Day 1 Halifax | Arrival
Arrive in Halifax and check in to your accommodations which is ideally located in the downtown core of this vibrant and cosmopolitan urban centre on the Atlantic Ocean. You may wish to add additional nights in Halifax or a city tour to your vacation package. Bursting with culture and rich history, Nova Scotia’s capital city has much to offer.
Day 2 Halifax to Annapolis Royal | 281 km/175 mi
Head south to Lunenburg, visiting Peggy’s Cove along the way. Peggy’s Cove is a small village with houses built right into the granite rock and a lighthouse overlooking the Atlantic. Old Town Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a lovingly restored Victorian town that begs you to wander and explore. Make a stop at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, renowned for its hiking trails and incredible canoeing on wilderness lakes and rivers. Arrive in Annapolis Royal, a quaint settlement housing Victorian mansion’s on the banks of the Bay of Fundy.
Day 3 Whale Watching Fishing Villages Exploring | 206 km/128 mi
Today drive along 95 km along the Digby Neck to experience a whale watching excursion in the nutrient rich waters of the Bay of Fundy. You will likely see finback and Minkes, humpbacks or even the rare North Atlantic right whale. Spend the afternoon exploring Annapolis Royal and Fort Anne. (Breakfast included)
Day 4 Annapolis Royal to Saint John | 113 km/70 mi + Ferry
Depart Annapolis Royal and drive to Digby to board the ferry to Saint John, world-famous for its Reversing Falls Rapids—the colossal, tidal tug-of-war between the Bay of Fundy and the St. John River. Twice daily at high tide, the powerful Fundy waters roar into the Saint John River. The titanic clash of natural forces causes the river to reverse direction. (Breakfast included)
Day 5 Saint John to Moncton | 212 km/131 mi
The highlight today is the scenic drive along the Bay of Fundy. Witness the power of the world’s highest tides at the Hopewell Rocks. Visit the informative Hopewell Rocks Interpretive Center and learn everything you need to know about the tidal phenomenon. Take a drive through Fundy National Park before reaching Moncton.
Day 6 Moncton to Charlottetown | 164 km/101 mi
Before leaving Moncton we suggest a stop at the Magnetic Hill where you can put the car in neutral to experience the illusion of being pulled up hill by a ‘magnetic force.’ Continue to Shediac, known as The Lobster Capital of the World for its lobster fishing, processing plants, live-lobster tanks and the famous Lobster Festival. Enjoy a lobster fishing cruise & dine on fresh lobster. Then follow the Confederation Bridge, the longest bridge in Canada, to Charlottetown, P.E.I.
Day 7 Charlottetown & Prince Edward Island | Exploring
Drive by red cliffs, white beaches, gently sloping sand dunes and green fields as you make your way to Prince Edward Island National Park. Before returning to Charlottetown, visit Green Gables Heritage Site, the alluring inspiration of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic Anne of Green Gables books. (Breakfast included)
Day 8 Charlottetown to Baddeck | 274 km/170 mi + Ferry
Depart Charlottetown taking Route 1 to Wood Islands Ferry crossing to Caribou, Nova Scotia. Drive the short distance to Pictou & visit Hector Heritage Quay, where a full-scale replica of the Hector has been built using traditional ship building techniques. Depart Pictou and continue to Cape Breton via the Canso Causeway and onto Baddeck. This scenic village overlooks the beautiful Bras d’Or Lakes. (Breakfast included)
Day 9 Cabot Trail Touring | 296 km/184 mi
You’re off to experience one of the most stunningly picturesque drives in North America. The Cabot Trail winds around the rocky splendor of Cape Breton’s northern shore, ascending to the incredible plateaus of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Look-offs offer unforgettable vistas of Cape Breton’s rugged coastline so be sure to have your camera on hand.
Day 10 Baddeck to Norris Point 336 km/208 mi + Ferry | Duration 7 Hours
Today enjoy a scenic ferry crossing between North Sydney and Port-aux-Basques starts your day enroute to Corner Brook. As the ferry sails across the Cabot Strait, keep a close watch for whales and dolphins. White puffins and birds of prey that live on the spectacular cliffs can also be seen. Coastal barrens and forested mountains dominate the first impressions of Newfoundland’s landscape. The best way to experience the rugged beauty of the wave-pounded coast is by hiking some of the excellent nature trails enroute to Norris Point.
Day 11 Gros Morne National Park
Enjoy a day exploring all of Gros Morne National Park on your own viewing glacial valleys, intriguing rock formations, magnificent sea arches and numerous types of wildlife. Don’t miss the internationally known Tablelands, a rare outcrop of the Earth’s mantle pushed skyward half a billion years ago.
