded by the ocean, we're going to make one more indulgent pit stop. The capital city of St. John's (not to be confused with Saint John, NB) certainly retains a small-town feel. On its fringes, the empowering scenery of the Atlantic coastline collides with maritime history. Drive up to Signal Hill National Historic Site to marvel at the stalwart stone military instalment, Cabot Tower, and perhaps a few passing icebergs (or whales) in the distance. Then, continue out to Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site to gaze into the abyss from the easternmost point in North America (this means that if you’re keen, you can watch the continent’s first sunrise). Avid hikers can also bang out a section of the acclaimed 336-kilometer East Coast Trail from several points in and around town. But the quintessence of this Newfoundland hub is its nightly music scene. Stroll down Water and George Street and pick whatever pub is most pleasing to your ears, or double back to the base of Signal Hill to see what local artists The Battery Cafe is hosting that particular evening.
Parting Thoughts
The Maritimes (and slightly beyond) is a region of Canada like no other. The cool zip of the Atlantic Ocean and windswept greenery give rise to hardy yet cozy communities. These places are bestowed with intercontinental histories, incorrigible relationships with the bountiful waters, and just the right amount of modern culture. This is quite a captivating formula, and these seven towns capture it best.
