Everyone points us to the Rockies for a first Canada trip, but we’re quietly more drawn to the east - the lighthouses, the lobster, Cape Breton in the autumn colours. We don’t want to pick the wrong half on our first visit. Did Atlantic Canada hold its own as a trip, or is the west the one to do first?
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Having been to both, they are both definitely something to see. If you are more interested in the lighthouses, lobsters, etc. than mountains and lakes, I would definitely say do the East Coast first - you could even fit in multiple provinces in one trip if you were so inclined since they are all fairly close to each other (unlike in the West where it is much more spread out). Atlantic Canada definitely holds its own and there is lots to see. Also, the people are super friendly.
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Each coast really has it’s own unique features, and definitely a lot to see and do. I would say it would be easier to see and do more in a short amount of time on the East coast, due to proximity.
Hey, so I did do the East Coast one first, and went West the year after. They’re such different trips that I don’t think you can really pick a wrong one. The Rockies are incredible if you’re after that dramatic scenery like turquoise lakes, huge mountain peaks, and lotssss of hiking. I went in September and absolutely loved it.
We did the East Coast in June and it is a completely different vibe. It’s more about coastal scenery, smaller towns, seafood, lighthouses and taking your time along the way. I also agree with @ShelleyC874 that it’s much easier to experience multiple places in one trip because everything isn’t quite as spread out. I hit all the provinces in a 7 day trip, minus Newfoundland and Labrador, though it’s probably doable if you fly into Halifax and rent a car from there.
If you’re already more drawn to Cape Breton, autumn colours, lighthouses and lobster, I’d actually follow that instinct and do the East first. The Rockies aren’t going anywhere, and I don’t think you need to visit them first just because they’re the image of Canada that gets promoted internationally the most.
@william , how long are you planning to spend in Canada? And are you thinking of doing a road trip around several Atlantic provinces, or mainly focusing on Nova Scotia and Cape Breton?