Walking the Canadian Maritimes

Welcome to Halifax and the provincial capital of Nova Scotia, well-known for
its maritime history. With its large natural harbour, Halifax has
historically been one of the busiest ports on the eastern seaboard. You are
free to arrive at any time today ahead of the welcome meeting at 18:00 hrs,
where you’ll meet your tour guide and fellow travelling companions.

Should you arrive early, why not visit some of the many parks, museums,
landmarks, art galleries and waterfront cafes of Halifax. The Maritime Museum
in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) tells the story of the city's
seafaring origins whilst the fortress on Citadel Hill with its iconic Town
Clock overlooks the modern glass towers of the city, providing that link
between the past and the present. 

*Hotel included*

This morning, you drive to the iconic area of Peggy's Cove to see the
lighthouse which is always a prominent feature of the area and makes for some
excellent holiday pictures. For a different perspective of this iconic sight,
your guide will lead you on the Polly’s Cove Trail. Next you travel to the
World Heritage listed historic town of Lunenburg. A walk down the streets of
Lunenburg is sure to remind you of a journey back to a bygone era with its
unique architecture exemplified in the colourful wooden structures that date
back to colonial times, reflecting the town’s position as a seaport and a
centre for shipbuilding. 

*Bluenose Lodge (or similar)*

*Trail: *Polly’s Cove Trail

*Altitude:* 50 meters

Head to the western part of the Nova Scotia peninsula to the lush Annapolis
Valley for a hike and wine tasting experience in Nova Scotia’s famous wine
country. You will enjoy an overnight stay in Digby – a charming harbour
town and settlement of the United Empire Loyalists. 

*Admiral Digby Inn (or similar) *

Today you will stop at coastal Fundy National Park in the province of New
Brunswick. The Bay of Fundy is known to have the highest range in tide levels
of anywhere in the world with an average variance of 47.5ft and an extreme
variance of an amazing 53.3ft.

The main features of this park include the seaside habitats and the highland
Acadian forests, which you have time to explore, as well as the beautiful
waterfalls. In the afternoon, your guide leads you on the Coppermine Trail
which delivers you to an old copper mine site. Beginning at the car park,
your hike meanders through a field and then through predominantly spruce
woodland, climbing uphill and further into the woods. You’ll traverse over
several streams on wooden bridges until finding the remnants of the old
copper mine along with interpretative signs. This trail offers great views
across the bay.

**Edenbrook Motel (or similar)* *

*Trail: * Coppermine Trail

*Altitude gain:* l20 meters

*Altitude:* 180 meters*
*

This morning, you visit the beautiful Hopewell Rocks where these incredible
rock formations make for some amazing photographs. It may be possible to walk
(1.5 kms) to Demoiselle Beach, a picturesque and quiet sandy cove. Your next
stop is Prince Edward Island; the smallest of all the Canadian provinces with
a total population of 141,000. Often referred to as 'PEI', the province
actually consists of one major island called Prince Edward Island, as well as
a collection of smaller islands. It's also referred to as the 'Birthplace of
Confederation', as the Charlottetown Conference held in 1864 was one of a few
events that established the framework which led the British colonies to
confederation in 1867.

Prince Edward Island was the childhood home of author Lucy Maud Montgomery,
whose best-selling novel, 'Anne of Green Gables' (published in 1908), was set
here. It's possible to join a tour of Green Gables House, as well as stroll
around on the Balsom Woods and Haunted Hollows trails that feature in the
book.

*Charlottetown Inn & Conference (or similar)*

*Trail: *Cape Rocks Trail

*Altitude gain:* 50

 

Today you explore some of Prince Edward Island National Park on foot,
following its beautiful sandy beaches and landmarks, starting from the
Dalvay-by-the-sea historical mansion. Experience the sand dunes, beaches,
salt marshes, forest and more. The distance is variable but will be
approximately 6.2 miles (10 kms) with a low elevation and suitable for most.

*Charlottetown Inn & Conference (or similar)*

*Trail: *Gulf Shore Parkway

*Altitude gain:* low

From Prince Edward Island, it’s a short ferry ride to Caribou Provincial
Park, before driving towards the impressive headlands of Cape Breton
Highlands National Park in the province of Nova Scotia - Canada's second
smallest province. Sheer cliffs rising from the sea at the base of the
coastal range help to form the spectacular coastline. Spend this evening in
picturesque Baddeck, the gateway to the Highlands.

**Lynnwood Inn (or similar)**

*Trail: *Jack Pine and Coastal Loop

*Altitude gain:* 44 meters

During your time on Prince Edward Island, you’ll hike beside the many
forested lakes and to the top of the various rugged peaks for outstanding
views or take to the sea for some fantastic kayaking along the remote and
beautiful coastline. Consisting of Acadian and boreal forests, this park is
home to various species of wildlife such as Black Bear, coyote and moose. If
you're lucky you may see Bald Eagles circling overhead or perched high up in
the trees.

From Prince Edward Island, it’s a short ferry ride to Caribou Provincial
Park, before driving towards the impressive headlands of Cape Breton
Highlands National Park in the province of Nova Scotia - Canada's second
smallest province. Sheer cliffs rising from the sea at the base of the
coastal range help to form the spectacular coastline.

On day nine, you have a brief reprieve from walking as we have included a
whale watching activity. This unique experience provides you with the perfect
opportunity to discover the beauty of northern Cape Breton and marine life
near the coastlines. By using smaller Zodiacs, this allow us to blast along
the rugged shores in search of whales, dolphins, seals, leatherback turtles,
puffins and eagles.

In the afternoon, it’s back to the wild coastline again to hit the trails.
This coastal and scenic trail hugs the ocean, briefly joining the Jack Pine
Trail, then continues along granite headlands, coastal meadows and
cobblestone beaches. 

**Castle Rock Country Inn (or similar)**

*Trail: *Coastal Trail

*Altitude:* Sea level

Today you enjoy a leisurely pace before making your way back towards Halifax
where your tour end at the hotel upon arrival. Your guide will stop at points
of intertest along the way.

This tour ends at our gateway hotel at approximately 17:00 hrs. We can book
you post-tour accommodation at our gateway hotel if required. If you are
planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before
21:00 hrs.