Canada often feels far away, but the Atlantic provinces are closer than most people realise. Just six hours from the UK, you can find yourself walking along empty beaches, eating lobster fresh from the sea, or watching icebergs drift past the cliffs. If you’ve ever dreamt of coastal Canada, this is the side worth exploring.
From New Brunswick to Newfoundland, each province has its own pace, shaped by the ocean and the seasons. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, breathe out and feel like you’ve gone somewhere that matters.
Prince Edward Island
Known for its gentle charm, Prince Edward Island feels like it was made for road trips. The coast wraps around the island in a way that encourages you to take the long way round. You’ll pass beaches, lighthouses, and farms that roll out to the water’s edge. If you stop in the national park, the walking trails give you views of cliffs and sea grasses, with barely another person in sight.
The seafood here is simple and fresh. And if golf is your thing, you’ll find no shortage of green space to play on. But really, the magic is in the slowness. It’s an island that asks nothing from you except your time.
New Brunswick
In New Brunswick, the coastline does something unusual. At the Bay of Fundy, the tide doesn’t just come in, it transforms the entire landscape. At low tide, you can walk where the ocean should be, between towers of sandstone that were shaped by the water. Six hours later, you’re floating above it in a kayak.
If you visit in autumn, the forests around Fundy National Park are full of deep reds and glowing golds. You’ll find quiet hikes, peaceful campsites, and the kind of views that stay with you. This part of coastal Canada is made for people who love nature but don’t want to rush through it.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia has a long coastline that always feels close. Drive the Cabot Trail and you’ll wind past cliffs, forest, and sea. There are places to spot whales, stop for oysters, or just pull over and watch the waves. The rhythm of the place gets into you.
In October, the Celtic Colours Festival brings the island to life with music and stories that honour its Gaelic roots. But even outside of festival time, there’s a strong sense of culture here, shaped by both the land and the people.
Newfoundland & Labrador
If you visit Newfoundland in early summer, you might see icebergs floating through the sea. They drift slowly past the coast, silent and bright against the horizon. It’s one of those sights that doesn’t feel real until you’ve seen it for yourself.
This part of Canada is wilder. The towns feel small and proud, and the landscapes stretch out for miles. Gros Morne National Park has hiking trails that lead to fjords and freshwater lakes. It’s quiet, but full of life.
A token to remember it by
When you’ve been somewhere that feels special, it’s nice to carry a reminder. The Canada token from Journeys Made fits onto your travel keychain and marks the moment in a simple, thoughtful way. Whether it’s a travel gift for someone who shared the trip with you, or something for yourself, it’s more than just a keepsake - it’s a memory you can hold.
