A Taste Of The Maritimes
From £2,299 pp
- 12 nights
- Economy flights
- Available May - October
Discover the highlights of the Canadian Maritimes on this circular itinerary that combines natural wonders, historic towns, epic coastal landscapes, and captivating cultures representing some of the oldest communities in Canada. Visit Halifax, Nova Scotia’s provincial capital and cultural hub and the South Shore famous for its lighthouses and coastal towns. Explore other Canadian provinces by visiting Saint John in New Brunswick and Charlottetown in Prince Edward Island. Finally, travel through the iconic Cabot Trail for world class hiking trails and lookout points.
What’s included?
- International flights from the UK based on economy class
- 12 nights accommodation
- Parks Canada Discovery Pass
- 11 days intermediate car hire with fully inclusive insurance
- Bay Ferries from Digby to Saint John
- Northumberland Ferries from Wood Island to Caribou
- Easy to follow roadbook with pre-planned stops & things to do along the way
Holiday Map
Explore our interactive map to discover your holiday route and key points of interest.
Start
Finish
Stops
Point of interest
Your day-to-day plan
Halifax
Arrive in Halifax and transfer independently to your downtown hotel. You will have the remainder of the day to relax and start visiting the Nova Scotian capital's many attractions. We would recommend wandering on the boardwalk and treating yourself to one of many seafood restaurants. You will then have a full day to explore the city and some of its top attractions include the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, Halifax Harbour Ferries, and the Georges Island National Historic Site amongst many others.
Mahone Bay
Today, pick up your car from downtown Halifax and drive along the Lighthouse Route to the fishing community of Peggy's Cove. This picturesque fishing village is home to one of the most famous lighthouses in the world. Make sure to allow enough time to explore the surrounding area as well. Drive along the coast on your way to beautiful Mahone Bay and stop along the way to visit small quaint villages such as Chester. You will have a full day to discover the historic town Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its picturesque streets and heritage buildings.
Digby
The scenic drive from the South Shore to the Bay of Fundy & Annapolis Valley will take you through Kejimkujik National Park, where we recommend you take the time to explore its wilderness and learn about the Mi’kmaw culture. Continue to Annapolis Royal and make sure to stop at Fort Anne National Historic Site to learn more about settler's history. If you have some time left, why not also visit the Port-Royal National Historic Site nearby so you can jump back in time and discover a reconstruction of one of the earliest European settlements in North America.
Saint John
After spending some time visiting Digby, enjoy a ferry ride across the Bay of Fundy and look out for the many whale species that frequent these waters. Take the time to visit Saint John’s vibrant downtown area and its many museums and galleries. During your stay here, you have a day at leisure to either relax and discover local attractions such as the Reversing Falls or drive down to St.-Andrews-by-the-Sea, a small seaside village known for its excellent whale watching opportunities.
Moncton
On your drive to Moncton, take the scenic coastal route and make sure to explore the Fundy Trail Parkway. Continue onwards to Fundy National Park, an outdoor sanctuary offering lots of hiking trails. No visit to this area of New Brunswick is complete without stopping at the iconic Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park with its towers of naturally carved stone and marvel at the most dramatic tides in the world. Continue onto Moncton where you will still be able to experience the tidal bore when the Bay of Fundy tides reverses the flow of the Petitcodiac River.
Charlottetown
Head over to Charlottetown but first, make sure to drive to Shediac, the lobster capital of the world. This small village is known for lobster fishing, live lobster tanks and the world’s largest lobster, which you can take a picture with! Continue onto Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest province, and discover its many fascinating attractions. Whether you are drawn to the long sandy beaches backed with red cliffs, the historic streets of Charlottetown or a fan of the Anne of Green Gables books, Prince Edward Island will keep you busy during your stay.
Baddeck
Today you will ferry from Prince Edward Island back to Nova Scotia and start your journey to Cape Breton Island. Reach the beautiful Bras d’Or Lake lowlands and continue upwards to Baddeck, your hub for the next couple of days. One of the highlights of Cape Breton is the Cabot Trail, which we recommend you spend the day discovering and stopping along its numerous hiking trails, such as the Skyline Trail or the Cape Smokey Gondola for breathtaking views. Whilst in Baddeck, make sure not to miss out on the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site.
Halifax
Don’t rush back to Halifax and instead take the day to visit other incredible areas of Nova Scotia. Start the day by heading over to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site to learn more about French colonial life. Then, drive south through the coastal roads of Eastern Shore and enjoy some pristine wilderness and white sand beaches for an off-the-beaten-track adventure. Once you’re back in Halifax, enjoy the last night of your holiday and treat yourself to one of their many trending restaurants.
Fly Home
Depending on your flight schedule, you may need to check out of your hotel early and proceed to the airport or you will have a full day to explore more of Halifax before your overnight flight. Why not visit Dartmouth, which is situated just a short ferry ride and offers great views of Halifax’s skyline from their boardwalk? You can also visit the picturesque Fisherman’s Cove and take a boat trip to McNabs Islands. With so many attractions nearby, filling your day won’t be a problem.
Related Itineraries
This holiday requires an ETA for entry to Canada, for full details and to apply please see below:
Please note Parks Canada charge fees at most national parks and historic sites across the country. Parks Canada passes can be purchased as part of your holiday, speak to your sales advisor for more details. Early booking is recommended.
For further information about national parks and historic sites in Canada or to reserve campsites and activities, please visit: