A prime location at the mouth of the Gulf of Maine established this port's strategic importance centuries ago. Today you can unpick this rich history at Yarmouth's museums, which chart its origins as a settlement of the Mi'kmaq nation and the arrival of the French Acadians and English. The landscape offers many attractive clues to Yarmouth's heritage, too. Stroll about its streets to find fishing wharves and grand homes built for sea captains. Along the way, enjoy a local craft beer and snack on a lobster roll or a warming bowl of seafood chowder, courtesy of the fishing boats bobbing in the harbor. Yarmouth's natural surroundings are as charming as the town itself. Climb the 77 steps of the Cape Forchu Lighthouse for superb views of the rugged coastline. Take a walk in pretty Frost Park, particularly eye-catching during fall. And, at night, look up at the explosion of stars in the clear, dark skies for which this part of the wild east coast of Canada is famed.

Bagpipers bid a warm welcome to Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia and the most Scottish of all Canada's great cities. The Citadel Fortress, which dates to the city's founding in 1749, stands over the thriving downtown area, where modern buildings nestle alongside the exquisitely restored Historic Properties waterfront. Here you can shop for authentic Scottish tartans and superb hand-knit woolens. Nova Scotians claim they have the freshest air and warmest smiles in Canada.

Amidst breathtaking nature, find Iles-de-la-Madeleine, a remote archipelago in the Gulf of St. Laurence. Shaped by the forces of nature, this windswept paradise is a picturesque landscape of red sandstone cliffs, rolling dunes, and white sand beaches. Step off the beaten path and wander the narrow, cobblestone streets of the charming french-acadian villages where you can immerse yourself in the history of this maritime culture. Enjoy contemporary life on the island with visits to local artisanal galleries , and when day turns to night, admire the beauty of the northern lights.

From the rhythm of the waves to the echoes of history, Gaspe beckons with a warm welcome. This is a place where you can immerse yourself in Quebecois culture, savor traditional dishes, and embrace the tranquility of coastal living. The stunning landscape will leave you spellbound. Tall cliffs, peaceful beaches and verdant hills dotted with cottages and lighthouses make for a very picturesque setting. You can't miss the famous Percé Rock that rises from the water, a huge sheer rock formation in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence on the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula. The wildlife is incredible too – seals, whales, and birds all call this place home. Forillon National Park is a must-visit, offering breathtaking views and chances to see these animals in their natural habitat. Gaspé is a special spot where nature's beauty and amazing wildlife come together in a way that promises to take your breath away.

This deep-water dock, North America's largest ore-handling port, is an industrial marvel. But for all its modernity, Mother Nature reigns: birders flock to beach-laced shores where puffins play in the protected waters of the Sept-Iles archipelago, a short boat ride away. But before you step out into the wild, visit the Old Trading Post to learn what life was like for local First Nations and French settlers during the 19th-century fur trade, with costumed guides touring recreated wood cabins. And in the Museum Of The North Shore Region, traditional canoes and a dogsled accompany multimedia exhibits uncovering Sept-Iles' 8,000 years of human habitation.

Baie-Comeau's industrial history is intertwined with its identity, as it was founded around a pulp and paper mill. The historic Maison Otis stands as a testament to this heritage. However, the town's beauty extends beyond its past, with the stunning Parc des Pionniers and the peaceful Jardins de l'église offering green oases for relaxation. For the culturally inclined, the Musée de la Nature offers insight into the region's flora and fauna, while the Jardin des Glaciers showcases interactive exhibitions about the Ice Age. Yet, it is probably the stunning and tranquil backdrop of St. Lawrence's picturesque shoreline, dotted with lighthouses, that is the biggest pull to visitors to the region. Here you'll find a diverse canvas that spans history, nature, culture, and adventure. Whether exploring historic sites, engaging in outdoor activities, or savoring culinary delights, it is impossible not be seduced by the magic of this iconic waterway.