Tides and Parks of Atlantic Canada 20 days / 19 nights
Trip Overview
This is the ultimate East Coast adventure. In just under three weeks you’ll complete a grand circular route taking you through Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland. Known for quaint seaside villages with rich history, sweeping vistas, plentiful marine wildlife, and the warm generosity of the friendly folks that call the East home, you’re sure to fall in love with this wonderful part of Canada.Trip Images
One of many coastal towns you will visit in Atlantic Canada.
Your dinner of freshly caught lobster awaits you tonight!
When visiting Atlantic Canada you will also see many lighthouse points.
One of the many beautiful coastal drives you will take.
Many summer historical themed events take place in the Canadian Maritimes.
Map
Arrive Halifax
2 nights Halifax
1 night Bridgewater
2 nights Digby
1 night Fredericton
1 night Moncton
2 nights Charlottetown
2 nights Baddeck
2 nights Corner Brook
1 night Twillingate
1 night Gander
1 night Clarenville
2 nights St. John's
1 night Onboard Ferry
Depart Halifax
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive In Halifax
Begin your Canada vacation with your arrival in Halifax and transfer independently to your downtown hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to explore this bustling oceanside city. Overnight in Halifax.
Day 2 – Halifax
One of the world’s largest natural harbours is just steps from the downtown core of this simultaneously modern and historic city. You have a full day to xxplore the vibrant maritime heritage in the many museums and stroll along the waterfront area, where you can see the famous Bluenose II. If you choose the activity package than enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, including visits to St. Paul’s church, the historic properties, the Titanic Burial Site, ocean terminals and the area where the devastating Halifax explosion occurred. You will also visit the Citadel that has stood guard over the city since the 18th century, the Public Gardens (admission is included). Overnight in Halifax.
Day 3 – Halifax to Bridgewater (110km)
Pick-up your rental car and drive along the Lighthouse Route to the fishing community of Peggy’s Cove. This picturesque fishing village is surrounded by bare granite and coastal barrens with trails leading to the world’s most photographed lighthouse. Continue along the coast and stop in the port of Lunenburg for a visit to the renowned Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic before arriving in Bridgewater. Overnight in Bridgewater.
Day 4 – Bridgewater to Digby (180 km)
Take a scenic drive from the rocky south shore to the lush Annapolis Valley. Gaze at the amazing views as you traverse extensive woodlands dotted with lakes. Continue your Canada holiday by exploring the wilderness of Kejimkujik National Park along the centuries-old Mi’kmaq canoe routes or follow the hiking trails into its forested heartland. Travel along the Annapolis Basin and visit relics of Anglo-French colonial rivalry. Overnight in Digby.
Day 5 – Digby
Your Canadian driving vacation continues with a free day to explore this quaint fishing port. Its bustling harbour, home to the largest scallop fishing fleet in the world, is a must see. If you choose the activity package then you will drove to the westernmost point of Nova Scotia, Brier Island, to enjoy a whale and seabird cruise on the Bay of Fundy. This cruise exceeds the regular whale watching experience as you join an ongoing, scientific survey of an area teeming with marine life. Observing such rare and endangered species as the humpback and fin whales, dolphins, porpoises and seabirds, these cruises continue to yield vital information. Overnight in Digby.
Day 6 – Digby to Fredericton (95 km, land only)
Board a ferry for a scenic ride across the Bay of Fundy, famous for having the world’s largest tides, to Saint John. A stop at the Reversing Falls in Saint John is a nice way to stretch your legs. Follow the coastline and traverse many unique fishing villages en route to Fredericton. Keep an eye on the rocky, low-tide shores of the Bay of Fundy for abundant marine life. Overnight in Fredericton.
Day 7 – Fredericton to Moncton (250 km)
Today you can explore popular covered bridges en route to Fundy National Park. Discover Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, or visit Shediac, the lobster capital of the world - there’s no better place to sample fresh lobster. Overnight in Moncton.
