The Maritimes is a region located in eastern Canada, comprising the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. The region has a rich history that dates back thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans.
Indigenous peoples, including the Mi’kmaq, Maliseet, and Passamaquoddy, inhabited the region for thousands of years prior to European contact. These communities had a rich culture, including a deep connection to the land and sea, and engaged in activities such as fishing, hunting, and agriculture.

The first European contact with the region occurred in the late 15th century when Portuguese explorer João Álvares Fagundes arrived in what is now Nova Scotia. The French also established a presence in the region, including settlements such as Port Royal (1605) and Quebec City (1608). The British also became interested in the region and established colonies in Nova Scotia (1713) and Prince Edward Island (1763).

The Maritimes played an important role in the formation of Canada as a nation. Nova Scotia was one of the four original provinces that formed Canada in 1867, while New Brunswick joined shortly thereafter in 1870. Prince Edward Island was last of the three who joined Canada in 1873.

Throughout 19th and early 20th centuries, the Maritimes experienced significant economic growth, fueled by industries such as fishing, forestry, and shipbuilding. However, the region also faced challenges, including the decline of these industries and the emigration of many residents to other parts of Canada and the United States.

Today, the Maritimes remains a culturally rich and diverse region, known for its scenic beauty, friendly people, and unique cuisine. The region is also home to several major universities and research institutions, as well as a growing technology sector.

24 fun and best things to do in The Maritimes

1. Visit Peggy’s Cove, a picturesque fishing village known for its iconic lighthouse and rugged coastal scenery.
2. Explore the Bay of Fundy, which boasts some of the highest tides in the world and is home to diverse wildlife, including whales and seals.
3. Walk the streets of Old Quebec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and stunning views of the St. Lawrence River.
4. Visit the Anne of Green Gables Museum in Prince Edward Island, which celebrates the life and works of Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery.
5. Take a scenic drive along Cabot Trail, a famous highway that circles Cape Breton Island and offers stunning views of the Atlantic coast.
6. Enjoy the nightlife in Halifax, a vibrant city that offers a wide range of bars, clubs, and live music venues.
7. Visit the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, a military parade that features marching bands, dancers, and acrobats.
8. Take a whale-watching tour on Brier Island, where you can spot humpback whales, fin whales, and other marine mammals.
9. Visit the Farmers’ Market in St. John’s, where you can sample local foods and shop for handmade crafts and souvenirs.
10. Explore the Citadel Hill National Historic Site in Halifax, which features a restored 19th-century fortification and panoramic views of the city.
11. Visit the Fundy National Park, which offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and kayaking.
12. Attend a concert or performance at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium in Halifax, a renowned venue that showcases local and international artists.
13. Take a scenic drive along the Lighthouse Route, a picturesque highway that runs along the south shore of Nova Scotia and offers stunning views of the Atlantic coast.
14. Visit the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre in Birchtown, which celebrates the history and culture of the Black Loyalists who fled the American Revolution and settled in Nova Scotia.
15. Visit the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in Halifax, which showcases works by local and national artists, including the Group of Seven.
16. Explore the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, which offers breathtaking landscapes, including rugged cliffs and dense forests.
17. Visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in Baddeck, which celebrates the life and works of the Scottish-born inventor and engineer.
18. Attend the Halifax International Busker Festival, which features street performers, acrobats, and musicians from around the world.
19. Visit the Maritimes Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax, which showcases the rich maritime history of the region, including the Titanic and the Halifax Explosion.
20. Take a scenic drive along the Fundy Coastal Drive, a beautiful route that winds along the coast of New Brunswick and offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Fundy.
21. Visit the Kouchibouguac National Park, which offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, including kayaking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
22. Take a scenic ferry ride from Nova Scotia to Prince Edward Island, which offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic coast and the Northumberland Strait.
23. Visit the Kings Landing Historical Settlement in Prince William, which recreates life in rural New Brunswick during the 19th century.
24. Visit the Glooscap Heritage Centre in Millbrook, which celebrates the rich Mi’kmaq culture and heritage of the region.

10 places similar to The Maritimes with their locations.

1. New England, USA: A region that encompasses six states in the northeastern United States, which includes Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
2. Brittany, France: A region in northwestern France that is known for its rugged coastlines, historic castles, and unique cultural heritage.
3. Galicia, Spain: A region in northwest Spain that is known for its green rolling hills, charming villages, and stunning coastline.
4. Cornwall, England: A county in southwestern England that is known for its rugged coastline, historic fishing villages, and unique cultural heritage.
5. The Faroe Islands, Denmark: A group of 18 islands located in the North Atlantic Ocean, near the coast of Scotland and Norway, known for its rugged landscapes, historic villages, and unique cultural heritage.
6. The Azores, Portugal: A group of nine volcanic islands located in the North Atlantic Ocean, known for their lush green landscapes, historic villages, and unique cultural heritage.
7. Cape Breton Island, Canada: An island located off the coast of Nova Scotia, known for its rugged coastlines, historic villages, and unique cultural heritage.
8. Westfjords, Iceland: A remote peninsula located in northwestern Iceland, known for its rugged coastline, fjords, and unique cultural heritage.
9. The Outer Hebrides, Scotland: A chain of islands located off the coast of Scotland, known for their rugged coastline, historic villages, and unique cultural heritage.
10. The Aran Islands, Ireland: A group of three islands positioned off the west coast of Ireland, known for their rugged coastline, historic villages, and unique cultural heritage.