Tides and Parks of Atlantic Canada
Self drive tour
This “Best of the East” adventure brings you a combination of the Atlantic provinces’ most magnificent vistas, thrilling adventures, charming villages and fascinating cities. You will begin in the maritime city of Halifax before traversing Nova Scotia’s picturesque fishing villages and rugged coastal landscapes to the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick. Highlights include Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton, the Bras d’Or Lake and Cabot Trail. Newfoundland and Labrador’s magnificent coastline is one of the highlights of this energizing trip. You will seek out whales amid huge icebergs.
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Your Itinerary
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Day 2
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 10
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Day 12
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Day 14
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Day 15
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Day 18
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Day 19
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Day 20
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Day 21-22
Day 1 : UK - Arrival in Halifax
Arrive at Halifax International Airport collect your car and make your way to your downtown hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure for exploring this bustling oceanside city. Overnight in Halifax.
Day 2 : Halifax
Halifax is located on one of the world’s largest natural harbours and bears all the hallmarks of both a modern and historic city. You can discover its proud maritime heritage in the many museums and along the waterfront area, which includes the restored Historic Properties. Independently visit the Citadel, a star shaped fortress that has guarded the city since the 18th-century at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, take a leisurely stroll in the Victorian gardens at the Halifax Public Gardens or perhaps sail on a harbour cruise aboard the one of the many boat tours operating from the Halifax waterfront. Overnight in Halifax.
Day 3 : Halifax to Western Shore (75 km)
Drive along the Lighthouse Route to the fishing community of Peggy’s Cove. This picturesque fishing village is surrounded by bare granite and coastal barrens with trails leading to its famous lighthouse. Continue along the coast and stop in the port of Lunenburg for a visit to the renowned Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic before arriving in Western Shore. Enjoy the facilities at the Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre such as indoor pool, sauna & hot tub, outdoor heated pool, horseshoe pit, mini putt and tennis court. Overnight in Western Shore.
Day 4 : Western Shore to Kejimkujik National Park / Digby (158 km)
Take the scenic, cross-country drive linking the rocky south shore with the lush Annapolis Valley. Relish the amazing views as you traverse extensive woodlands dotted with lakes. Explore the wilderness of Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site along the centuries-old Mi’kmaq canoe routes or follow the hiking trails into its forested heartland. Travel along the Annapolis Basin visiting relics of Anglo-French colonial rivalry. Overnight in Digby.
Day 5 : Digby
Explore this picture-postcard fishing port with its bustling harbour, home to the largest scallop fishing fleet in the world. Digby is Nova Scotia’s most popular summer resort and the largest urban centre in the area. It is located beautifully on the Annapolis Basin, overlooking Digby channel, where the waters of the Basin flow into the Bay of Fundy. Overnight in Digby.
Day 6 : Digby to Fredericton (120 km, land only)
Enjoy a ferry ride across the Bay of Fundy to Saint John, famous for having the world’s largest tides. In Saint John, stop at the Reversing Falls. Follow the coastline and traverse many unique fishing villages en route to Fredericton. The Bay of Fundy is rich in marine life, often seen along its rocky shores at low tide. Just outside of Fredericton is King’s Landing Historical Settlement – a role-playing historic community depicting everyday life in 19th century. Overnight in Fredericton.
Day 7 : Fredericton to Moncton (176 km)
Today you can explore popular covered bridges en route to Fundy National Park. Discover Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, or visit Shediac, the lobster capital of the world, where one can experience lobster at its best. Overnight in Moncton.
Day 8 : Moncton to Charlottetown (164 km)
Before leaving Moncton we suggest a stop at the Magnetic Hill where you can put the car in neutral to experience the illusion of being pulled up hill by a ‘magnetic force.’ The Northumberland coast of New Brunswick has a rich British and Acadian heritage — it’s yours to discover today if you choose to travel through the architectural gem of Dorchester and visit the French fort of Beausejour at the Nova Scotia provincial border. Near the base of the Confederation Bridge is the Cape Jourimain Nature Centre, a community-operated ecotourism and environmental education facility, open to the public displaying the cultural history and environmental diversity of the region. Cross to Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest province, over the Confederation Bridge and arrive in the charming city of Charlottetown. Overnight in Charlottetown.
Day 9 : Charlottetown
Your day is at leisure to explore the Victorian homes and elegant squares of Charlottetown. In Charlottetown, visitors can enjoy exploring the historic waterfront on foot. This is the island’s hub of culture and entertainment; live music and theatre are easily found at many venues such as the Confederation Centre of the Arts. Foodies enjoy the many restaurants and cafes featuring local cuisines such as lobster, oysters and mussels. And local artisans offer many uniquely Canadian mementoes.
