Atlantic Maritime Provinces as a vacation destination – Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island:
When you look back on your getaway to Canada’s Maritime Provinces, the subtle feelings will stay with you always. You’ll remember the warmth of your sweater, the gentle sea breeze through your hair, the taste of fresh lobster and the tranquil romance of neighborhoods where fishing, boatbuilding and seafaring have been a way of life for centuries.
Nova Scotia is the land of the Acadians, the ancestors of many Canadians and Cajun Americans, as well as the fictional Evangeline from the Longfellow poem. This province alone has over 4,600 miles of shoreline that range from uncrowded leisurely beaches to rock-pounding breakers to picturesque seaports like Yarmouth and Sydney, all with whale populations ripe for viewing. For something more urban, Halifax is home to Canada’s version of Ellis Island, cobblestone streets and some of the hippest jazz and blues clubs around – not to mention the Titanic’s burial site.
Because Prince Edward Island is relatively small, everything is close by and near the warm saltwater shores. The island’s rich red soil and rolling landscapes make 25 golf courses, 16 major parks and miles of exhilarating biking all possible. As you travel the Confederation Trail from one end of the island to the other, you’ll discover Celtic music, delectable summertime fruit and Charlottetown, Canada’s official birthplace. You can even visit the farmhouse and communities that inspired the children’s book Anne of Green Gables.
If there ever was a true maritime province, New Brunswick might be it. Its incredible four-story tides are the highest in the world, and more whales make it their home than any other place on the planet. St. Andrews by the Sea is Canada’s oldest seaside resort town that was founded by British loyalists fleeing the American Revolution, and loves to boast that it’s completely “smokestack free.”
Atlantic Maritime Provinces as a vacation destination for gay and lesbian vacationers:
Halifax is one of the coolest towns around, and perfect for a gay old time. After walking the cobblestone streets and historic waterfront, stop in a club to hear Celtic music, hot jazz or dance beats. Much of this historic city has been preserved beautifully to create sidewalk cafes, whimsical shops, street performers and even an oceanfront casino.
Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island has tree-lined streets that are the perfect place for gay and lesbian travelers to discover the roots of the Canadian nation. It’s where the old and new make up a lively gay friendly scene – among Victorian mansions and an historic waterfront of craft shops, restaurants and coffee shops.
St. John in New Brunswick is another must-see for the LGBT traveler. King’s Square is where you’ll find many of the city’s endless historic attractions, while Prince William Street has the unique shops and eateries. Don’t forget to stop by Barbour's General Store, a restored 19th-century country general store, and the City Market that is a designated National Historic Site.
