Maple syrup is one of Canada’s most iconic sweet treats, loved for its unique flavour and natural origin. However,...
The Canadian Maritime Provinces: Important History
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Between history, seafood and breathtaking landscapes, discover more about these Canadian maritime provinces
The East Coast of Canada: Discovery of the Maritime Provinces
The Maritime Provinces are three provinces in the east of the country on the Atlantic coast, and also east of the province of Quebec. These are New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. They are characterized by beaches, parks, vast forests: real invitations to discover their nature. It is also one of the prettiest cities in Canada. The Maritimes owe their development to the ocean in which they bathe. This is where the first waves of settlers arrived. It is also thanks to the sea and the oceans that the country was able to gradually develop its largest industries: shipbuilding and fishing. We tell you more about the Maritimes.
New Brunswick
The largest of the Maritimes is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Maine (USA). It is bordered by the sea on two sides: Bay of Fundy to the south and Gulf of St. Lawrence to the east.
What you need to know about New Brunswick
Geographically, New Brunswick has rather flat terrain, with some hills in the interior. Places of interest in this province are the Bay of Fundy and its tides (the highest in the world) in the national park of the same name and the Hopewell Rocks.
As in the other maritime provinces, seafood - including lobster - is one of the most exported Canadian products from New Brunswick. Potatoes, wild blueberries, cranberries, maple syrup, etc. are also produced there.
New Brunswick is the only officially bilingual province in Canada. It is one of the first areas to have been inhabited by Europeans - mainly by the French - at the beginning of the 17th century. The more British side is found in the coastal town of Saint Andrews by-the-Sea. This province is a mecca of French Acadian culture.
The must-sees of the province
Fundy National Park is located not far from Alma, and this town is also the ideal access point for visiting the park. There are many activities: cycling or hiking to discover wooded hills, hidden waterfalls or even sea cliffs swept by the waves.
The Bay of Fundy, between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, is located in Fundy National Park. It is an ideal observation place for the phenomenon of the tides, but also for seeing whales offshore during the summer. Humpback whales, minke whales and fin whales can also be observed from both sides of the bay. Other marine animals come to feed in the plankton-rich bay, such as dolphins, seals and seabirds.
It is in this province that we can witness the largest tides in the world, more precisely at Hopewell Rocks, still on the shore of the Bay of Fundy. These long rock formations rise out of the sand at low tide. They make it possible to assess the intensity of the rising water once high tide. You can also go for beautiful hikes or picnic on the beach while enjoying the sun during the summer.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is often considered one of the most beautiful provinces in Canada. Visiting this province quickly allows you to understand why it is called after Scotland. It offers very similar landscapes, between green hills, ocean in the background, numerous lighthouses scattered throughout the territory, and also pubs and bars, all in an area which still seems very natural and wild.
Halifax: capital of Nova Scotia
Halifax is the most big city of the Maritimes and one of the largest natural harbors in the world. There is a mix of French and British influences, and a good dose of Canadian maritime culture. It resembles a large town, not only by its rather small size for a provincial capital, but also by the very community and close-knit mentality of its inhabitants.
Its waterfront regularly hosts festivals, such as the Jazz Festival or the International Busker Festival). The views are beautiful, particularly from the bridge leading to Dartmouth, from the ferry and even from its boats.
It is home to some of the best bars and restaurants in the Maritimes. Examples include Alexander Keith's legendary Nova Scotia Brewery, Bar Kismet, The Canteen and EDNA. Passing through Halifax? The city is a must for buying local crafts.
Explore Nova Scotia
To see all the beauty of this province, it is advisable to follow the small roads that run along the coast rather than taking the main roads, such as the Lighthouse Route which leads from Lunenburg and Halifax. You can pass through the small fishing village of Peggy's Cove, where the Peggy's Point lighthouse is located, one of the most photographed lighthouses in Canada. The small town of Lunenburg - founded in 1753 - is also worth seeing: it was one of the first points of contact for new arrivals.
Finally, for the nature side, we will not hesitate to go to Kejimkujik National Park. It is made up of dense forests and icy lakes which promise beautiful canoe or kayak trips, as well as exciting hiking.
Prince Edward Island
The smallest of Canada's provinces is an island in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It is accessible from the mainland by the Confederation bridge, a 13 km bridge from New Brunswick.
Plains and hills, characteristic red cliffs and quiet beaches: so many landscapes that guarantee unforgettable walks.
Prince Edward Island: an enchanting destination
One of the most enjoyable ways to see the island is by driving - there are over 50 lighthouses all over the island. This province is made up of hills, farmland, forested valleys and a coastline dotted with no fewer than 50 lighthouses.
The province is known for being one of the country's culinary hotspots and ice cider has also been produced there for several years. The most exploited Canadian products in Prince Edward Island are seafood. In the country, they mainly come from the island. The province also supplies much of North America with fresh mussels and oysters.
A must see in the province
Upon arriving on the island, you can stay for a while in Charlottetown, the “cradle of Canada”. This city has historical importance for Canada, because it is here that the Canadian Confederation was negotiated and created in 1864. You can also take advantage of being there to taste some local specialties in one of the restaurants in your neighborhood historical.
Charlottetown is also the best starting point for exploring the island.
For a great nature trip, head to the Prince Edward Island National Park and its sandy beaches on the north coast, facing the Gulf of St. Lawrence. In the interior, there are sand dunes, promontories and sandstone cliffs sheltering sometimes endemic fauna and flora. There are more than 400 species of plants, a beautiful variety of coastal birds and woodland animals. You can take beautiful walks, hikes or bike rides there.
A little taste of Canada
While waiting to be able to visit the maritime provinces, we invite you to visit our Online Store to find various Canadian products. You will of course find maple syrup and maple-based products there, but also other more original products. Icewine and ice cider are amazing drinks that are enjoying ever-increasing popularity.
We also invite you to discover certain recognized Canadian brands, such as François Lambert Or Delights of Lac Saint-Jean.
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