The Maritimes: When You Must Go Down to the Sea Again – A Photo Essay

With his vibrant images, Maritime-born photographer Dan Galbraith offers a compelling argument for adding Canada’s Maritime provinces to the top of our travel wish list.

Come for thousands of kilometres of spectacular coastline

From the world’s highest tides in New Brunswick, to the rugged coastline of Nova Scotia and the serene beaches of PEI – this is Maritime magic. Walk on untouched sand, hike to lonely lighthouses, visit working fishing villages, enjoy fresh-caught lobster and explore the world-famous Cabot Trail. This part of Canada is unique, with a sense of sea and sky you won’t find anywhere else.

Come for the wonders of nature

“One of my most memorable adventures was an afternoon on Machias Seal Island photographing puffins during the nesting season. The island is home to thousands of pairs of Atlantic puffins. These birds only touch land during nesting season, which lasts about two months. Only 15 people per day are allowed to visit, and even then, if the sea conditions are not favourable, you are not going ashore.”

There are still 58 covered bridges in New Brunswick, but they are vanishing at an alarming rate. I seek them out in different seasons and at various times of day. Most of them are in remote areas with little traffic, so you can stop, walk across, touch the wood and imagine the history of the place.”

Come for the rich history and unique cultural heritage

Because the Maritime provinces were settled by both the English and the French, the cultural mix is rich. In Cape Breton Island, for example, a Celtic flavour permeates the music, the dance and the food, while in New Brunswick, the King’s Landing living museum introduces you to the blacksmiths, farmers and other settlers who made their lives here in the 1800s.

Come for the feasts

“Another fond memory is visiting the Inn at Bay Fortune on Prince Edward Island, owned by celebrity chef Michael Smith. On a recent trip my wife stopped in to buy his latest cookbook from a kiosk in Souris. The manager asked if we were going for dinner at Bay Fortune during our visit. No reservation we said, and we were travelling with our 16 week-old golden retriever, Wally. “No problem,” she said, “I happen to manage the reservations, I’ll get you in, and I’ll look after Wally while you enjoy your dinner.” It’s a five-hour experience, beginning with a visit to the farm with our hosts. We enjoy local drinks and hors d’oeuvres, oysters, and a welcome by Michael Smith who talked about his menu and offered thanks to the fishermen and farmers who work the land and the water to bring this to us. It also happened to be our anniversary, so it remains one of our most memorable meals ever.”