Get ready to fall head over heels for Canada’s Maritime provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. The provinces are home to incredible scenery – from the world’s highest tides, rocky coves, sandy beaches, remote lighthouses, and fishing heritage towns. Together, we’ll journey through some of North America’s most captivating landscapes. We’ll explore UNESCO-listed Lunenburg’s candy-coloured waterfront, travel the legendary Cabot Trail through Cape Breton’s dramatic highlands, and hop across to charming Prince Edward Island, birthplace of Canada itself. Along the way, we’ll share a traditional lobster lunch, dance at a Cape Breton Ceilidh, and uncover fascinating stories from Halifax to Saint John. History, nature, culture and coastline — this tour has it all. With incredible scenery at every turn and warm Maritime hospitality, this is one adventure we’ll be talking about for years.
Book todayToday, you will fly to Halifax, and on arrival we'll transfer to our hotel. Later we'll head to a local restaurant for a welcome drink and dinner.
This morning we'll set out on a guided tour of Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, a picturesque city with colourful heritage buildings and lush parks. It has a great seafaring history, and we'll visit the Citadel National Historic Museum based in the star shaped fortress perched above the harbour. Afterwards we'll visit the Fairview Lawn Cemetery, the final resting place of 121 of the victims of the RMS Titanic sinking. Later in the day we are heading to UNESCO World Heritage listed Lunenburg and along the way we will visit Peggy's Cove atop its rolling granite outcrop is the famous red-and-white lighthouse – one of the most photographed in Canada.
Today we'll travel to Baddeck on Cape Breton Island, considered the beginning and end of the world famous Cabot Trail which is a beautiful scenic route around the island that we'll explore tomorrow. This evening, we have the chance to experience a Cape Breton Celilidh - a cultural evening of traditions, music and dance.
DAY 4 THE CABOT TRAIL
This morning we will be inspired by the fascinating life and work of Alexander Graham Bell - inventor, scientist and teacher. Many of his remarkable inventions first took place here in the scenic community of Baddeck. The highlight of the day is our journey experiencing the natural beauty of the Cabot Trail known as one of the world's most beautiful drives. We travel through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park with photo stops to take in the incredible scenery.
Today we're heading to Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island. Along the way we will stop in Pictou, nestled along Nova Scotia's Northumberland Shore, it is well known for its maritime charm. Here, we'll visit the Hector Heritage Quay Museum, home to the full size replica of the Ship Hector, the first ship to bring passengers from Scotland to Nova Scotia in 1773. From here we travel the short distance to Caribou, where we take the ferry across the Northumberland Strait to Prince Edward Island.
This morning we'll head out to explore Prince Edward Island National Park, home to stunning views from coastal coves, leafy woodlands and red sandstone cliff drops. Charlottetown is the charming capital of Prince Edward Island and is known as the 'Birthplace of Confederation' after the 1864 conference that led to Canada's formation. For a small seaside city it is well known for its arts and culture scene, as well as its history and heritage. You may choose to explore independently, with sites including Province House National Historic Site, the Confederation Centre of the Arts and Prince Edward Island National Park some key highlights. Or you could choose to join our optional excursion - a food experience tour showcasing the best local delicacies.
DAY 7 MONCTON
Today we'll visit The Anne of Green Gables Museum, dedicated to the life and works of the author Lucy Maud Montgomery, before travelling via Confederation Bridge to New Brunswick. A treat is in store for lunch as we stop at Shediac Bay for a traditional lobster lunch cruise. This afternoon we'll visit the Tidal Bore Park in Moncton where, tide timings permitting, we can witness the natural phenomenon of the strong tide against the river flow.
Today as we travel we'll take in some of the incredible scenery of Fundy National Park. We stop at Hopewell Rocks - home of the highest tides in the world. The huge outcrops of rock are almost covered by water at high tide but at low tide the ocean floor is exposed. You can take the 99 steps down to reach the sands and take in views upwards of the sandstone formations. Having arrived in Saint John, the only city on the shore of the Bay of Fundy, we will visit the famous reversing falls. Here, the power of the sea is apparent as a daily event occurs, caused by the Bay of Fundy's immense high tide hitting the incoming flow of the mighty Saint John River changing its direction.
This morning we'll enjoy a walking tour of uptown St. John and discover the heritage on an indigenous story telling walking tour. Set deep in a natural harbour, the port city of Saint John is surrounded by an impressive ring of rocky bluffs, vertical cliffs and sleepy coves. Walk to the historic old town to see its 19th-century buildings, perhaps visit the New Brunswick Museum to see its entertaining exhibits on local geological, cultural and natural history, or head to the hilltop Carleton Martello Tower, a stone fort built during the War of 1812, for panoramic views over Saint John and the Bay of Fundy. Alternatively you can join an optional excursion to St Andrews on a cruise with the chance to spot whales.
We're heading back to Halifax today and we’ll take a scenic ferry ride across the Bay of Fundy to Digby on Nova Scotia, keeping a look out for whales and other wildlife as we go. We’ll visit Mahone Bay, a charming seaside town with an eclectic mix of shops, boutiques and galleries. This evening we gather together for a farewell dinner in downtown Halifax.
Today we will transfer to the airport for our flight back to the UK.