High Tides and Rocky Shores | Experience Atlantic Canada

Day 1

Halifax

Arrive in Halifax and tranfer to your hotel.  This attractive city is a bustling hub of art galleries, shops, museums, restaurants, sidewalk cafes and vibrant nightlife centred 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.

2 nights in Halifax.

Day 2

Halifax

This morning enjoy a city tour and take in the sights of Citadel Hill, Halifax Harbour, Historic Properties, Bedford Basin and much more. The afternoon is at your leisure. You could take a Harbour tour or visit the excellent Maritime Museum of the Atlantic with its collection of the memorabilia from the Titanic.

Day 3

Halifax to Kejimkujik National Park

Depart Halifax and drive the south shore along the Lighthouse Route. En route visit Peggy’s Cove, a picturesque fishing village and home to the most photographed lighthouse in Canada. Continue on to Lunenburg, a unique town in terms of architecture and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and on into 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.

1 night in Kejimkujik National Park.

Day 4

Kejimkujik National Park to Annapolis Royal

This morning explore further the delights of this beautiful park. Visit the excellent visitor centre, which houses replicas of the native tools, found by archaeologists, dating back 4500 years ago. Drive towards the north coast and witness the spectacular views of the Annapolis Basin.

1 night in Annapolis Royal.

Day 5

Annapolis Royal to Fundy National Park

Drive to Digby and board the ferry for the 3 hour crossing to Saint John. Saint John is New Brunswick’s largest city and is steeped in history with lots to see and do. Places to visit include, the old city market, Loyalist House, the New Brunswick Museum and probably the most famous – the Reversing Falls. Continue on along the spectacular Fundy Coastal Drive via St. Martins, a scenic fishing village with a famous shipbuilding heritage and spectacular red cliffs and caves.

2 nights in Fundy National Park.

Day 6

Fundy National Park

The Fundy National Park has 206 square kilometres of steep coastal cliffs, forest clad hills, deep rich valleys and rolling meadows.  It is renowned for its hiking trails, with over 104 kms of trails to choose from, ranging from easy ½ km loops to a demanding 50 km circuit around the park. The park is a haven for bird watchers, golfers, cyclists, canoeists and naturalists. If time permits visit Cape Enrage Lighthouse and Mary’s Point Bird Sanctuary located nearby.

Explore the fascinating Hopewell Rocks where you can walk on the ocean floor and witness the highest tides in the world.

Days 7-9

Fundy National Park to Charlottetown

Continue via Sackville and Port Elgin and onto the12.9 km long Confederation Bridge leading to Prince Edward Island. Visit the stately homes in Summerside that were once home to many a wealthy ship builder and  Spinakers Landing  which brings the shipbuilding era alive.

Follow the Blue Heron Scenic Drive to Cavendish and Avonlea – home and village of Anne of Green Gables, where you can visit her house.  Travel onto Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island.  Wander round the town, but also spend some time exploring the attractions further afield, such as the pretty historic village of Victoria and the Fort Amherst-Port-La-Joye National Historic Site.

3 nights in Charlottetown.

Day 10

Charlottetown to Tatamagouche

Continue on through the Hills and Harbours region to Wood Islands ferry terminal. Take the NFL ferry across to Caribou, Nova Scotia – a 75 minutes crossing (payable locally). On arrival follow the Sunrise Trail to Tatamagouche, a vibrant community where old Victorian homes and businesses mix with modern homes and facilities.

1 night in Tatamagouche.

Day 11

Tatamagouche to Cape Breton Island

Drive on to Cape Breton via the Canso Causeway. Baddeck overlooks the beautiful Bras d’Or Lakes and the most notable resident historically was Alexander Graham Bell – you can visit the National Historic Site named after him.

3 nights in Baddeck.

Day 12

Baddeck to Cape Breton Island

Explore the western shore of Cape Breton Island along the Ceilidh Trail. Highlights include the Provincial Parks at Long Point and Port Hood and Margaree Harbour, where you can take a nature cruise of the area.

Day 13

Cape Breton Island

Follow the famous Cabot Trail. The trail winds around the rocky splendour of Cape Breton’s northern shore, ascending to the incredible plateaus of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The park has 26 hiking trails ranging from 20-minute short walks to challenging hikes through stunning mountain and coastal landscapes.

Day 14

Baddeck to Louisbourg

Glace Bay is the beginning of the Marconi Trail, named after Guglielmo Marconi the inventor who sent the first transatlantic wireless message from here. Follow the trail to Louisbourg, home to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, the largest historical reconstruction in North America.

1 night in Louisbourg.

Day 15

Louisbourg to Charlos Cove

Follow the coastal route to St. Peter’s, back across the Causeway and along the eastern shore. You will drive through Guysborough, an inviting town with distinctive architecture overlooking Chedabucto Bay. You will then drive through many picturesque villages and communities including Canso, once an important French fishing station, and Goldboro, once the best gold mining district in the province, to name a few. You could visit Sherbrooke Village  – a living history museum re-enacting village life in old Nova Scotia.

1 night in Charlos Cove.

Day 16

Charlos Cove to Halifax

Take a leisurely drive back to Halifax. En route visit Musqodoboit Harbour & Valley, a haven for nature lovers, and Martinique Beach, the longest beach in the province. Drop off your rental car in Halifax on arrival.