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Peggy's Cove Lighthouse

Atlantic Canada

Maritime culture and charming landscapes

Atlantic Canada tailor-made holidays

Introduction

The beauty and hospitality of Canada is perhaps best encapsulated in its four Atlantic provinces – Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland & Labrador. Wonderful to explore on a scenic road trip, visitors can expect winding trails hugging verdant national parks home to wild moose and bears, ultra-fresh seafood eateries lining gorgeous, cliff-framed beaches, and traditional terrace houses bringing a splash of colour to already-picturesque towns and villages.

Each province has its own unique charm, from the French Acadian history of New Brunswick and its million-year-old Hopewell Rocks to Newfoundland & Labrador's calving icebergs, which drift among breaching humpback whales. Taste fresh Atlantic lobster and scallops along Nova Scotia's lighthouse-dotted craggy shores, and cycle among the verdant hills and golden beaches of Prince Edward Island.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick is well known as the home of the world’s highest tides, as well as spectacular coastlines and a delightful community charm. A drive along the Fundy coastline is not to be missed, and will introduce you to the sea caves of St. Martins, the Fundy Trail Parkway and beautiful Fundy National Park. Together, they create a truly world-class destination. Looking for something different? Take the chance to experience the perfectly relaxing beach days, gorgeously starry nights and sample some of the largest lobsters you'll ever see in the 'lobster capital of the world' – Shediac. Then, embrace the region's Acadian charm, palpable in every historic village and effigy, edging the sandy coastline.

Lighthouse on the coast of New Brunswick
Swallowtail Lighthouse, Grand Manan, New Brunswick

Newfoundland & Labrador 

The Gros Morne National Park is undoubtedly the crowning glory of this region. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, humbling expanses of glacier-fed fjords cut into the Long Range Mountains, verdant cliffs are misted by tumbling waterfalls, and moose and black bear roam among pristine forests. It's contrasted alongside the arid environment of the neighbouring Tablelands and the L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, the only known Viking settlement in North America. Ancient history and maritime culture abound, showcased in ancient rock formations and thousand-year-old icebergs, while over in Quirpon Dock, July onwards affords chances to spot orcas on their annual migration. Newfoundland is also home to the colourful row houses and vibrant heritage of harbour-lined St John's, and in nearby Aquaforte, fjords evocative of Norway lie alongside villages with a deep fishing history, perfectly explored with scenic self-drives, boat trips, hikes and biking.

Western Brook Pond Fjord Boat Tour, Gros Morne National Park
Western Brook Pond Fjord Boat Tour, Gros Morne National Park

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is renowned for many things, but the Cabot Trail may win the accolade of most spectacular. Hugging the Cape Breton Highlands National Park's tip, breaching whales, imposing cliffs and sea caves, and characterful villages all vie for your attention. Stop along the way to hike one of the national park's hundreds of routes, spot whales and sample some famous Nova Scotia seafood – the clams and oysters are particularly noteworthy. Ocean vistas, dense forests, fascinating geology and the remote highlands make for a continually spectacular trip round every winding corner. In Old Town Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, discover a charming port and colourful waterfront-framing houses. Also visit the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site that protected Halifax Harbour from 1749 to 1906. 

Coastline at Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island is all rolling hills peppered with picture-book lighthouses and sandstone-lined beaches, and the setting of world-renowned novel Anne of Green Gables. Part of the eponymous national park, its cosy forest trails, bright red rocks and endless dunes mean days spent cycling along the yellow fields of Springbrook, watching the sunset at Covehead's ultra-scenic beach, and indulging in the pretty pubs of Victoria Row. Capital Charlottetown is all charm, where Gothic revival churches and Victorian architecture infuse with local culture and succulent seafood.

Harbourside at Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

 

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Special offers in Atlantic Canada

New York City, USA

New York to Québec City with Silversea

13-day luxury ocean cruise from £6,800 pp incl. flights

Exclusive
cruise offer

Exclusive savings of up to £2,600 pp
Book by: 29 March 2024

From the bright lights of New York City to the awe-inspiring scenery of Canada's Saguenay National Park, this luxury sailing with Silversea brings you among the highlights of New England and Nova Scotia in unmatched style.

Top itineraries in Atlantic Canada

New Brunswick

Atlantic Canada: Rail to the Maritimes

8-day tailor-made holiday from £3,225 pp incl. flights

This charming journey takes you through the heart of Atlantic Canada's Maritime provinces, connecting quaint towns and coastal villages with scenic rail trips passing rolling hills and rugged cliffs.

