Atlantic Canada

Visit the Highest Tides on Earth

The sandstone Hopewell Rocks guard the Bay of Fundy like top-heavy Dr. Seuss soldiers. These red cliffs were part of a massive mountain range millions of years ago that were older than the Appalachians and larger than the Canadian Rockies. Erosion did its best work here! Around the world, the tides change by an average of 3ft, but the Hopewell Rocks get hit with changes of up to 50ft, the height of a four-story building!

Cruising for Lobsters

Get a closer look at Acadian culture and discover all there is to know about lobsters, with a Shediac Bay Lobster Cruise with Captain Ron. Learn the old fishing techniques that lobster fishermen have perfected over the years and taste the bounty of the ocean.

Take the Scenic Route 

Travel the Cabot Trail, Canada’s most breathtaking and photographed drive. Lead by a local guide, experience lush glens, white gypsum bluffs and headlands pounded by surf.  Seldom far from the sea, always breathtakingly lovely the trail is at its best in September and October when the highlands are bright with autumn colours. End your relaxing ride at Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The colourful town of Lunenburg sits snug on the shore of southern Nova Scotia. Named the most beautiful small town in Canada, see original colonial buildings, their facades freshly-painted in candy apple red, cobalt, and lemon. The past has been preserved here like a a time capsule. A guided walking tour starts at the Lunenburg Academy and finishes at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. As you stroll, you might hear a blacksmith’s hammer echo through the streets from the wharf, or possibly see the iconic Bluenose II which is sometimes anchored there.

Enjoy a Feast in a Fortress

The Halifax Citadel is a National Historic Site of Canada and played a key role in the growth of Halifax and Canada. Originally built as a military fortification to protect the British from enemies, the Citadel now watches over the city's downtown and serves as a reminder of Halifax's past. Learn how this site was built and what life was like for soldiers in the late 1800s with your guide, a kilted soldier of the 78th Highland Regiment. Afterwards, enjoy dinner in one of the historically converted rooms surrounded by beautiful high brick walls, period paintings and fine woodwork.

Gros Morne National Park – Choose your own Adventure!

Nature pulled out its best for Gros Morne! Two distinct landscapes, the Gulf of St. Lawrence lowlands and the Long-Range Mountains, provide views of towering cliffs, waterfalls, glacial fjords, and an amazing collection of wildlife. Discover the barren area of the Tablelands with a guided walk on “Earth’s mantle”. Hear how this unique land was formed and enjoy broad panoramic views. As a bonus, see Gros Morne by water with a choice of one of two cruises:

Bonne Bay:  A lively narrated cruise of the two connected arms of Bonne Bay takes us by Newfoundland’s best. Watch for moose, seabirds, and whales that are known to breach the boat side, and enjoy traditional music performed by the crew.

Western Brook Pond:  The walk to get to the Western Brook Pond Boat Tour is a moderate 3 km gravel and boardwalk trail (approx. 45 min. walk) that leads from the parking lot, downhill to the dock …. and the return walk is naturally, 3 km up hill.  Once aboard, guests will behold the spectacular glacier-carved land-locked fjord, waterfalls cascading from 2000 feet that often turn to mist before reaching the pond, billion-year-old cliffs, and frequent wildlife sightings. Glacial action has resulted in this magnificent scenery:  coastal lowland, alpine plateau, glacial valleys, and sheer cliffs.  

Recognizing Ancient Cultures

Long before Europeans arrived, the west side of Newfoundland's Great Northern Peninsula was a crossroads of 6000 years of human history. Discover one of North America’s most fascinating archaeological finds at Port au Choix National Historic Site. 

The Legacy of Sir Wilfred Grenfell

Experience the spectacular legacy of Dr. Wilfred Grenfell at the Grenfell Interpretation Centre.  Not only was he a doctor he advocated for those on the island establishing hospitals, schools and orphanages, he devoted his life work to serving the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. For his years of service on behalf of these communities, he was knighted by King George V.

Vikings at L’Anse Aux Meadows!

