Canada
Canada Maritimes
Atlantic Canada – home to stunning coastal scenery, marine wildlife, maritime history and quaint fishing villages. Far removed from the busier sites of the Rockies and bustling cities of Vancouver and Toronto, the Maritimes are perfect for families looking for a slower-paced road trip.
We know children will love the whale-watching cruise in New Brunswick and hauling in lobster from Prince Edward Island. Counting numerous lighthouses and getting sand between their toes on endless, gloriously safe beaches. Hauling the sails on a Tall Ship voyage and dining on fish and chips near the famous Hopewell Rocks flowerpot stacks. And surely one of the most unique activities any family can enjoy – tidal bore rafting on the highest tides in the world in the Bay of Fundy. Atlantic Canada offers a wonderful mix of marine-based activities and leisurely scenic drives, perfect for all ages.
Highlights
Bay of Fundy tidal bore rafting
Whale watching cruise
Tall Ship Sailing
Stunning coastal drives
Cape Breton and Cabot Trail
Prince Edward Island exploration
Maritime history at Peggy’s Cove
15 days from £2,750 pp
Plus international flights starting at £850 direct.
A two-week holiday in Atlantic Canada for a family of four usually costs from £11,000 plus flights, depending on type of accommodation.
Canada Maritimes day-by-day itinerary
Day 1, Halifax
Welcome to Atlantic Canada and Nova Scotia! On arrival in Halifax, you will collect your car and drive to your hotel, centrally located in this quaint provincial capital.
Halifax is a vibrant and cultural city with a stunning harbourfront. There are many local restaurants to try as you wander along the waterfront in the sunshine – the perfect antidote for flight-weary legs!
Day 2, Halifax Walking Tour and Tall Ships Cruise
This morning, you will explore Halifax’s iconic waterfront on a guided walking tour that reveals how the area developed from a working harbour into the lively heart of downtown Halifax. Along the way, you will see a mix of historic and modern architecture and hear stories about pivotal moments like the Halifax Explosion and the city’s role in maritime history.
You can then enjoy some free time. You might want to make a stop at the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market, pop into the Discovery Centre or hop over to Georges Island to explore Fort Charlotte. Later this afternoon, you will take to the water aboard the historic Tall Ship Silva for a memorable cruise through Halifax Harbour. Live music plays as you glide along the city’s waterfront and coastline, and if conditions allow, you’ll be invited to help raise the sails. This tour is the ideal mix of maritime adventure, scenic moments and laid-back sailing.
Day 3, Bay of Fundy Tidal Bore Rafting
Today you will enjoy one of the most exciting activities Canada has to offer – in one of Atlantic Canada’s most iconic locations – tidal bore rafting in the Bay of Fundy! The bay is home to the world’s highest tides that can be up to four metres high. Which can, of course, be observed from dry land – but what is the fun in that? Hop aboard your inflatable raft and feel the rush of riding waves as expert guides take you cascading down rapids as the incoming ocean reverses the flow of the river, turning the Shubenacadie River into a water roller coaster only found in Nova Scotia. This fun-filled voyage isn’t complete without going mud sliding, too!
Return to Halifax after your exciting rafting adventure. Please note this activity is dependent on tide times, so today’s schedule is left flexible.
Day 4, Peggy’s Cove – Kejimkujik National Park
Time to start your road trip! Make your way to Peggy’s Cove, home to an iconic lighthouse that has stood for more than a century on massive granite boulders beside the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll explore the scenic surroundings and visit the active fishing village, before continuing along the coast. Stop for lunch (or a well deserved ice-cream) at the picturesque harbour town of Lunenburg, famous for the schooner Bluenose depicted on the back of the Canadian dime
Head inland to Kejimkujik National Park. Kejimkujik offers a mix of natural landscapes and cultural history, with its ancient Mi’kmaq petroglyphs and a diverse ecosystem that includes old-growth forests, rivers and lakes, ideal for canoeing and gentle walks.
Further on, you will reach Annapolis, one of the oldest European settlements in Canada, providing a window into the early colonial life of the Acadians and British settlers. Stop at the Habitation in Port Royal, where Samuel de Champlain’s settlement offers a glimpse into the area’s early colonial history, before arriving at your overnight stop at the charming coastal village of Smith’s Cove.
Day 5, Bay of Fundy Crossing – Saint John – St Andrews
Drive to Digby to board the ferry to Saint John, New Brunswick. This journey offers a unique perspective of the Bay of Fundy. Keep an eye out for marine life, including whales and seabirds, during the crossing.
Upon arriving in Saint John, you can explore the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. The Saint John City Market, the oldest continuously operated farmers’ market in Canada, offers a variety of local produce and crafts. Don’t miss out on seeing the street art and the harbour views whilst you’re here.
Continue west along the Fundy Coastal Drive to arrive in St. Andrews, one of Canada’s most beautiful seaside resorts and right on the border with Maine and the USA.
