Perhaps it’s time to slow down and spend time with those you love? Beautiful coastlines, quaint fishing villages, lobster dinners and a wealth of culture and history are just a few of the delights of this relaxing driving vacation exploring the national parks of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island: Fundy National Park, Prince Edward Island National Park, Cape Breton, and Kejimkujik National Park. We have also arranged for you to stay in historic inns and included a choice of daily adventures to suit most people (and we can always arrange others if you wish).
Our other road trip innovation is to include a selection of daily activity options, because we don’t want you to get to a place and spend half a day figuring out the best things to do. And if the options we have shown are not quite right just ask us and we’ll find something better. After all, personalizing your Canadian trip is what we do best.
We’ve re-imagined road trips, to keep the best parts and improve the not so great parts – like scrambling for a place to stay at the end of a long drive. Instead, we book you into the nicest inns, to suit your taste and budget.
This coast is rich in history and culture – from Halifax’s Maritime and Immigration museums to a night of Celtic music in a local pub. But because our goal is to help you travel like a local, maybe the best cultural experience of all will be the chat you have with the woman in the coffee shop or the banter with a fisherman mending his nets….
Think of this itinerary as just a starting point. Our experienced Canadian Insiders will create a personalized experience for you that matches your schedule, travel style and budget.
Unimited access to over 80 parks across Canada
Welcome to Halifax, the friendly Atlantic Ocean port city and capital of Nova Scotia. After your pre-arranged transfer drops you at your hotel, head out and explore what makes this city so great.
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We've included an unlimited pass to Canada’s national parks, national marine conservation areas and national historic sites.
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A private driver will take you from Airport to your downtown hotel.
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Tonight we have taken the guess work out of where to dine and included a delicious dinner for you at one of our favourite restaurants in downtown Halifax.
Overnight in an Inn or B&B, such as the Waverley Inn. These character properties include clean, cozy accommodations plus the hospitality of your local hosts.
Maritime Museum and Pier 21
Canadian Immigration Museum
Take time today to explore this vibrant and historically rich city, where the survivors of the Titanic landed. Stroll along the cobbled streets exploring the museums and shops, but most of all be sure to experience the delicious fresh lobster, the local delicacy.
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Discover historic Halifax on a privately guided tour. In a vehicle, visit the city's highlights including the Citadel, Public Gardens, Titanic Burial Site, Maritime Museum and Pier 21 immigration museum. Learn about the war of 1812 and the Halifax Explosion, as well as Nova Scotia's unique culture.
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Engage the senses with a food tour of Halifax! Visit historic landmarks, stroll along the waterfront, and taste the best local food in Halifax. Tour locations and food tastings will vary depending on day of the week you are exploring Halifax's culinary scene.
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Photograph one of Canada's icons with the beautiful dawn rising up over the North Atlantic – Peggy's Cove! At this time of day, you have the site all to yourself to explore with your guide – a local, professional photographer.
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Enjoy a leisurely drive this morning on the Lighthouse Route on the South Shore. Continue past Peggy’s Cove to Mahone Bay, a relaxing seaside town known for its quiet beauty and churches. Further along the route you will arrive in Lunenburg, a unique town in terms of architecture and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Enjoy the freedom of exploring by vehicle. Your rental includes a GPS, loss damage waiver, unlimited mileage, and one additional driver.
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Board the 48 foot wooden kech - the Eastern Star and set sail on this wind powered Classic Sailboat. Lunenburg's painted buildings provide the perfect backdrop - with lighthouses to photograph and porpoises and seals along the shores. Sail by the birthplace of Canada's legendary racing schooners, Bluenose and Bluenose II, and tall ships, the Bounty and the Rose. We cannot think of a finer way to explore the area.
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With spectacular sites around every corner in Old Town Lunenburg, your local guide will make the sites come alive with cultural tidbits like superstitions, folklore, and local facts, then weave it all together with lots of unique personal stories and recommendations.
Overnight in an Inn or B&B, such as the Boscawen Inn. These character properties include clean, cozy accommodations plus the hospitality of your local hosts.
