If you’re looking for a new vacation spot that boasts beautiful views and unique culture, then look no further than Eastern Canada. The Atlantic Canadian coast is full of historic cities, stunning architecture and opportunities to learn more about the rich history of Canadian and Acadian culture.
So skip Vancouver, Toronto and Quebec in favor of the less traveled provinces of the country. Let’s look at some of the top attractions on this side of Canada.
Bay of Fundy
The Bay of Fundy is tucked just north of Maine’s state line and separates Nova Scotia from New Brunswick. It’s a stunning sight in and of itself, but also offers lots of options for travelers. Whether you choose cruises from Boston, a road trip or a long flight as your means of travel, you can visit both sides of the Bay for unique experiences.
You can visit the quaint city of St. John to visit the museums and historical sites. Or spend time in Nova Scotia learning about the Acadian people and their diaspora down the East Coast.
Kingston
Nestled above Lake Ontario, Kingston is a charming town with a rich history. It’s hailed as one of the most scenic destinations in Eastern Canada, featuring historic sites, unique culture and beautiful architecture.
At the beginning of Canada’s history, Kingston was actually the capital of the nation. You can even visit the first prime minister’s home, the Bellevue House. Today, the house is outfitted similarly to a museum to help you visualize Canada in the mid-1800s when the town was at its height.
L’Ans aux Meadows
Nearly as far north as you can go in Canada, L’Ans aux Meadows is every history lover’s dream vacation. These grassy hills mark the site where Leif Eriksson landed with his Viking retinue and settled over 1,000 years ago. It’s the sole authenticated Norse site in North America.
It’s more than just a historical area, though. There are also staff members present to make the experience feel like you’re stepping back in time. Women weave around campfires, blacksmiths beat iron in their stalls and Norse legends float across the air at every stop.
Gros Morne National Park
If you prefer to spend time outdoors on your vacations, then don’t miss Gros Morne National Park. This park is tucked in the Long Range Mountains in Newfoundland and features lots of hiking and stunning views.
You can wander through the cliffs to see incredible rock formations and plummeting waterfalls. Or head down to Western Brook Pond for a boat tour to see the mountain from a different vantage point. And don’t worry, you won’t have to cook all your meals over a campfire. There are pubs and restaurants surrounding the park for visitors to enjoy.
Niagara Falls
Although this attraction is definitely a popular one, it attracts people for a reason. Niagara Falls is a stunning natural wonder on the Niagara River, which runs from Canada into New York state. You can view the falls from either country, but the view from Canada’s Queen Victoria Park gives you a much better vantage point.
If you do cross the border to see the Falls, there are plenty of things to do for entertainment. You can visit the local restaurants, spend time in casinos or even take a boat ride underneath the waterfall!
Montreal
The last place you shouldn’t miss in Canada is actually the biggest city in Quebec Province. Montreal is a French-speaking city, which means it also encompasses the European culture of its heritage. In the summer, it hosts cool temperatures and vibrant colors that everyone can enjoy.
This is a great spot for city lovers who want to explore a new culture at the same time. Eat local foods, visit popular attractions and maybe even learn a little French while you’re there.
Eastern Canada is a beautiful region with lots of historic and natural attractions that everyone can enjoy.