5. The Maritimes
Life in the provinces of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick has historically centered on the Atlantic Ocean—hence the region's name.
Nova Scotia, where license plates hail the area as "Canada's Ocean Playground," is the most popular destination of the 3, with thousands of miles of dramatic coastline and a rich English, French, Scottish, and indigenous Miꞌkmaq heritage to explore. The capital Halifax is a bustling port with harbor cruises, a historic citadel, and great seafood. To the north, Cape Breton Island boasts amazing ocean and highland views along the Cabot Trail scenic drive.
Cross the Northumberland Strait to reach Prince Edward Island, the smallest Canadian province that's no less beautiful. Take in sweeping pastoral vistas before tucking in to 2 well-known locally grown and oft-exported delicacies: PEI potatoes and PEI mussels.
New Brunswick's most famous attraction is the Bay of Fundy, whose unique geography means high tide rises over 50 feet more than low tide—the highest in the world. Visitors can experience a full tide cycle at the Hopewell Rocks, or watch the Saint John River flow backward at Reversing Falls. There's also plenty of history, including that of the original Acadians, to whom many of Louisiana's Cajuns can trace their ancestry.