When it comes to the best places to visit in Eastern Canada, there’s no shortage of memorable spots—especially if you’re travelling with kids. From iconic road trip routes and small coastal towns to laid-back cities and national parks, this region is packed with family-friendly experiences.
One of the things we love most about living in Nova Scotia is how easy it is to explore so many of them.
Over the years, we’ve explored all three Maritime provinces—Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island—plus Quebec, and it’s become one of our favourite regions for family travel. Some trips have been part of long drives back to Ontario, others were quick weekend getaways closer to home—but all of them have led to favourite beaches, quiet trails, small towns we keep going back to, and a few city spots that surprised us with how family-friendly they are.
Whether you’re planning a big summer adventure or just looking for a new weekend escape, we’ve rounded up some of our top picks across Eastern Canada. These are places we’ve explored ourselves—watching the tides rise at Hopewell Rocks, wandering through Charlottetown’s waterfront after ice cream, hiking Cape Breton’s Skyline Trail with snacks in hand, and marvelling at Percé Rock in the Gaspé. Each spot has offered something special for our family, whether it’s hands-on fun, a chance to learn something new, or just a quiet moment to soak it all in.
Why Visit Eastern Canada with Kids?
Eastern Canada won us over on our first road trip—and we haven’t looked back since.
With scenic drives, small towns, and easygoing communities, it’s a region that makes family travel feel fun and relaxed. One day might be spent climbing the rocks at Peggy’s Cove or walking Halifax’s waterfront, the next biking PEI’s red trails or fossil hunting at Joggins.
There’s always something nearby—beaches, trails, ice cream stops, and the occasional lighthouse or hidden museum to mix things up.
And the best part? You don’t need a packed itinerary or a big budget. Some of our favourite memories came from unplanned stops: a beach picnic, tide pool exploring, or finding ice cream just when we needed it most.
Nova Scotia: Natural Beauty & Seaside Villages
Nova Scotia is home for us—and honestly, we’re still finding new corners to explore. It’s compact enough that you can do a lot on a short trip, but packed with so many family-friendly places that it’s easy to return again and again.
Halifax
The capital city is the kind of place where you can spend a full weekend—or just a few hours—depending on your pace. There’s so much to do with kids, like walking along the waterfront boardwalk (bonus points if you stop at the Wave or Cows), checking out the Discovery Centre, and taking the ferry across to Dartmouth for a quick and easy adventure on the water. The Citadel is also fun for kids—especially when the noon cannon goes off!
Cabot Trail Drive
This is one of the most iconic drives in Canada, and yes—it lives up to the hype. If you’re travelling with kids, we recommend breaking it up over two or three days so you have time to enjoy the lookouts, short hikes, and picnic spots.
The Skyline Trail is the one everyone talks about—and the views are absolutely worth the effort. But it’s not the only one worth doing. The Bog Trail, a short, stroller-friendly boardwalk loop, and Middle Head are two of our favourites for a bit more adventure without overwhelming little legs. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a moose along the way.
Lunenburg & Mahone Bay
These two towns on the South Shore are close enough to Halifax for a day trip, but they’re the kind of places that really do live up to the word charming—and I don’t use that lightly. With colourful waterfronts, walkable streets, and plenty of places to stop for a treat or two, they’re easygoing spots that are fun to explore with kids.
The Fisheries Museum in Lunenburg is worth a stop, but honestly, the big lobster trap out front might be the real highlight for kids—it’s a fun photo op and a great place to climb and play for a few minutes before heading inside.
Mahone Bay is a quieter stop, perfect for a laid-back afternoon stroll and some of the best ice cream and lobster rolls we’ve found in the province. Both are perfect for wandering, especially if you like colourful buildings and photo ops.
Peggy’s Cove
It’s the postcard spot—and also one we visit often. While it can get crowded in summer, an early morning or off-season visit gives you space to explore the rocks and take in the view. Just be mindful of the waves and stay off the black rocks.
Beyond the lighthouse, it’s worth taking the time to wander through the small fishing village. The boats, houses, and narrow laneways offer a different kind of beauty—and a lot of great photo ops that go beyond the iconic lighthouse shot. There’s also a small visitor centre with interpretive displays, and the new accessible trail offers a unique perspective if you’re travelling with strollers, grandparents or anyone else who may need a smoother and easier path.
