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Atlantic Canada, travel.
Atlantic Canada features exciting scenery and things to do in the northeastern corner of North America, making the destination convenient and fun for all ages. Enjoy whale-watching, hiking and sightseeing opportunities, ranging from impressive tall ships to scenic lighthouses and colorful row houses. The provinces in Atlantic Canada — namely, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island — are off the Atlantic Ocean and boast beautiful beaches, cultural attractions and outstanding local cuisine. During the Atlantic Canada lobster season, savor fresh seafood and connect with welcoming coastal communities.
- Take advantage of AAA member savings and benefits, such as renting a car, road trip itineraries and tips on activities for kids in national parks.
- Book Atlantic Canada vacation packages, AAA Diamond-designated hotels, and dining and activities easily with Trip Canvas.
FEATURED DESTINATIONS
Atlantic Canada
DESTINATION
New Brunswick
New Brunswick is a bilingual province, where its culture is infused into the landscape and cuisine. Stroll the Fredericton Riverfront Trail and visit a taproom, or marvel at the breathtaking Bay of Fundy tides in Saint John. Continue your exploration of natural phenomena in Moncton, where you can visit the Hopewell Rocks or mysterious Magnetic Hill. Save room to sample Acadian cuisine like chicken fricot, a savory chicken stew with dumplings, or order up Atlantic Canada seafood, including lobster, scallops and oysters to get a taste of this province.
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DESTINATION
Newfoundland and Labrador
The island of Newfoundland and the mainland of Labrador make up Newfoundland and Labrador, a scenic province in Atlantic Canada. St. John’s, the capital, is a vibrant place to start, with its colorful row houses on Jellybean Row and iconic tower at Signal Hill National Historic Site. Don’t miss L’Anse aux Meadows, a fascinating archeological site. Explore Iceberg Alley, Puffin Island, and Gros Morne National Park.
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DESTINATION
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia, nestled on Canada’s east coast, is celebrated for its stunning coastline and maritime history. Its capital Halifax is a charming hub with a lively restaurant scene. Visit Peggy’s Cove and historic Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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DESTINATION
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island (PEI), known for its picturesque landscapes and cultural attractions, is famously linked to “Anne of Green Gables.” Visit Green Gables Heritage Place. The province also attracts seafood lovers with dishes like lobster and oysters. Explore Charlottetown, home to the Culinary Institute of Canada.
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Why Travel & Book with AAA
AAA is there for you before, during and after your trip, so you can be sure you’ll have the best Atlantic Canada vacation. Find Diamond-designated hotels in the best Atlantic Canada vacation spots, and book your stay with peace of mind. Each Diamond hotel is certified Inspected Clean by AAA inspectors during annual, in-person evaluations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Atlantic Canada
Atlantic Canada covers New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. “The Maritimes” excludes Newfoundland and Labrador; the latter joined Canada later in 1949 and is geographically separated by the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Atlantic Canada lies along Canada’s eastern coast by the Atlantic Ocean and is renowned for rugged landscapes, charming towns and outdoor activities.
Most of Atlantic Canada follows the Atlantic Time Zone (UTC-4), an hour ahead of Eastern Time. Newfoundland and parts of Labrador use Newfoundland Standard Time (UTC-3:30), although some areas of Labrador operate on Atlantic Time.
No, U.S. citizens are exempt from Canada’s eTA requirement but must carry proper identification, such as a valid U.S. passport. Lawful permanent residents of the U.S. also are exempt, but they must bring proof of their status and a valid passport from their country of nationality.
Atlantic Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are easy to access throughout the region.
The best time to visit is between late spring and early fall (May to October) when the weather is pleasant. Summer offers ideal conditions for outdoor activities, while autumn showcases colorful fall foliage. Winter has its advantages as well with plenty of snowmobiling, skiing and other winter sports.
The best time for whale-watching in Atlantic Canada is from June to October, when humpbacks, minkes, fin whales and even North Atlantic right whales migrate through the region’s waters. Peak sightings occur in late summer, especially in areas like the Bay of Fundy and the waters off Newfoundland and Labrador.
Bring layers to adapt to changing weather, comfortable footwear for exploring and a rain jacket. If you need one, pack a universal adapter for Canada’s standard North American plugs (type A and B) with a 120V voltage.
English is the primary language, though French is widely spoken in New Brunswick, Canada’s only officially bilingual province. The region’s unique dialect, Atlantic Canadian English, includes influences from British, Irish and French cultures and features expressions like “right some good!” to describe really good experiences. Also spoken are Indigenous languages, including Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqey (Maliseet people), and Innu-aimun or Montagnais (Innu people in Eastern Canada).
Atlantic Canada is home to several Indigenous First Nations, including the Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) and Beothuk peoples, each with rich cultures and deep connections to the land. Their contributions include traditional knowledge, art and storytelling, which continue to shape the identity of the region.
L’Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland is the only confirmed Viking settlement in North America. This UNESCO World Heritage Site provides fascinating insights into Norse exploration more than 1,000 years ago, showcasing the Vikings' brief but historically significant presence in the region.
Atlantic Canada offers fun activities, from exploring the tidal marvels of the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick to hiking the scenic Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia. Tour Lucy Maud Montgomery's Prince Edward Island for Anne of Green Gables sites or the fjords of Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Atlantic Canada promises stunning coastlines, varied attractions and warm hospitality. With plenty of outdoor adventures and delicious local cuisine, each visit is sure to lead to a meaningful experience.
Acadian culture lives on in the descendants of French settlers who arrived in the 17th century. Acadians are known for their distinct music, cuisine and culture, which is found especially in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and parts of Nova Scotia. Acadian French remains a local dialect.
Atlantic Canada is a haven for food lovers, offering fresh seafood like lobster, scallops, oysters and mussels. The region also boasts Acadian cuisine such as poutine râpée and rappie pie, along with locally foraged ingredients like fiddleheads and dulse. Don't miss Newfoundland's hearty Jiggs’ dinner, aka a “boiled” Newfoundland meal traditionally served on Sunday, featuring salted beef, boiled root vegetables like potatoes, carrots and turnips, alongside cabbage and peas.
Hiking scenic coastal trails, taking whale-watching tours, kayaking and exploring stunning national parks like Gros Morne and Cape Breton Highlands are top outdoor activities.