As you drive east to Annapolis Royal which boasts an incredible view of the Bay of Fundy, stop and explore spectacular Kejimkujik National Park. Wander through groves of 300-year-old hemlock trees, follow a trail to an abandoned gold mine, visit an overgrown farm or explore by canoe or kayak.
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While visiting Kejimkujik National Park, a self-guided canoe or kayak rental can be added in to your itinerary. Enjoy the serene calm of the lake waters as you paddle through the park.
Overnight at the Queen Anne Inn. This grand Victorian Mansion is located along the Evangeline Trail in historic Annapolis Royal. The 1865 heritage property is set amongst stately Elm and Maple trees. The Inn offers posh, elegant rooms with antique furnishings, just a short walk from the Fort Anne National Historic Site. Included with your stay is a three-course breakfast served in the formal dining room each morning.
Enjoy the many sights of the historic Annapolis Royal area at your leisure – visit the Fort Anne National Historic Site, Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens, Garrison Cemetery and the Military Museum, to name but a few.
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Join a local and knowledgeable marine guide on a 3 hour boat tour around Brier Island in the Bay of Fundy. Teeming with rich food for marine mammals, makes it a privileged destination for an unparalleled experience with nature. When whales come into the Bay of Fundy, they are hungry and your experienced guide knows exactly where to take you to have the best opportunity to see these gentle giants feed and play.
For illustration purposes only, not an exact representation of the hotel experience
From Annapolis Royal, drive to nearby Digby and enjoy a 2-hour ferry ride across the Bay of Fundy. Keep your eyes open for whales! Upon arrival, drive to the charming village of St. Martins – gateway to the spectacular Fundy Trail. Take a stroll to see St. Martins’ mysterious sea caves or incredibly photogenic harbour.
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Today you will be making the cross water journey from Digby, NS to St. John, NB. The ferry is approximately 3 hours long and crosses the Bay of Fundy.
Situated in the heart of the magnificent Bay of Fundy, the St. Martins Country Inn boasts a commanding view of the ocean in the historic fishing village of St. Martins. Enjoy uniquely appointed rooms offering thoughtful amenities including a private bath. With complimentary Wi-Fi and a full breakfast, the property also features a gift shop, licensed restaurant and patio lounge.
A spectacular day awaits as you drive along the Fundy Trail to the Bay of Fundy’s Hopewell Cape area. Admire untouched coastal wilderness, characterized by red craggy cliffs and the highest rising tides in the world. Consider adding a boat or kayak tour from St. Martins before you go, for an up-close experience on this natural wonder.
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Marvel at the dramatic tides of the Bay of Fundy as you venture along the red rock cliff shoreline on a guided 2 hour kayak tour. The St. Martins sea caves are the biggest attraction in the area, best to be explored by boat.
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Explore the UNESCO designated Bay of Fundy and get up close to the beautiful coastline on a 2 hour scenic boat tour by zodiac. Enjoy views of the towering cliffs, enchanted caves and mossy caves and if your lucky, visits from some curious seals and porpoises.
Overnight at Innisfree Bed and Breakfast. The B&B is a beautifully restored 160-year-old farmhouse nestled on 10 acres with wonderful gardens and forested trails. Hopewell Rocks Park is within walking distance, or just a few minutes away by car. Enjoy the inn's cozy features, including front verandah and living room. Included in your stay is a full breakfast served in a dining room furnished with period antiques.
Visit the Hopewell Rocks – also known as “Flowerpots” – which slowly disappear and reappear with the dramatic rise and fall of the Bay of Fundy tides. See the world’s highest tide and later, enjoy the juxtaposition of walking on the seafloor.
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Hopewell Rocks offers a unique natural experience of both high and low tides. In addition to the opportunity to walk on the ocean’s floor, they have two sandy beach areas at either end of the park and a number of well-marked walking trails.
PEI's Confederation Bridge
The Great George Hotel
The Great George Hotel - Lobby
The Great George Hotel - Lobby
Drive the Confederation Bridge this morning and arrive on Prince Edward Island. Explore the red sand beaches and red jutting cliffs of the South Shore, and make sure to detour along the many pastoral rural roads. We recommend stopping for lunch in postcard-worthy Victoria-by-the-Sea, before arriving in Charlottetown.
