Nova Scotia and Cape Breton may be termed the sea-walls of the Maritime Provinces, for they are on the outer edge or Atlantic front where they receive the first violent shock of the turbulent rollers that later sweep into the Gulf and inner waters with rapidly lessening force, spent and defeated after their struggle with the giant headlands of granite.
As would naturally be expected, the scenery gradually changes as Quebec and Northern New Brunswick are left behind, not in the sense that it deteriorates, however—it simply alters its character. There are districts, such as the Wentworth Valley, that have become famous for their loveliness; and, as is now well known, Cape Breton has a wild and rugged beauty—like to that of the Scottish Highlands—that gives it a first place in the estimation of many. Indeed, in relation to travel interest generally, it is remarkable what great variety or diversity of scene is found in going from one part to the other of the Maritime Provinces. It may truly be said that each province has its own distinct features of beauty, and those who go to one district for the mountains will have their counterpart in others who will seek the sea and the open shore.
Over the cool green wall of waves advancing
Glistens a crested line of feathery foam,
Till along the beach the billows scatter, glancing
A mist of spray as over the waters comb,
Then fades the white-capped crest all slowly sinking
Where silent, shadowy sands are ever drinking, drinking.