Magical Maritimes

 Day 1 – Home to Halifax 

Early this morning we depart on our flights to the East Coast. Arrive in Halifax this evening and transfer to a downtown hotel where your Tour Director will host a brief welcome reception.

Day 2 –  Halifax 

This morning embark on a guided city tour with our local guide. Learn about the Nova Scotia capital’s 250 plus years of history through tragedy and prosperity. After stops at the Public Gardens and Citadel Hill, your tour concludes down on the historic waterfront where a visit to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic illuminates the ever important role of the sea in the history of Nova Scotia. This afternoon is free to take in the many attractions of Atlantic Canada’s largest city. Tonight join your fellow travellers for dinner at a popular local restaurant. 

Today’s breakfast and dinner are included 

Day 3 – Halifax 

This morning depart for a drive out to the rugged Atlantic Coast passing by glacial scattered boulders and tiny fishing villages pounded by the relentless sea. Stop at beautiful Peggy’s Cove, with its iconic lighthouse, said to be the most photographed in the world. Continue on to picturesque Mahone Bay and the historic and seafaring home port of the Bluenose – Lunenburg. Later this afternoon return to Halifax for a free evening. Today’s breakfast is included 

Day 4– Halifax to Moncton, New Brunswick 

This morning leave the city behind and venture into the picturesque countryside as you make your way to New Brunswick. Stop at Fort Beausejour and admire the scenic views of the Tantramar Marsh while exploring the remains of this once important location in the epic struggle between Britain and France for control of the “New World.” Continue on to New Brunswick and arrive at the wharfs of Shediac, the lobster capital of the world. Board a boat on the calm waters of Shediac Bay for a once in a lifetime experience where you will learn to catch, cook, clean, and eat lobster the Acadian way. Continue to downtown Moncton for a free evening. Today’s breakfast and lunch are included 

Day 5 – Moncton to Charlottetown, PEI 

Following breakfast this morning head to the Bay of Fundy, famously home to the world’s highest tides. Enjoy a guided tour at the Hopewell Rocks and the opportunity to walk on the ocean floor between the four-story tall Flower Pot Rocks. Next, we are off to the island “cradled on the waves” beautiful PEI. After crossing the impressive 13 km Confederation Bridge, we will continue to the birthplace of Confederation and PEI’s capital city, Charlottetown where a stroll through the historic downtown and waterfront areas will have you travelling back through time to 1867 and the birth of Canada. Tonight enjoy dinner on the town at a popular local restaurant. Today’s breakfast and dinner are included 

Day 6 – Prince Edward Island 

Today look forward to experiencing the charm of Canada’s smallest province as we travel across the rolling countryside dotted with picturesque villages and endless acres of farmland rolling down to the deep blue Gulf of St Lawrence. Arrive in Cavendish this morning for a self-guided visit to the Green Gables House. Next, a short ride brings us through the gates of Prince Edward Island National Park and into a landscape of sandy beaches, rolling sand dunes and stunning red cliffs. Take in a little local culture and colour with a stop at the Rustico village wharf before arriving at the PEI Preserve Company for the opportunity to taste some local goods. This afternoon, a short drive will bring us back to Charlottetown, where you may enjoy a bit of leisure time to rest up or continue your exploration of the town. Tonight is free for you to explore the city’s waterfront and historic downtown core. 

Today’s Breakfast is included 

Day 7 –  Charlottetown to Baddeck, Nova Scotia 

This morning depart Charlottetown for a 75-minute ferry ride back to the mainland. After docking in Nova Scotia, a pleasant drive will allow you to watch as the scenery surrounding you begins to change from rolling farmland to rugged hills and thickly forested mountains. After a lunch stop, cross the Canso Causeway to beautiful Cape Breton Island. The rugged scenery continues after lunch as you travel along the shores of the Bras d’Or Lake enroute to the lovely village of Baddeck. Stop at the Alexander Graham Bell Museum and learn more about the famous inventor who could find no better place on earth than Cape Breton. Later arrive at the Inverary Resort on the shores of the Bras d’Or, your home for the next two nights. This evening, enjoy a great meal in one of the resorts' restaurants. 

Today’s breakfast, lunch and dinner are included 

Day 8 –  Cabot Trail 

Today experience the beauty and unique culture of Cape Breton as we travel the Cabot Trail. This world-famous scenic drive circles the upper peninsula of Cape Breton Island crossing hills and mountains and providing countless panoramic views of the ever-present ocean below. Learn about the Gaelic heritage and culture brought to the island by waves of Scottish settlers as you travel through areas such as St. Anne. Be on the lookout for moose and whales as we wind our way across Cape Breton Highlands National Park and through countless picturesque communities. In the heart of the National Park, a stop will be made for a picnic lunch. Later visit the Acadian community of Cheticamp with its beautiful church constructed in 1893. There will even be a short stop for Nova Scotia souvenirs this afternoon before following the Margaree River Valley back to Baddeck. 

Today’s breakfast and lunch are included 

Day 9 –  Baddeck to Halifax Airport 

This morning leave Cape Breton Island behind and travel across the mainland of Nova Scotia. Stop for lunch in the town of Pictou, the historic gateway to new Scotland. Learn about the famous ship Hector that carried the first wave of Scots to Nova Scotia way back in 1773. This afternoon continue on to the town of Truro; learn about the vibrant first nation culture of the Mi’kmaq people during a guided visit to the Glooscap Heritage Centre. Afterwards, gather with your new friends and Tour Director for a farewell dinner before checking in at a Halifax airport hotel. 

Today’s breakfast and dinner are included 

Day 10 –  Halifax to Home 

Bid farewell to Nova Scotia this morning as we transfer to Halifax Airport for our return flights. Upon arrival a transfer will be available back home. Arrive home mid-afternoon with a slew of new memories of the Magic of the Maritimes. 

Today’s breakfast is included