10 Day Maritime Explorer Tour

10 Day Maritime Explorer

Style: Self-Drive

Day 1: Halifax

Welcome to Nova Scotia's Provincial Capital. This attractive city is a bustling hub of art galleries, shops, museums, restaurants, sidewalk cafes, and vibrant nightlife centered around the picturesque waterfront. Officially founded in 1749 the history dates back even further, to times of the Mi'kmaq natives, European fishermen, and the early Acadians, who came long before the British.

Day 2: Halifax Sightseeing

This morning enjoy a city tour of Halifax. Take in the sights of Halifax Historic Properties, Spring Garden Road, Province House, and much more. Maybe have a light lunch at Murphy's Cable Wharf Restaurant, which is conveniently located in the heart of the waterfront. In the afternoon be sure to visit Alexander Keith's Brewery as well as the excellent Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. See the unique collection of the memorabilia collected after the tragic Titanic disaster.

This evening you can experience the Grafton Street Dinner Theatre if you wish. Entertaining Halifax for more than 20 years, The Grafton Street Dinner Theatre provides audiences with a unique dining experience. Music, comedy, and interactive characters set the mood as you dine on the flavors of Nova Scotia.

Day 3: Halifax – Annapolis Royal (2½ hours)

Drive north along the Kejimkujik Scenic Drive via the Kejimkujik National Park; a spectacular inland National Park with walking trails to suit all levels and some of the best canoeing in Atlantic Canada. Visit the excellent visitor center, which houses replicas of the native tools found by archaeologists dating back 4500 years ago. Continue on to Annapolis Royal, nestled in the Annapolis Valley.

Sightseeing suggestions in the area include Fort Anne National Historic Site, Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens, the O'Dell House Museum, Sinclair Inn National Historic Site, a delightful waterfront boardwalk, and much more.

Day 4: Annapolis Royal – Digby – St. Andrews by-the-Sea (1½ hours)

Continue on to Digby overlooking the broad Annapolis Basin and the ferry gateway to New Brunswick. The Annapolis Valley area is known as wine country; be sure to visit one of the many wineries in the area. Travel west along the Fundy Coastal Drive.

This dramatically scenic drive introduces you to the Bay of Fundy, one of the Marine Wonders of the World. Arrive at St. Andrews, one of Canada's most beautiful seaside resorts.

Day 5: St. Andrews by-the-Sea – Fredericton (2 hours)

Continue north on the River Valley Scenic Drive on to Fredericton, New Brunswick's picturesque capital city noted for its heritage and culture. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring Fredericton and its attractions. Places to visit include City Hall, Christchurch Cathedral, the Historic Military Compound, Old Government House, and the Kings Landing Historical Settlement.

Day 6: Fredericton – Fundy National Park (2 hours)

Depart Fredericton and join the spectacular Fundy Coastal Drive via Sussex, a quaint town nestled in the beautiful countryside of New Brunswick, and perhaps visit the excellent Agricultural Museum. Continue eastbound to the Fundy National Park, 206km. sq of steep coastal cliffs, forest-clad hills, deep rich valleys, and clear, rolling meadows.

Day 7: Fundy National Park sightseeing

Day at leisure to explore this magnificent park. The park is renowned for its hiking trails, with over 104kms of trails to choose from, ranging from easy 1/2 km loops to a demanding 50km circuit around the park. The park is a haven for bird watchers, golfers, cyclists, canoeists, and naturalists.

Be sure to visit Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, home of Hopewell Rocks. Visit the excellent interpretive center on-site before exploring this natural phenomenon. Twice each day the highest tides in the world — up to 46ft/14m — flood the beach, and twice each day you can explore the floor of the Bay of Fundy at low tide! Created over thousands of years by the Bay of Fundy's awesome tidal forces, the Flowerpot Rocks are a natural wonder not to be missed. If time permits visit Cape Enrage Lighthouse and Mary's Point Bird Sanctuary located nearby.

Day 8: Fundy National Park – Charlottetown (3 hours)

Depart Fundy National Park and drive to Moncton and follow the Acadian Coastal Drive to the dramatic Confederation Bridge, your gateway to Prince Edward Island. Continue along to Cavendish to visit the many sites that pay tribute to everyone's favorite red-haired heroine and her creator, Lucy Maud Montgomery. Cavendish is the home of Anne of Green Gables.

Visit Avonlea, the village of Anne of Green Gables, and the Green Gables Heritage Site. Then onwards to Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island.

Day 9: Charlottetown Sightseeing

This morning explore downtown Charlottetown on foot. Stroll along the streets and retrace the footsteps of the Fathers of Confederation. Be sure to visit Founders’ Hall &ndash, Canada’s Birthplace Pavilion, or the National Historic Street called Great George. Just steps away from Province House are Victoria Row.

It is here that “Anne of Green Gables – The Musical” has been delighting audiences for 52 years. In the afternoon visit attractions farther afield. Drive to Cavendish the home of Anne of Green Gables.

If time permits visit Fort Amherst-Port-La-Joye National Historic Site, located near Charlottetown Harbour and Victoria-by-the-sea, a storybook historic fishing village that has been revitalized by the many artisans who now call it home. This area offers a wide scope of activities including, kayaking, crafts, shopping, and live theatre all within walking distance.

Day 10: Charlottetown – Halifax (4 hours)

Drive back to Halifax and drop off your car rental.

Package Includes:

9 nights of accommodation, 10-day mid-size car rental including unlimited kilometers (special conditions apply), sightseeing, and attractions as listed below.

Highlights:

Fredericton voyageur canoe tour

Charlottetown walking tour

Digby ferry (including vehicle charge)

Green Gables Heritage Place

Pricing is per person (does not include applicable taxes)