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Tour Description
This 12-day journey along Canada’s Atlantic coast will take you through the maritime heritage of this unique region. These provinces are rich in history and full of ideal photo opportunities such as the lighthouse-dotted coastline, wildlife viewing and captivating architecture. Exceptional excursions are planned each day from sailing, zodiac tours, dinner cruises and whale watching to visits to ecological reserves and vineyards. Charming accommodations at historic inns and luxury lodges allow for relaxing evenings after a full day of exploration.
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Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
Welcome to Newfoundland. You are met on arrival in St. John’s, and taken to your hotel. St. John’s is one of the oldest cities in North America, nestled in a picturesque natural harbor created by glaciers out of 500 million year-old rock. Your afternoon sightseeing includes the Signal Hill and Quidi Vidi Battery historical site, Quidi Vidi Lake, and the delightful storefronts along Water Street and perhaps sample Newfoundland’s famous iceberg beer at the Quidi Vidi Brewery.
Sheraton, St. John’s Bay
Day 2
Newfoundland Coast Excursion
Today your guide drives you along a winding coastline, including the beautiful Irish Loop, to the southern shore of the Avalon Peninsula.
Have lunch in the ancient seaside town of Ferryland, where George Calvert, better known as “Lord Baltimore,” founded the Colony of Avalon in 1621. Visit the Colony archaeology site and stroll the streets full of remains of this well-preserved original 17th century settlement. The Colony was “forgotten”, and laid undisturbed for centuries.
Arrive back in St. John’s by late afternoon.(B)
Sheraton, St. John’s Bay
Day 3
Newfoundland, Witless Bay Excursion
Today, explore the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, four islands and the waters around them that are home to a phenomenal number of seabirds that nest there to raise their young. There are about 530,000 Leach’s Storm-Petrels nesting on Gull Island, with another 250,000 on Great Island, and Green Island has 74,000 Murres. It’s easy to spot some of the tens of thousands of Atlantic puffins, the provincial bird. The waters around the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve are also home to many humpback whales during the summer season.
In the afternoon, take a Zodiac tour to experience breathtaking views of sea-stacks and waterfalls and explore the unique natural phenomenon known locally as the Spout - a natural wave-powered geyser. In season, see countless seabirds, soaring eagles, and whales.(B)
Sheraton, St. John’s Bay
Day 4
St. John’s to Halifax, Nova Scotia
This morning, transfer to the airport and fly to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Atlantic Canada’s largest city. Stroll in the footsteps of privateers - along the waterfront boardwalk past historic properties, unique shops, restaurants and attractions such as the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Your experienced guide leads you on a tour through the historic Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. Home to the 78th Highland Regiment, Halifax’s star-shaped fortress has presided over the city since the early 1800’s.
Tonight, enjoy a dinner cruise featuring local cuisine aboard the “Harbour Queen 1” as she sails around the beautiful, picturesque harbor. (B,D)
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, Halifax
Day 5
Halifax to Lunenburg
Discover the Maritime’s seafaring heritage as you drive along Nova Scotia’s South Shore, dotted with dozens of lighthouses standing watch along the rugged coast.
Touring Old Town Lunenburg, visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, to learn about life in a fishing community. Lunenburg’s colorful waterfront, captivating architecture and seafaring history have made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lunch is served at the Old Fish Factory Restaurant before taking an afternoon sail on the beautiful Eastern Star - a 48-foot wooden ketch, a true tall ship. Relax and enjoy beautiful Lunenburg Harbour with its brightly painted historic buildings.(B,L)
Trout Point Lodge, East Kemptville
Day 6
Nova Scotia, Resort Stay
The whole day is at leisure to enjoy this ecologically-friendly resort. Enjoy guided or independent soft adventures - kayaking, hiking, fishing or stargazing. Relax and enjoy an in-room massage (at additional cost) or perhaps forest bathing or a soak in the healing tannic waters of the Tusket River.(B)
Trout Point Lodge, East Kemptville
Day 7
From Nova Scotia Sail to New Brunswick
This morning travel through the rich farmland of the Annapolis Valley. Visit Annapolis Royal one of Canada’s oldest permanent European settlements. Stop and enjoy Bear River Vineyards and sample a vintage or two.
Next, travel to Digby to board the Princess of Acadia for a relaxing 3-hour sail across the magnificent Bay of Fundy. Enjoy the views and keep an eye out for whales as you cross the 45-mile bay bound for Saint John, New Brunswick, and then south along the western shore to the quaint seaside community of St. Andrews by-the-Sea.
Stay the next two nights at another historic Relais Chateaux hotel in St. Andrews.(B)
Kingsbrae Arms, St. Andrews
Day 8
New Brunswick, Whale Watching Cruise
Sail aboard the 60-foot long sailing yacht “Elsie Menota” for an authentic whale-watching adventure in the Bay of Fundy. This region is one of the best in the world for sighting numerous species of whales, sharks, seals and an abundant and rare collection of seabirds. Enjoy the fresh air and the exceptional coastal scenery of the Island of Grand Manan. The trip is narrated by marine biologist and educator Laurie Murison, a leading authority on the Bay of Fundy since 1982.(B)
Kingsbrae Arms, St. Andrews
Day 9
New Brunswick, Hopewell Cape Shediac
This morning, during low tide, walk along the Bay of Fundy’s ocean floor to see the world famous “Flowerpot Rocks”, intricately eroded unique rock formations created by tide and wind activity over the centuries. This area is one of the Marine Wonders of the World, a UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve, and nominated to be one of the new Natural Wonders of the World.(B)
Maison Tait House, Shediac
Day 10
Shediac to Prince Edward Island
Today, drive to Prince Edward Island, touring past beautiful rolling fields, historic lighthouses, and quaint fishing villages.
Stop in Prince Edward Island National Park for a visit to the spectacular white sand dunes at Cavendish Beach, and a tour of Green Gables Heritage Place, the farmhouse that inspired L.M. Montgomery’s world famous novel, Anne of Green Gables. Next, visit the Prince Edward Island Preserve Company in picturesque New Glasgow, and sample their tasty variety of jams and marmalades.
Arrive in Charlottetown. Your sightseeing includes the Province House National Historic Site, to learn about the history of the creation of Canada. Stroll Charlottetown’s historic district as the costumed Confederation Players regale you with tales of Victorian life and politics. Explore the Historic Charlottetown Waterfront and Victoria Row, where artisans are happy to have you watch them create their wares. Visit the upscale galleries and beautiful local craft shops.(B)
Elmwood Heritage Inn, Charlottetown
Day 11
Prince Edward Island Adventures
Today take part in the life of a real Islander with a Giant Bar Clam Dig Adventure, snorkeling and digging for bar clams in the warm waters off PEI; finishing the day with a feast on a sandy deserted island.(B,L)
Elmwood Heritage Inn, Charlottetown
Day 12
Depart Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Today you are taken to the Charlottetown airport for your departing flight home or on to your next destination. (B)
Departures
Pricing Information
December 31, 2011
From $9,295.00 per person double occupancy.
From $2,680.00 single room supplement.
Journey Includes
- Accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- All transfers and fully guided daily sightseeing provided by private deluxe A/C vehicles
- Local English speaking guide for sightseeing in each city
- Entrance fees per final scheduled itinerary
- Airport porterage, where available (2 bags per person)
- Local taxes
- TravcoAssist (Medical Travel Assistance Plan)
All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.
Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
