The Spirit of the Atlantic Coast & Eastern Canada

Itinerary

• Day 1
  Fly to Halifax - Touch down in Halifax, set on the rugged Atlantic Ocean shoreline. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your friendly, tour manager and transferred to your hotel.   The rest of the day will be at leisure for you to settle in and explore the surrounding area. 
• Day 2
  Included full-day tour of Lunenberg and visit to Peggy’s Cove - Join a tour of one of the best-preserved British Colonial towns in North America, Lunenberg. Its old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was founded in 1753 and is known for its distinctive grid layout and waterfront lined with brightly painted wooden buildings. You’ll also get to see the town’s famous schooner Bluenose II, a replica of Canada’s most celebrated racing ship and a national symbol featured on the Canadian dime.   Continue to Peggy’s Cove, a picturesque fishing village on the coastline, with a historic lighthouse dating back to 1915. This landmark is one of the most photographed sights in Canada, and the surrounding area offers magnificent views of the ocean and powerful waves below. You can stroll around the harbour, with its colourful fishing boats and weathered wooden homes with red roofs. Peggy’s Cove is also part of a protected coastal region, which helps preserve its natural beauty.   Return to your hotel in the evening to relax and have dinner.  
• Day 3
  Travel to Baddeck with stops along the way and included visit to the Alexander Graham Bell Museum and dinner - Check out of the hotel and board the coach for a scenic journey to the village of Baddeck on Cape Brenton Island. As you pass through the countryside and small chocolate-box towns, there will be stops for short breaks and photos.   The first stop will be Sugar Moon Farm, a family-owned estate, where you can learn about the production of Canadian maple syrup and grab a drink and snack and the farm shop.   Next, you’ll visit the Nova Scotia Visitor Centre, and you can stretch your legs as you explore informative displays about Cape Brenton. From here, you can also enjoy a panoramic view of the Canso Causeway, which connects mainland Nova Scotia to Cape Breton Island.   After you’ve crossed this causeway, the coach will arrive in Baddeck, and you’ll get to visit the Alexander Graham Bell Museum. This museum is dedicated to the life and inventions of Alexander Graham Bell, who made this village his home. Born in 1847, Alexander, a Scottish-born inventor and scientist, is best known for inventing the first practical telephone. When you’ve explored the exhibits and collection of memorabilia you’ll continue to your lakeside hotel.   Check in, relax and enjoy the tranquil setting this evening before an included dinner at the hotel.  
• Day 4
  Included full-day tour of Cabot Trail, a visit to Cape Breton National Park, and traditional lobster dinner - After breakfast, venture on a breathtaking journey along the Cabot Trail, one of Canada’s most scenic drives. This famous route stretches through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, passing rocky coastlines, dense Acadian forests, and quaint seaside villages. Traveling counterclockwise, you’ll make numerous stops at some of the scenic lookouts, which offer spectacular views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean. As you travel, there’ll be several opportunities to spot wildlife such as bald eagles, moose, and foxes.  Your first stop is Ingonish, where you can rest and visit the Visitor Centre before entering the park. From there, enjoy the dramatic landscapes of the national park as you drive toward Pleasant Bay, taking short breaks at viewpoints along the way. Stop in Pleasant Bay for lunch before continuing the journey. As you exit the park at Cheticamp, there’s an opportunity to stretch your legs on the Buttereau Trail, a gentle 1.6 km loop that takes 30 to 45 minutes. Along the way, highlights include lookout points such as Cape Smokey and the Skyline Trail, ideal for photos and soaking in the unspoiled natural beauty.   After a special day enjoy an included dinner where lobster, a Nova Scotia staple, will be on the menu.
• Day 5
  Travel to Charlottetown in Prince Edward Island - When you’ve had breakfast and checked out this morning, begin the drive to Prince Edward Island, crossing the pretty landscapes of Nova Scotia along the way.  Then travel by ferry across the Northumberland Strait to Prince Edward Island, enjoying views over the water as you approach the island. On arrival, continue to Charlottetown, the island’s capital. This is Canada’s smallest province and is home to a collection of Victorian architecture and expansive parks. It also holds a special place in Canadian history as the ‘Birthplace of Confederation’.  Arrive at your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening, perhaps taking a walk along the waterfront or exploring the downtown area. 
