Atlantic Canada is a region of contrast. Where land meets open ocean, the region is strikingly beautiful. Villages are nestled along the water and made up of modest structures painted in bright hues. Away from ocean winds, lush forests grow over the cliffs, and rolling fields surround charming towns. Here, the landscape gives way to abundance. And, running through it all are the good folk who make their lives among one of the few truly unspoiled places left on Earth.

Atlantic Canada is defined by its unique history. Among the first places settled in the country, picturesque fishing villages and farming communities continue their Gaelic and Acadian cultures and thrive across East Coast Canada.

These towns and villages are best reached by car, and are perfect stops along an Atlantic road trip. As you travel between them, you encounter the contrast between natural wonders — so grand and so astounding that they seem pulled from another world — and the eternally friendly villages, towns, and cities made up of resilient folk who make live here. This is the Canadian East Coast at its best.

And, naturally, the views of the Atlantic Ocean by your side as you drive are like no other.

The Canadian East Coast: Atlantic Canada

The East Coast of Canada is made up of four provinces that line the Atlantic Ocean: New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.

While some similarities run throughout the region — the vernacular architectural tradition that sees wooden houses built from local timber and painted bright colors can be found across Atlantic Canada — each province has a distinct atmosphere and culture.

Looking over Fundy Trail Provincial Park | Credit: New Brunswick Tourism

New Brunswick

New Brunswick is the largest of the Maritime Provinces and connects the East Coast to the rest of Canada. Its magnificent natural beauty contrasts with the charming towns and cities found in between.

On the southern edge of the province is the Bay of Fundy. The bay draws visitors with its rising and falling tides — the highest in the world. These tides rise with such power that they have calved rocks into otherworldly shapes. And, as they fall, they expose the ocean floor, allowing visitors to explore it on foot.

Inland, lush woodland covers dramatic landscapes in a blanket of green. The VIA Rail Ocean train runs through, connecting the East Coast to Quebec and Canada beyond. Cities like Moncton and Fredericton, the capital city, are located among the landscapes and are examples of the blend of the French Acadian and Gaelic cultures that run through the province.

Walking the path along Newfoundland & Labrador’s rugged coast | Credit: Dru Kennedy

Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland & Labrador is made up of two regions — Labrador, is part of the mainland, and Newfoundland, an island just off the East Coast and the most easterly point in Canada.

Labrador, often called ‘The Big Land’ is home to beautiful, untouched nature as far as the eye can see. Its vastness will leave guests truly breathless.

Newfoundland is similarly stunning, home to a wide variety of natural wonders. On the East Coast, plants lie low to the ground to protect them from the Atlantic's power. Towns and cities like St. John's, the capital, have made their homes along the hills and cliffsides. Visitors can venture out onto the waters whale watching or sit a while on the cliffs and spot them from land.

Off the coast is the alluring Fogo Island, home to humble fishing communities and a stunning luxury inn. Fogo Island Inn, while ultra-luxurious, isn’t distant in that. The property is deeply embedded in the community, with local townsfolk often working as ‘community guides’ for guests.

But, on the other side of the island, the west coast gives way to a varied landscape ranging from wildflower-filled valleys to the towering Long Range Mountains. It is here, in western Newfoundland, where you will find Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dramatic in its landscapes and otherworldly in its atmosphere.

The road of the Cabot Trail | Credit: Destination Canada / Momme Halbe

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia marks the easternmost point of a trans-Canada rail journey and a perfect start — or end — to any Atlantic Canada trip.

Nova Scotia is flush with charming villages, made up of colorful wooden houses, and lively cities like Halifax, which blend the quaint East Coast atmosphere with urban energy. And, lining over 8200 miles of coastline, over 150 historic lighthouses give Nova Scotia the largest number of lighthouses of any Canadian province. On Nova Scotia's south shore, you will find the colorful Old Town Lunenburg UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the north of Nova Scotia is Cape Breton Island, where the land is rich with history, thriving Gaelic and Acadian culture, and old Scottish traditions are preserved. Taverns are tucked into quiet villages like Baddeck and serve as community hubs.

