Atlantic Coast Holidays in Canada

Canada's Atlantic Coast

Rugged, windswept and impossibly beautiful, the Atlantic coast of Canada is a hidden gem.

Distilling the very best of the country in to what is a relatively small, diverse and easy to explore area, it comprises of four distinct regions – Newfoundland and Labrador, which is the largest, and the ‘Maritime Provinces’ of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. With its weather-beaten coastline, quaint fishing villages, uncrowded beaches and world-class seafood, Canada’s Atlantic coast has a deeply ingrained maritime history and a distinct heritage which shares many cultural similarities with Europe. Navigation of the islands and islets of the region is best done by car and there is plenty to see and do. Explore historic Halifax and the colourful UNESCO protected town of Lunenburg, bird watch and spot whales off the pristine Nova Scotia coast, enjoy the spectacular scenery of Cape Breton Highlands and Fundy national parks and uncover the literary setting for the much-loved novel ‘Anne of Green Gables’. Due to its easterly location the region is easily reached and flight times are a little over six hours from the UK.

Holiday Ideas for Canada's Atlantic Coast

Peggy's Cove Lighthouse, Nova Scotia, Canada

15 DAYS

Atlantic Canada and the Best of the Maritimes

from £2550 - £3050
per person

Puffin in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada

14 DAYS

Whales, Birds and Bergs of Newfoundland

from £2050 - £2650
per person

Start Planning your Holiday

When to visit the Atlantic Coast

Known for its variable weather, largely as a result of the region’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, it is generally considered that the very best time to visit Canada’s Maritime Provinces is over the summer months from the end of June to the start of September. Summer days are warm, temperatures hover between 20 to 25°C and it can sometimes be muggy. Although, on the whole, skies will mostly be clear, the weather is famous throughout Canada for its changeable nature and even during the height of summer it is not uncommon to experience all four seasons in one day. Similarly to neighbouring New England, spring is pleasantly warm although it can be damp and temperatures drop considerably at night whilst the autumn, with its beautiful fall colours, becomes increasingly cooler with shorter days and chilly evenings. Few travellers head to this region during winter. Temperatures plummet, storms are frequent and snowfall, sometimes heavy, is common occurrence.

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

BEST TIME

GOOD TIME

LOW SEASON

OFF SEASON

This is a general overview suggesting when to travel in the country. Please note that this may not directly apply to any specific itinerary or region.

What to do on Canada's Atlantic Coast

Alongside Newfoundland, the Maritime Provinces were some of the earliest areas of North America to receive European settlers and, consequently, this region of Canada has centuries-old traditions, a specific culture and many customs that are distinct to the rest of the country. Likewise, the unique geography and rugged landscapes of the Atlantic Coast also formed a natural barrier to mainland Canada. Both of these aspects have combined to emphasise the region’s distinctiveness which, today, is what makes it such a special place to visit and explore. Spend time in historic and charming towns, visit age-old Viking-era archaeological sites, sample some of Canada’s finest seafood, walk pristine and beautiful beaches or, for the more adventurous, head into the great outdoors and hike spectacular trails. The Maritime Provinces also have plenty to offer those interested in wildlife including the opportunity to spot up to 12 species of whale during the summer months, large mammals such as moose and a wide variety of resident and migratory bird species.