Atlantic Canada is the name given to the collection of provinces found on the eastern edge of the North American country, along the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean. Huge in scale yet sparsely populated, this area is a treasure trove of natural wonders, with many national parks and fantastic hiking trails, as well as plenty of opportunities for wildlife watching.
One of the best ways to experience everything Atlantic Canada has to offer is by car. Driving around each province allows you to travel at your own pace while stopping wherever (and whenever) appeals to you — whether that’s in a quaint fishing village, a remote beach or a cliffside viewpoint. And travelling by car means you can absorb the natural beauty of Atlantic Canada’s diverse landscapes day by day.
Tour operator Canadian Sky offers an incredible self-drive holiday through the best of the region with stopovers in every province, including remote national parks, vibrant towns and miles of spectacular coastline.
Why choose a road trip in Atlantic Canada
A Canadian Sky self-drive holiday is a great way to experience nature and wildlife up close. Here’s why:
- Journey along well-maintained roads through natural beauty hotspots
- Travel at your own pace — meaning you can stop at every viewpoint to take photos
- Enjoy non-stop views from the window of your rental car
- Spend time however you like between driving — whether that’s hiking in one of the region’s famed national parks or heading on a whale-watching tour
The best things to do and see in Atlantic Canada
From whale watching in the Atlantic Ocean to wine tasting at a local vineyard, read on to find out the highlights of each province of Eastern Canada.
Nova Scotia
Meaning New Scotland in Latin, this region has bags of Celtic charm and a spectacular coastline. Highlights include sailing in the Bay of Fundy, home to the highest tides in the world and many species of whale, and hiking in the gorgeous landscapes of Kejimkujik National Park.
Wildlife to see:
- Humpback whale
- Fin whale
- Harbour seal
- Puffin
- Moose
- Black bear
Don’t miss: Whale watching in the Bay of Fundy
This spot is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Embark on a boat tour to see several different species of whale, as well as other cetaceans and seabirds.
New Brunswick
Sandy beaches, leafy forests and unique geological features make this province a natural playground for adventure enthusiasts. Highlights include kayaking at Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, home to unusual sandstone formations, and seeing tidal patterns at Reversing Falls Rapids in Saint John.
Wildlife to see:
- Fin whale
- Humpback whale
- Minke whale
- Bald eagle
- Osprey
Don't miss: Wildlife watching in Fundy National Park
Stroll the trails to spot moose, chipmunk, snowshoe hare and over 30 other species of mammal, plus 260 types of bird, including puffins, bald eagles, osprey and sandpipers.
Prince Edward Island
This may be Canada’s smallest province but it still delivers on natural beauty, culture and heritage.
Highlights include visiting Red Sands Shore to see some of the province’s iconic red sand beaches and sampling seasonal produce at one of the island’s many farms or vineyards.
Wildlife to see:
- Coyote
- Red fox
- Beaver
- Mink
- Piping plover
- Blue jay
Don’t miss: Prince Edward Island National Park
Comprising sand dunes, salt marshes and coastal headlands, this national park is a prime location to try and spot coyotes, red foxes, beavers and many species of birds.
Newfoundland & Labrador
Canada’s easternmost province is home to sweeping coastlines, rugged landscapes and exciting wildlife. Highlights include magnificent fjordlands and towering mountains at Gros Morne National Park or seeing icebergs more than 10,000 years old at Iceberg Alley.
Wildlife to see:
- Caribou
- Moose
- Black bear
- Puffin
- Humpback whale
Don’t miss: Birdwatching at Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve
See some of the 35 million seabirds that call Newfoundland & Labrador home, including puffins, gannets, storm petrels and black-legged kittiwakes.
Nature, wildlife and more in Atlantic Canada
Experience Atlantic Canada on a self-drive holiday with Canadian Sky. The 20-night itinerary starts and finishes in the charming city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and takes you across each province — experiencing the highlights of every destination along the way.
Find out more about the ultimate road trip across Atlantic Canada with Canadian Sky here.