Day 10 : Charlottetown to Baddeck (272 km, land only)
Today’s journey takes you past Orwell Corner Historic Site to board the ferry across the Northumberland Strait to Nova Scotia. Drive through tranquil scenery and small communities that continue to celebrate Nova Scotia’s Scottish, Mi’kmaq and Acadian identities. Continue into Cape Breton Island through the magnificent highland scenery that surrounds Bras d’Or Lake, and drive to the delightful resort community of Baddeck. The Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site is dedicated to the life and works of Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone. Overnight in Baddeck.
Day 11 : Baddeck
A scenic highlight of this trip is to drive the Cabot Trail into the highlands of northern Cape Breton. The trail runs past lochs and glens settled by Scottish Highlanders and along scenic coastlines settled by Acadians. You will meander through the rugged Cape Breton Highlands National Park enjoying stunning views of sea-swept headlands, steep cliffs and tranquil beaches. Hiking trails lead into the interior of the park where stunning vistas appear at each turn. Return to Baddeck through the lush Margaree Valley. Overnight in Baddeck.
Day 12 : Baddeck to Corner Brook (276 km, land only)
A scenic ferry crossing between North Sydney and Port-aux-Basques starts your day en route to Corner Brook. As the ferry sails across the Cabot Strait keep a close watch for whales and dolphins. White puffins and birds of prey that live on the spectacular cliffs can also be seen. Coastal barrens and forested mountains dominate the first impressions of Newfoundland’s landscape. The best way to experience the rugged beauty of the wave-pounded coast is by hiking some of the excellent nature trails en route to Corner Brook. Overnight in Corner Brook.
Day 13 : Corner Brook / Gros Morne National Park
Explore Gros Morne National Park (named a World Heritage Site because of its glacier-formed mountains). You can hike the trails to the summit of Gros Morne Mountain to admire the sweeping views of the Tablelands and enjoy the serenity of fishing villages enclosed by towering cliffs and steep fjords. Take advantage of the variety of activities including wildlife watching for Arctic hare, black bear, lynx and caribou. Overnight in Corner Brook.
Day 14 : Corner Brook to Gander (358 km)
Today, drive east through a landscape covered with woodlands and visit some of the historic sites of the mysterious Beothuks, who once inhabited the island. Afterwards, head further inland through a landscape of small rivers and expansive forests, home to some of the largest mammals in North America such as the moose and black bear. Passing by the edge of Notre Dame Provincial Park, you arrive in Gander for the night. Overnight in Gander.
Day 15 : Gander
In many ways, Gander is the birthplace of Canadian aviation. After the first pioneering transatlantic flights in the 1930s, it was decided that Canada should have an airport in the Maritimes to prepare for this new wave of transportation. A decade later it would become one of the most important airports during the Second World War. Today the town celebrates its history, and its present as a welcoming town with all the amenities and comforts of a modern small city. Take the day and discover some of the charms of downtown Gander for yourself! Overnight in Gander.
Day 16 : Gander to Terra Nova National Park / Clarenville (146 km)
En route to Clarenville, you will experience the tranquillity and wildlife of Terra Nova National Park. Explore the pristine wilderness along the numerous hiking trails or navigate the coastline by sea kayak. From the hills and deserted beaches, observe minke, pilot and humpback whales close to shore, while dolphins and orcas can be seen cruising Bonavista Bay. To see moose, black bears and foxes, simply hike into the marshes and forests of the interior. Overnight in Clarenville.
Day 17 : Clarenville to St. John's (198 km)
A scenic drive along the Trans-Canada Highway brings you to St. John’s. Travel along Conception Bay where the air of piracy and tall ships still lingers. The frequent mist lends a mystical aura to these parks and villages. Continue to St. John’s, the provincial capital, where colourful streets compete with the natural beauty of the surrounding hills. Overnight in St. John’s.
Day 18 : St. John's
Today you can explore the city of St. John’s and the surrounding area. The city is one of the oldest in North America, and it emphasizes innovation and progress while cherishing continuity. Wander through the steep narrow streets of the old city and climb the rock of Signal Hill. See its many historic buildings and sites and visit its annual festivals and events. Overnight in St. John’s.
Day 19 : Ferry / St. John's to Sydney (161 km, land only)
Bid farewell to Newfoundland and cross the Avalon Peninsula to catch the ferry. Enjoy a cruise on the Atlantic Ocean. Overnight on ferry.
Day 20 : Sydney to Halifax
Disembark in North Sydney in the morning. Drive back to the Halifax for a final night.
Day 21-22 : Halifax Departure - UK
Check out of your hotel and return your car before taking your homeward flight.