As you venture further north still, the Cabot Trail takes you through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, offering views of the outstanding valleys and coast along the way. As you go, you will pass through traditional fishing villages nestled along the coastline, still living and working to this day. This circular trail is the perfect way to see explore Atlantic Canada while on an East Coast Canada trip, driving through small towns, stopping at scenic hiking trails and beaches, and discovering lookouts over the vast ocean all the while.

The beaches of Prince Edward Island | Credit: Tourism Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island is Canada’s smallest province and a living storybook. Beautiful red sandy beaches line the shores, and rolling green fields cover the small island’s surface. PEI’s beauty is such that it has been immortalized in the famous Anne of Green Gables children’s novel, which paints a picture of the idyllic life to be found here. And, from lakes of shining waters to green-trim farmhouses, this life is alive on the Island.

Cavendish — the picturesque setting that inspired the novel — offers more then just scenic beauty. It’s a place full of gentle, undulating meadows and golden beaches backed by red cliffs to explore, and home to Anne of Green Gables Heritage Place, a model of Anne’s iconic home. Beyond Cavendish, the vibrant city of Charlottetown invites you to experience a unique blend of history, Island culture and warm atmosphere. Charlottetown truly embodies welcoming small-town charm.

Atlantic Canada is full of spots like these — a sense of community runs through small fishing villages and bustling cities alike.

What to Do in Atlantic Canada

On your East Coast Canada trip, there are few wrong ways to spend your time. From walking scenic hiking trails over magnificent cliffs to kicking back with the locals in a pub, visitors can explore Atlantic Canada however they wish and leave with a wonderful story to tell. But, as travel experts, we think there are a few key things you won't want to miss while you're on the East Coast.

The fishing village of Peggy’s Cove

Explore Quaint Cities and Fishing Towns

Hopping between small fishing villages and charming cities is maybe the best way to see the real heart of Atlantic Canada: its people.

From Fogo Island, where communities are small and rustic, to the East Coast charm of cities like Halifax, local culture thrives in the interactions you find with the residents. By day, take in the colorful streets, wander local stores, and head out to the land's end to find a historic lighthouse. Come evening, pubs and breweries are hubs of activity where residents and visitors alike gather and are must-stops on every journey.

Drive Coastal Trails

In Atlantic Canada, the ocean is never far away. And, while the inland stops are filled with their own beauty, taking time to maximize your ocean views is a must.

The Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, follows the beautiful Atlantic Coast for four hours without stopping, but we strongly recommend stopping. Heading anti-clockwise, historic fishing settlements, each adorned with its own lighthouse, line your left, and the vast Cape Breton National Park hugs your right, though the drive can be completed in either direction.

You can choose between gazing over the water or the forested cliffs. We recommend you pause along your drive to explore these settlements; find the historic lighthouse hiding an ice cream parlor, the thriving French Acadian community, and the Gaelic village on the lake. And, stop at an easy hike with outstanding views over the valleys, the road, the cliffs, or the ocean beyond.

Or, in New Brunswick, drive the Fundy Trail Provincial Park. Similarly to the Cabot Trail, the Provincial Park takes about 5 hours to drive from start to end, but there are plenty of reasons to stop along the way. The road is open from 8am to 8pm, so plan wisely to allow for the joy of being drawn down the many trails leading to grand gorges and beautiful suspension bridges in the Provincial Park.

Getting up close and personal with a humpback whale | Credit: New Brunswick Tourism

Go Whale Watching on the Atlantic Ocean

The waters around this region are known for their might. They are wild but home to a vibrant marine ecosystem and 12 different species of whale (as well as dolphins, seals, puffins, and eagles, among other coastal creatures).

If you’re looking for specific sightings, you will have to time your visit well. Sperm whales are among the first to arrive in late spring, while the largest population of humpback whales on Earth typically frequent the waters in later summer but can be seen anywhere from April to October. In the fall, Minke and Pilot whales, along with porpoises and dolphins, can be spotted jumping through the waves.

Whale-watching tours leave from multiple spots across Atlantic Canada, but we recommend heading to Twillingate, Newfoundland, for the fastest access to whale-rich waters.

Discover Historic Sites

The Atlantic coast is the birthplace of Canada as we know it today. The Confederation first took shape here, in Prince Edward Island, as the Fathers of Confederation discussed creating a united Canada in Province House National Historic Site in 1864.

