Operated by G Adventures

Eastern Canada: Highlights of the Maritimes & Newfoundland

From

CAD 9,839

Duration

18 days

Countries

Canada

Activity

moderate

The adventure

Get ready for one epic East Coast adventure through Canada’s most charming and rugged provinces. Start your journey in the Maritimes, where you’ll wander the historic streets of Halifax and Charlottetown, take in the jaw-dropping views of Cape Breton along the Cabot Trail, and walk the ocean floor at low tide at the iconic Hopewell Rocks. Explore the best of Nova Scotia, PEI, and New Brunswick — then fly to Newfoundland for round two of coastal magic. Hike through dramatic fjords in Gros Morne, visit puffin-covered cliffs on the Bonavista Peninsula, and stand atop Signal Hill with the sea stretching out below. From storybook fishing villages to wild, windswept trails, this trip has history, scenery, and salty air in all the right places.

At a glance

Duration

18 days

Route

Halifax → Deer Lake

Countries

Canada

Activity level

moderate

Style

Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Cycling, National Parks & Wilderness, Trekking & Hiking, Wildlife & Safari

Group size

Ask

Flights

Not included

Solo travellers

Welcome

Where you'll go

Day by day

Majestic view of the Canadian Rockies reflecting in a tranquil lake in British Columbia.

Your journey through

Canada

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive at any time. Attend a welcome meeting in the evening. Afterwards, choose to have an optional dinner together as a group out in Halifax, the capital and largest city in Nova Scotia.

Arrive at any time. Attend a welcome meeting in the evening. Afterwards, choose to have an optional dinner together as a group out in Halifax, the capital and largest city in Nova Scotia.

Day 2Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing…

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing to the charming town of Antigonish. Known for its rich Gaelic heritage, rolling countryside, and the nearby beaches of the Northumberland Shore, this is the perfect place to stop and explore. Lunch will be on your own at a local spot, or if the weather is nice, perhaps a picnic. Afterwards, walk one of the nearby hiking trails along Fairmont Ridge or along the beach and shore Pomquet Acadian trails. Travel onwards to Baddeck arriving in the evening. Dinner will be on your own.

Day 3Enjoy a day of exploration in Cape Breton…

Enjoy a day of exploration in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The group will experience the craggy coastline while hiking and driving along the Cabot Trail and its scenic highway with sweeping ocean views. A box lunch will be had along one of the trails. Stop for walks through forests and along river canyons before ending with a beach visit near beautiful Ingonish and it's Caribbean coloured water. Return to Baddeck in the evening where dinner will be on your own. Perhaps find a place in town by the water and relax in the ocean breeze.

Day 4Enjoy some breakfast at the hotel before heading…

Enjoy some breakfast at the hotel before heading to Pictou. Known for its rich maritime history, this charming waterfront town has a strong connection to Scottish heritage. Experience the vibrant community spirit during free time. Choose to visit The Hector Heritage Quay. Lunch will be on your own in town before driving to Caribou to board the ferry to Prince Edward Island. From the port, drive to the picturesque seaside town of Summerside, where the group will spend the night. Dinner is at your leisure with the option to choose from a variety of local spots.

Day 5Enjoy a full free day to partake…

Enjoy a full free day to partake in various optional activities available on Prince Edward Island. The group will travel together into Charlottetown and from there the choice is yours. Opt for an electric bike ride, historic walking tour, kayaking tour, or set off on some nearby trails. After lunch on your own you can choose to continue exploring the city, or travel with your CEO to the North Shore beaches of the island where you can swim and relax. Later, opt to join your CEO and group for an optional dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Day 6In the morning drive across the curved 12

In the morning drive across the curved 12.9km (8 mile) long Confederation Bridge. This bridge is the longest in the world crossing ice-covered water. Arrive to Hopewell Rock Provincial Park after stopping in Moncton to pick up lunch supplies. Enjoy a guided tour of Hopewell Rocks and witness its unique geological rock formations and a very cool perspective during low tide. Continue on to Fundy National Park, renowned for having the highest tides in the world. See for yourself during a 2-4km hike where you’ll experience views of the beach below from a cliff top balcony. Arrive to Saint John in the evening and have some dinner in town on your own.

Day 7In the morning explore Saint John at your leisure

In the morning explore Saint John at your leisure. Gather again as a group for an Indigenous Storytelling Walk through the area. This guided experience allows travellers to connect with nature, local culture, and history through the unique Indigenous point of view. See locations in the area like Reversing Falls Lookout Point, the waterfront, and AREA 506 Container Village. Lunch will be at your leisure before boarding the ferry to Digby. Arrive in the early evening and find a cool local restaurant to have dinner on your own.