Day 12 Norris Point to Twillingate + Iceberg Cruise | 428km / 266mi
Make your way across the island to central Newfoundland and the small town of Twillingate. Twillingate is known as the “Iceberg Capital of the World” because of the scenery and icebergs that are seen in the spring months. It is one of the stops along Iceberg Alley, a vast corridor of ocean that runs from Greenland and a popular path for these frozen leviathans.
This afternoon cruise will introduce you to icebergs, whales, seabirds, amazing landscapes and many other spectacular views that the beautiful island of Twillingate has to offer. Grab your camera and head out on the ocean. You will have so many opportunities to capture beautiful coastal imagery or just to relax and smell the salty air.
Day 13 Twillingate to Trinity | 309 km/192 mi
Today, begin your adventure towards the Bonavista Peninsula. Take a moment to visit the North Atlantic Aviation Museum in Gander, located along the Trans Canada Highway. This museum showcases Gander’s significant contribution to the development of transatlantic aviation, spanning from the 1930s to the Broadway musical “Come From Away,” which recounts the events of 9/11. The museum even houses steel remnants from the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. After passing through Terra Nova National Park, continue your journey southeast until you reach Route 230. From there, head north towards the Bonavista Peninsula, renowned for its breathtaking and rugged shorelines. This peninsula is also home to some of the oldest settlements in Newfoundland, particularly the charming towns of Bonavista and Trinity. Before settling into your accommodation for the night, consider driving approximately 20 minutes south of Trinity to New Bonaventure. Here, you can explore the Random Passage Site, which was built in 2000 for the filming of the acclaimed international TV mini-series “Random Passage.” This site offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a 19th-century fishing outpost. (Breakfast included)
Day 14 Bonavista Peninsula
Now that you have a sense of the area, venture to Port Rexton today and hike the Skerwink Trail. This very walkable trail will take you along the rugged coastline for a spectacular view of the surrounding villages set against the ocean. In the afternoon, head north to the town of Bonavista, where you can visit the Ryan Premises National Historic Site, a 19th century replica fish processing factory. In this small village you will also find the red and white striped Bonavista Lighthouse, and the Matthew Legacy, a replica of John Cabot’s ship which voyaged across the Atlantic to discover land in 1497. (Breakfast included)
Day 15 Trinity
Explore the enchanting village of Trinity with its restored white and pastel coloured clapboard houses. Set along a dramatic coastline you will discover a sense of Newfoundland’s history and nature. Join the Trinity Pageant, a walking theatre that meanders through the village enticing viewers to live the history of the area. If you’re feeling active, hike the short but steep 20-minute trail up Gun Hill behind the village for spectacular 360-degree views of the village and surrounding areas. (Breakfast included)
Day 16 Trinity to St. John’s | 269 km/167 mi
Today, begin your journey south towards the charming city of St. John’s. Along the way, take a delightful detour to the picturesque town of Brigus. Immerse yourself in the history of the region as you visit the iconic Brigus lighthouse, explore the cozy cafes, and embark on the Brigus Battery Brigus hiking trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. (Breakfast included)
As you continue towards St. John’s, you’ll arrive in the capital and largest city of Newfoundland and Labrador. St. John’s obtained city status in 1921 and holds the distinction of being considered one of the oldest English-founded cities in North America. The city’s name has various origins. It is associated with the feast day of John the Baptist, as it was believed that John Cabot sailed into the harbor on that day in 1497. Additionally, there is a connection to a Basque fishing town with the same name. In St. John’s, you’ll have the opportunity to explore its rich history, vibrant culture, and scenic beauty. Enjoy the captivating atmosphere of this historic city as you discover its charming streets, visit notable landmarks, and indulge in its local cuisine.
Day 17 St. John’s | Sightseeing
Start your day with a delightful exploration of St. John’s, taking in the sights and experiences this vibrant city has to offer. Begin by visiting ‘the Rooms’ Museum and gallery, where you can immerse yourself in the rich history and artistic treasures of Newfoundland and Labrador. Next, drive-up Signal Hill, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Don’t forget to capture some memorable photos from this vantage point. Afterward, venture out to Cape Spear National Historic Site, the easternmost point in North America. Marvel at the rugged coastal beauty and soak in the historical significance of this remarkable location. To continue your adventure, make your way to Quidi Vidi Village, a picturesque spot just 3 km from St. John’s. This charming fishing village has been featured in countless photographs, showcasing its quaint beauty and coastal charm. While you’re there, make a stop at Quidi Vidi Brewery, where you can savor a pint of Iceberg beer. This unique brew is made using iceberg water sourced directly from the shores of St. John’s, making it a truly refreshing and authentic local experience.
Day 18 St. John’s | Departure
Today upon check-out of your hotel your Atlantic Canada discovery ends.