Day 8 – Moncton to Charlottetown (160 km)
Before leaving Moncton we suggest a stop at the Magnetic Hill where you can put the car in neutral to experience the illusion of being pulled up hill by a ‘magnetic force.’ Discover the rich British and Acadian heritage on the Northumberland coast by choosing to travel through the architectural gem of Dorchester and visit the French fort of Beausejour at the Nova Scotia provincial border. Cross to Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest province, over the amazing Confederation Bridge and arrive in the charming city of Charlottetown. Overnight in Charlottetown. S
Day 9 – Charlottetown
The day is at leisure to explore the Victorian homes and elegant squares of Charlottetown. The city is the island's commercial centre and the wealth of produce from the surrounding fertile farmland is shipped from its harbour. Or experience a thrilling sea-kayaking adventure in Prince Edward Island National Park, which is just a short drive away, as part of the activity package. Feel the sensation as you glide across the Atlantic Ocean, past high cliffs and the white beaches that contrast with the area’s red soil. Enjoy a picnic beneath the cliffs at Cape Turner and Orby Head. Tour the idyllic countryside and see the “Green Gables” house in Cavendish.
Day 10 – Charlottetown to Baddeck (285 km, land only)
Today’s journey takes you past Orwell Corner Historic Site to board the ferry across the Northumberland Strait to Nova Scotia. Drive through tranquil scenery and small communities that continue to take pride in Nova Scotia’s Scottish, Native and Acadian identities. Continue into Cape Breton Island through the stunning scenery around Bras d’Or Lake, and drive to the delightful resort community of Baddeck. A fascinating museum here is dedicated to the life and works of Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone. Overnight in Baddeck.
Day 11 – Baddeck
A drive along the Cabot Trail into the highlands of northern Cape Breton is a scenic highlight of your driving vacation. Follow the trail past lochs and glens settled by Scottish Highlanders and along scenic coastlines settled by Acadians. Meander through the rugged Cape Breton Highlands National Park enjoying stunning views of sea-swept headlands, steep cliffs and tranquil beaches. Stretch your legs on your choice of hiking trails that lead into the interior of the park where stunning vistas appear at each turn. Return to Baddeck through the lush Margaree Valley. Overnight in Baddeck.
Day 12 – Baddeck to Corner Brook – 280 km (land only)
A scenic ferry crossing between North Sydney and Channel-Port-aux-Basques starts your journey to Corner Brook. As the ferry sails across the Cabot Strait, keep a close watch for whales and dolphins. White puffins and birds of prey that live on the spectacular cliffs can also sometimes be seen. Coastal barrens and forested mountains dominate the first impressions of Newfoundland’s landscape. The best way to experience the rugged beauty of the wave-pounded coast is by hiking some of the excellent nature trails en route to Corner Brook. Overnight in Corner Brook.
Day 13 – Corner Brook
Explore Gros Morne National Park, named a World Heritage Site because of its glacier-formed mountains. You may like to hike the trails to the summit of Gros Morne Mountain, where you can admire the sweeping views of the Tablelands and enjoy the serenity of fishing villages enclosed by towering cliffs and steep fjords. Take advantage of the variety of activities including wildlife watching for Arctic hare, black bear, lynx and caribou. Overnight in Corner Brook.
Day 14 – Corner Brook to Twillingate (300 km)
Today, you continue to travel Canada with a drive east through a landscape covered with woodlands and visit some of the historic sites of the mysterious Beothuks, who once inhabited the island. Then head for the Kittiwake Coast, where dense forests give way to fabulous seascapes of inlets, coves and islands. Explore the “Roads to the Isles”, an excellent vantage point for observing towering icebergs, en route to Twillingate. Overnight in Twillingate.
Day 15 – Twillingate to Gander (80 km)
Stroll along the streets of Twillingate and explore one of Newfoundland’s most picturesque fishing villages. Then take a scenic drive to Gander and enjoy the breathtaking views of the scenery strewn with charming fishing villages. If you book the activity package then you will embark on a 2-hour iceberg and marine wildlife viewing cruise in Twillingate. Expect to see humpback whales, fins, mikes, dolphins, harp seals and plenty of marine birds. Overnight in Gander.
