Good Times Travel - Canadian Maritimes


Day By Day Itinerary:


Day 1	Wednesday, 7/12/2017 - Arrive in Nova Scotia Our journey begins with optional transfers from home or our departure points this morning to LAX for a flight to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Those passengers not taking advantage of the optional group air, should arrive in Halifax by 7:30 p.m. Upon arrival, we’ll clear customs and immigration and board our deluxe motorcoach and transfer to our downtown Halifax hotel to begin a two-night stay.

Day 2	Thursday, 7/13/2017 - Peggy's Cove & Halifax Following an included breakfast we’ll be joined by a local guide and journey to the enchanting seaside fishing village of Peggy’s Cove, on the eastern shore of St. Margarets Bay. Known for its stunning ocean seascape nestled into the rugged coastline, this seaside village attracts artists and photographers alike. We’ll visit Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse – perhaps the most iconic and photographed lighthouse on the east coast of North America. We’ll continue along the coastline to the colorful seaside village of Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a fascinating example of a preserved British Colonial settlement. Established in 1753, the town still features charming, colorful wooden houses, some dating back to the 18th century. This afternoon we return to Halifax, where fresh sea air enhances its exhilarating mix of modern towers and colonial brick buildings, surrounded by gracious Victorian parks and gardens. We’ll visit the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, the star-shaped fortress that was completed in 1856 and stands on a hill overlooking downtown Halifax. On a guided tour of cosmopolitan yet historic Halifax, we’ll visit the Fairview Lawn Cemetery where many victims of the tragic sinking of the Titanic lie in rest. Enjoy time at leisure to stroll through the beautifully manicured Halifax Public Gardens. This evening we’ll enjoy a scenic dinner cruise around the Halifax Harbour.	Breakfast Dinner

Day 3	Friday, 7/14/2017 - Hopewell Rocks After an included breakfast we’ll travel through central Nova Scotia’s beautiful and diverse landscape to the Fundy Tidal Interpretive Centre to learn about the highest tides in the world in Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy – Canada’s amazing natural wonder. The phenomenon known as a tidal bore generates a tide of 6-9’ flowing in and out of the Bay twice a day – totally transforming the landscape. We continue to New Brunswick and visit the Hopewell Rocks where at high tide the rocks look like common islands, but as the tide lowers impressive mushroom-shaped sandstone towers measuring 40 to 70 feet tall magically appear. They stand on the beach like sculptures in an outdoor gallery. View first-hand this land of giants to feel the awesome power that shapes these stones. This afternoon we arrive at our hotel located in downtown Moncton, “the crossroads of the Maritimes” on the Petitcodiac River. Enjoy the balance of the evening at leisure to explore the quaint, red brick downtown area.	Breakfast

Day 4	Saturday, 7/15/2017 - Prince Edward Island Following an included breakfast we’ll travel to Prince Edward Island, traversing the impressive 8-mile long Confederation Bridge. Canada’s smallest province, Prince Edward Island (called PEI by the locals) is truly a storybook setting where you’ll find yourself immersed in picturesque, inspirational scenes of Victorian farmsteads, green rolling fields, and red sand beaches. French-Acadian, Scottish, and Irish have all settled this island, creating the rich heritage that remains today. We continue to Charlottetown, the charmingly-storybook city that is known as “The Birthplace of Canada” and the capital city of Prince Edward Island. We’ll be joined by a local guide to explore this enchanting city that is the smallest of Canadian capitals and the oldest city in the province. We’ll then experience The Story of Confederation to learn about the Province House and the Charlottetown Conference when Canada was born during the first eight days in September of 1864. Enjoy an included traditional PEI lobster dinner this evening before beginning a two-night stay in Charlottetown.	Breakfast Dinner

Day 5	Sunday, 7/16/2017 - Anne of Green Gables After an included breakfast, we’ll join our local guide to tour this picture-perfect island. We’ll tour the Island’s north shore through “Anne’s Land” and PEI National Park, viewing the beautiful red sandy beaches along with wind-sculpted dunes, salt marshes and pastoral countryside. Author Lucy Maud Montgomery was raised by her maternal grandparents in a home in this area and later wrote in, Anne of Green Gables, “Look at that sea …we couldn’t enjoy its loveliness any more if we had millions of dollars and ropes of diamonds.” We’ll visit the famous PEI Preserve Company, home to famous island-made jams, preserves and delicious baked goods where we’ll savor the breathtaking views of the River Clyde while enjoying an included lunch. This afternoon we’ll step back in time at the Green Gables Heritage Place and visit the Green Gables Museum and the home and farm that inspired the author’s literary masterpiece – she called the place, “the wonder castle of my childhood.” Go inside “Anne’s” home and wander the rooms decorated as Montgomery described in her literary masterpiece. Stroll the grounds to learn more about rural life in the early 20th century. Following dinner on own this evening in Charlottetown, we’ll enjoy a delightful musical performance of Anne of Green Gables at The Confederation Centre of the Arts.	Breakfast Lunch

Day 6	Monday, 7/17/2017 - Cape Brenton Island & Baddeck Enjoy an included breakfast before we board the Northumberland ferry and journey across the Northumberland straits to mainland Nova Scotia and then continue over a causeway to Cape Brenton Island. Known to the French as “Isle Royale,” this island changed hands between colonial powers several times, creating a unique culture that blends Acadian and Gaelic traditions. Enjoy time in the charming waterfront village of Baddeck. This afternoon, we’ll visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site featuring a museum showcasing his inventions, from the telephone to ingenious kites, hydrofoils, airplanes and even the metal detector. Alexander Graham Bell summered in Baddeck, Nova Scotia, after he and his family moved to Canada from Scotland, later setting up his laboratory in this picturesque village. Enjoy an included dinner this evening before beginning a two-night stay in Baddeck.	Breakfast Dinner

Day 7	Tuesday, 7/18/2017 - Cabot Trail After an included breakfast, we’ll join a local guide for a day of touring along the world famous Cabot Trail – a serpentine coastal highway that is one of the world’s most exciting and scenic drives! Take in mile after stunning mile of this winding road that is carved into the side of mountains along unforgettable ocean vistas, ascending to the plateaus of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. We’ll make stops at several viewpoints and enjoy a picnic lunch along the Trail. We’ll stop in Ingonish and the Acadian town of Chéticamp for a taste of their long-cherished cultural heritage. This afternoon we’ll visit the Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts at Englishtown, where you’ll learn about Nova Scotia’s Scottish Gaelic culture. Watch a kilt-making demonstration, and learn a little Gaelic – through song – while learning about the fabric milling tradition. An included farewell dinner this evening.	Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 8	Wednesday, 7/19/2017 - Journey Home Enjoy an included breakfast before we journey from Cape Brenton Island to Halifax and our afternoon flight. Those passengers not taking advantage of the optional group air, should depart the Halifax Airport no earlier than 3 p.m. We’ll take with us the many wonderful stories and memories while exploring the Canadian Maritimes!	Breakfast