Included:

 

• Airport Transfers
• 13 nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis
• Expert driver/guide in comfortable touring vehicle
• Ferry rides to and from Nova Scotia, and to Prince Edward Island
• Porterage
• National Park fees
• All taxes

 

Not included

 

• Flights - purchase your own flights in and out of destination 
• Gratuities - recommended $20 per person per day
• Meals unless specified
• Optional activities
• Personal expenses e.g. shopping, laundry
• Visa costs (if applicable)
• Insurance

 

Day 1:

 

Arrive in St John’s and transfer to our hotel for check-in. Enjoy some free time in the centre to enjoy some shopping if time allows before dinner at the Fish Exchange – an exceptional seafood restaurant.

 

Day 2: After breakfast we venture on a whale watching cruise. Sightings are never guaranteed but from June up until mid September you can expect to see whales, puffins, seals and maybe dolphins and tuna fish too. Once we return we then venture out along the coast, stopping for lunch along the way (Captain Cooks Fish and Chips is a recommendation). We take in the views at Cape Spear (most Easterly point of Canada), Whitless Bay and if time allows a short hike along the East Coast Path (Beaches path). We return to St Johns for dinner.

 

Day 3: Once we have had breakfast and checked out, we depart St John’s and head south to get the ferry to Nova Scotia. This is a night crossing departing at 5pm (last sailing of the season is September 14th) which takes 16 hours to North Sydney. During daylight hours we highly recommend taking the opportunity to watch out for different wildlife – whales, seals and many seabirds should be visible during the crossing. And at night if conditions allow, it may be worth keeping an eye out for the Northern Lights too!

 

Day 4:

 

After we arrive in North Sydney, we drive along the North Eastern coastline, stopping off at the mining museum in Glace Bay before continuing on down the Marconi trail, giving us an insight into the first trans-Atlantic communications that took place between here and Cornwall in the UK. This scenic drive taking in the views at Main a Dieu take us to Louisbourg, which is the perfect stop off point for a spot of lunch. In the afternoon we take a visit to the fort – a beautiful reconstruction of the original fort based upon the old foundations. This gives a great insight into what life was like here centuries ago across all aspects of society. And with characters in fancy dress depicting the different classes, it sure gives you a great immersion into the fascinating history here. Given the size of the fort and the amount of things to see here, we recommend at least a couple of hours. Once we have finished our exploration here we get back on the road to overnight for one night in Port Hawkesbury / Havre Boucher area.

 

Day 5:

We get back on the road after breakfast to cross over in to New Brunswick to visit Hopewell Rocks. These naturally formed rock formations are a sight to behold, and also offer a glimpse into the strength of the tides at the Bay of Fundy. You can also take a short hike here to stretch the legs and enjoy a lunch at the café that’s on site. After lunch we get back on the road and head over to Prince Edward Island where we base ourselves for 3 nights in Charlottetown.

 

Day 6:

 

After breakfast we head out of Charlottetown to explore the northern coastline of Prince Edward island. There are numerous lighthouses, immaculate beaches (many with red sand due to iron oxide) and short hikes on offer here in the PEI National Park. We highly recommend a stop off at Carr’s for lunch which boasts extremely delicious oysters (the chowder is also very good!) If the weather is nice, this place truly comes to life as you can sit outside and admire the views. A slight detour to the gardens at New Glasgow is on the agenda, as there is also a shop sourcing local jams, chutneys and other produce. The Great Canadian Soap Company is also worth a stop-off, with a huge range of soaps, creams and other goodies that make great gifts or even a treat for yourself! Kensington is our final stop before we return to Charlottetown for dinner.

 

Day 7:

 

Today is all about downtime – after almost a week on the road today is all about free-time in Charlottetown. The town is a huge cultural centre, with many festivals and shows on throughout the tourism season. There are also many craft breweries nearby that offer tours and tastings, and we also recommend the market at the tourism centre which is also close to the harbour. There are many great restaurants here: Sea Rocket Oyster House, Peake’s Quay and the Pilot House all come highly recommended. And you can’t visit Prince Edward Island without having an ice cream at Cow’s – there’s a huge range of flavours that are all truly delicious!