Overnight in a Boutique Inn, such as The Great George. You'll enjoy the unique character of these properties, which are often in historic buildings. They feature intimate service, excellent restaurants, and modern luxuries.
Take the opportunity today to immerse yourself in the charm and history this beautiful town and its people.
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Join a knowledgeable guide and cycle along Prince Edward Island National Park’s beautiful North Shore on the new multi-use trail between North Rustico and Cavendish.
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Explore Charlottetown by double-decker bus through a fun and informative tour. The local guides will delve into Charlottetown's history as you pass the city's most iconic sites.
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Spend a few hours today with a local guide tasting your way through the historic streets of downtown Charlottetown. As you sample the local cuisine your guide will provide insightful stories into the history of the town and its role in the formation of Canada.
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Smell the salty air, feel the gentle breeze against your face, and enjoy the thrill of taking a lobster right out of a trap! Savour the experience of a traditional Prince Edward Island lobster supper while aboard the 45-foot fishing boat on this excursion.
Red Shores Racetrack
Today is yours at leisure to explore Prince Edward Island’s small towns and picturesque landscapes. You might also enjoy exploring the dunes of Greenwich in Prince Edward National Park, savouring “Rick’s Famous Fish ‘n Chips”, or simply exploring historic Charlottetown.
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Charlottetown is both the largest city on and the provincial capital of Prince Edward Island, and the county seat of Queens County. Named after Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, queen consort of the United Kingdom, Charlottetown was first incorporated as a town in 1855 and designated as a city in 1885. It was most famously the site of the Charlottetown Conference in 1864, the first gathering of Canadian and Maritime statesmen to debate the proposed Maritime Union and the more persuasive British North American Union, now known as Canadian Confederation. From this, the city adopted as its motto "Cunabula Foederis," meaning the birthplace of Confederation.
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Sit back and relax today and let an insider take you on guided group tour around Prince Edward Island. Depending on the tour you choose you will have opportunities to make stops at quaint fishing villages, lighthouses, Cavendish Beach, Anne of Green Gables, wineries and more! Ask your Sales Advisor for more details.
mv Confederation Ferry
Drive the scenic road to the Wood Islands ferry, then cross to Pictou - the birthplace of New Scotland. Continue over to Cape Breton via the Canso Causeway. Your journey ends in the little town of Baddeck, set on the shores of the gorgeous Bras d’Or Lakes. Located in the heart of Cape Breton, Baddeck is considered the beginning and end of the Cabot Trail.
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The 75-minute ferry takes you from Wood Islands to Pictou - the birthplace of New Scotland.
Overnight at The Water's Edge Inn. This property is situated across the street from the harbour and near the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, Bell Bay Golf Course and the famous Cabot Trail. Enjoy traditional, understated rooms and a cafe and art gallery during your visit. Your stay includes a complimentary continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi.
Atlantic Puffin
Welcome to the southern shore of Cape Breton, places to explore today include the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, the largest historical reconstruction in North America, or explore the Alexander Graham Bell Museum. For boat enthusiasts, explore the beauty and nature on a guided kayak or boat tour.
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Situated in the heart of Cape Breton Island, Baddeck is known as the beginning and end of the world-famous Cabot Trail. Stretching along the shores of the beautiful Bras d'Or Lakes, Baddeck is a bustling village that maintains its essence as a quaint community. The Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site offers exhibitions and interactive demonstrations. Visitors can also enjoy fully narrated tours of the Baddeck shoreline or see puffins in their natural habitat. Foodies will enjoy fresh lobster and a steaming cup of seafood chowder. And Nova Scotia’s newest Microbrewery, Big Spruce Brewing, is an 800-litre, certified organic, on-farm facility. Uisge Ban Falls Provincial Park Trail is a beautiful and moderate hike, which passes through a hardwood forest comprised largely of maple, birch and beech woods; and leads to the 50-foot-high waterfall. The Falls Trail is approximately 3km (1.8 miles) in length and requires about one hour to complete.
