Canada's Atlantic provinces - Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland - are increasingly North America's most underrated luxury road trip. The Cabot Trail (Cape Breton Island) is regularly ranked the most scenic drive on the continent, the Bay of Fundy has the highest tides on Earth, and the seafood is unmatched. A 10-day Maritime loop fits the best of three provinces.

The Cabot Trail (Cape Breton, Nova Scotia)

298 km of two-lane highway around Cape Breton Island's northern tip, traversing Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Stay at Keltic Lodge at the Highlands - the iconic Tudor-style lodge on Middle Head peninsula - or The Cabot Cape Breton, two world-class oceanside links golf courses with stunning accommodation. Drive the trail counterclockwise for the best ocean views.

Lunenburg & the South Shore (Nova Scotia)

The UNESCO-listed harbour town of Lunenburg is the most photogenic Maritime port - candy-coloured Victorian buildings, the Bluenose II schooner, and serious seafood. Stay at The Boscawen Inn. Peggy's Cove (1 hour west) is the iconic lighthouse photo - go at sunrise to avoid the tour buses.

Halifax

The Maritime capital is small but punches above its weight. Stay at The Muir Hotel (autograph collection, 2022 opening) or The Lord Nelson Hotel for the heritage option. The Halifax Citadel at noon for the changing of the guard. Pier 21 is Canada's Ellis Island museum.

Prince Edward Island

Canada's smallest province, connected to the mainland by the 13 km Confederation Bridge. The most famous luxury stay: The Inn at Bay Fortune (chef Michael Smith's farm-to-table inn with the famous FireWorks Feast). Dalvay-by-the-Sea in PEI National Park is the heritage Victorian alternative. Visit Anne of Green Gables Heritage Place in Cavendish.

The Bay of Fundy (New Brunswick)

The highest tides in the world - 16 m vertical range twice daily. Stay at The Algonquin Resort (Marriott Autograph) in St. Andrews. Don't miss Hopewell Rocks (walk on the seabed at low tide), and the Fundy Trail Parkway drive. Book Bay of Fundy tours, whale watching and lobster suppers.

The Best Restaurants

  • The Inn at Bay Fortune (PEI) - the FireWorks Feast, a 4-hour culinary event
  • The Dining Room at Keltic Lodge - the Cabot Trail flagship
  • Fid Resto (Halifax) - the city's longest-running fine dining
  • The Bicycle Thief (Halifax) - the upscale Italian on the waterfront
  • The South Street Burger (Lunenburg) - the lobster roll pilgrimage
  • Rita's Tea Room (Big Pond, Cape Breton) - country singer Rita MacNeil's family tea house

The 10-Day Maritime Loop

  • Days 1-2: Fly Halifax, Peggy's Cove + Lunenburg overnight
  • Day 3: Drive to Cape Breton, overnight Baddeck
  • Days 4-5: Cabot Trail loop, overnight Keltic Lodge
  • Day 6: Drive to PEI via Confederation Bridge
  • Days 7-8: PEI - Cavendish, Bay Fortune, Anne of Green Gables
  • Day 9: Drive to New Brunswick, Hopewell Rocks, Bay of Fundy
  • Day 10: St Andrews, fly out from Saint John or Halifax

Tips Most Guides Miss

  • The Maritimes' best season is late August to early October - autumn foliage on the Cabot Trail is world-class
  • Lobster season runs May-July (south) and October-December (north); the freshest catches
  • Confederation Bridge to PEI is free entering, CAD 50 leaving (toll one direction only)
  • Cellular coverage drops in northern Cape Breton - download offline maps
  • Tides at Hopewell Rocks change every 6 hours; check the tide table to walk the sea floor