Over spring break, one of my kids and I headed out to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and PEI. This provided a great chance for me to visit some campuses my students apply to all the time (and a few I didn’t know as well).
I learned things.
- I learned that the Maritimes are colder, windier, and snowier than I had optimistically imagined.
- I learned that if a campus has a vet school, you will absolutely see signs like “cow crossing” and “horse entrance.”
- I learned that people in the Maritimes are friendly, welcoming, and genuinely curious about where you’re from.
- I learned that if you like red brick and granite buildings, you’re in luck—because every campus seems to have them.
But mostly, I learned just how different these universities are from each other.
Smaller campuses
I visited Saint Mary’s (Halifax), Mount Allison (Sackville, NB), and Acadia (Wolfville, NS). Each has between about 2,100 and 6,000 students, which means small classes, lots of faculty interaction, and strong student support.
But that’s where the similarities end.
SMU is right in Halifax—walkable to downtown, close to Dalhousie, easy transit, and just a short stroll to the ocean. Urban, connected, and lively.
Acadia sits in the Annapolis Valley, surrounded by farmland. The town is charming—wine bars, pubs, cafés—and feels like an ideal setting for a student who appreciates this kind of charm.
Mount Allison is in Sackville, about an hour from Moncton. Technically, it’s not that much farther from a city than Acadia—but it feels more remote. Quieter. For some students, that’s perfect. For others… maybe not.
And that’s exactly why these differences matter.
PEI + UPEI
I was very excited to get to PEI (and briefly thought I had now visited every province… until I remembered Newfoundland—so close).
UPEI is just outside Charlottetown, a bit like UVic is to Victoria. The student population is under 6,000, but the campus feels bigger, with a classic campus quad surrounded by agricultural/vet facilities. PEI is as charming as advertised. I guess I’ll have to go back to see it in the busy tourist season!
Dalhousie (and King’s)
I had seen Dalhousie and King’s years ago, but I was struck again by how vibrant they feel. There’s such a range—old buildings, new buildings, tons of programs—and the campus blends right into the city. Everywhere we went, there seemed to be another Dal building. It really drives home how central the university is to Halifax.
I’ve always liked the King’s College Foundation Year Program, and being there again reminded me why the campus can be a great choice: a small, intimate academic experience, right in the middle of a big, busy campus and city.
Truro (Agricultural Campus)
I was also curious to see Dalhousie’s agricultural campus in Truro. For some reason, I had pictured… more farm, less campus?
The university felt more like a traditional campus than I expected—just in a smaller, working-class town about 40 minutes from Halifax. For students in those programs, that setting is going to be a big part of their experience.
Final thoughts
My biggest takeaway (other than: check the weather before you pack) is how important campus visits are—especially for students heading far from home.
You can read everything online. You can compare programs and stats and rankings.
But actually being there? Walking around, seeing the town, getting a feel for the energy—that’s what helps a student picture their life there. This can be expensive, so universities also offer virtual tours, YouTube channels, and chances to meet with their recruiters when they come to Vancouver. But this research is key to making sure you find a good fit, and that the campus feels just right.