And Atlantic Canada is rich with this kind of history. Not only does it hold Canada’s oldest incorporated city — Saint John in New Brunswick — and old city forts — Halifax Citadel National Historic Site in Nova Scotia — but it has many, many historic lighthouses dotted along the miles upon miles of coastline, signifying the enduring fishing history of the region.

Alongside real-world historic landmarks, sites that inspired fiction can be found, too. Avonlea Village, in Prince Edward Island, is a living replica of the Anne of Green Gables town and immortalizes 1800s Canada for guests looking to step back to Canada’s early existence.

Colourful buildings in Lunenburg

Sample fresh Lobster

…and other seafood, of course.

Across the Atlantic provinces, seafood is abundant and some of the best in the world. Whether exploring a historic market in New Brunswick, settling into a St. John’s pub in Newfoundland, walking Halifax’s boardwalk in Nova Scotia, or on the waters surrounding Prince Edward Island, the seafood is worth trying.

Atlantic Canada is particularly famous for its lobster. Lobster cruises in leave the East Coast of Canada for those wanting to experience the fishing heritage firsthand and sample the freshest lobster while they do.

For more ideas of things to do on an East Coast Canada trip, check out our post exploring 15 must-do experiences for a trip in Atlantic Canada.

When to Visit East Coast Canada

The best time to visit the East Coast of Canada is from May to October, with warm weather making it perfect for outdoor activities. The region’s stunning landscapes are green with summer growth, giving Atlantic Canada its idyllic storybook atmosphere. Coastal trails, vibrant harbors, and fishing villages all give way to blue ocean views and are perfect for exploration.

Beachside boardwalks in Prince Edward Island | Credit: Tourism Prince Edward Island / Nick Jay

Best Time of Year to Avoid Crowds

From June to August, Atlantic Canada shines, with bright days welcoming days on the beach or exploring towns and cities, attracting the most visitors as a result. So earlier in the season in May is ideal for a more private trip with cooler temperatures and fewer visitors.

Or later in fall — in September or October — you have the chance to see the trees shift into vivid yellows and oranges, making it an ideal time to visit and see a different side of the region.

Exploring Atlantic Canada

The first way to explore the Atlantic provinces is through its cities, which each pair their local history and culture with modern urban living.

Atlantic Canada's Cities

Inside the Saint John City Market | Credit: New Brunswick Tourism / Cashmere and Cocktails

Saint John

Saint John, New Brunswick, is the only city situated on the Bay of Fundy and is the oldest incorporated city in Canada. Its age can be seen across the quaint downtown of beautiful red-brick storefronts and the historic town market, the oldest continuing farmers' market in North America.

Head to the ‘Reversing Falls Rapids’ for the chance to see a very, very large body of water flow impressively backward, driven by the immense power of the Bay of Fundy's tide as it empties.

Or, to experience the local community at its best, along the waterfront is the Ihtoli-maqahamok — The Gathering Space — redeveloped in 2024 as a place to bring the city together for events and shows. In summer, visitors can gather there to listen to music performances and enjoy the waterfront views alongside the locals.

Colorful Jellybean Row in St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador | Credit: Barrett & MacKay Photo

St. John's

St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador — not to be confused with Saint John, New Brunswick — is colorful and welcoming, with homes and storefronts painted a cheerful array of colors from the aptly named 'Jellybean Row' to the Battery neighborhood at the harbor entrance.

St. John's is perhaps best experienced through its vibrant pub culture. In spots like Shamrock City, you'll find just as many locals as visitors gathering for a drink and nightly live music. Or, head just out of town to Quidi Vidi neighborhood and, after exploring the village and Artisan Studios, stop at Quidi Vidi Brewery to settle into the evening.

The city is also home to Signal Hill National Historic Site, where visitors will learn about St. John's military history. From this strategic point overlooking the vast ocean, you can also gaze out to spot icebergs floating past the city in early summer.

Halifax boardwalk at dusk

Halifax

Halifax, Nova Scotia is a vibrant example of an Atlantic Canadian city, blending a rich history and culture with urban life, and makes a great base to explore the coastline. For a look into Halifax's history, explore the fort at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site in the center of the city. The historic site was first constructed in 1749 and is among the first settlements in the area. From there, the city grew outwards over the years, becoming the city you see today.

