Exploring the Best Maritime Water Activities

The Maritime’s allure is undeniable, especially for water enthusiasts. With over 11,000 km of coastline spread across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, this region offers diverse aquatic experiences.

From tranquil waves to stunning rivers, rising tides to rushing rapids, there’s something exciting here for everyone. Let’s dive into the best water activities the Maritimes have to offer.

Whether you’re an experienced kayaker or are taking your first paddles out on the water, the Maritimes is a fantastic destination for memorable paddling adventures. Prince Edward Island’s coastline stretches like a picturesque canvas, inviting you to get out there and explore. Glide along the Green Gables Shore and catch views of Cavendish Beach, where red sandstone formations stand tall, or paddle the Hillsborough River and take in the charm and beauty of Charlottetown and Victoria Park from the water.

In New Brunswick, a vast network of rivers and lakes awaits kayakers of all ages and skill levels. Paddle along the historic Saint John River, past charming towns and lush forests. Or, make your way to the St. Martins Sea Caves for a unique kayaking experience, complete with opportunities to explore covered bridges and ancient rock formations.

If your kayaking journey leads you to Digby, Nova Scotia, Dockside Kayaking is the spot for you. Here, you can book kayaks for day or half-day rentals and even hit the water with a dockside guide to show you all the sights. 

Paddleboarding is a relaxing way to enjoy the natural beauty of the Maritimes. In Nova Scotia, Kejimkujik National Park is a prime spot for paddleboarding on pristine lakes, surrounded by beautiful forests and diverse wildlife. Keji’s calm waters are perfect for beginners and experienced paddleboarders alike. Another gem in Nova Scotia is the East Coast Paddle Company in Yarmouth, which offers paddleboarding trips in the Tobeatic Wilderness Area and the Great Barrent and Quinan Lakes. These areas provide a mix of tranquil water and stunning natural scenery characteristic of Nova Scotia.

Over on Prince Edward Island, Basin Head Provincial Park is renowned for its unique ‘singing sands.’ As you walk across the beach, the sand emits musical sounds, creating a magical experience even before you hit the water. The park’s clear waters and gentle waves provide and ideal location for paddleboarding and exploring the red beaches in Prince Edward Island up close.

New Brunswick boasts the remarkable Hopewell Rocks in the Bay of Fundy, home to the highest tides in the world. Paddleboarding here offers the extraordinary experience of navigating around these iconic sea stacks during high tide. As the tides change, the landscape transforms dramatically, providing a unique adventure each time you visit. Additionally, the Saint John River, stretching through the heart of New Brunswick, offers numerous paddleboarding opportunities with its calm waters and scenic views of rolling hills and lush forests.

Looking for a whale of a time on the water? Try whale watching! In New Brunswick, whale-watching tours depart from Saint Andrews, Grand Manan Island and Campobello Island from June through September. Nova Scotia is also home to popular whale-watching companies, including Freeport Whale & Seabird Tours, Brier Island Whale & Seabird Cruises and Petit Passage Whale Watch. Prince Edward Island offers a range of tours providing close encounters with the giants of the sea, such as Ernie's Charter Fishing, MacNeill's Tuna and Deep-Sea Fishing Charters and Bruce's Tuna Charters. And, not to toot our own foghorn, but look closely when you’re aboard the MV Fundy Rose on the Bay of Fundy and you just might see a fin, humpback, minke or elusive North Atlantic right whale.

For a different marine experience, explore the underwater world with snorkelling and scuba diving. Nova Scotia’s waters teem with aquatic life, including colourful fish, lobsters and even shipwrecks waiting for you to discover. Join a guided snorkelling tour with Lunenburg Ocean Adventures or East Coast Scuba & Watersports in Nova Scotia to experience the rich underwater biodiversity of the region. 

The Maritimes are dotted with beautiful beaches where you can feel the sand between your toes. Lawrencetown Beach attracts surfing enthusiasts in Nova Scotia with its rolling waves and sandy shores, while Crystal Crescent Beach and Martinique Beach provide gentler waves for relaxation. Closer to Yarmouth, explore Mavillette Beach and Port Maitland Beach, perfect for a day of relaxation. Each of these beaches offers its unique charm, whether it’s the thrill of surfing or the tranquillity of sunbathing by the sea.

Prince Edward Island's Cavendish Beach offers classic swimming experiences with its red sands and gentle tides, it’s the ideal spot for swimming and family picnics. For a unique adventure, try Thunder Cove Beach. Its surrounding caves, cliffs, sea-stacked columns and dunes make it a favourite for photographers and explorers alike. Brackley Beach, located only 20 minutes from Charlottetown, with majestic dunes, clear water and miles of pristine sand.

In New Brunswick, nestled along the Northumberland Strait, you’ll find Parlee Beach and the warmest waters in Canada. This shallow body of water warms up quickly under the summer sun, providing a tropical vacation-like experience. Another gem is the sandy shores of Aboiteau Beach in Cap-Pelé, which offers a mix of sandy dunes and warm waters, perfect for a day of family fun. For those seeking more adventure, New River Beach on the Bay of Fundy combines rugged coastal beauty with opportunities for beachcombing, hiking and exploring tidal pools. These beaches in New Brunswick provide a diverse range of activities, from relaxing in warm waters to discovering the unique coastal ecosystems and tides.

Fishing is a beloved pastime in the Maritimes. Make your way along our coastlines and you’ll see anglers of all ages casting a line in hopes of reeling in the big one. In Nova Scotia, embark on a deep-sea fishing adventure from the port of Yarmouth. Tusket Island Tours Deep Sea Fishing Charters will help you reel in mackerel, haddock or even the elusive bluefin tuna.

Prince Edward Island is renowned for its tuna charters, where you can experience the thrill of catching giant tuna off the coast. PEI Bluefin Tuna Charter, located at North Lake Harbour, the tuna capital of the world, accommodates all groups looking to catch one of these giant Bluefin, ensuring a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

In New Brunswick, head to Miramichi River, which is famous for its Atlantic salmon fishing. Join a guided tour with Country Haven Miramichi to learn the best techniques and spots for catching these prized fish. For a family-friendly option, try your hand at fly-fishing in the serene lakes of Kejimkujik National Park, where you can catch trout amidst stunning natural beauty.

If you love the water, the Maritimes is the perfect place to dive in! Whether you enjoy the rush of the waves or prefer to go with the flow, we have a water activity for you. Your next fantastic water adventure is just a ferry ride away. Start your journey today on MV Fundy Rose, Northumberland Ferries or The CAT ferry and discover the exciting adventures waiting for you in the Maritimes.

Hero Image: Location: Kejimkujik National Park Seaside, South Shore / Credit: Tourism Nova Scotia / Photographer: Patrick Rojo