New Brunswick: Hidden Gems & Coastal Fun
New Brunswick is a bit of a second home for us. We’ve passed through it more times than we can count, but over the years we’ve also learned it’s a destination in its own right. Whether you’re into coastlines, small towns, national parks, or just great road trip stops, there’s plenty here for families to enjoy.
Bay of Fundy Adventures
Watching the tide rise and fall along the Bay of Fundy never really gets old—especially for kids. There are well-known attractions like Hopewell Rocks, but you’ll also find plenty of free or low-cost places to experience the tides. Try walking the ocean floor at low tide near Alma or exploring the trails and beaches in Fundy National Park. With short hikes, waterfalls, and plenty of places to picnic, it’s one of our favourite stops.
St. Andrews by-the-Sea
This seaside town feels like it was made for slow travel. We’ve done whale watching tours, explored the Kingsbrae Garden (surprisingly kid-friendly), and wandered the main street more than a few times. There’s a playground near the waterfront, lots of grassy spots for a picnic, and even an old-fashioned candy shop that’s become a bit of a tradition for us.
Acadian Coast & Kouchibouguac National Park
This part of New Brunswick often flies under the radar—but it’s absolutely worth a visit. Kouchibouguac is one of our favourite spots for a quiet, nature-filled getaway. With warm ocean water, easy biking trails, and wide sandy beaches, it’s perfect for a laid-back family trip. The park is spacious and never feels crowded, even in summer—and the sunsets here are stunning.
Just a little further along the coast, you’ll find the iconic Dune de Bouctouche—a long boardwalk that winds over the sand dunes with sweeping views of the coast. It’s great for little legs, as you can go as far as you want to, and makes for a nice stop if you’re exploring the Acadian Coastal Drive.
Fredericton
Fredericton is one of the New Brunswick spots we’ve come to know well—it’s a place we find ourselves returning to regularly, and over time it’s become more familiar than most. Whether it’s a quick weekend trip or part of a longer drive, there’s plenty of things to do with kids.
The Beaverbrook Art Gallery has a surprisingly great kids’ space, and the riverside trails are perfect for walking, scootering, or just stretching your legs—in fact, I’ve even run along them while doing a half marathon here. In the summer, the historic Garrison District adds a fun layer of activity with costumed guards, performances, and pop-up events that bring the downtown to life. It’s one of those cities that’s easy to overlook—but well worth adding to your list.
Prince Edward Island: Storybook Charm
PEI has become one of our family’s go-to spots—so much so that it’s now a yearly tradition. Every October, we head over for the PEI Marathon weekend. I run the half, Brian does the 10k, and the boys have done the kids’ run for the past three years (they’re moving up to the 5km this year!). It’s the kind of event that’s fun without being overwhelming, and over the years, it’s turned into a weekend we all look forward to.
But it’s not just about fall. We’ve visited in the middle of February (yes, it was cold—but still beautiful!) and spent lazy summer weeks camping and beach hopping across the island. PEI is one of those places that just works for a summer holiday—it’s easy to rent a cottage, settle in, and slow down. Whether you’re playing in the red sand at the beach, eating ice cream in Charlottetown, or biking part of the Confederation Trail, the island pace is one that’s easy to fall into.
Charlottetown
Small, walkable, and packed with history, Charlottetown is great for families. The waterfront boardwalk is stroller-friendly, and there are fun little touches throughout the downtown to keep kids engaged while parents explore—like the story walk, a mouse scavenger hunt, and fun street art tucked between shops and cafes.
In summer, there’s often live music, outdoor markets, and performances happening in the public spaces, making it easy to stumble across something fun. We usually cap it off with ice cream and a walk around the harbourfront—simple, low-key, and always a hit.
Anne of Green Gables & Cavendish Fun
If you’ve got an Anne fan in the family, a stop in Cavendish is a must. Even if your kids aren’t familiar with the books, there’s something special about seeing Green Gables in person and walking the trails around it.
Nearby, Cavendish also has a cluster of classic summer attractions—think mini golf, small theme parks, and lots of souvenir shops. While we usually lean toward quieter beach days or campground exploring, families looking for that traditional vacation fun will find plenty to keep kids entertained.
Family-Friendly Beaches & Island Exploring
PEI’s beaches are one of the biggest reasons families come back year after year—and we’re no exception. Whether you’re on the north shore near Cavendish or tucked into a quieter stretch on the eastern side like Panmure, the soft sand and warm water make it ideal for younger kids.
