For the most part, the Maritimes is blessed by the absence of destructive weather.  Tornadoes are rare. A few hurricanes make it to our shores at the height of hurricane season between August and October; by the time most of them reach the Maritimes their strength has been dissipated by the cold North Atlantic.  Occasionally a full-strength hurricane makes it to our shores: in 2003 Hurricane Juan caused loss of life and millions of dollars in damages when it struck full force in the Halifax area.

Moderated by the ocean, Maritime temperatures tend to be cooler in summer and milder in winter than most of the rest of Canada.  The climate is similar to the climate of New England. Spring and winter weather tends to be wet, while summers and falls are usually filled with warm, sunny days.

In Canada, temperatures are measured in the metric system. Under that system, water freezes at 0 degrees;  30-degrees C is considered a hot day.

Like the apple blossoms of spring or the Perseid meteor shower in August, the fall foliage is an annual show not to be missed. The fiery reds, yellows, and oranges blanket the entire region, but there are a few places where the leaves truly put on a show. Ask any Maritimer where to go when the forests turn to color and the answer is often the same: the Cabot Trail. The mountains of the Cape Breton Highlands look spectacular painted in dozens of autumn colors. But there are other trails in the region that rival the Cabot Trail for fall beauty and breathtaking roads, like Highway 311 from Truro to Tatamagouche Nova Scotia, and the section of the TransCanada Highway that winds through New Brunswick’s Saint John River Valley. Timing is critical. The leaves are only at their peak for a few days every October. To truly appreciate this great yearly event, you must plan ahead.