Exploring the Maritimes
If you're travelling to our wedding from Ontario or Quebec and want to turn the trip into a Maritime adventure, here are some of our favourite places to explore.
We both attended Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick, so this part of the world holds a very special place in our hearts.
New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia are all within a few hours of each other, making it easy to explore several incredible places in one trip.
NEW BRUNSWICK
Base Yourself In: Moncton
Recommended Stay: 1–2 Days
Moncton is the largest city in southeastern New Brunswick and a great home base for exploring the Fundy Coast and nearby seaside towns.
WHERE TO EAT IN MONCTON:
Gusto Italian Grill. Not only amazing food, but this is a special place for us because it is where we had our first date.
St. James’ Gate. Great Irish pub food.
Tony’s Bistro & Patisserie. Perfect for lunch, coffee, or pastries.
DAY TRIPS FROM MONCTON
HOPEWELL ROCKS PROVINCIAL PARK (45 MINUTES):
One of the most famous natural attractions in Atlantic Canada.
Things to Do
Walk the ocean floor at low tide among the famous flowerpot rock formations.
Return later to see the incredible Bay of Fundy tides transform the landscape.
Tip: Check the tide schedule before visiting. The experience is completely different at high versus low tide.
Recommended time: 2–3 hours
SHEDIAC, NB (25 MINUTES):
Known as the Lobster Capital of the World, this seaside town is perfect for an afternoon or evening visit.
Things to Do
Take a Shediac Bay Lobster Cruise to learn about lobster fishing and life on the water.
Where to Eat
Captain Dan’s Restaurant on the Shediac Wharf for fresh seafood and harbour views.
Tip: While you're here, don't leave the Maritimes without trying a lobster roll.
Recommended time: Half day or evening
SACKVILLE, NB (30 MINUTES):
Things to Do
Walk the beautiful Mount Allison campus, one of the most picturesque small university campuses in Canada.
Grab coffee or lunch at Cranewood Café.
Walk the peaceful boardwalk at Waterfowl Park.
Recommended time: 2–3 hours
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Base Yourself In: Charlottetown
Recommended Stay: 2-3 Days
To reach Prince Edward Island, you will drive across the Confederation Bridge, a 12.9 km bridge connecting New Brunswick to PEI. It is the longest bridge in the world over ice-covered waters. The drive itself is an experience.
Charlottetown is the island’s capital and a perfect home base for exploring PEI’s beaches, coastal villages, and Anne of Green Gables landmarks.
WHERE TO EAT IN CHARLOTTETOWN:
Merchantman Fresh Seafood & Oyster Bar. A great waterfront restaurant for classic PEI seafood.
Brickhouse Kitchen & Bar. A lively downtown restaurant known for great food, craft cocktails, and a fun atmosphere.
Boom Burger. A popular PEI burger spot with a few locations across the island (Alysha’s Favourite).
THINGS TO DO IN CHARLOTTETOWN:
Walk through historic downtown Charlottetown.
Stroll along the waterfront boardwalk.
Visit COWS Ice Cream, a PEI classic. You can even take a tour of the COWS Creamery and ice cream factory to see how their famous ice cream and cheese are made.
DAY TRIPS FROM CHARLOTTETOWN
CAVENDISH AND GREEN GABLES AREA (40 MINUTES):
Things to Do
Visit Green Gables Heritage Place, the inspiration for Anne of Green Gables.
Explore Avonlea Village.
Drive through Cavendish Provincial Park along the shoreline.
PEI Beaches
Stop at one of the beaches in Cavendish Provincial Park to see PEI’s famous red sand and sandstone cliffs. Even if the water is still a bit chilly in June, the scenery alone is worth it.
Recommended time: Half day
NORTH RUSTICO (35 MINUTES):
North Rustico is a charming fishing village on PEI’s north shore and a great place to experience classic island seafood and coastal views.
Things to Do
Book a deep sea fishing excursion.
Explore the small harbour town.
Where to Eat
Blue Mussel Café, one of the best seafood restaurants on the island. This restaurant alone is worth the stop in North Rustico.
Recommended time: Half day
VICTORIA-BY-THE-SEA (40 MINUTES)
One of the most charming little villages on PEI.
Things to Do
Walk the harbour and explore local shops.
Take a kayaking excursion along the coastline when the tide is high.
Where to Eat
The Lobster Barn for lunch on the wharf.
Recommended time: 1–2 hours
NEW GLASGOW (30 MINUTES)
Things to Do
Visit the PEI Preserve Company, known for its gardens, tea room, and homemade preserves.
Where to Eat
New Glasgow Lobster Suppers, a classic PEI dining experience featuring lobster, mussels, chowder, salads, and dessert. It is a fun and uniquely Maritime dinner experience.
Recommended time: 1–2 hours
Tip: Along many PEI roads you will find small roadside Dairy Bars serving soft-serve ice cream made from local island milk. They are definitely worth a stop.
NOVA SCOTIA
Base Yourself In: Halifax
Recommended Stay: 1–2 Days
Halifax is a vibrant coastal city full of history, great restaurants, and beautiful waterfront views. It is a great base for exploring Nova Scotia’s South Shore and some of the province’s most iconic coastal scenery.
THINGS TO DO IN HALIFAX:
Walk along the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk.
Visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, Alysha’s favourite museum.
Explore Citadel Hill for panoramic views of the harbour.
WHERE TO EAT IN HALIFAX:
McKelvie’s Delishes Fishes Dishes, a classic Halifax seafood spot (Jaden’s Favourite).
Amano, incredible Italian restaurant.
The Bicycle Thief, one of Halifax’s most iconic waterfront restaurants.
DAY TRIPS FROM HALIFAX
Suggested Day Trip
Drive the scenic South Shore route from Halifax to Peggy’s Cove and Lunenburg. Stop at Peggy’s Cove first, then continue on to Lunenburg for lunch and an afternoon exploring the town.
PEGGY’S COVE (45 MINUTES):
Peggy’s Cove is one of the most famous coastal landmarks in Atlantic Canada. The small fishing village and lighthouse sit on dramatic granite rocks along the Atlantic Ocean.
Things to Do
Visit the iconic Peggy’s Point Lighthouse.
Walk along the massive granite rocks and enjoy the ocean views.
Explore the small fishing village and local shops.
Recommended time: 1–2 hours
LUNENBURG (1 HOUR):
Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most picturesque fishing villages in the Maritimes.
Things to Do
Walk through colourful waterfront streets.
Explore shops, galleries, and cafés.
Enjoy views of the harbour and fishing boats.
Recommended time: Half day
The Maritimes will always hold a special place in our hearts, and many of these spots became favourites while we were at university. If you have the chance to explore while you're here, we hope you enjoy this part of the world as much as we do.