 

Day 8:

 

Once we have checked out and had breakfast we head east to Montague – there is a local yarn store that has a great range of products and is well worth a visit for those interested. We then head further south to Wood Islands (optional visit to the lighthouse) where we board the ferry back to Nova Scotia. The crossing takes just over an hour, and we continue on to Antigonish for lunch. In the afternoon we head to Baddeck where we overnight for 2 nights.

 

Day 9:

 

Today is all about exploring Cape Breton Highlands National Park. There is a scenic loop you can do, starting on the eastern side heading up towards Ingonish. There are so many views that will simply take your breath away, and so much wildlife to spot. There are numerous hiking options as well depending on your fitness levels – the ones by the Lone Shieling are nice as well as by Saint Lawrence Bay, or Cabots Landing Provincial Park or even the Sugarloaf Trailhead. We will also get to enjoy a few food options along the way, with more choice on the western part of the Cape (Petit Etang, Cheticamp and Point Cross). Another thing to look out for is the possibility to join in a Caleidh in the evening  (the tourism office in Baddeck can confirm where and when).

 

Day 10:

 

We depart early in order to get to the ferry check-in at North Sydney in good time, for our crossing back to Newfoundland. Once we are checked in you can leave the ferry terminal area to stretch the legs, get a coffee and explore the harbour walk, however we strongly advise being back no later than an hour before the sailing. The 6 hour crossing is a good opportunity to unwind, spot wildlife, shop for souvenirs and enjoy some lunch. Once we arrive it is a couple of hours drive to Corner Brook where we base ourselves for 2 nights.

 

Day 11:

 

Today is about exploring the Corner Brook area (unless you wish to enjoy the spa facilities at the hotel in which case you are more than welcome to!) There are the Corner Brook Caves, offering over a kilometre of underground chutes and passageways to explore. The steam trail is a hiking route that is for all levels of fitness and offers great views of the town and surrounding areas. You can also explore the cultural side of Corner Brook, with the Rotary Arts centre, Corner Brook Museum and the historic train site all located in the town. We also recommend a visit to the Bootleg Brew company!

 

Day 12:

 

We depart Corner Brook and head to the Gros Morne National Park. Take a hike to the summit (800 metres) or choose to take the 6km out and back trail to Western Brook Pond. There are boat tours available on the lake but need to be booked in advance. This UNESCO site will take your breath away and work up an appetite at one of several dining options for lunch (Java Jack’s, Treasure Box, Fisherman’s Landing.) After lunch we continue on to Windsor Falls, stopping off at the Salmonid Interpretation Centre, where you can see wild Atlantic salmon jump and swim through the fishway passage system on the Grand Falls! We overnight in Windsor Falls for one night.

 

Day 13:

 

After breakfast we make the 4 hour journey to St John’s, with a stop off at Gander along the way. Known for the part it played during 9/11 when hundreds of aircraft were diverted there, the airport itself actually offers a fascinating insight into the aviation history here and the part it played in transatlantic aviation. There are so many fascinating tales, as well as an insight into how the locals felt so connected to the rest of the world. And if aviation is really your thing, there is also the aviation museum that is separate to the airport and has many outdoor displays as well as an exhibition inside. We continue on to St John’s afterwards, stopping for lunch along the way. Once we arrive at the hotel and check-in, you have free-time in St John’s. Whether it’s to unwind in one of the many bars on Water street, gather your last souvenirs from Canada, or simply relax and reflect on a surreal journey, the choice is yours. Dinner in St John’s

 

Day 14:

 

We depart after breakfast to the airport to catch your flight home. St John’s is well connected to Halifax and Montreal which will likely have direct flights to your preferred airport.