It's that time of the year for family vacations and road trips.  Come summer, Atlantic Canada's charms attract thousands of visitors.  So if you're planning a trip "Down East," where should you start?

Who better to suggest the insider's guide?   Read on for a guide to 10 "must-do" experiences in Atlantic Canada.

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Top 10 things to experience in Atlantic Canada

Maxxim Vacations (www.maximvacations.com) may be able to help: not only are they the experts in escorted and independent tours to Atlantic Canada, but they work with over 700 suppliers from B&Bs to bistros to iceberg-spotting outfitters.  And since most of their itineraries are custom-made to suit each traveller's interests, they know Atlantic Canada like the back of their hands.

New Brunswick
(l) Discover artisan treasures in the amazing Économusées - working museums that sell their products, from jellies to jewelery - along the Fundy Coast.
(2) Sip champagne and dine on the freshest lobster with your loved one on stunning Parlee Beach.
 
Nova Scotia
(3) Dance the night away in Mabou with those who gather from all over Cape Breton for a Ceilidh or Maritime party.  Maxxim staffers report some clients never want to leave!
(4) Smell the sweet scents of Apple Blossom Time in the Annapolis Valley in June.
 
Prince Edward Island
(5) Savour the surprisingly delicious potato pie and sample specialty jams and jellies of the PEI Preserve Company Café, famed for its glorious gardens.
(6) Channel your inner patriot as you hear the tales of our country's origins and stand in the founders' footsteps in Founder's Hall in Charlottetown.

Newfoundland and Labrador
(7) Dip your toes in the North Atlantic at Middle Cove beach - mere minutes from downtown St. John's via Marine Drive.  The beach is home to towering cliffs, pounding waves, icebergs in the spring and whales in the summer - don't forget your camera so you can bring home some wonderful memories.
(8) Salivate as you taste blueberry crisp like no other at the Country Corner café in the seaside community of Brigus.
(9) Enjoy the serenity and step-back-in-time atmosphere of Battle Harbour, Labrador (no phones, no TV, no Internet).
(10) Travel to France by ferry in just 90 minutes: the tiny islands of St. Pierre et Miquelon are located just a few miles off the Newfoundland coast and are officially part of France, so you know you'll find fine wines and delicate pastries for which the French are famed.

Maxxim is happy to recommend the sights that would make your trip to Atlantic Canada perfect. For more information, visit www.maximvacations.com.