Day 8Take advantage of a full free day…

Take advantage of a full free day in the Digby/Annapolis area. Enjoy an optional visit to the National Historic Sites of Fort Anne, the first European Settlement in North America. Later you could opt to visit Bear River, artist galleries in town, shops, cafes, or perhaps choose to book an optional whale watching cruise. This evening, dinner will be on your own in town.

Day 9Leave Digby in the morning and visit…

Leave Digby in the morning and visit the town of Lunenburg for a guided walking tour. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the best-preserved examples of a planned British Colonial settlement in North America. Grab lunch on your own at a local restaurant before free time to explore. Later, travel to Western Shore and get settled in at the hotel. Spend the evening enjoying the property’s amenities like the walking or bike trails, water activities, and pools. Have dinner on your own on site and choose to attend an evening bonfire with live music.

Day 10Drive to Peggy’s Cove today for a walk…Halifax

Halifax

Drive to Peggy’s Cove today for a walk around the fishing village, wharf, and lighthouse. This small rural community is located on the eastern shore of St. Margarets Bay with smooth rocks stretching down toward the water from the lighthouse. Afterwards, travel to Halifax and enjoy a CEO-led orientation tour. The remainder of the afternoon will be free and on your own. Join your group in the evening for an optional dinner together.

Day 11After breakfast your CEO will bring you…Halifax

Halifax

After breakfast your CEO will bring you to the airport for your flight from Halifax to St. John's. Once here, you will be able to enjoy free time to explore the area on your own before an optional group dinner in the evening.

Day 12Begin the day with a visit…

Begin the day with a visit to the Signal Hill National Historic Site and walk on one of the trails for gorgeous views of the rugged coastline and seascapes. Then travel to Brigus, a picture-postcard town, reminiscent of the quaintness found in European villages. Enjoy a walk along the winding narrow lanes and visit the large tunnel cut through the solid bedrock near the harbour front. You’ll have some free time to explore and grab lunch on your own before continuing on to Trinity. Set off on a CEO-led orientation tour through the small town and get to know the area’s history. Dinner will be on your own here accompanied by a free evening. Choose to join your CEO for a walk on Gun Hill or book a show at the local theatre.

Day 13Today

Today, encounter the wildlife of the Bonavista Peninsula with a visit to Elliston and the puffin viewing site there. Begin with a short walk along a narrow path and observe the colourful auks occupying a section of land at the end of this rocky outcrop. Then, spend free time in town for lunch on your own and the chance to book an optional visit to the nearby interpretation centre. In the afternoon, follow your CEO on one of the hiking trails along the peninsula which will be chosen based on weather. Each option will allow you to view and photograph seabirds, sea stacks, icebergs, and whales (in season), as well as the surrounding communities. Dinner will be at your leisure tonight in Trinity.

Day 14Following breakfast the group will travel to Twillingate…

Following breakfast the group will travel to Twillingate breaking up the drive with a stop in Gander along the way. Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy free time to explore. Choose to join your CEO on one of the area’s hiking trails, visit museums and different art workshops in town, or book a whale and wildlife watching tour ahead of time. Take in the stunning rugged coastline, lush country roads, and picturesque streets as you prepare for a relaxing evening.

Day 15Travel from Twillingate to King’s Point

Travel from Twillingate to King’s Point. Here, enjoy the choice to accompany your CEO for a hike amid the natural beauty along the Alexander Murray trail, or to stay in town and explore the sites on your own. Later, continue to Rocky Harbour outside of Gros Morne National Park. Dinner in town will be at your leisure tonight.

Day 16Visit Gros Morne National Park today

Visit Gros Morne National Park today. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated on the western coast of the island of Newfoundland. Located in the park is the landlocked fjord of Western Brook Pond. Start with the Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse this morning for a walk on the trail and stop at the exhibit. Then, walk along a 3km trail to the dock for a boat tour on Western Brook Pond. A packed lunch will be had on board as you enjoy the pristine lake waters and the incredible scenery surrounding the boat. Return to Rocky Harbour in the late afternoon and spend time on your own in this quaint Canadian town.

Day 17Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before driving…Deer Lake

A deer stands amidst a snowy forest in Waterton Park, Alberta, showcasing winter wilderness.

Deer Lake

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before driving to Norris Point. Board a boat shuttle here to travel to the historical Woody Point. You’ll cruise fifteen minutes across the beautiful Bonne Bay offering magnificent photo opportunities of the Tablelands, Gros Morne mountains, and unique communities nestled along the shores of the bay. Upon arrival, you will have free time to explore before your CEO arrives from the drive and gathers everyone for the Tableland Trail hike. The trail ends in the glacially carved Winter House Brook Canyon. From here, transfer to Deer Lake where you will have free time.