To experience this modern urban life in Halifax, head towards the harbor to wander the waterfront boardwalk. The 2.5-mile walk spans the length of the water and takes visitors past lively waterfront eateries, small shops, and, as expected, beautiful views of the harbor, water, and downtown.

But to see how Halifax continues to blend its history and modernity, visit the Five Fishermen restaurant, just alongside the Grand Parade downtown. Here, you can experience the Atlantic Canada’s fine dining to sample the best of Atlantic seafood in a building that was once the city’s oldest mortuary and used to tend to the bodies recovered from the Titanic.

Charlottetown’s charming downtown | Credit: Tourism Prince Edward Island / Emily O’Brien

Charlottetown

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, feels as welcoming as any small town would, in the way that Atlantic Canada’s cities often do. Its downtown is compact and walkable, with pedestrianized streets like Victoria Row welcoming visitors for a leisurely stroll of its red-brick buildings or the waterfront’s colorful wooden houses.

Must-stops include Founders’ Food Hall & Market to sample local eats and local community all in one spot, or Receiver Coffee’s ‘Brass Shop’ location in the little brick building just across the lawn for the best breakfast and lunch in town.

On the waterfront, you’ll find Peakes Quay, which is a cluster of shops and eateries with a waterfront view and social boardwalk to enjoy your bites among locals and visitors alike.

Peakes Quay, Charlottetown

Atlantic Canada's Towns and Villages

Between the cities and the countryside, charming towns and villages make up Atlantic Canada's heart. These spots have less to do than their neighboring cities but are must-stops to experience what makes the East Coast of Canada the genuine and welcoming place it is.

St. Andrews-by-the-Sea

St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, New Brunswick, is a place that embodies everything a quaint Maritime town should be. Its main street, Water St, is lined with independent boutiques, gift shops, and eateries — all clad in wood — and each of its intersections lead to ocean views.

This is the perfect place to wander and soak in the warm atmosphere, making sure to stop by The Gables Restaurant for seafood on a waterfront patio and McGuire Chocolate Company for housemade ice cream to finish your meal.

Twillingate

Twillingate, Newfoundland & Labrador, is tucked into Newfoundland’s coast on an island connected to the main island by a bridge.

While there, a stop at the aptly named Cozy Tea Room & Bakery lets you look over Old House Cove — spotting either icebergs in May and June or beautiful blue water views later in the season — from a quaint traditional teahouse. You can try Newfoundland specialties, like a home-cooked ‘Jiggs dinner,’ between pastel yellow walls adorned with decorative quilts and embroidery.

Left: Peggy’s Cove Village and fishing boats

Right: Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse on the rocks

Peggy's Cove

Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia, is every bit the quintessential fishing village as it sounds. Brightly colored homes cling to the rocks, and the white and red lighthouse stands guard on the land’s edge.

This village is small but, in that, it retains its sense of history and purpose. If you visit Peggy's Cove, you will be sure to leave with an understanding of the enduring culture of the Atlantic Coast.

Lunenburg

Old Town Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a lasting example of planned British colonial settlement. This can be seen in its architecture — brightly painted wooden houses visible from sea in foggy weather and utilizing leftover paint from fishing boats — and rectangular layout.

Time here is best spent wandering the town center, exploring its quaint and colorful local stores. Head to the Laughing Whale for Lunenburg-roasted coffee, or to the Salt Shaker for the best lobster roll in town. Both have the warm and inviting atmosphere you can come to expect from any stop in Atlantic Canada.

Baddeck’s Kidston Lighthouse | Credit: Tourism Nova Scotia & Destination Cape Breton Association / Carolina Andrade

Baddeck

Baddeck, Nova Scotia, is a small village that is situated at the beginning and the end of the Cabot Trail. It is, thus, the gateway to the Cape Breton Highlands.

From here, circle the highlands, exploring the small settlements that call the place home, before returning to the idyllic lakefront town in the evening. Be sure to stop at the Freight Shed on the community wharf, where locals and visitors alike gather. Try some locally caught seafood and, while there, be sure to talk to the locals who make Baddeck the gem that it is.

Atlantic Canada's National Parks and Nature Spots

Between the towns and villages are rolling green fields, dramatic rocky landscapes, and, of course, vast Atlantic Ocean views.