The site of this Viking encampment was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978 as the only authenticated Norse site in North America. With the aid of costumed animators, hear the stories of Norse expeditions from Greenland and their struggles with settler life when they arrived. During the tour of the village, see the original Viking artifacts uncovered during archaeological excavations, learn about the trades of the time, and hear the stories of Norse legend.

Gaze Over the Horizon

At the tip of the Bonavista Peninsula sits the beacon of the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse. Built in 1843, the light at Cape Bonavista is one of the few in the world where you can still climb up the stone tower to see the same seal oil-fueled light used in the 19th century. Not only is this a beautiful, historic lighthouse, it also offers an excellent vantage point to scan the waves for whales, icebergs, and puffins.

Ryan Premises National Historic Site

19th century clapboard buildings on the shore of Bonavista harbour are the backdrop where the site’s interpreters share their insight and connection to the fishing industry.  Explore the internationally-recognized “Cod, Seals and Survivors” exhibition that tells the 500-year story of Canada’s east coast fishery.

Whale Watching & North America's Largest Atlantic Puffin Colony

Be entertained by this knowledgeable and fun-loving crew while watching the seabirds and scanning for whales and other wildlife.  The cruise focuses on the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, home of the Atlantic Puffin and the largest humpback whale population in North America.

Cape Spear Lighthouse

“If you stand here, your back to the sea, the entire population of North America stretches out in front of you. And there’s nothing behind you until Ireland.” This iconic lighthouse is the oldest in the province, and a symbol of Newfoundland and Labrador’s marine history. Explore the lighthouse and learn about the history of this place, and its place in history.

Time in Newfoundland’s Capital City

Full of small-town charm and big-city enjoyment, St. John's is the capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador and is one of the oldest and easterly cities in North America. Learn more about this vibrant city with a guided tour. Afterward, meander past the colourful jellybean row houses to the harbour and take in the salty ocean air. As the beating heart of the province, St. John’s offers something for everyone including arts and culture, architecture, shopping, and unique dining options. Admission is included to your choice of either The Rooms, a cultural space that reflects Newfoundland and Labrador's stories or the Johnson GEO CENTRE, a geological interpretation centre.

See it all in one trip!

Atlantic Canada is a region of superlatives that include the highest tides, the world’s rarest whales and the earliest North American Viking settlements. Here, the rocks tell the story of the formation of continents, and incredible vistas find their significance in the telling of the story of Canada.

It’s all about the people … You will feel like family

Atlantic Canada has a warm, welcoming personality.  Appreciate the energy and sense of fun in the music and feel a personal connection to moments in Canada’s history through the stories. Although the sights are spectacular, it will be the experiences with the people: their hospitality, culture, music, food, and stories that will be featured in your memories.

Get Acquainted with some Special Canadian Cities

Enjoy guided tours of Fredericton, NB, Charlottetown, P.E.I., Halifax, NS, Lunenburg, NS, and St. John’s NL, exploring the settings where history was made and stories are told.  Four of these cities are provincial capitals, and Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

• Our unique Connections Program
• Private motorcoach transportation
• Airfare from St. John's NL to Toronto
• 20 nights of accommodation
• 20 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 14 dinners
• All entry fees, passes, and services of local guides for the included highlights
• Services of a Professional Tour Director

Prices are in Canadian dollars, are per person and include all applicable taxes.

* See also Terms & Conditions - Prices.

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS

NEW BRUNSWICK 

• Grand Falls, at Malabeam Information Cente
• Guided tour of Fredericton
• Lobster Dinner Cruise
• Hopewell Rocks 

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND 

• Confederation Bridge 
• Acadian Music Village
• Walking tour of Charlottetown 
• PEI Preserve Company 
• Lunch at Fisherman's Whart
• Green Gables Heritage Centre
• Wood Island Ferry, if available

NOVA SCOTIA 

• Guided tour of Halifax 
• Guided tour of Citadel and Garrison dinner 
• Free day in Halifax
• Guided walking tour of Lunenburg 
• Guided tour of the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic 
• Mahone Bay 
• Peggy’s Cove 
• Alexander Graham Bell Museum
• Baddeck Gathering Ceilidhs (if available)
• Scenic drive of the Cabot Trail with a local expert

