Two Weeks of Coastal Luxury, Storybook Charm & the Freshest Seafood You’ve Ever Had
There are places that impress you, and then there are places that feel like home. The Canadian Maritimes are that for me—foggy fall mornings, warm summer evenings, backyard fires, and seafood so fresh it might as well have jumped onto your plate itself.
I’ve been spending holidays in the Maritimes for nearly 30 years, and it holds a very special place in my heart. My grandfather on my maternal side is a true Nova Scotian—a man who loves his seafood as much as he loves his family, which, to me, is the mark of a truly excellent human being.
The thing I love most about East Coasters is their warmth. Don’t get me wrong—there are some real weirdos here, but there’s a saying: West Coasters are nice but not kind, and East Coasters are kind but not nice. Having spent a lot of time on both sides, I can confirm: this is absolutely true. There’s a directness to the people here that I love, and at the same time, they’ll take you in like family if they like you enough.
And if it were up to me? I’d live here in a heartbeat. But Triet finds the pace too slow, which is exactly why we have our eyes set on the Hamptons—a place that marries my love of Atlantic Canada with the polish and glamour that Triet loves about New York.This itinerary is two weeks of pure Maritimes magic—sailing along Nova Scotia’s coastline, sipping wine in Prince Edward Island’s rolling countryside, and retreating to the most beautifully cozy inns after days of exploring Newfoundland’s raw, untamed beauty.
Forget big hotels—this is about intimate, historic, and breathtakingly beautiful stays.
Newfoundland: Rugged Beauty & Cozy Luxury
- The Mallard Cottage Inn (St. John’s, NL) – Effortlessly cozy, historic charm with a wood-burning stove and the most indulgent breakfasts you can imagine. It’s like stepping into a beautifully restored 18th-century fishing cottage—but with cashmere throws and impeccable service.
- Fogo Island Inn (Fogo Island, NL) – Remote, otherworldly, and one of the most beautifully designed hotels in the world. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the wild Atlantic, contemporary-meets-traditional Newfoundland craftsmanship, and a food program that highlights local fish, foraged ingredients, and Arctic berries.
Prince Edward Island: Windswept Beaches & Storybook Inns
- Dalvay by the Sea (PEI) – A grand seaside inn straight out of Anne of Green Gables, with stately rooms, an award-winning restaurant, and the kind of front porch where you sit for hours with a book and a cup of tea.
Nova Scotia: South Shore Seaside Retreats
- Queen’s Landing (Lunenburg, NS) – An elegant, historic inn right on the waterfront of one of Canada’s prettiest towns. Think boutique luxury with a touch of nautical charm.
- Trout Point Lodge (Tobeatic Wilderness, NS) – For an off-the-grid, ultra-luxury retreat, this riverfront lodge is pure magic. Wood-fired hot tubs, French-inspired cuisine, and the most spectacular star-gazing in the country.
This itinerary is all about sailing, incredible food, and winding down in the most picturesque places possible.
Days 1-4: Newfoundland (St. John’s & Fogo Island)
- Check into The Mallard Cottage Inn and start the trip with a slow breakfast of freshly baked scones and Newfoundland jams.
- Spend the day wandering through St. John’s, taking in Jellybean Row and Signal Hill.
- Dinner at Raymonds, the best fine-dining experience in Newfoundland.
- Fly or ferry to Fogo Island for a three-night stay at the iconic Fogo Island Inn.
- Day trip to Joe Batt’s Arm for a coastal hike and a picnic lunch.
- Enjoy a private boat tour of Iceberg Alley, sipping a dark and stormy as you watch the glaciers float by.
Days 5-7: Prince Edward Island (Charlottetown & North Shore)
- Check into Dalvay by the Sea, order a pot of PEI mussels, and soak in the view.
- Spend a slow morning walking along Cavendish Beach.
- Lunch at Richard’s Fresh Seafood—arguably the best lobster roll in Canada.
- Book a private sailing charter from Charlottetown Harbor and see PEI from the water.
- Dinner at The Inn at Bay Fortune, where Chef Michael Smith’s fire-driven tasting menu is a once-in-a-lifetime food experience.
- Explore Charlottetown’s historic district, stopping into charming cafés and boutique shops.
Days 8-14: Nova Scotia’s South Shore & Annapolis Valley
- Ferry to Nova Scotia and drive to Lunenburg, checking into Queen’s Landing.
- Dinner at The Savvy Sailor, where the seafood chowder is worth the trip alone.
- Book a private sailing charter from Lunenburg Harbor and explore the coastline.
- Drive to Wolfville in the Annapolis Valley for a vineyard tour, tasting some of Canada’s best cool-climate wines.
- Check into Trout Point Lodge for a two-night stay in ultimate wilderness luxury.
- Spend the final night in Halifax at The Halliburton, with a farewell dinner at The Bicycle Thief, overlooking the waterfront.
Newfoundland, PEI, and Nova Scotia all have extraordinary food scenes, from Michelin-worthy fine dining to tiny shacks serving the freshest seafood you’ve ever tasted.
The Must-Visit Restaurants
- Raymonds (St. John’s, NL) – Canada’s top fine-dining restaurant on the edge of the Atlantic.
- Mallard Cottage (St. John’s, NL) – Legendary brunch and cozy, wood-fired dinners.
- The Inn at Bay Fortune (PEI) – Michael Smith’s legendary farm-to-table experience.
- The Pearl (PEI) – A charming farm-driven bistro on the North Shore.
- The Bicycle Thief (Halifax, NS) – Italian-inspired dishes with a perfect waterfront setting.
- The Savvy Sailor (Lunenburg, NS) – The seafood chowder here is worth a flight.
- Trout Point Lodge Restaurant (Tobeatic, NS) – A fine-dining experience set deep in the wilderness, surrounded by candlelight and roaring fires.
