Atlantic Canada: 25 Dream Itineraries That Seriously Make You Want To Cross The Ocean
Craving a big breath of salty air, endless views of red and white lighthouses, scenic roads where the horizon blends with the ocean? The new Ulysses guide "Atlantic Provinces of Canada, 25 Dream Itineraries" is just what you need!
Why a (new) paper guide in 2025?
At a time when half of our plans are backed up on the cloud, one might think the travel book is obsolete. Error! In 2023, more than a third of backpackers still admitted to preferring to flip through a book to prepare for their journey. The tactile feel is reassuring, the photos inspire, and paper never runs out of battery. Ulysse understands this well and is offering, starting October 16, 2025, a volume entirely dedicated to the four Atlantic provinces. 176 pages, 26 maps, and above all a "tailor-made" approach that fits perfectly with new practices (trips mixing vanlife, micro-adventures, and gourmet breaks).
Four provinces, a thousand faces (and just as many reasons to visit)
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador... The names already sing the promise of long shorelines.
- New Brunswick unfolds the spectacular Bay of Fundy where tides peak at a 12-meter elevation difference.
- Nova Scotia alternates between steep cliffs, Celtic villages, and secret coves perfect for kayaking.
- Prince Edward Island, more discreet, charms with its caramel-colored beaches, literary culture (hello Anne... of Green Gables!), and world-renowned oysters.
- Finally, Newfoundland and Labrador, a kingdom of drifting icebergs and right whales, once trodden by Vikings.
According to Statistics Canada, these provinces welcomed close to 2 million long-distance visitors last year, a +11% increase versus 2022. Clearly, the trend is eastward!
25 handcrafted itineraries, a screen against writer's block.
Not sure where to start? The guide breaks down each route day by day, with mileage, timing, gourmet breaks, and even a playlist (Acadian folk, Celtic songs, or rock from St. John's). From a 48-hour urban micro-trip in Halifax to the two-week "Maritime Road-trip" adventure, there's something for every schedule; perfect when you want to optimize your eight days off without spending entire nights on Google Maps.
Essentials: From the Bay of Fundy to the Legendary Cabot Trail
It's impossible to talk about the Atlantic without mentioning Hopewell Rocks and its tide-sculpted arches. Further south, the Cabot Trail winds 298 km of tight turns, volcanic cliffs, and boreal forests. Good to know: in autumn, the blazing maples attract as much photographers as moose. A little guide hack: set off at dawn when the road is still empty and the mist clings to the headlands.
Memorable Encounters: Acadians, Vikings, and Cod Fishermen
In the village of Bouctouche, Acadian storytellers welcome you with a "Welcome, friend!" before recounting their tale of resilience. Further on, at L'Anse aux Meadows, the only authenticated Viking site in North America, one learns that Leif Erikson may have had a barbecue right where one stands. These human interludes add precious depth to the landscape.
XXL Nature: Whales, Puffins, and Icebergs in Panoramic View
Fauna enthusiasts, raise your hands! The numbers speak for themselves: the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is home to the world's largest colony of Atlantic puffins, with approximately 260,000 breeding pairs. During the summer, 22 species of whales can be spotted offshore, including the awe-inspiring blue whale, measuring up to 30 meters in length! And if you visit in June, you're in for a treat: freshly calved icebergs from Greenland drift majestically along "Iceberg Alley." A guaranteed thrill (and not just from the cold).
Practical tips for a successful road trip
Climate: Cool but never freezing thanks to the Gulf Stream. Expect 20°C during the day in summer, –5°C in coastal areas in winter.
Budget: Renting an SUV costs around €65 per day (2024). Gasoline remains 15-20% cheaper than in Europe.
Ferry crossings: Essential for reaching Newfoundland or the French archipelago of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. Remember to book in high season.
Seasonality: May-October for hiking, June-August for whale watching, September for autumn foliage.
Guide tips: Low-cost seafood places, van sleeping spots, local weather apps, and even a reminder to keep 6 meters between you and a moose (yes, it happens!).
An Evolving Collection: Focus on the "25 Itineraries" Format
Ulysses marks a minor revolution here: the transition from 50 to 25 circuits, but more detailed, more immersive, more visual. The result: a lighter book in the bag (under 500 g), but packed with anecdotes, playlists, "fun fact" sidebars, and color maps. The layout, very magazine-like, alternates between photo spreads and practical blocks, a real pleasure to browse from the back seat of the van.
A gift that hits the mark (and can be leafed through by the fireside)
Retail Price: €24.99 for the print version, €17.99 for the digital format. For this price, not only do we offer an elegant item, but also the opportunity to dream, plan, escape. An internal survey (Ulysse, 2024) notes that 7 out of 10 readers end up booking a trip after browsing through the Dream Itineraries collection. It goes without saying that slipping this guide under the Christmas tree is like tying the promise with a ribbon.
Conclusion: So, are we packing our bags?
When the itch for escape tickles, sometimes all it takes is opening a book to set things in motion. With its century-old lighthouses, multicolored villages, and roads that tease the Atlantic, Atlantic Canada is the picture-perfect movie set... that's accessible. Atlantic Provinces of Canada, 25 Dream Itineraries acts as a trigger. Flip through, dream, book: all that's left is to pack the essential yellow raincoat in your suitcase!
N.B. (Nota Bene)
The term "tide" refers to the variation in sea level due to lunar attraction. In the Bay of Fundy, the range can exceed 12 meters; a record phenomenon that literally transforms the landscape twice a day.