海角社区

The beautiful and historic town of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

7 Most Neighborly Towns In The Maritimes

The Maritimes comprise much of Canada's vast eastern seaboard and contain some of the country's most unique cultural offerings, along with an incredible amount of natural beauty. Far less populated than more central and western areas of Canada, this distinct region of the country is instead defined by its smaller communities as opposed to big metropolises.

The Maritimes is also well-known for its friendly demeanor and relaxed vibe, which you rarely find in bustling cities like Toronto or Vancouver. Today, we would like to focus on some of the most neighborly communities in this sizable chunk of eastern Canada and shed some light on what makes them so great.

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

Lunenburg Waterfront.
Lunenburg Waterfront. Editorial credit: daryl_mitchell via Wikimedia

Lunenburg stands out as one of the best communities to visit in Nova Scotia due to its well-preserved downtown area dating back to the 18th century. A UNESCO 海角社区 Heritage Site, the town鈥檚 historic core features brightly painted buildings, narrow streets, and a busy waterfront that still reflects its legacy as an important shipbuilding hub.

A popular spot to visit is the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, which provides deep insight into the region鈥檚 seafaring traditions, while the Bluenose II, a replica of Canada鈥檚 famed racing schooner, often docks nearby in the harbor. Lunenburg鈥檚 waterfront is also lined with many great restaurants serving fresh Atlantic seafood, distilleries, and locally owned shops.

Lunenburg also hosts a number of notable cultural events like the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival, drawing musicians from across Canada.

Beyond the town center, You are free to explore nearby scenic trails or check out the surrounding coastal area, which includes the famed Oak Island, known as a spot that might be hiding a cache of mysterious pirate treasure!

St. Andrews, New Brunswick

Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, built in 1889, the hotel is the most famous symbol of St. Andrews.
Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, built in 1889, the hotel is the most famous symbol of St. Andrews. Editorial credit: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock.com

St. Andrews, commonly called St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, was founded in 1783 and combines its deep-seated historic charm with access to the Bay of Fundy鈥檚 amazing natural scenery.

Water Street, the town鈥檚 main thoroughfare, is home to a nice selection of art galleries, mom-and-pop shops, and restaurants specializing in local seafood. The Herring Pub is considered a must-visit, with its simple yet delicious menu and great views over the water, being located just steps from the wharf.

What pleases many history buffs is the fact that many of the town鈥檚 original 19th-century buildings remain intact, contributing to its designation as a National Historic District. Examples of historic landmarks dowtown include the Sheriff Andrews House and the Ross Memorial Museum

Nature is central to the experience in St. Andrews too. Ministers Island, for example, is accessible only at low tide and offers a glimpse into the summer estate of railroad tycoon Sir William Van Horne. Moreover, The Kingsbrae Garden, a 27-acre horticultural showcase, features themed gardens, walking trails, and a resident alpaca herd.

For those interested in marine life, whale-watching excursions often depart from the harbor, providing you with a way to see local wildlife like humpbacks and minke whales.

Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia

Village of Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, and the Churches of Mahone Bay.
Village of Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, and the Churches of Mahone Bay.

Mahone Bay's allure rests in its scenic harbor, well-developed arts community, and rich maritime history dating back to the 1750s. Its waterfront is home to an array collection of colorful heritage buildings, including the famous three churches that have become a symbol of the town: the St John's Evangelical Lutheran, Trinity United, and St James' Anglican.

The town also hosts the Mahone Bay Scarecrow Festival and the Wooden Boat Festival, celebrating its long connection to the shipbuilding industry.

On the other hand, outdoor activities make Mahone Bay an ideal destination for those looking to experience Nova Scotia鈥檚 natural beauty. Kayaking and sailing are popular along the sheltered waters, while nearby trails provide routes for walking and cycling with views of the coastline.

Just a short drive from Lunenburg and Chester, Mahone Bay is well-positioned for exploring Nova Scotia鈥檚 South Shore on a trip that stops at multiple towns we highly recommend.

Souris, Prince Edward Island

Souris, Prince Edward Island
Souris, Prince Edward Island

Souris is a small but very worthwhile destination that serves as both a gateway to the 脦les de la Madeleine and a fun spot in its own right. As with many other parts of the island, it is known for its sandy beaches, red cliffs, and active fishing wharf, offering you a classic Prince Edward Island experience.

Start your journey here at the famous Souris Lighthouse. Standing since 1880, this iconic Maritimes landmark offers idyllic views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and an exhibit on the region鈥檚 history.

