Highlights include Wolfville, Prince Edward Island, Anne of Green Gables Museum, Saint John, Hopewell Rocks, Fundy Trail, Chocolate Museum, Cooking Class and more.|
Itinerary:
Day #1 Wolfville, Nova Scotia - Tour Begins - Embark on a journey of discovery through Canada’s charming, seemingly untouched region called “the Maritimes” with iconic lighthouses, incredible shorelines and towering cliffs.
Day #2 Wolfville - Enjoy a visit to Grand Pre National Park – a historic park that displays a traditional 17th-century Acadian settlement and sits amongst stunning marshland. Next, you’re off to the oldest winery in Nova Scotia for a guided tour to learn about the family who operates the winery and how they produce its award-winning wines. During your visit, sample L’Acadie Blanc, a wine produced from a rare grape found only in Nova Scotia, and Ice Wine, a fine dessert wine. In the village of Halls Harbour, visit one of the largest lobster pounds in Nova Scotia. A tour teaches you about lobsters and the fascinating lobster industry. Then, sit back and enjoy a traditional lobster dinner with lobsters that are boiled in water straight from the Bay of Fundy!
Day #3 Wolfville - Prince Edward Island - At Sugar Moon Farm you’ll discover why Nova Scotia’s maple syrup is known as the sweetest available. Meet the local family that runs the farm and discover the unique methods they use to produce organic maple syrup. Sit back and relax in the family’s log cabin and sample their delectable products with a light lunch made from maple. Later, enjoy a short ferry ride to the majestic “island cradled in the waves,” Prince Edward Island.
Day #4 Prince Edward Island - Immerse yourself in the imagination and adventure that exists on the gorgeous island that inspired the tales of a lovable, fictional red-head, Anne Shirley. This morning, visit the Anne of Green Gables Museum, located inside the house where Lucy Maud Montgomery spent time and based her acclaimed book. Afterwards, learn first-hand about the life of a local potato farmer and the modern day potato industry on the island. Next, enjoy a visit to Prince Edward Island Preserves where you learn about the local berries and the “secret” ingredients in their popular jams and spreads. Then it’s off to the picturesque beaches of Cavendish National Park and a visit to Rustico’s famous wharf dotted with fishing boats and lobster traps. Tonight, enjoy a taste of Prince Edward Island with a traditional mussel dinner, a favorite local dish.
Day #5 Prince Edward Island - St. Andrews, New Brunswick - Cross the stately Confederation Bridge – the longest bridge over ice-covered waters in the world – and arrive in New Brunswick. Enjoy a visit to Shediac and climb aboard a local fisherman’s boat to explore the peaceful bay and feast on a traditional clam boil. While on board, discover more about the fishing industry as a specialist shucks oysters for you to sample. Get ready for a truly unique experience when you visit a local econo museum specializing in soap making and learn about this traditional craft. Afterwards, a stop at the famed Hopewell Rocks is sure to astound you. Walk along the ocean floor* during a fascinating tour of the four-story high flowerpot-shaped rocks and learn more about how they were created by the Fundy tides. Depart for St. Andrews-by-the-Sea and the lovely Fairmont Algonquin, your home for the next three nights.
Day #6 St. Andrews - Fundy Trail - St. Andrews - Travel the Fundy Trail, marveling at the spectacular views of the famous Fundy tides. While on the trail, you will have the opportunity to sample the famous Fundy seaweed. Then, walk on the ocean floor and stop at the caves (only accessible at low tide) where you can sit back and enjoy the views from a different perspective. The rest of your day is at leisure to independently explore the shops, cafes and gardens of charming St. Andrews.
Day #7 St. Andrews - Visit the Atlantic Salmon Interpretative Centre to learn about salmon, have the chance to view them up close, plus learn how to tie the flies local fishermen use and the correct way to use one! Later, indulge your sweet tooth at Canada’s Chocolate Town - St. Stephen - where you’ll visit the Chocolate Museum to learn about the invention of the first heart-shaped boxes that now symbolize Valentine’s Day.
Day #8 St. Andrews - Western Shore, Nova Scotia - Board a ferry this morning for the town of Digby, Nova Scotia. Later this afternoon, arrive in Western Shore, an enchanting town where you will enjoy a two night stay in harbor front accommodations, perfect for a leisurely stroll along the shore.
Day #9 The Lighthouse Route - Halifax - Spend a full day exploring Nova Scotia’s famous Lighthouse Route. Begin with a visit to a pottery studio to learn about this fine art form and meet the family who produces these unique pieces. Later, visit Mahone Bay, a small, charming fishing village. Upon arrival, visit Spruce Hooked Rugs to meet the women who create these lovely pieces and discover the history of this art form which is unique to Nova Scotia. Then, visit Amos Pewter, a studio that designs and handcrafts pewter gifts and keepsakes, and learn about the detail that goes into each piece they produce. Continue along the beautiful Lighthouse Route toward the community of Lunenburg. Later, enjoy a ride to the city of Halifax where you will enjoy dinner at a popular local restaurant.
Day #10 Halifax - Tour Ends - Today you will depart the Maritimes, taking new friendships and countless memories of beautiful scenery and fascinating history home with you.