Outdoor movie screens across New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island
Drive-in theaters in the Canadian Maritimes have a history reaching back to the mid-twentieth century. The Town & Country Campground & Drive-In in Sussex, New Brunswick has operated since approximately 1966 or 1967. It sits about 70 kilometres east of Saint John, along a stretch of rural highway in the Kennebecasis Valley.
The venue features a single 80-foot screen with capacity for around 300 cars. Audio is broadcast on 90.5 FM, the standard approach for modern drive-in theaters. The gate was historically cash-only, with adult admission at approximately $12.50 based on archived pricing data.
The property doubles as a KOA campground. Amenities include pools, a splash pad, and cabin rentals. Guests staying at the campground can walk to the screening area. Thursday-night BINGO was a recurring feature at the venue.
The season typically runs from May through September, weather permitting. That window aligns with the general pattern for outdoor theaters in Atlantic Canada. Evening temperatures drop noticeably after sunset, even in midsummer.
Sussex itself is a small town known for its covered bridges and agricultural heritage. The surrounding Kings County is a farming region. The drive-in sits in a rural setting appropriate to the format: flat terrain, limited light pollution, and open sky.
The website at sussexdrivein.com was originally connected to this location. It was a simple WordPress site with a main page, a drive-in information page, and a contact page. The site was last active around February 2020. This page now serves as a directory of drive-in theaters across the three Maritime provinces.
The Maritime provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island once had more drive-in theaters than remain today. The format peaked across North America in the 1950s and 1960s. In the decades since, rising land values and changing entertainment habits reduced their numbers.
The region's short summer season limits the operating window. Screenings depend on darkness, and Maritime evenings remain light until well past 9:00 PM in June. By September, nightfall arrives earlier, but cooler temperatures begin discouraging attendance.
Fewer drive-ins survived here compared to provinces like Ontario or Quebec. The smaller population base and seasonal tourism economy mean fewer potential customers. The remaining venues are spread thinly across three provinces separated by water and long stretches of highway.
Maritime summers are mild. Daytime temperatures reach the mid-twenties Celsius, but evenings cool noticeably, especially near the coast. Fog can roll in without warning in coastal areas. These conditions shape the drive-in experience in the region.
The drive-ins that remain tend to function as community institutions. They serve towns and rural areas where other entertainment options are limited. Some, like the Sussex Drive-In, combine the theater with other attractions such as campgrounds. Others draw a mix of local families and summer tourists.
Drive-in attendance across North America increased during 2020. Outdoor venues could operate under public health restrictions that closed indoor theaters. Maritime drive-ins likely saw similar demand, though specific attendance figures for the region are not publicly available.
Indoor theaters and streaming services reduced drive-in attendance over prior decades. The remaining Maritime venues operate in a market where most film viewing happens at home or in multiplex cinemas. Their continued operation depends on seasonal tourism and local community support.
1 screen · ~300 cars · Operating since approximately 1967
Audio on 90.5 FM. Gate was historically cash-only. Adult admission approximately $12.50.
Located on a KOA campground property with pools, splash pad, and cabin rentals. Campground guests can walk to the screening area. Thursday BINGO nights were a recurring attraction.
Status: verify directly before visiting.
1 screen · One of the few remaining drive-ins in Nova Scotia
Located in the Annapolis Valley, a farming region between Halifax and Digby. The valley is sheltered by the North and South Mountains, which can make for warmer evenings than coastal areas.
The venue has a community-operated character. It draws audiences from surrounding towns where other movie options are limited.
The Annapolis Valley is sheltered between the North Mountain and South Mountain ranges. This geography produces warmer evenings than coastal Nova Scotia, extending the comfortable outdoor screening season.
Greenwood is also home to 14 Wing Greenwood, a Canadian Forces air base. The military population contributes to the local audience during the summer months.
Status: verify directly before visiting.
1 screen · Near Charlottetown and PEI National Park
Situated on the north shore of the island, in a tourist area with beaches and cottages. The summer vacation audience provides a steady flow of visitors during peak season.
One of the few entertainment venues on PEI's north shore. The location benefits from the island's tourism infrastructure while retaining a small-town atmosphere.