NEWFOUNDLAND

• Gros Morne National Park Discovery Centre & Tablelands walking tour
• Western Brook Pond  OR  Bonne Bay Boat Cruise
• Theatre Newfoundland (Show TBA)
• The Arches Provincial Park
• Port au Choix National Historic Park
• Point Riche Lighthouse
• Grenfell House
• L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Park
• Grand Falls, Salmonid Interpretation Centre
• Prime Berth
• Grand Old Shed Party
• Bonavista Lighthouse
• Ryan’s Premises
• Dungeon Provincial Park
• Trinity
• Cape Spear
• Guided tour of St. John’s
• Gatherall’s Whale Watching & Puffin Tour
• The Rooms  OR  The Geo Centre

Day 1: Travel to Drummondville, QC

Board the motorcoach, sit back, relax, and get to know your fellow passengers. Enjoy the passing scenery as we travel eastward across Ontario, and into Quebec, arriving at Drummondville in time for dinner.

Stay: Quality Suites, Drummondville, QC

Nights: 1

Meals: D

Day 2: Travel to Grand Falls, NB

The journey continues into New Brunswick. Stop at the Malabeam Center to admire the mighty Grand Falls Gorge, millions of years in the making, carved by the majestic Saint John River. 

Stay: Best Western Plus Grand-Sault, Grand Falls, NB

Nights: 1

Meals: B, D

Day 3: Fredericton & Lobster Dinner Cruise

Travel to Fredericton this morning. Enjoy your guided city tour of this delightful city, followed by some free time to explore on your own.  Arrive at the hotel to freshen up before heading out to dock for a lobster dinner cruise.

Stay:  Delta Beausejour, Moncton, NB

Nights: 1

Meals: B, D

Day 4: Hopewell Rocks, Confederation Bridge, Acadian Music Village

This is sure to be a memorable day! Visit the stunning Hopewell Rocks and admire these incredible formations sculpted by the highest tides in the world. We’ll cross from New Brunswick to PEI via the Confederation Bridge. At more than 12 kilometres long, it is the longest bridge in the world that crosses ice-covered water. Then, it’s on to Summerside with its tree-lined streets, stately heritage homes, historic murals and harbourfront where you will settle in for the next two nights. Enjoy dinner and entertainment tonight at Acadian Musical Village.

Stay: Quality Inn & Suites, Summerside, PEI

Nights: 2

Meals: B, L, D

Day 5: PEI Preserve Company, Fisherman’s Wharf, Green Gables Heritage Place

The charm and history of PEI are yours to discover on this day of leisurely sightseeing. Enjoy a jam tasting at the PEI Preserve Co. followed by lunch at Fisherman’s Warf in North Rustico – a gastric treat. Embark on a tour of the Green Gables Heritage Centre where you can stroll the trails, learn about early Victorian life and see the setting that inspired L. M. Montgomery to create her beloved tale of Anne of Green Gables. Return to your hotel this evening with a free evening to explore or just relax in Summerside.

Meals: B, L 

Day 6: Travel from PEI to Halifax city tour, Citadel tour, and Garrison dinner 

What happens after breakfast may depend on the ferry schedule. Our first choice is to enjoy the adventure of the Wood Island Ferry ride to Caribou, Nova Scotia, but if that’s not possible, we’ll take the scenic drive through Pictou, Nova Scotia for lunch and some sightseeing, and then continue on our way to Halifax and enjoy an overview tour of the city.  Stop at the hotel to check-in, then we’re off to the Halifax citadel for a tour of this fortification followed by dinner in the Garrison.

Stay: Westin Nova Scotian, Halifax, NS

Nights: 3

Meals: B, D

Day 7: Free day in Halifax

Having had the guided tour of the city, this is the day to venture out and explore Halifax on your own. The city is filled with museums, attractions, restaurants & shops, and being such a walkable city, there is something for everyone.

Meals: B

Day 8: Lunenburg & Peggy’s Cove

After breakfast, we’ll explore Lunenburg, a historic town that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a guided, scenic walking tour of Lunenburg, followed by a guided tour of the Fisheries Museum, with lunch at the Old Fish Factory restaurant. The journey will continue, following the scenic shoreline with a stop at Mahone Bay, and then arrive at Peggy’s Cove with its famous lighthouse. The evening will be free for more exploring in Halifax.