• Day 6
  Included visit to Anne of Green Gables Heritage Place and Avonlea Village - Following breakfast this morning, a highlight for literary fans will include a visit to Anne of Green Gables Heritage Place. This historic site brings Lucy Maud Montgomery’s beloved novel to life, and you can wander around the Green Gables farmhouse. An inspiration for the home of Anne Shirley, this delightful building encompasses Victorian architecture, period furnishings, and pretty gardens. There will also be time to walk the Haunted Woods and Lovers’ Lane, trails featured in the novels.  Next, you’ll head to Avonlea Village, a charming heritage-themed attraction and recreated village inspired by the fictional town from Anne of Green Gables. Meander through cobblestone streets and visit period buildings like the general store, blacksmith, and schoolhouse. As you explore, meet costumed interpreters, who offer interactive storytelling and local demonstrations. Later, browse the craft shops and pick up some themed souvenirs.  Return to the hotel this evening or find somewhere local to have dinner.  
• Day 7
  Return to Halifax via the Joggins Fossil Cliffs - Once you’ve had breakfast, you’ll say goodbye to Prince Edward Island today, as you check out of the hotel and make your way back to Nova Scotia, this time across the bridge.   On the way, stop at Joggins Fossil Cliffs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its remarkable fossil record. Preserving evidence of life from the Carboniferous Period around 300 million years ago, this site played an important role in the development of geological science and was even referenced by Charles Darwin. Take time to walk along the cliffs and shoreline, where you can see fossilised trees, plants, and ancient amphibian remains embedded in the rock.  From the Joggins Fossil Centre, enjoy views over the Bay of Fundy, a 270-kilometre-long, funnel-shaped inlet of the Atlantic Ocean between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Renowned for having the highest tides in the world, reaching up to 16 metres (52 feet), this natural wonder is known for its dramatic sea cliffs, unique rock formations, and rich marine life, including more than a dozen whale species.   Arriving back in Halifax, check into the hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure. 
• Day 8
  Included morning tour of Halifax and fly to Montreal - This morning, you’ll get to explore Halifax with a city tour, including a visit to Fairview Lawn Cemetery, the final resting place of many Titanic victims, offering a poignant insight into the city’s connection to the disaster. You’ll also visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, where exhibits focus on Halifax’s role in the recovery efforts following the sinking of the Titanic.  Afterwards, head to the atmospheric waterfront boardwalk, lined with artisan shops, cafés, and public art.  Be sure to sample some fresh seafood for lunch, and then this evening, travel to Halifax airport for a short flight to Montreal.  Upon arrival in Montreal, you'll transfer to your next hotel.
• Day 9
  Included full-day tour of Québec City’s old town from Montreal - Today’s excursion takes you on a full day visit to charming Québec City. Canada’s only walled settlement and one of North America’s oldest cities, Québec was founded before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock and is the only city north of Mexico whose original fortifications remain intact. The historic district of Québec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, continues to house religious orders and hospitals that trace their roots back to the 17th century.  During a walking tour with your tour manager, explore the narrow, cobbled alleyways of the lower Basse-Ville and its upper Haute-Ville counterpart. Together, these districts form the endlessly enthralling Vieux-Québec, dominated by the monumental Citadel and the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. You’ll also visit the beautiful Basilica and stroll along Dufferin Terrace, with sweeping views over the St. Lawrence River.  Return to your hotel in Montreal this evening.
• Day 10
  Morning at leisure in Montreal or optional Montreal city tour, and travel to Ottawa - Embrace a relaxed morning in Montreal, perhaps venturing to the old town to grab a coffee and walk around the cobblestone streets. Alternatively enjoy an optional city tour of Montreal with a local guide. This tour will take in the pretty Vieux Port area and the lively Plateau Mont Royal. Montreal combines cutting-edge modernity, French style and flair, and is a cosmopolitan mix of high culture, high fashion and high tech. The waterfront features glass and steel architectural marvels, and contrasts with the bohemian groove of trendy Plateau Mont Royal and Vieux Montreal.  In the afternoon, board the coach and make the journey to compact Ottawa, Canada’s capital. Arrive later in the day and check into your centrally located hotel with an evening to unwind and explore.