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Best of the Canadian Maritimes

Best of the Canadian Maritimes

From $ 7,280 AUD

Description

Experience the charms of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island on a 12-day exploration of Canada’s Maritime provinces. Discover the rocky shores of Peggy’s Cove and the Skyline Trail of Cape Breton. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lunenburg, shop for locally made Mi’kmaq arts and crafts, get to know historic Charlottetown, take a walk to Hopewell Rocks with a local naturalist guide and visit the home of Anne of Green Gables. Enjoy dinner on board a working lobster boat and meet with a Mi’kmaq guide on Lennox Island. You’ll soon see why this corner of Canada is so beloved by all who visit.

Trip Name
Best of the Canadian Maritimes
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
12
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Walk the stunning coastal trails of Cape Breton Highlands National Park and follow the Skyline Trail mountain pass out to sweeping sea views.
  • Meet a Prince Edward Island fisherman and enjoy a traditional lobster and mussel dinner on his private property along the shore.
  • Meet with a Mi'kmaq guide at Lennox Island to learn how to make bannock (quick bread) and listen to traditional stories.
  • Hear the stories behind ‘Anne of Green Gables’ with a walking tour and visit through the Green Gables Heritage Place, where L.M. Montgomery drew her inspiration.
  • Cruise the waters of Shediac Bay on board a lobster boat, with a hands-on demonstration of lobster fishing and a delicious, locally caught dinner.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Halifax
Welcome to Nova Scotia! Your adventure starts today in Halifax, with a welcome meeting at 5 pm to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. Halifax is an Atlantic Ocean port in eastern Canada and the provincial capital of Nova Scotia. A major business centre, the city is known for its maritime history and hilltop Citadel – a star-shaped fort that was completed in the 1850s. After your meeting, head out for an orientation walk with your leader to get your bearings, then maybe join your group for a welcome dinner to get to know each other.
Day 2 - Halifax
Today, head to historic Lunenburg on the South Shore – one of only two urban communities in North America designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore Mahone Bay and nearby Blue Rocks on a leader-led walking tour and learn about this old fishing community that’s become a hub for artists and photographers. Enjoy some free time exploring the old town centre, which is a National Historic Site of Canada. And since Lunenburg was a rum-running town in the days of Prohibition, make sure you take the time to sample of the local brews. Head back to Halifax in the late afternoon and maybe meet later in the evening for dinner.
Day 3 - Halifax
Take a trip to Peggy’s Cove – a scenic fishing village that’s one of the most photographed places in all of Canada – for good reason! Rocky outcrops, the crashing Atlantic, colourful fishing boats and a classic, red-tipped lighthouse are what you’d expect to see on Maritimes postcards. Follow your local leader along the Peggy’s Cove Rock Walk, which meanders along the barren coastline that glaciers created some 12,000 years ago. After, maybe grab lunch in the village – perhaps a creamy seafood chowder or fresh lobster roll. This afternoon, you have the option to head to the Canadian Museum of Immigration or the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, soaking up some local history.
Day 4 - Baddeck
Today, you’ll drive from Halifax to Baddeck, stopping at the Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Center along the way. Located in the heart of a development owned by Millbrook First Nation, the center tells the story of the Millbrook Mi’kmaq and the important role they played and continue to play in the Maritimes. Don’t miss the gift shop, which sells beautiful traditional arts and crafts! When you arrive in Baddeck, you’ll head out for dinner with your group, then enjoy a local ceilidh performance – a traditional gathering with Scottish roots, where musicians come together to play Cape Breton music.
Day 5 - Cape Breton Highlands National Park / Cabot Trail
Today, you’ll drive along the Cabot Trail for a leisurely hike within Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The Skyline Trail is the park’s signature hike, which leads out to spectacular sweeping views over the sea. After completing your hike, continue your journey with a truly local experience at an oyster hatchery in South Harbour. Gain hands-on knowledge as you discover how oysters are grown, then try your hand at shucking them. Of course, you'll also have the chance to enjoy the fruits of your labor by tasting some fresh, locally grown oysters. If it’s a nice day for driving, your leader will take you further along the Cabot Trail – a 4 hours’ drive, but with plenty of beautiful stops along the way. Enjoy a picnic lunch while you’re out along the trail before returning to Baddeck for the night.
Day 6 - Charlottetown
If you’re an early riser, you can opt to start the day with a visit to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site to gain insight into the life and work of the inventor, scientist and teacher best known for inventing the telephone. Then, drive from Baddeck to Charlottetown – the capital of Prince Edward Island and the smallest provincial capital in the country. Perhaps head downtown and explore on foot when you arrive in the late afternoon. Stroll alongside the picturesque harbour or take in the leafy parks and Victorian-era streets lined with gabled houses. Tonight, join your group for an included dinner and toast your adventure.
Day 7 - Charlottetown
An orientation meeting will take place at 10am this morning to welcome any new travellers joining you for the next leg of your journey, then head out for a leader-led walking tour of the town. Your afternoon is free to wander on your own before regrouping in the evening for a special dinner. Head out along the stunning Points East Coastal Drive to meet a local fisherman and enjoy a traditional lobster and mussel boil on his private property.
Day 8 - Charlottetown
Drive from Charlottetown to the Greenwich section of Prince Edward Island National Park – home to a rare parabolic dune system and miles of white sand beach. Located along the famous Points East Coastal Drive, Greenwich is the perfect place to discover the small towns, beaches and wildlife that make Prince Edward Island so unique. As you walk the dune trail and dip your toes in the surf, look out for rare coastal plant species and a variety of seabirds. Then, you’ll visit Skmaqn-Port la Joye-Fort-Amherst National Historic Site for views of Charlottetown’s harbour. This site commemorates the first permanent European settlement on the island! After, carry on to a local, family-run and family-owned winery for a tasting of their favourite drops.
Day 9 - Summerside
This morning, say goodbye to Charlottetown and start the drive towards Summerside, stopping at a few viewpoints along the way. Stop in Cavendish, where L.M. Montgomery famously drew her inspiration for the ‘Anne of Green Gables’ novels. Visit Green Gables Heritage Place and explore the area on a walking tour (with a focus on Anne, of course!). After, you’ll stop for an optional lunch at Cape Tyron Lighthouse before continuing to Lennox Island. Here, you’ll visit Lennox Island First Nation to meet with a Mi'kmaq guide for a tour of the cultural centre and St. Anne church. Learn about Mi'kmaq culture and history, as well as the traditional way of preparing bannock (quick bread) at a campfire. Settle in with a cup of tea and soak up the stories about life on Lennox Island. Then, check out the Bottle Houses – a village of buildings, including a tavern, a chapel and gift shop, that are literally made out of thousands of bottles. Tonight, you’ll spend the night in the coastal city of Summerside.
Day 10 - Moncton
Enjoy a free morning exploring Summerside at your own pace. You may want to check out the local museums, galleries and cultural centres, or you can just wander through the neighbourhoods of historic homes. Then get your sea legs ready! Today you’re cruising the waters of Shediac Bay on a working lobster boat with local fishers. On the way to the bay, you’ll stop in Shediac Town – the ‘Lobster Capital of the World’ – to see the giant lobster. Then, get a hands-on lobster fishing demonstration and enjoy your delicious freshly caught lunch on board. After lunch, drive to Moncton and your hotel for the night.
Day 11 - Saint John
Cross over into New Brunswick and make your way to the postcard-perfect Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park. Arrive for low tide and join a naturalist guide for a walk right out onto the sea floor and get up close to the towering sandstone formations known as the Hopewell Rocks, or Flowerpot Rocks. When the tide comes in, waters in the bay can reach up to 16 m, so a trip here is all about timing and your leader will make sure you get the most out of your visit. In the afternoon, take a quick detour to spectacular Cap Enrage with its charming lighthouse before continuing on through Fundy National Park. Tonight, you’ll stay in the historic seaport city of Saint John. When you arrive, head out for dinner with your group and cheers to an awesome adventure!
Day 12 - Saint John
With no further activities planned, your trip ends today and you’re free to leave at any time. Or, if you like, stick around and explore the city of Saint John and more of the Maritimes on your own. If you need help with booking additional accommodation, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
31-05-202511-06-2025AUD $ 8,015-
14-06-202525-06-2025AUD $ 8,645-
21-06-202502-07-2025AUD $ 7,860-
28-06-202509-07-2025AUD $ 7,860-
05-07-202516-07-2025AUD $ 7,860-
12-07-202523-07-2025AUD $ 7,570-
19-07-202530-07-2025AUD $ 7,570-
26-07-202506-08-2025AUD $ 7,570-
02-08-202513-08-2025AUD $ 7,570-
09-08-202520-08-2025AUD $ 7,570-
16-08-202527-08-2025AUD $ 7,280-
23-08-202503-09-2025AUD $ 7,280-
30-08-202510-09-2025AUD $ 7,280-
06-09-202517-09-2025AUD $ 7,280-
13-09-202524-09-2025AUD $ 7,500-
20-09-202501-10-2025AUD $ 7,280-
27-09-202508-10-2025AUD $ 7,280-
24-05-202604-06-2026AUD $ 7,645-
31-05-202611-06-2026AUD $ 7,645-
07-06-202618-06-2026AUD $ 7,645-
14-06-202625-06-2026AUD $ 7,645-
21-06-202602-07-2026AUD $ 7,645-
28-06-202609-07-2026AUD $ 7,645-
05-07-202616-07-2026AUD $ 7,645-
12-07-202623-07-2026AUD $ 7,645-
19-07-202630-07-2026AUD $ 7,645-
26-07-202606-08-2026AUD $ 7,645-
02-08-202613-08-2026AUD $ 7,645-
09-08-202620-08-2026AUD $ 7,645-
16-08-202627-08-2026AUD $ 7,645-
23-08-202603-09-2026AUD $ 7,645-
30-08-202610-09-2026AUD $ 7,645-
06-09-202617-09-2026AUD $ 7,645-
13-09-202624-09-2026AUD $ 7,645-
20-09-202601-10-2026AUD $ 7,645-

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights)

Transport

Private Vehicle

Map