Meals: B, L

Day 9: Baddeck, NS

This morning we depart Halifax, and head north and east toward Cape Breton Island. In Baddeck, we’ll tour the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site and then enjoy a fun evening with traditional Cape Breton fiddle music, song and dance provided by The Baddeck Gathering Ceilidhs (*if available)

Stay: Auberge Gisele’s Inn, Baddeck, NS

Nights: 2

Meals: B, D

Day 10: Cabot Trail

Today, we experience the striking beauty of the Cape Breton Highlands as we travel Canada’s most scenic and most photographed drive, the Cabot Trail. With our local guide, we’ll receive insightful explanations and stories of the region while enjoying spectacular views of the coastal wilderness.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 11: Ferry from Cape Breton, NS to Port Aux Basque, NL

When you prepare for today’s adventure, you’ll want to wear non-slip, rubber-soled shoes and it may be helpful to have a separate “day pack” to keep with you.  After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll travel to the North Sydney dock and take the seven-hour ferry ride to Port Aux Basque, Newfoundland.

Stay: St. Christopher's Hotel, Port Aux Basque, NL

Nights: 1

Meals: B, D

Day 12: Gros Morne Discovery Centre, Tablelands Guided Walk, Live Entertainment

This morning we travel to Gros Morne National Park.  There’ll be time to explore the Discovery Centre and then embark on a guided walk on the earth’s mantle, that is, the Tablelands. We’ll have dinner at our hotel, and then enjoy some lively Newfoundland entertainment in the evening.

Stay: Fisherman’s Landing Inn, Rocky Harbour, NL

Nights: 1

Meals: B, L, D

Day 13: Gros Morne National Park

After breakfast, you will have the choice to enjoy one of two spectacular views of Gros Morne Park. Enjoy a boat cruise of Bonne Bay* OR embark on a cruise of the landlocked fjord, Western Brook Pond, one of the Parks Canada Canadian Signature Experiences. Once back onshore, travel to Cow Head where you’ll enjoy dinner followed by local entertainment.

Stay: Shallow Bay Motel,  Cow Head, NL

Nights: 1

Meals: B, D  (*Lunch provided for the Bonne Bay boat cruise option)

Day 14: The Great Northern Peninsula

Enjoy a leisurely start to your day as you travel the Great Northern Peninsula, the longest peninsula in Newfoundland. Travelling along the coast, there will be opportunities to stop and capture some photos, you’ll see the dramatic rock formations at “The Arches,” the Point Riche Lighthouse, and visit the National Historic Site, Port Aux Choix.

Stay: Plum Point Motel, Plum Point, NL

Nights: 2

Meals: B, L, D

Day 15: St. Anthony, L’Anse Aux Meadows National Historic Park

Travel to the tip of the peninsula to the town of St. Anthony, home to Sir Wilfred Grenfell’s medical mission. A highlight of this day is a visit to the only authenticated Viking site in North America, L’Anse aux Meadows. It was here that Leif Eriksson led his explorers. Three reconstructed Norse buildings are the focal point of this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy exploring the museum where you’ll learn about the life and contributions made to the North Shores of Newfoundland.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 16: Travel to Gander

Enjoy a relaxing travel day as we travel through the heart of this breathtaking province. After stopping for lunch, we’ll have an afternoon stop at Grand Falls, Salmonid Interpretation Centre, also know as “The Salmon Ladder,” we’ll continue on to Gander, made famous for their warm hospitality when they took in almost 6,000 guests in 2001, during the September 11 crisis.

Stay:  Sinbad’s Hotel & Suites, Gander

Nights:  1

Meals:  B

Day 17: Prime Berth, Shed Party, Gander Airport

Today’s travels will take us to Twillingate to visit Prime Berth Twillingate Fishery & Heritage Centre, a private interpretative fishing centre created by David Boyd as a tribute to his family’s generations of fishermen. Enjoy the hospitality of Karren Churchill and a guest favourite Grand Old Shed Party. On our way to Clarenville, we’ll stop at the Gander Airport, then we’ll travel through picturesque villages to arrive in Clarenville.