Read More Day 6, Whale Watching Cruise The rest of the day is free to enjoy the delights of this New England-style resort. Explore the shops on Water Street, meander through Kingsbrae Garden or visit the Fundy Discovery Aquarium. Day 7, Marine Life Excursion The afternoon is free to explore further. Why not take the short drive to St. Stephen’s to visit the famous Chocolate Museum, located in the historic Ganong Candy Factory? Day 8, Fundy Trail Parkway – Hopewell Rocks – Moncton In Alma, a recommended stop for fresh seafood and views of Shepody Bay precedes your visit to the famous Hopewell Rocks, where the flowerpot sea stacks rise 12 to 21 metres from the ocean floor. After visiting the rocks, continue toward Moncton. For some magical fun, stop at Magnetic Hill, which offers a curious optical illusion where vehicles appear to roll uphill. Nearby, the Magnetic Hill Zoo and Magic Mountain Water Park offer additional family-friendly attractions to round out the day. Day 9, Shediac – Charlottetown Drive Confederation Bridge, the longest bridge in Canada, stretching 12.9 km across the Northumberland Strait, as you cross into Prince Edward Island (PEI). Once in PEI, follow the Trans-Canada Highway towards Charlottetown. Charlottetown is the birthplace of the Confederation of Canada and home to Victorian-era architecture and an historic waterfront. A visit to Province House National Historic Site is a must, where the Charlottetown Conference of 1864 took place, leading to the foundation of Canada. Day 10, Prince Edward Island – Lobster Cruise You could also take a trip down the Greenwich Trails, which will lead you to the world’s longest floating boardwalk. This trail leads you to an expansive beach with famous parabolic sand dunes. Or you have the exciting option of visiting the Canadian Potato Museum, which showcases the history of potatoes through its historical interpretive centre and large collection of antique farming equipment. You can even visit their potato restaurant at the end of your visit! Set out in the evening aboard a traditional lobster fishing boat and experience Charlottetown Harbour as the day fades into sunset. Help haul lobster traps and learn how modern lobster fishing works while hearing stories from a fourth-generation fishing family. As the coastline glows in the evening light, savour a classic Prince Edward Island lobster dinner on the water. Day 11, PEI – Cape Breton Continue to the Canso Causeway which links Nova Scotia with the island of Cape Breton. Welcome to wilderness, raw nature and wild coastal scenery at its best! Days 12-13, Cape Breton – Cabot Trail You could also visit Cheticamp, which has a distinct Acadian flavour noticeable in the architecture, people, language and music. Nearby you will find the Gypsum Mine Trail. The hike to the viewpoint is challenging but the reward of cooling off in the pristine lake (and unique experience of swimming in an abandoned quarry) makes it worth it! Other recommended stops are Baddeck, whose best-known resident was inventor Alexander Graham Bell, and Ingonish, home of the famous Cape Smokey gondola. Hop on a puffin-watching cruise or take to the skies on Atlantic Canada’s largest overwater zipline! Day 14, Cape Breton – Halifax Continue on back to Halifax for one last evening by the sea. Day 15, Departure
Set sail from St Andrews and explore the Bay of Fundy’s rich marine ecosystem on an exciting Zodiac whale watching experience. Journey offshore to watch whales, seals, porpoises and bald eagles. A wonderful mixture of thrilling wildlife encounters and unforgettable ocean scenery along Canada’s spectacular coastline.
Local wildlife awaits your visit! Today, a biologist will take you on a Jeep ride and beach walk to explore the fauna and flora on the intertidal zone. Take a look through the microscope to see the smallest animals of the bay. Witness the extraordinary number of seabirds along the coast. Find out amazing facts about all life forms, while getting a chance to handle them yourself! This is a lovely interactive experience, led by a passionate local guide keen to ensure future generations are aware of the importance of responsible eco-tourism.
Today you will head back towards Saint John and then enjoy one of the world’s most scenic drives – the Fundy Trail Parkway. The drive showcases the dramatic coastline, natural wonders, and rich heritage of southern New Brunswick with over 20 lookouts and several waterfalls. A recommended visit to the Big Salmon River Interpretive Centre reveals stories of the 19th-century logging era and includes a walk across the 60-metre suspension bridge. Walton Glen Gorge offers a rewarding short hike to a dramatic ravine and waterfall. Fuller Falls, Long Beach, and Cranberry Brook provide additional scenic stops.
Leave Moncton behind and head to Shediac, famously known as the “Lobster Capital of the World,” where you can learn about the town’s rich fishing heritage and see the iconic World’s Largest Lobster sculpture. If lobster sculptures aren’t your thing, then it’s still a lovely stop for lunch! Visit Parlee Beach Provincial Park, one of the most beautiful beaches in Canada, where the warm waters of Shediac Bay invite you for a relaxing swim or a stroll along the sandy shore.
Free time to enjoy the natural beauty of Prince Edward Island. A must-see is the Green Gables Heritage Place in Cavendish. Immortalised by Lucy Maud Montgomery’s “Anne of Green Gables,” this site offers a look into early 20th-century farm life on PEI. The surrounding area, part of Prince Edward Island National Park, features stunning coastal landscapes, sand dunes, and beaches, perfect for a leisurely walk or a picnic.
You’ll leave Prince Edward Island behind this morning as you drive to Wood Islands to check in for your ferry crossing to Caribou, Nova Scotia. An optional (but great) stop off is Hector Heritage Quay at Pictou, where a full-scale replica of the Ship Hector has been built using traditional shipbuilding techniques.
Two full days to enjoy this spectacular area. Highly recommended is spending one day encircling the Cape Breton Highlands National Park along the Cabot Trail, a 294 km loop which boasts cliff-hugging turns, stunning ocean views and Highland culture, that is considered one of the most amazing drives on the continent. The park has 26 hiking trails ranging from 15-minute short walks to challenging hikes through stunning mountain and coastal landscapes. The most popular is the Skyline loop trail, a 2-3 hour hiking trail known for its panoramic views of the island’s mountains and ocean coast. Why not pack a picnic and stop for lunch with a view!
Head towards the Eastern Shore, following the Marine Drive Route, where you will find rugged coasts, tranquil bays and beaches, unspoiled forest fauna and crystal clear lakes and streams. What more could you want to end your time in Nova Scotia!
Time to say farewell to the coastal delights of Atlantic Canada and drive to the airport to drop your car off and fly home. Or you could choose to fly to Newfoundland to explore the last of the Canadian Maritime provinces.
Canada in pictures
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