Hopewell Rocks in the Bay of Fundy | Credit: New Brunswick Tourism

Bay of Fundy

The Bay of Fundy lines the southern edge of New Brunswick. The bay has the world's highest tides and forested heads of land jutting out into the water. The Fundy Trail Provincial Park drive hugs the coast, offering views over the water on one side and of the forested hills on the other. The forest hills give way to plunging gorges and towering cliffs of rock coated in lush green pine. And in Fundy National Park, these forests hide lakes and waterfalls along picturesque trails, with options from easy boardwalk loops to more challenging excursions, suiting a range of abilities.

At the bay's north end are Hopewell Rocks, where rock stacks carved from the cliffs by the bay's tidal power are hidden. Each is topped with a lush plume of trees and vegetation, earning them the name of 'flowerpot' rocks. At low tide, you can venture onto the Atlantic Ocean's floor to walk among their worn forms, and at high tide, on a canoe.

The Skyline Trail overlooking Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a contrast between rugged coastlines and lush forest. Most visitors are drawn there to drive the Cabot Trail and hike one of 26 trails that the park has to offer.

The Cabot Trail circles the Cape Breton Highlands and offers views of the outstanding landscapes. From Baddeck, drive North on the trail to Neils Harbour to see the historic lighthouse — now doubling as an ice cream parlor — or get a bowl of chowder at Chowder House. Then, continue on to the famous Skyline Trail, an easy walk over the headland cliff rewarding you with dramatic views of the scenic coast stretching out ahead. Once you have finished your hike, continue on to the small Acadian town of Cheticamp on the northwest side. There, find a handful of eateries —wonderful for a post-hike snack or meal — a boutique and general store occupying a building holding over 100 years of history, and, of course, another historical lighthouse.

The change from the Gaelic-infused Baddeck at the beginning of the trail, to the Acadian culture in Cheticamp highlights the strong blend of cultures running through the region.

Left: Canada by Design team members on a tour of the Tablelands, Gros Morne National Park

Right: Team members taking a boat on Western Brook Pond, Gros Morne National Park

Gros Morne National Park

Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to natural wonders that seem almost otherworldly, where vast cliffs form tabletop mountains before plunging into fjords via thunderous waterfalls.

The park is wildly varied. There are the Tablelands which, while seemingly barren, are formed from the Earth’s mantle pushed upward through the crust and look more akin to Mars than any other Earthen destination. Then, there is the volcanic coastal Green Gardens, which are lush and green and heavy with wildflowers. And, the iconic Western Brook Pond — which, despite being a pond by name, is actually a landlocked fjord carved billions of years ago — where boat tours run across the waters.

Gros Morne feels like many places at once, and yet like no other place in the world.

Fogo Island Inn | Credit: Fogo Island Inn

Fogo Island

Fogo Island is a special place. Located just off the island of Newfoundland, it is like many other small communities on the Atlantic Ocean in how it preserves its cultural heritage — handmade quilts adorn the beds and homemade jam from local berries spread on toast — while also immortalizing it through the many artist outposts found across the island.

But, at the same time, there is a noticeable mark of modernity perched on the rocks: the luxurious Fogo Island Inn.

The building might look dramatic — and in many ways, it is as it stands on stilts over the rocks and the ocean — but the experience it provides is true to the simple luxuries that Fogo Island embodies: good people, good hospitality, and good food in one of the most beautifully rugged landscapes on Earth. A Stay at Fogo Island Inn introduces guests to the culture of the island through one-on-one interactions with local 'community guides,' while letting them relax in ultimate comfort in the Inn's 3-Michelin-Key-winning luxury.

Covehead Harbor Lighthouse at the end of the beach | Credit: Tourism Prince Edward Island / Paul Baglole

Prince Edward Island National Park

Prince Edward Island National Park showcases the Island’s natural beauty. There, lush green grasses meet red dunes and gentle waves lap at sandy beaches. It is comfortable in every way, with the beach-lined ocean inviting visitors to slow down and enjoy the view of this peaceful escape.

Prince Edward Island National Park is best experienced through relaxation: a day at the beach, walking the gentle path to Brackley Point, seeing another lighthouse — this time, Covehead Historic Lighthouse — and sampling some luscious lobster rolls at Original Richard’s at Covehead Wharf.