Brackley Beach is adjacent to Prince Edward Island National Park. The park's beaches and dunes draw summer visitors from across Atlantic Canada and beyond.
PEI's tourism season runs from June through September. The drive-in's operating schedule aligns with peak visitor traffic on the island's north shore.
Status: verify directly before visiting.
Additional drive-ins may operate seasonally or as pop-up venues across the Maritime provinces. The outdoor movie season typically runs May through September. Listings should be confirmed directly with each venue, as operating status can change between seasons.
Gates at Maritime drive-ins typically open 30 to 60 minutes before showtime. This allows time to find a spot, tune the radio, and visit the concession stand. Arriving early is common practice, especially on weekends and holidays.
Films start at dusk. In the Maritimes, that ranges from approximately 9:00 PM in late June to around 7:30 PM by early September. The long summer daylight at this latitude means later start times than most drive-ins in the United States.
Double features are offered at some venues, with a second film following the first after a short intermission. A double feature can run past midnight in June, given the late start time.
Audio at Maritime drive-ins is broadcast on FM radio. The Sussex venue uses 90.5 FM. Other venues post their frequencies at the gate. A battery-powered portable radio is practical for avoiding car battery drain during a double feature.
Concession stands are a standard feature. Revenue from food and drink sales supports theater operations. Lineups at the concession window tend to be longest during intermission.
The Sussex venue offers a distinct combination of camping and movies. Visitors can book a campsite and walk to the screening area without needing a vehicle. This arrangement is unusual among Canadian drive-ins and reflects the dual nature of the Town & Country property.
Community events appear at some locations. The Sussex Drive-In historically held BINGO nights on Thursdays, separate from movie screenings. These activities reinforce the role of drive-ins as gathering places in rural communities.
The Sussex Drive-In's campground setting is suited to families. Pools, a splash pad, and cabin rentals are available on the same property. Children staying at the campground can walk to the screening area.
Double features at Maritime drive-ins follow the standard pattern. The first film is aimed at younger audiences. The second targets adults and may run past midnight during the longest evenings.
Pet policies vary by venue. Confirm with the specific theater before bringing animals. Some locations allow leashed dogs on the grounds.
Most Maritime drive-ins operate from late May through early September. The exact opening and closing dates vary by venue and depend on weather conditions. This is a shorter season than drive-ins in southern Ontario or the United States.
Each drive-in broadcasts the film's audio on a designated FM frequency. Tune your car radio or a portable radio to the posted frequency. A portable radio avoids draining the car battery over a two-hour screening.
Operating status should be confirmed directly with the venue before visiting. The Town & Country property has operated seasonally for decades, but schedules can change. The original website at sussexdrivein.com was last active around February 2020.
The Sussex Drive-In operates on the same property as the Town & Country KOA Campground. Campsites, pools, a splash pad, and cabin rentals are available. Campground guests can walk to the screening area.
All venues operate in Canadian dollars. Some Maritime drive-ins, including the Sussex location historically, have been cash-only at the gate. Check with each venue before arriving regarding payment options.
Warm layers and blankets are recommended, as Maritime evenings cool quickly after sunset. A portable FM radio is practical for audio. Insect repellent is advisable at rural locations where mosquitoes are common.
Sussex, New Brunswick, is known for its covered bridges. Kings County has several preserved examples. The town sits in the Kennebecasis River valley, a farming region east of Saint John.
Fundy National Park is approximately one hour south of Sussex. The park includes the Bay of Fundy coast, where tidal ranges exceed 10 meters. The Hopewell Rocks, a separate provincial attraction, are nearby.
The Valley Drive-In near Greenwood, Nova Scotia, is in the Annapolis Valley. The region produces apples, wine, and cider. Kejimkujik National Park is roughly one hour south, offering lake-based recreation and hiking.
Brackley Beach on Prince Edward Island is adjacent to PEI National Park. Charlottetown, the provincial capital, is about 25 minutes south. The island is connected to New Brunswick by the 12.9-kilometer Confederation Bridge.
Travelers from Maine can reach Sussex via the border crossing at Calais, Maine / St. Stephen, New Brunswick. The drive from the border to Sussex is approximately two hours via the Trans-Canada Highway.