Introduction: The East
Canada’s four Atlantic provinces are bound by seafaring traditions, yet each has its own rich cultural identity.
The host to Canada’s first European visitors, and with the freshness of air laden with sea spray, the East Coast is perhaps one of the most startlingly beautiful regions of Canada. Here are the achingly lonely beaches of Nova Scotia, the distinctive sense of humor and charming friendliness of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, the old-world, unembarrassed potato obsession of the Prince Edward Island farmers, and the graceful elegance of New Brunswick’s towns.
Horses in New Brunswick.
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The four provinces that constitute Canada’s eastern region are bound together by their proximity to the Atlantic Ocean – nowhere is more than 160km (100 miles) from the sea, and most of the land is much closer – yet each possesses its own singular charm. On one side, Atlantic waves crash against soaring cliffs; on the other, the more sheltered waters of the Gulf of St Lawrence are calmer and warmer. New Brunswick’s rugged coastline begins the section and reveals the province’s unusual blend of eastern reserve and wanton wildness in its towns and landscape. Nova Scotia, “New Scotland,” is explored by following its circuitous coastline and stopping to examine some of its unusual cities and delightful towns.
Colorful houses in Saint John.
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Newfoundland and Labrador is perhaps the most quirky of all the provinces, and its rugged beauty and remoteness serve as a background to a portrait of the area’s friendly inhabitants.
The East section ends at Prince Edward Island, Canada’s tiniest province. Surrounded by singing ocean and covered with potato fields, it offers some of the area’s most beautiful beaches.
An iceberg in Trinity Bay.
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