Getting Around the East Coast

There are many ways to see Atlantic Canada, depending on your own personal style of travel.

Our Travel Designers can help match you to your perfect trip, or create something entirely custom to fit your unique wishes.

The region is best seen by car, as many towns, National Parks, and attractions are only connected by road. However, there are still multiple ways to travel through the East Coast.

Driving the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia

Atlantic Canada Road Trip

To us, the best way to explore Atlantic Canada is on an Atlantic Canada Road Trip. With a car, you can explore the region’s rugged coastlines, sandy and pebble beaches, and beautiful countryside with a sense of freedom and voyage. Along your Eastern Canada road trip, you are free to stop at attractions you spot from the road, take extended breaks over creamy lobster rolls, or add extra days in your must-see spots to let you get the most out of the experience.

Atlantic Maritimes Small Group Tour

Exploring Canada’s East Coast makes for a grand adventure. While venturing alone on a road trip gives you the ultimate freedom, a Small Group Guided Tour will introduce the region’s hidden gems and local secrets while letting you simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey.

The Ocean train’s oceanside tracks | Credit: VIA Rail

Eastern Canada Train Trip

Canada's rail network keeps Atlantic Canada connected to the rest of the country. And, for visitors, it makes the perfect way to enter into this slower way of life.

The Atlantic Maritimes Explorer by Rail package brings you to the Maritimes aboard VIA Rail's Ocean train, which runs from Montreal to Halifax, stopping in several towns through New Brunswick on its journey. And, once there, private transfers take you between charming and quirky towns. It is the perfect way to begin or end any trip to the Atlantic provinces or to connect this trip to a larger Canada vacation.

Accommodations and Dining

Where to Stay in Atlantic Canada

When choosing places to stay in Atlantic Canada, smaller historic inns are more fitting for the authentic Maritime experience.

But there are also destination stays like Fogo Island Inn that offer a more refined luxury experience for guests with a higher budget.

What to Eat in Atlantic Canada

A trip to Atlantic Canada is not complete without sampling a few regional specialties:

• Lobster rolls
• Clam Chowder
• Oysters
• Halifax Donair
• Blueberry Grunt
• Jiggs dinner
• Toutons

Lobster roll picnic in Prince Edward Island | Credit: Tourism Prince Edward Island / Stephen Harris

Our favorite individual places to eat, however, are:

• Saint John City Market - Saint John, NB
• Quidi Vidi Brewery - Quidi Vidi, NL
• Cozy Tea Room & Bakery - Twillingate, NL
• Fogo Island Inn - Fogo Island, NL
• Five Fishermen - Halifax, NS
• Cows Ice Cream - across PEI (though now found across Canada)

Planning Your Trip to Canada

Get in touch with a Canada travel expert today to begin planning your trip to the East Coast of Canada. At Canada by Design, your personal Travel Designer will help you find your perfect Atlantic Canada trip, or create something unique to fit what you are looking for.

If you're not quite ready, subscribe to our newsletter to get more inspiration, great deals, and more. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

FAQs

What is Canada's East Coast?

Canada's East Coast, also known as Atlantic Canada, consists of four provinces: New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. This is not to be confused with ‘Eastern Canada,’ which includes Ontario and Quebec.

Is East Coast Canada worth visiting?

Canada's East Coast is definitely worth visiting. Not only do you get the chance to experience beautiful beaches, charming villages, scenic drives and cultural attractions, but you get to see a completely different side to Canada.

Prince Edward Island’s quaint farming villages | Credit: Tourism Prince Edward Island / Paul Baglole

Where to go in the East Coast of Canada?

A road trip through Canada's Atlantic Provinces is the best way to see the region. Must-stops are:

• Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, New Brunswick
• Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland & Labrador
• Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
• Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia
• Green Gables Heritage Place, Prince Edward Island

What is the best time to visit the East Coast of Canada?

The best time for an East Coast Canada trip is between May and September, when seasonal attractions are open and the weather is at its best. Within that time, different dates suit different interests.

Earlier in May, visitors can expect to see icebergs floating past St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador, and the first whales of the whale watching season. The middle of summer is best for swimming in warm ocean waters in New Brunswick or soaking up the red-sand beaches on Prince Edward Island. Late summer — August and September — is best for spotting humpback whales.