6 Dreamy East Coast Small Towns & Winter Destinations That Will Have You Packing Your Bags
Time for a winter getaway. ❄️
A Nordic spa in PEI. Right: A lights in New Brunswick.
The winter months tend to drag on, and one of the best ways through them is to plan a cozy getaway to mix up your weekend and have fun despite the freezing temperatures. While people often flock to warmer areas, the Maritimes are full of hidden winter wonders that will help you escape the gruelling season.
A drive down to the East Coast beats a long flight, and while you don't get much vitamin D on a vacation here, you can relax in nature and embrace a slower pace of life.
Whether you're an Ontarian looking for a winter retreat or an East Coaster wanting to explore more of home this season, add these destinations to your winter bucket list.
Mysa Nordic Spa
Address: 1668 Greenwich Rd, Saint Peters Bay, PEI
Why You Need To Go: A P.E.I. vacation isn't complete without a day spent by the ocean – which isn't always an easy feat in the winter months. This Nordic retreat is sprawled along the shoreline though, so you can lay back in a steaming pool while breathing in the salty air.
The island slows down in the off-season when tourism is scarce, offering an even more tranquil atmosphere for a getaway here.
You can stay right at the spa in one of their rooms, and spend the weekend lounging around or exploring the 18-acre property. Plunge into cold water and wind down in the thermal baths here or treat yourself to a relaxing massage. With steam rooms, saunas, and meditation sessions, this spa is the place to go to recharge yourself. There's also a restaurant on site here, so you truly don't even have to leave the property.
The spa itself is just the icing on top of the beautiful surroundings, the nature offering up its own peaceful experience.
A stay here can cost upwards of $350 per night, but you can also just visit the spa for the day for $65.
St. Andrews
Where: New Brunswick
Why You Need To Go: St. Andrews by-the-Sea has charm around every corner, from its little shops filled with local goods, to its picturesque streets lined with twinkle lights. It's a small community that's booming in the summer months with tourists and cottage-goers, but the beauty of it doesn't fade away in the colder seasons.
Bundle up and go for an oceanside stroll on a rocky beach, or just walk along the waterfront in town, popping in and out of the local cafes and boutiques.
Sitting atop a hill overlooking the town is the famous Algonquin Resort, which looks like it was plucked out of the pages of a fairytale. The luxurious hotel is steeped in history and is even rumoured to be haunted. It's worth overlooking any ghosts that might be walking the halls of the hotel though, because it makes for one of the most scenic getaways in the province.
The Parlee Brook Amphitheater
Where: New Brunswick
Why You Need To Go: This New Brunswick hike is near the tiny town of Sussex, which is a destination in its own right. The rolling hills of the area and sprawling farmland are a change of pace from the typical ocean views you see on East Coast postcards, and a worthwhile one to explore.
In the colder months, this area turns into a winter wonderland. With a fresh blanket of snow weighing down the trees, the hike starts strong (and uphill, just a warning). As you wander through the woods along the trail you'll see a serene lake frozen over, small mountains above, and peaceful nature all around. Eventually, you'll reach the frozen valley of the amphitheatre, which is worth every minute of the hike in.
You can walk into the valley and see the steep walls of bright ice closing in, creating a surreal atmosphere. Since it's literally a valley of ice you'll want to wear crampons or snow shoes and go prepared for the conditions.
Afterwards, you can go and warm up in the nearby town. Sussex has some cute coffee shops, like Picadilly Coffee Roasters, that you'll want to check out after a chilly hike through the snow.
SENSEA Nordic Spa
Address: 40 Sensëa Rd, Chester, NS
Why You Need To Go: Yes another Nordic spa, because they are that dreamy. You get to go outside and enjoy nature in the winter months while staying warm (aside from the cold plunges at least).
This spa is in Chester, a quaint oceanside town that's on the idyllic south shore of Nova Scotia. Nearby are stretches of sandy beaches, sparkling ocean, and other cute small towns to explore. It makes for the perfect vacation spot, and this spa should be your first stop.
You can unwind here, lulled into relaxation by the sounds of the surrounding nature. This spot is tucked away in the forest next to a lake, that you can look out on while wandering between the different hot and cold stations.
Wentworth Valley
Address:
Why You Need To Go: Snowy small towns like St. Andrews and Chester are fun, but this valley in Nova Scotia is where you can really enjoy the wintry weather. The scenic area comes alive as the snow falls, thanks to the local ski hill and surrounding adventures.
Spend a day hitting the slopes at Ski Wentworth — the largest ski hill in the province – or opt for one of the local snowshoeing trails if that's more your pace. It's the perfect spot to rent a cozy cabin and snuggle up by the fire.
Mangata Mactaquac
Address: 205 Scotch Lake Rd, Scotch Lake, NB
Why You Need To Go: You can retreat into the woods at one of these tiny a-frame cabins in New Brunswick. Set beside Mactaquac Provincial Park, these little gems are the gateway for adventure and equal relaxation.
You can spend the day snowshoeing in the park and enjoying the lush nature, then wind down in the wood-fired hot tub at night under the stars. Staying here takes you far away from the stresses of daily life, which is much needed after a busy holiday season.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.