Growing up, every summer, my family and I would pile into the car and hit the open road for a new adventure. It was the highlight of my year, eagerly anticipating where our journey would take us. From the artsy museums of downtown Toronto, to the vast prairies of Saskatchewan, all the way to the rocky mountains of British Columbia, we explored all corners of the True North. But in the summer of 2018, we decided to venture to the East Coast of Canada.
As we drove along the winding routes, memories flooded back to me of ordering a ton of McDonald’s chicken nuggets for the road. My siblings and I, as our younger selves, would even have our usual competition over who gets the last one, while we watched movies on the road in our trusty Honda Pilot with mom and dad – yes, the old model with the DVD player! We laughed at Happy Feet, admired the heroism in Mall Cop, marvelled at The Lego Movie, and reminisced with Princess Diaries. We would even binge all six seasons of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. And of course, we would always find time to build forts with our blankets in the backseats.
As soon as we crossed the provincial borders, the natural beauty of the region struck us in full force. The lush greenery, rocky shores, and charming coastal towns felt like something out of a storybook, beckoning us to explore every nook and cranny. But before we could do that, we needed to fuel up for the adventure ahead. And what better way to do so than by grabbing a delicious bite to eat?
📍Down Home Diner, New Brunswick
Our first stop was at the Down Home Diner in Saint-John’s, and we were not disappointed. The clam chowder was hands down the best we had ever tasted, with just the right amount of creaminess and chunks of juicy clams. The classic fish and chips were perfectly fried, with a crispy and golden exterior and tender, flaky fish inside. And the crab cakes were a unique treat, combining the delicate sweetness of crab meat with a satisfying crunchy texture. As we savoured our meal, we couldn’t help but admire the architecture of the diner. The huge wheel resembling a ship’s helm gave the place a nautical theme that was both charming and fitting for the coastal town. It was a great start to our road trip adventure, and we couldn’t wait to see what other gems awaited us on our journey.
📍Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
As soon as we crossed the impressive Confederation Bridge and arrived in Prince Edward Island, we were immediately charmed by the tiny and picturesque capital of Charlottetown. The historic architecture, vibrant arts scene, and friendly locals all captured our hearts from the moment we arrived. We stayed in a cozy little hotel, and spent most of our time walking around the colourful streets, admiring the stunning views of the harbour and the sea, and indulging in delicious local cuisine. Despite its small size, Charlottetown had an undeniable charm that made us feel like we were in a little town that only books could describe. One of my favourite memories was visiting the pier and enjoying my first lobster roll at Lobster on the Wharf, with the salty sea breeze in my hair and the sounds of the harbour all around me.
📍Greenwich, Prince Edward Island
But it was the natural wonders of the East Coast that truly stole my heart. We spent a day exploring Greenwich, another jewel on Prince Edward Island. The white sand beaches, dunes, and marshland felt like something out of a dream, and we learned about the unique ecosystem and wildlife that call Greenwich home. The breathtaking beauty of the dunes and the sparkling blue water took our breath away. We spent hours walking along the beach, soaking up the sun, and taking in the peaceful atmosphere. The trails leading to the beach were surrounded by lush greenery and stunning views of the ocean, making for a truly magical experience.
📍The Anne of Green Gables Museum, Prince Edward Island
As an avid reader and literature enthusiast, visiting the Anne of Green Gables Museum was a dream come true. Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery has always been one of my favourite books, and seeing the real-life inspirations behind the beloved character was a truly magical experience. Although my family wasn’t as enthusiastic about it as I was, I was ecstatic to explore every corner of the museum and learn about the life of the author and the history of the island. And of course, no visit to the museum would be complete without trying on the iconic red hair wig, which I happily donned with a big smile on my face.
📍The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Nova Scotia
As much as my family may have rolled their eyes at my Anne of Green Gables obsession, they were all in when it came to visiting the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. My little brother, a boat fanatic at the time, was especially thrilled to explore the exhibits and learn about the history of the maritime industry in Canada. From intricate ship models to displays on famous shipwrecks and rescues, the museum had something for everyone. Fun fact: The museum also had an exhibit on the Titanic, including artifacts from the ill-fated ship and stories of its passengers and crew. It was a fun and educational experience for all of us.
📍Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia
Our next stop was Peggy’s Cove, a small rural community located on the eastern shore of St. Margarets Bay. As soon as we arrived, we were captivated by the stunning beauty of the rocky coastline and the iconic Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse that stands tall on the edge of the rocks. We spent hours exploring the area, climbing on the rocks and watching the waves crash against the shore. The view was truly breathtaking, and it was hard to tear ourselves away from the peaceful serenity of the cove.
📍Hopewell Rocks, New Brunswick
Our journey through the East Coast culminated in a visit to Hopewell Rocks, located near the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick. The natural wonder of the Bay of Fundy tides, which rise and fall by as much as sixteen meters, was an incredible sight to witness. At Hopewell Rocks, we were able to walk on the ocean floor during low tide, and marvel at the towering rock formations that have been sculpted by the powerful forces of nature over time. It was humbling to be in the presence of such raw and majestic beauty, and I left feeling grateful for the opportunity to witness it firsthand.
And as we drove back home, I knew that the Canadian East Coast had become one of my favourite places on earth. The natural beauty, the friendly locals, and the rich history and culture all combined to create an unforgettable experience. From Charlottetown’s charming streets, to the rugged cliffs of Peggy’s Cove, and the majestic tides of Hopewell Rocks, each moment was etched into my heart. And I knew that a piece of my soul would always belong to this beautiful corner of the world, and that I would be back someday to explore even more of this incredible region.