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Your half day tour will have you exploring the rich costal waters of St. Ann's Bay with eagles and other birdlife soaring overhead. Mid-day you will stretch your legs and enjoy a healthy and delicious snack on a small beach with a picturesque waterfall.Tour is suitable for beginners.
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Get up close to the Atlantic Puffin on this one of a kind boat tour. Learn about their interesting behaviours as they take turns coddling their single egg and hunting for fish. Puffins aren't the only creatures you'll see at this wildlife hot spot!
Today explore the famous Cabot Trail – one of the most spectacular drives in all of Canada. The trail winds around the rocky splendours of Cape Breton’s northern shore, ascending to the incredible plateaus of Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
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Nova Scotia is filled with idyllic fishing villages, as well as Atlantic Canada's largest metropolitan area, Halifax. Cape Breton Island in particular is known for its amazing natural beauty and captivating historical and cultural roots.
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With so much to see and do on the Cabot Trail let a knowledge guide take you to visit the scenic hidden gems, provide insider knowledge about the area and local culinary experiences. This way you come back with many great memories, new friends, and fantastic photos!
A three to four-hour drive brings you back to Halifax today. Take your time to explore the charming towns along your drive before spending your final night in Halifax.
Overnight in an Inn or B&B, such as the Waverley Inn. These character properties include clean, cozy accommodations plus the hospitality of your local hosts.
Your Atlantic Canada vacation comes to an end today as you make your way to the airport to return your rental car. With fond memories made, leave the fresh air of Canada behind as you fly home.
Below you'll find examples of this trip's accommodation options.
Please call us for the full list or advice on how to customize your experience.
To make sure that your holiday is full of only good surprises, here's a comprehensive list of what is (and isn't) included in your package.
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Day 1 – Choose 1 of 4:
Day 2 – Suggested Add-On Activity Option:
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This trip is available for departures between May and September.
based on double occupancy, May 2020 departure and our base class.
We offer a range of packages across all four seasons. Please speak with one of our travel advisors about personalizing your trip and getting a comprehensive quote.
![Carol & Peter]( "Carol & Peter")
Carol & Peter
NC, USA
17 Jul 2018
Our Canadian experience was awesome
Our Canadian experience was awesome. Among our favorites were Kejimkujik canoeing, whale watching, Hopewell Rocks and Puffin Boat Tours. Our favorite bed and breakfast was Innisfree. The Great George hotel was the best ever.
![William & Carol]( "William & Carol")
William & Carol
IN, USA
26 Jun 2018
Our itinerary was wonderful
Outstanding experiences and outstanding accommodations. Our itinerary was wonderful and it gave us a chance to see every aspect of the Maritime provinces. We enjoyed a variety of foods by visiting local restaurants and trying local favorites.
![Barbara & David]( "Barbara & David")
Barbara & David
AZ, USA
28 Sep 2017
We had a wonderful trip in a lovely part of Canada
We had a wonderful trip in a lovely part of Canada. The itinerary was relaxing and allowed us to experience many areas, yet still left flexibility to personal exploration.
![Margaret & Geoff]( "Margaret & Geoff")
Margaret & Geoff
NSW, AUS
17 Aug 2017
The pace of the trip was excellent
The pace of the trip was excellent. We enjoyed the different attractions and planned trips, as well as the “surprises” such as the included meals. The highlight was our trip extension to Quirpon Island in Newfoundland, even though the weather was a bit tricky. The staff at Fresh Tracks were very helpful and quick to respond to inquiries – even… Read More
![Nilofer & family]( "Nilofer & family")
Nilofer & family
ON, CAN
24 Jul 2017
All arrangements worked out seamlessly and hassle free
Great trip! Enjoyed our trip to the various locations. Lunenberg was simply amazing. The Geal, sailing and whale watching tours were very interesting. All arrangements worked out seamlessly and hassle free. The limo ride from the train station to our hotel was a very nice touch and big surprise. Breakfast at the Queen Ann Inn was fantastic. Accommodation selection in… Read More
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