We’ve spent hours building sandcastles, watching the tide roll in, and wading through tidal pools. Even on busier days, it’s easy to find a stretch of beach that feels just right. And with so many provincial parks offering picnic spots and washrooms, it’s one of the easiest ways to spend a low-key summer day on the island.
Quebec: Culture + Adventure
Quebec City is often the first place that comes to mind, but the province also offers some incredible coastal drives, wildlife encounters, and cultural highlights that are well worth adding to your itinerary.
Quebec City with Kids
Quebec City feels like stepping into Europe—but without the long flight or time zone change. Cobblestone streets, castle-like buildings, and street performers create a vibe that’s totally different from anywhere else in Canada, and it’s surprisingly kid-friendly, too.
We’ve visited in summer and fall—often adding it as a stop on the drive between Toronto and Nova Scotia—and most recently in winter during a spring break trip. Each season has its own magic, but winter was especially memorable: twinkling lights, snow-covered streets, and the German Christmas market—with its wooden stalls, warm drinks, and festive music—made it feel more like Europe than Eastern Canada.
We’ve taken the ferry across the St. Lawrence just for fun, wandered through historic sites with costumed guides, and eaten our fair share of poutine. It’s walkable, welcoming, and always worth the detour.
Tadoussac & Whale Watching
Tadoussac is small, scenic, and full of surprises. It’s one of the best places in Eastern Canada to go whale watching—and you don’t even have to get on a boat to see them.
Belugas, minkes, and sometimes even humpbacks pass right through this stretch of the St. Lawrence, and if you’re lucky, you can spot them from the shore. Of course, if you want to get a bit closer, there are plenty of family-friendly boat tours too.
You could spend ages just standing by the water, scanning for belugas, pointing out every ripple, and getting way too excited each time someone thinks they’ve spotted one. Even just walking the waterfront trail turns into an adventure when there might be whales in view.
If you want to get even closer, there are plenty of boat tours that head out from Tadoussac—and with any luck, you’ll spot more than a few whales along the way.
Gaspé Peninsula
If you’re looking for something a bit different, Gaspé is one of the most scenic places we’ve visited in Eastern Canada. Winding coastal roads, rocky cliffs, and small villages give it a totally different feel—and the views are unreal.
Percé Rock is the big landmark, and it really is worth the hype (especially at sunrise or sunset). But we also loved hiking in Forillon National Park, spotting seals from the cliffs, and watching the boys run wild on the beach at the end of the day.
It’s one of those places that feels just far enough off the beaten path to be exciting—but still easy to manage when you’re travelling with kids.
Tips for Exploring Eastern Canada as a Family
- Go in the shoulder season if you can
Late spring and early fall are some of our favourite times to travel here. Things are quieter, the weather’s still great, and you’ll avoid the summer crowds—especially in popular spots like PEI and Cape Breton. - Pack layers and lots of snacks
The weather can change quickly, even in summer. Layers make it easy to keep everyone comfortable, and snacks (so many snacks) go a long way on drives or hikes when hangry moments hit. - Book early for popular places
If you’re planning to visit PEI or Cape Breton in peak season, book accommodations early—especially if you’re looking for camping or cottages. The best spots fill up fast. - Leave time for the in-between moments
Some of our favourite memories have come from things we didn’t plan—stopping at a tiny bakery, watching the tide roll in, or finding hermit crabs in the tide pools. Don’t overpack the itinerary. - Be ready to fall in love
What started as a one-time trip turned into a few repeat visits—and eventually, a full-on move. Eastern Canada has a way of pulling you in with its pace, its places, and the people who make it feel like home.
Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Visit in Eastern Canada
From big-name sights like Peggy’s Cove and Percé Rock to quiet trails and roadside beaches, Eastern Canada is full of places that make family travel feel easy—and unforgettable.
Whether you’re here for a week, a summer, or something longer, there’s a rhythm to this region that invites you to slow down and explore. And whether it’s your first visit or your fifteenth, there’s always something new to discover.
For us, it started with a single road trip—and turned into something much bigger. Now, we’ve explored beaches, trails, towns, and tucked-away corners across the region, and it still hasn’t lost its magic. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, spotting whales, or just looking for a slower pace to reconnect as a family, Eastern Canada has a way of sticking with you.
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