9 Days • 8 Nights
Maritime Canada: Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Historic Halifax and its waterfront
- The iconic Peggys Cove lighthouse
- UNESCO-listed colourful Lunenburg
- The world-famous Cabot Trail on Cape Breton
- The red shores of Prince Edward Island
- Lobster feasts and Celtic music
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 9-day journey.
Met at Halifax airport and transferred to your downtown hotel. Explore the historic waterfront and Citadel, and enjoy a welcome dinner of fresh Atlantic seafood.
A day along the coast to the iconic lighthouse at Peggys Cove and the UNESCO-listed, brightly painted town of Lunenburg, a gem of maritime history.
You drive north to Cape Breton Island, gateway to the Cabot Trail, settling into a coastal inn amid the highland scenery.
A day driving the world-famous Cabot Trail, a spectacular loop of soaring sea cliffs, highland plateaus and hidden coves, with whale watching and Celtic music along the way.
You travel to gentle Prince Edward Island, crossing the impressive Confederation Bridge, and settle into Canada's smallest, prettiest province of red shores and green farmland.
A day exploring PEI, the red-sand beaches, the capital Charlottetown, and the pastoral setting of Anne of Green Gables, with a lobster supper to finish.
A scenic drive back to Halifax through the Nova Scotian countryside, with time to explore more of the coast along the way.
A free day to enjoy Halifax, its maritime museum with Titanic history, the vibrant markets and pubs, ending with a farewell dinner.
After breakfast you transfer to Halifax airport for your onward flight, charmed by the Maritimes.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 8 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a lobster lunch
- Airport transfers
- Touring, sightseeing and activities as per itinerary with expert guides
- Ground transport, rail or car hire as specified
- National park and attraction entry fees as per itinerary
- a self-drive vehicle, the Cabot Trail, a Peggys Cove and Lunenburg tour and the PEI bridge crossing
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Fuel and parking for self-drive
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & eTA: Visa-exempt travellers arriving by air (including UK, EU, Australian and many others) need an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before flying; other nationalities need a visitor visa. A passport valid for the duration of your stay is required, and we advise you based on your nationality
- Currency & cards: The currency is the Canadian Dollar and cards are accepted almost everywhere; carry a little cash for tips and small vendors. Sales taxes are usually added at the register rather than shown on the shelf
- Tipping: Tipping is customary in Canada; budget around 15 to 20 percent in restaurants, and tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff, which are not included unless stated
- Vast distances: Canada is enormous, so itineraries combine domestic flights, scenic rail and self-drive; if driving, Canadians drive on the right, and roads are excellent though mountain passes can see snow outside summer
- Best time to visit: Summer (June to September) is ideal for the Rockies, the coasts and the cities, autumn brings spectacular colour to the east, and winter offers skiing, festivals and the Northern Lights in the north
- Weather & layers: Weather varies hugely by region and season, from warm summers to very cold winters; bring layers, and for the Rockies and the north, warm and waterproof clothing even in summer evenings
- Wildlife: Canada is superb for wildlife, from bears, elk and moose in the Rockies to whales on the coasts; keep a safe distance, never feed animals, and follow your guide's advice, especially in bear country
- Health & power: No vaccinations are required, but comprehensive travel insurance is recommended as healthcare is costly for visitors. Power is 120V with type A and B plugs, so bring an adapter if needed
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit the Maritimes?
Summer and early autumn (June to October) are ideal, with warm weather, open attractions and, in autumn, spectacular foliage along the Cabot Trail. Lobster season and festivals add to the appeal; we advise on timing.
Is the Cabot Trail difficult to drive?
Not at all — it is a well-maintained, spectacularly scenic road, though winding in the highland sections. We provide a comfortable vehicle and detailed notes, and the drive is one of the great pleasures of the trip.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included on most nights, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner or a rail-journey lunch. Canada's dining, from Pacific seafood to Quebecois cuisine, is a highlight, so most lunches and dinners are left free with our recommendations.
How do we cover Canada's vast distances?
We combine the best options for your route, domestic flights for long hops, iconic scenic rail such as the Rocky Mountaineer, and self-drive or private coach for touring. Everything is arranged and built into your itinerary.
Do I need an eTA or visa for Canada?
Visa-exempt travellers arriving by air need an approved eTA before flying; other nationalities need a visitor visa. We confirm exactly what you need for your nationality when you book.
When is the best time to visit Canada?
Summer (June to September) is best for the Rockies, coasts and cities; autumn dazzles in the east with colour; and winter brings skiing, festivals and the Northern Lights. We advise on timing for your chosen route.
Will we see wildlife?
Very likely — Canada is one of the world's great wildlife destinations, with bears, elk, moose and bighorn sheep in the Rockies and whales on the coasts. Our guides know where to look, though sightings can never be guaranteed.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the cities, parks and regions, mix rail, flights and self-drive, add the Northern Lights or the Maritimes, and tailor hotels to your interests and budget.
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