Canadian Maritimes and the Down East Circle Route

One of the most remarkable cruising grounds on the east coast of North America is Atlantic Canada. To get there follow the Down East Circle Route and then spend some time exploring the Canadian Maritimes. The Down East Circle Route is a 2,400 nautical mile, clockwise loop route that begins with the Erie Barge Canal in New York State. It continues into Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River and Seaway and into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. From the gulf, one has many cruising options: southern Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island and coastal New Brunswick, the wonderful Bras d’Or Lakes on Cape Breton Island and mainland Nova Scotia.

Whether you have six weeks or the entire summer, whether your boat is a rugged offshore vessel or a light coastal cruiser, the Down East Circle Route is for you. Set your course for the Canadian Maritimes via the spectacular Down East Circle Route—it’s the most logical way to take your boat down east.

Back at home, friends and family will enjoy tales of dramatic fjords, white whales, seabirds too numerous to count, the joie de vivre of Québec’s French culture and cuisine, historic cities and warm Maritime hospitality, of dining on fresh seafood such as shrimp, snow crab and lobster and delicious French pastries, breads and specialty meats. There is no other North American cruise that can boast such a blend of experiences.

Yacht Pilot cruising guides for the Down East Circle Route and the Canadian Maritimes provides cruising directions for yachtsmen seeking an adventure and the rewards that the most beautiful and unspoiled cruising ground on the eastern seaboard of North America has to offer. More specifically, the guides provide the small boat skipper with sailing directions for easy passages by providing pertinent information on navigation, playing the currents and the weather patterns. It gives information on marinas and anchorages, points of interest and where to find supplies and services.

The information contained in our comprehensive cruising guides has been collected and compiled by the most knowledgeable people in the marine industry in eastern Canada. We are always on the water and we look forward to seeing you Down East.