Stay:  Clarenville Inn or Quality Inn, Clarenville, NL

Nights:  2

Meals:  B, L D

Day 18: Bonavista & Trinity

Enjoy a day trip to colourful Bonavista that includes time to visit the iconic Bonavista lighthouse or stroll along the coastal pathways. At Ryan Premises, learn all about the important history of the Cod fisheries in Newfoundland. Visit Dungeon Provincial Park, where you’ll find spectacular examples of the erosive power of the Atlantic Ocean’s waves on the ancient sedimentary rock, and after thousands of years of continuous coastal erosion, we have the incredible feature you will see today. Before returning to the hotel, there will be time to explore Trinity, a beautiful, quintessential Newfoundland town, with historic sites, colourful buildings with white picket fences, artisan shops, and stunning coastal views.

Meals:  B, L

Day 19: Cape Spear & St. John’s

Today we travel to Newfoundland’s capital on the Avalon Peninsula. In the morning, there’ll be stops in picturesque Petty Harbour and in Cape Spear, the most easterly point in North America. After lunch, you will be treated to a guided city tour of St. John’s and have the evening to explore this colourful city on your own.

Stay:  Delta Hotel, St. John’s, NL

Nights:  2

Meals: B, L D

Day 20: Whale & Puffin Watching, and Museums

Today you will take a memorable cruise out of Bay Bulls en route to Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. This protected area is home to over 500,000 Atlantic Puffins and the largest humpback whale population in North America. In the afternoon, choose between a visit to The Rooms or Johnson Geo Centre. Afterwards, meet back up with the group and enjoy a farewell dinner.

Meals: B, D

Day 21: Travel Home

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then have some free time until approximately noon, when we depart for the airport for the journey home.

Meals:  B

Quality Suites, Drummondville (1 night)

Best Western Plus Grand-Sault, Grand Falls, NB (1 night)

Delta Beausejour, Moncton, NB (1 night)

Quality Inn & Suites, Summerside, PEI (2 nights)

Westin Nova Scotian, Halifax, NS (3 nights)

Auberge Gisele’s Inn, Baddeck, NS (2 nights)

St. Christopher’s Hotel, Port Aux Basque, NL (1 night)

Fisherman’s Landing Inn, Rocky Harbour, NL (1 night)

Shallow Bay Motel, Cow Head, NL (1 night)

Plum Point Motel, Plum Point, NL (2 nights)

Sinbad’s Hotel & Suites, Gander, NL (1 night)

Clarenville Inn  OR  Quality Hotel, Clarenville, NL (2 nights)

Delta Hotel, St. John’s, NL (2 nights)

We make joining our tours easy, and this 21-day tour includes our unique Connections Program and it includes airfare from St. John's NL to Toronto.

The tour follows route C1, with the following pickup locations:

• Brampton
• Markham
• Whitby
• Bowmanville
• Port Hope
• Lindsay
• Peterborough
• Cobourg
• Trenton
• Belleville
• Napanee
• Kingston

We recommend comfortable rubber-soled shoes for the walking tours as well as for the boat rides. Worth noting, depending on where you go exploring, the terrain in Halifax can be quite hilly.  In Newfoundland, the walking in the Tablelands is about 3 km on a packed but uneven trail.  The walk to the Western Brook Pond Boat Tour is a moderate 3 km trail with a gentle slope down to the water (approx. 45 minutes each way). 

This itinerary includes a dinner cruise, sightseeing cruises, and ferry rides, with the ferry from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland being seven hours long.  Bringing along a remedy for motion sickness is suggested.  You don’t want to let a little thing like that spoil these amazing experiences.

For the days with free time, you may want to research interesting things to do in advance. Your tour director will certainly be able to provide some suggestions, but here are some ideas:

Day 7- Free Time in Halifax, here are some ideas:

• Pier 21 – Canadian Museum of Immigration
• The Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk is one of the world's longest downtown boardwalks and features a variety of eateries and stores.
• Alexander Keith’s Brewery
• Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
• HMCS Sackville – Canada’s Naval Memorial
• The Nova Scotia Glass Company