Day 16 – Gander to Clarenville (150km)
En route to Clarenville, experience the tranquility and wildlife of Terra Nova National Park. Discover the pristine wilderness with a walk on the numerous hiking trails or navigate the coastline by sea kayak. From the hills and deserted beaches, keep watch for minke, pilot and humpback whales close to shore, while dolphins and orcas can be seen cruising Bonavista Bay. Overnight in Clarenville.
Day 17 – Clarenville to St. John’s (190 km)
A scenic drive along the Trans-Canada Highway brings you to St. John’s. Drive along Conception Bay where the air of piracy and tall ships still lingers. The frequent mist lends a mystical aura to these parks and villages. Continue to St. John’s, the provincial capital of Newfoundland, where colourful streets compete with the natural beauty of the surrounding hills. Overnight in St. John’s.
Day 18 – St. John’s
Your Canada vacation continues with a day to enjoy the city of St. John’s and the surrounding area. The city is one of the oldest in North America, and it emphasizes innovation and progress while cherishing continuity. Wander through the steep narrow streets of the old city and climb the rock of Signal Hill. See its many historic buildings and sites, and visit its annual festivals and events. Overnight in St. John’s.
Day 19 – Overnight on Ferry - St. John’s to Sydney (130km land only)
Bid farewell to Newfoundland and cross the Avalon Peninsula by ferry. Enjoy an overnight cruise on the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 20 – End of Tour (305 km)
You will disembark this morning in North Sydney where you will then continue your drive along the Marine Drive back to Halifax International Airport to check-in for your return flight.
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| US & Canada | UK 0-800-917-5924 | AUS 1-800-992-872 |
Accommodations
Standard or Superior hotelsOptions & Upgrades
Options & UpgradesAdd a wonderful activity package for departures between June 22 to August 25, 2010, including:
• Halifax Sitghtseeing tour, including admission to Citadel (day 2)
• Brier Island whalewatching and wildlife viewing (day 5)
• P.E.I. National Park 3-hour sea kayaking (day 9)
• 2-hour iceberg whalewatching cruise in Twillingate (day 15)
Dates & Prices
2010 Departure Dates:Fixed Sunday Departures
June 27
July 4, 11, 18, 25
Aug 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Fixed Tuesday Departures
June 22, 29
July 6, 13, 20, 27
Aug 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Fixed Friday Departures
June 25
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Aug 6, 13, 20, 27
Fixed departures dates only, due to ferry schedule restrictions
| Standard | USD $ | + Activity Package | ||
| Double | Single | USD$ | ||
| Jun 22 - Aug 31 2010 | 2,711 | 4,957 | 311 | |
| Superior | USD $ | + Activity Package | ||
| Double | Single | USD$ | ||
| Jun 22 - Aug 31 2010 | 3,244 | 5,963 | 311 | |
• Prices are per person - Triple, quad and child rates are available (Quad pricing not available for Superior hotel stays)
• Double means two people sharing
• Car rental rates are not included because of the wide choice of different vehicles -- but please let us arrange your car or van at our preferred rates at the time of booking
Includes • Accommodation for 19 nights
• Independent wildlife viewing in Gros Morne Park
• Ferry passages North Sydney, Nova Scotia to Channel-Port-aux-Basques, Newfoundland on Day 12 (car and passenger)
• Ferry crossing Argentia, Newfoundland to North Sydney, Nova Scotia on Day 19 (car and passenger)
• Berth Cabin on overnight ferry
• A personalized documentation package
Not Included • Airport transfers
• Meals and attractions unless otherwise specified
• Park entrance fees
• Ferry charges except where indicated
• Bridge tolls
• Car rental, taxes and insurance
• Car parking fees
• Canadian sales taxes (pre-rebated by 50% for visitors to Canada)
HAVE A CHAT
From UK toll-free: 0-800-917-5924
From Australia toll-free: 1-800-992-872
Other countries: (int.l prefix +) 1-604-737-8743
Your vacation is important and to make the most of it, we strongly advise talking to a local expert first.