\"Down East\", also \"Downeast\", refers to parts of eastern coastal New England and Canada, particularly the U.S. state of Maine (roughly from Penobscot Bay north-eastwards) and Canada\'s Maritime Provinces, an area that closely corresponds to the historical French territory of Acadia. The phrase apparently derives from sailing terminology: sailors from western ports sailed downwind toward the east to reach the area. A person from this area may be called a down-easter. Within Maine, the phrase \"Down East\" may refer specifically to the state\'s easternmost regions, also called Down East Maine.\"Down East\", also \"Downeast\", refers to parts of eastern coastal New England and Canada, particularly the U.S. state of Maine (roughly from Penobscot Bay north-eastwards) and Canada\'s Maritime Provinces, an area that closely corresponds to the historical French territory of Acadia. The phrase apparently derives from sailing terminology: sailors from western ports sailed downwind toward the east to reach the area. A person from this area may be called a down-easter. Within Maine, the phrase \"Down East\" may refer specifically to the state\'s easternmost regions, also called Down East Maine.