10 Must-See Destinations in Canada and New England

If you're planning a trip north, ensure these must-visit places are on your agenda!

New England and Canada are famous for their stunning autumn leaves, but a journey north to Maine and the eastern provinces of Canada makes for an excellent summer getaway as well! 

For many, a visit to the Northeast is quite accessible, making it an ideal escape for families to reunite before the school year kicks off again. There’s so much to explore, enjoy, and savor! If you're venturing north, be sure to include these activities in your plans:

1. Acadia National Park: A true gem among America's national parks, and undoubtedly a favorite on the East Coast. Nestled just off the Maine mainland, Acadia National Park is filled with hiking paths, serene lakes, ocean vistas, and ideal spots to catch a sunset. Don’t miss the breathtaking overlook from Cadillac Mountain, rising 1,530 feet!

2. Boston’s Freedom Trail: Ever dreamed of stepping back in time? Boston is one of the nation’s oldest cities and played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. Visit the actual home of patriot Paul Revere and the taverns where the Revolution began, all guided by interpreters in period costumes!

3. Lighthouses Galore: You can’t visit the Northeast or coastal Canada without encountering lighthouses! From Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse in Nova Scotia to Portland Head Lighthouse in Maine, these charming and significant structures are integral to the history and beauty of the East Coast.

4. Bay of Fundy: Looking for a fun day by the water? The Bay of Fundy is the perfect destination! This vast ocean bay, known for its extreme tides, is ideal for adventure: witness the extraordinary Hopewell Rocks, sculpted into unusual forms, and the renowned “reversing falls” where the St. John’s River churns with whitewater.

5. Breweries and Eateries: Not long ago, Portland, Maine earned the title of Bon Appetit’s “Restaurant City of the Year”—and not just for its seafood! With amazing bakeries (don’t miss the “cruffin” at Belleville), delicious pho at Cong Tu Bot, and distinctive breweries like Oxbow (focusing on sours), you’ll leave Portland satisfied and happy.

6. Whale Watching: The waters surrounding New England and Canada are home to magnificent humpback whales. Local boat tours offer an incredible opportunity to observe these massive creatures as they breach the surface for air. Don’t forget your rain jacket; they create quite a splash on their descent! Humpback whales can weigh as much as 30 tons!

7. Craggy Coastline: While serene sandy beaches are lovely, the dramatic sight of towering cliffs rising from the sea, with waves crashing against the rocks below, is truly spectacular! Take a moment to appreciate the ocean's might anywhere from Rockport, Massachusetts, to Saint John’s, New Brunswick.

8. Seafood Delights: You simply can’t visit Maine without savoring a lobster roll (or perhaps three). They are undoubtedly some of the best culinary experiences you'll encounter on the east coast! Over in Canada, Prince Edward Island is renowned for its oysters, which seafood enthusiasts can enjoy in nearby cities like Halifax.

9. Fishing Adventures: If the thought of seafood has you itching to catch your own, you’re in for a treat! New England offers a wealth of fantastic fishing opportunities. Anglers flock to Maine for smallmouth bass, trout, and salmon, while striped bass are plentiful near the beaches and estuaries of Nova Scotia.

10. Historic Fortifications: In Halifax, Fort George stands out as a renowned star-shaped National Historic Site perched on Citadel Hill, offering expansive views of the city and harbor. Further south, Fort Gorges in Portland, Maine invites visitors to explore its two-story, 19th-century structure nestled in the middle of the Fore River. Adventurers can kayak out to this fort for a guided tour.