We love traveling, in case you didn’t know that about us. We also love The Maritimes, but we think we’ve made that fairly clear. So, while many are speaking about the great things around the world that we can see, from the Taj Mahal in India, to the Great Wall of China in, well, China, from The Grand Canyon to the Serengeti, we want to focus on home. Whether you’re coming from away, or want to do some local tourism, we humbly present our list.
Cabot Trail
Of all the driving that can be done in Atlantic Canada, the Cabot Trail is the one drive that MUST be done by anyone visiting the east coast. The route is packed with things to see, cliffs and vistas, small communities, winding roads and much more. There are also a number of hiking trails in many places along the way if you need to get out and stretch your legs. Don’t miss out on Atlantic Canada’s most photogenic drive.
Peggy’s Cove
Let’s get the big one out of the way. If you go to the Maritimes and you don’t go see Peggy’s Cove, did you REALLY go to the Maritimes? A beautiful lookout that offers fantastic views of the opening of St. Margaret’s Bay, you’re in for a treat regardless of the weather. But please, no matter what you do, stay off the black rocks!
If you have time, there is a wonderful memorial to the lives lost in Swissair Flight 111 which crashed into St. Margaret’s Bay near Peggy’s Cove in 1998.
Hopewell Rocks
Speaking of big. The Hopewell Rocks in the Bay of Fundy are home to the highest tides in the world. Carved out of rock by the enormous tides, the Flowerpot Rocks, or colloquially, The Rocks, stand 40 to 70 feet tall, yet are still nearly covered in water daily. Our advice is to see them at high and low tide so that you can understand the magnitude. When coming from Moncton, stop at Hopewell, visit the rocks, continue on to Alma for a lobster meal, and come back in time to see the rocks at their opposite tide.
Fundy National Park
If you’ve made it out to the Hopewell Rocks, then you should probably continue on to Fundy National Park, while you’re at it. Whether you’re looking to see the sights, hike, camp or explore – Fundy has it all. There are plenty of activities you can use the park for, year-round. Even in the winter when the park is closed, many people use the trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. For those looking for an advanced trek – the Dobson trail leaves Fundy and ends in Riverview, NB (a total of over 57km).
The neighbouring town of Alma, NB, also offers a number of restaurants, gift shops and other attractions for those in the area (many of the businesses are seasonal).