Experience more of PEI's underrated natural beauty at Sea Glass Beach. Just a short walk from the town harbor, this locale draws visitors searching for colorful fragments smoothed by the ocean as well as those simply looking for a nice sandy patch to kickback on. Furthermore, Basin Head Provincial Park, a short drive away, is home to the 鈥渟inging sands,鈥 where fine quartz grains produce a distinct sound underfoot.

The town鈥檚 seafood industry remains central to daily life for residents and visitors alike, with local restaurants and markets featuring freshly caught lobster, mussels, and oysters. Festivals in Souris, including the annual Mermaids Tears Sea Glass Festival, further highlight the town鈥檚 strong ties to the sea.

Shelburne, Nova Scotia

The Cox Warehouse on Dock Street, Shelburne, Nova Scotia.
The Cox Warehouse on Dock Street, Shelburne, Nova Scotia.

Shelburne is a historic waterfront town that was once a vital shipbuilding hub and a Loyalist stronghold in Canada. Founded in 1783 by British Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution, it quickly became one of the largest settlements in North America.

Today, Shelburne鈥檚 historic district preserves its storied past through a number of original 18th-century buildings, including the Shelburne County Museum and the Dory Shop Museum, where traditional wooden boats are still crafted by hand. Another cool spot is Shelburne Harbour, one of the deepest natural harbors in the 海角社区 and one that has supported fishing and shipbuilding industries for centuries, part of what made the British Empire the seafaring power that it was.

Shelburne's scenery has also become a filming location for period dramas, like The Scarlet Letter and a Moby Dick mini-series, with its well-preserved architecture standing in for a variety of historical settings.

Make sure to also pay a visit to Sandy Point Lighthouse or take a short trip to The Islands Provincial Park for oceanside trails and birdwatching.

Victoria-by-the-Sea, Prince Edward Island

The iconic Lobster Barn Pub and Eatery in Victoria-by-the-Sea on Prince Edward Island
The iconic Lobster Barn Pub and Eatery in Victoria-by-the-Sea on Prince Edward Island

Founded in the early 19th century, this once-bustling fishing and trading port has transformed into a destination known for its well-plethora of historic landmarks, artisan scene, and generally relaxed pace, perfect for those looking for a break from big city life.

The village鈥檚 streets lead to the gorgeous waterfront, where you can watch fishing boats come and go or stop by the Victoria Seaport Museum to learn about the area鈥檚 past, which has endured since the early 1800s.

The town is also home to the Victoria Playhouse, one of Prince Edward Island鈥檚 longest-running little theatres, which hosts performances throughout the summer. If you want to further explore the local art scene, Victoria-by-the-Sea is also home to several galleries and studios, like Red Sand Jewelry and Fine Art, showcasing island-made jewelry, paintings, and other crafts.

For some nice sights in the great outdoors, Victoria Provincial Park sits just south of town, featuring an array of beaches and other seascapes for you to walk around in and enjoy a sunset over the water if you arrive at the right time.

Caraquet, New Brunswick

Caraquet, New Brunswick
Caraquet, New Brunswick

Many argue that Caraquet is the heart of Acadian culture in New Brunswick. Founded in the 1730s by the Acadians, some of Canada's earliest French settlers (who were mostly kicked out later), the town remains a center of Francophone heritage, with French widely spoken and celebrated through local music, festivals, and cuisine. Learn more at the Village Historique Acadien. Just outside town, this historic site recreates traditional Acadian life from 1770 to 1949, featuring costumed interpreters and preserved period buildings.

Each August, the town hosts the Festival Acadien, one of the largest Acadian celebrations in Canada, culminating in the Tintamarre, a lively parade where participants make as much noise as possible in a show of cultural pride.

Besides its unique history and culture, Chaleur Bay, a prime location for sailing, fishing, and beachcombing sits nearby. As with most other towns on this list, Seafood is central to local dining here too, with freshly caught lobster, crab, mussels, and other delights from the ocean available in a number of restaurants and markets. Joints like Restaurant du Quai, Origines Cuisine Maritime, and a few other notables, allow you to get a true taste of the Maritimes' connection to French Canadian culture.

Check Out these Friendly Maritime Communities

From historic dowtown quarters to wonderful coastal views and delicious seafood, the Maritimes is an area rich with fun and unique experiences for all who come. While cities like Halifax and Charlottetown should be on your itinerary, any of the communities mentioned above, which can easily be described as neighborly, are very much worth a stop too.

Whether driving along Nova Scotia's scenic southern coast or or learning about what French Canada has to offer outside Quebec in New Brunswick, any of these destinations is sure to make your trip through the region a memorable one.

Share
  1. Home
  2. Places
  3. Cities
  4. 7 Most Neighborly Towns In The Maritimes

More in Places