The beauty and hospitality of Canada is perhaps best encapsulated in its four Atlantic provinces – Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland & Labrador. Wonderful to explore on a scenic road trip, visitors can expect winding trails hugging verdant national parks home to wild moose and bears, ultra-fresh seafood eateries lining gorgeous, cliff-framed beaches, and traditional terrace houses bringing a splash of colour to already-picturesque towns and villages.

Each province has its own unique charm, from the French Acadian history of New Brunswick and its million-year-old Hopewell Rocks to Newfoundland & Labrador's calving icebergs, which drift among breaching humpback whales. Taste fresh Atlantic lobster and scallops along Nova Scotia's lighthouse-dotted craggy shores, and cycle among the verdant hills and golden beaches of Prince Edward Island.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick is well known as the home of the world’s highest tides, as well as spectacular coastlines and a delightful community charm. A drive along the Fundy coastline is not to be missed, and will introduce you to the sea caves of St. Martins, the Fundy Trail Parkway and beautiful Fundy National Park. Together, they create a truly world-class destination. Looking for something different? Take the chance to experience the perfectly relaxing beach days, gorgeously starry nights and sample some of the largest lobsters you'll ever see in the 'lobster capital of the world' – Shediac. Then, embrace the region's Acadian charm, palpable in every historic village and effigy, edging the sandy coastline.

Newfoundland & Labrador 

The Gros Morne National Park is undoubtedly the crowning glory of this region. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, humbling expanses of glacier-fed fjords cut into the Long Range Mountains, verdant cliffs are misted by tumbling waterfalls, and moose and black bear roam among pristine forests. It's contrasted alongside the arid environment of the neighbouring Tablelands and the L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, the only known Viking settlement in North America. Ancient history and maritime culture abound, showcased in ancient rock formations and thousand-year-old icebergs, while over in Quirpon Dock, July onwards affords chances to spot orcas on their annual migration. Newfoundland is also home to the colourful row houses and vibrant heritage of harbour-lined St John's, and in nearby Aquaforte, fjords evocative of Norway lie alongside villages with a deep fishing history, perfectly explored with scenic self-drives, boat trips, hikes and biking.

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is renowned for many things, but the Cabot Trail may win the accolade of most spectacular. Hugging the Cape Breton Highlands National Park's tip, breaching whales, imposing cliffs and sea caves, and characterful villages all vie for your attention. Stop along the way to hike one of the national park's hundreds of routes, spot whales and sample some famous Nova Scotia seafood – the clams and oysters are particularly noteworthy. Ocean vistas, dense forests, fascinating geology and the remote highlands make for a continually spectacular trip round every winding corner. In Old Town Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, discover a charming port and colourful waterfront-framing houses. Also visit the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site that protected Halifax Harbour from 1749 to 1906. 

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island is all rolling hills peppered with picture-book lighthouses and sandstone-lined beaches, and the setting of world-renowned novel Anne of Green Gables. Part of the eponymous national park, its cosy forest trails, bright red rocks and endless dunes mean days spent cycling along the yellow fields of Springbrook, watching the sunset at Covehead's ultra-scenic beach, and indulging in the pretty pubs of Victoria Row. Capital Charlottetown is all charm, where Gothic revival churches and Victorian architecture infuse with local culture and succulent seafood.