Lunenburg Harbour, Nova Scotia

Unique Properties of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island

14-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,450 pp incl. flights

Explore the Canadian Maritimes as you travel through the Atlantic provinces of Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.Taste remarkable seafood, discover a unique Acadian culture and drive some of Canada's most spectacular coastlines.

Beautiful view Fundy Shore scenery from Dickson Falls Trail lookout (Fundy National Park, New Brunswick, Canada)

Natural Wonders of New Brunswick

14-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,285 pp incl. flights

This self-drive brings you through the best of Atlantic Canada's New Brunswick, celebrating its vibrant culture, natural wonders and abundance of wildlife.

Western Brook Pond Gorge, Newfoundland

Wonders of Western Newfoundland

10-day tailor-made self drive from £2,110 pp incl. flights

This Newfoundland journey starts in Deer Lake, and takes in the Viking settlement of L'Anse aux Meadows and Gros Morne National Park – a UNESCO world Heritage Site.

See all itinerary ideas

Top places to stay in Atlantic Canada

Fogo Island Inn

Fogo Island Inn

Guide price from £3,445 pp

Located on quiet Fogo Island off the Northeast coast of Newfoundland, Canada, Fogo Island Inn is a unique retreat halfway between the equator and the North Pole.

Quirpon Island, Newfoundland & Labrador

Quirpon Lighthouse

Guide price from £155 pp

Quirpon offers an island experience on the shores of 'Iceberg Alley' in a fully restored lighthouse which dates back to 1922

Trout Point Lodge

Trout Point Lodge

Contemporary lodge

This luxury retreat is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and offers a place of solitude, excellent food, memorable wilderness experiences and the ability to switch off from the outside world.

Torngat Mountains, Newfoundland

Torngat Mountain Base Camp & Research Station

Traditional lodge

Explore the Torngat Mountains National Park at the northern tip of Labrador, a wilderness seacoast of towering fjords and turquoise lakes.

See all places to stay

Where to go in Atlantic Canada

The Battery, Newfoundland

Newfoundland & Labrador

Explore one of the most striking national parks in Canada, Gros Morne National Park, found on the Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland. Watch icebergs drift by from the coastline and try whale watching from one of the bays.

West Point Lighthouse, Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island

Despite being the smallest province of Canada, on your Prince Edward Island holiday you'll admire some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.

Hopewell Rocks, New Brunswick

New Brunswick

New Brunswick is arguably the most charming province of Atlantic Canada, with its lighthouse-studded islands, ultra-fresh seafood and, of course, the spectacular Bay of Fundy, demonstrating the highest tides in the world.

Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Island

Nova Scotia

Combine Nova Scotia's unique history with its beautiful scenery on a province-wide self-drive. Take to the Cabot Trail, which demonstrates a reputation as one of the most scenic coastal drives in North America.

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When to go to Atlantic Canada

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Like much of Canada, the Atlantic provinces can be visited throughout the year. In summer, visitors enjoy hiking, kayaking, fishing and wildlife watching, while the region's towns and cities are alive with festivals and locals dining al fresco. In winter the weather can be challenging, but even the most remote corners, like Fogo Island, are open for business, with skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and even storm watching among the activities on offer.

See regional weather

Atlantic Canada articles

  • Wickaninnish Inn

    Canada's top 7 luxury lodges

    Wexas Canada specialist Patrick Griffin picks out seven of his favourite Canadian luxury lodges, including the best options for bear watching, exploring the coast, high design, food and drink, and taking in Canada's unique First Nations heritage.

  • Crow Head Iceberg, Newfoundland

    Atlantic Canada: Viewing Icebergs

    Find out why, when it comes to viewing icebergs, Newfoundland & Labrador on Canada's Atlantic Coast is king.

  • West Cape, Prince Edward Island

    Three Classic Coastal Drives on Prince Edward Island

    With its easy-to-navigate road network coupled with gorgeous coastlines, sweeping beaches and delicious seafood, discover why Prince Edward Island is prime self-drive territory.

  • Acadian Coast, New Brunswick

    Inside New Brunswick

    A beginner's guide to New Brunswick's Acadian culture, from the region's traditional food and historic sites to the best places to stay.

See all articles

Meet our Atlantic Canada experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0635

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0635 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

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Every step of the way

Every step of the way

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