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Holidays

Canada's Maritime Magic

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Canada's Maritime Magic

Name: Canada's Maritime Magic
Brand: Holiday Architects
Price: 3990 GBP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (1 reviews)

Big skies, coastal charm & Canadian hospitality

from £3,990 pp including flights

18 days

Canada

Wildlife & Nature, Culture & History, Self-drive

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What Makes it Special?

Drive the Cabot Trail, one of Canada’s most scenic routes.
Walk the ocean floor at Hopewell Rocks during low tide.
Take a lobster cruise in Shediac and learn to catch and cook.
Explore Lunenburg, a UNESCO-listed fishing town with colourful waterfronts.
Hike through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, spotting moose and eagles.
Cross the Confederation Bridge to Prince Edward Island.

Your tailor-made holiday will be as unique as you are. These itineraries are just a starting point, a bit of inspiration to show what’s possible. Your own trip all starts with a conversation with one of our Canada experts, who’ll take the time to understand what matters most to you and design the perfect holiday to match.

The Maritime provinces of Eastern Canada offer a delightful combination of sweeping coastal landscapes, colourful fishing villages, scenic river valleys, excellent wildlife viewing, and a rich cultural heritage. This itinerary is a gentle self-drive route, giving you a lovely overview of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. Along with the diverse landscapes, tranquil towns, and numerous white weatherboard lighthouses that the Maritimes are famous for, you will find yourself immersed in a melting pot of cultures, with many national sites that provide insight into the historic land battles that have shaped the region and the lives of European settlers. There are several places where you can go whale watching, and Cape Breton also has one of the highest concentrations of moose in the country. But, possibly more than all of this, the laid-back and friendly locals are what truly make a trip to this part of the country a memorable one.

7 hours from London

When to go

June to September

Average temperature

10-23°C

Average rainfall

95mm/month

Itinerary at a Glance

Halifax

2 Nights

Liscomb

1 Night

Louisbourg

2 Nights

Cape Breton

2 Nights

Pictou

1 Night

Prince Edward Island

2 Nights

Shediac

2 Nights

Fredericton

1 Night

Annapolis Royal

2 Nights

Lunenburg

2 Nights

Day by Day

Here's a summary of what you might get up to day-to-day on this Canada holiday. As always, this is just an idea. Every single day of your trip will be tailored to suit you.

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Fly from the UK to Halifax today and enjoy your first views of the magnificent harbour with a stroll along the waterfront boardwalk.

You have a full day to enjoy the sights of Halifax. We highly recommend a visit to the Museum of Immigration, which tells the story of European settlers in the province. Later on, take a wander around the lovely botanical gardens or visit the historic Citadel.

Start your journey eastwards and wind your way along the coast as far as Liscomb. Scenic Highway 7 takes you through a number of remote settlements and past some beautiful, sweeping beaches. It’s a long day, but take your time and enjoy off-the-beaten-path Nova Scotia.

Continue your journey east onto Cape Breton Island, crossing the Canso Causeway and making your way along the southern side of Bras d’Or Lake. Skirt the town of Sydney and head to the historic town of Louisbourg, tucked in the southeastern corner of the island.

You have the day free around Louisbourg. The fortress is well worth a visit to learn about the history of the warring English and French settlers, and at the other end of town, there is a lovely walk from the famous lighthouse along the coastal trail.

Backtrack through Sydney and pick up the famous Cabot Trail, which takes you along the eastern side of the Cape Breton peninsula. Wind your way as far as Ingonish today, where you will see the rolling hills and impressive headlands of the national park stretching out before you.

Spend the day exploring the Cabot Trail and Cape Breton National Park as you wind your way around Chéticamp on the western side. You will pass a few small settlements where you’ll find interesting galleries and cafés, and have the opportunity to explore several fantastic walking trails along the way.

Continue your drive today to Pictou on the Northumberland Shore. Take the leisurely route via Inverness Beach and Port Hood before returning across the Canso Causeway, then head through Antigonish and New Glasgow to Pictou. This afternoon, visit the historic immigrant ship Hector.

From nearby Caribou, take the Wood Islands ferry across to Prince Edward Island and make your way to the laid-back town of Charlottetown.

Spend the day exploring Charlottetown and Prince Edward Island. There are a number of provincial parks and lighthouses dotted around the coast. You could also visit Cavendish on the north coast, the setting for the famous Anne of Green Gables books.

Cross the impressive Confederation Bridge into New Brunswick and head to Shediac, where you will find the famous giant lobster statue on the waterfront. This afternoon, board a lobster cruise, where you will learn how to catch and cook a fresh lobster!

You have a free day today, and we recommend visiting nearby Hopewell Rocks – impressive sea stacks that rise from the seafloor at low tide but only reveal their tops at high tide. A day ticket will give you access throughout the day, so you can enjoy the views at both high and low tide.

Today you head inland and make your way past Moncton and eastward to Fredericton. On the way, consider stopping at Kings Landing Historical Settlement, an open-air museum that recreates life in 19th-century New Brunswick with authentic buildings, costumed interpreters, and hands-on activities. Enjoy the afternoon exploring Fredericton; perhaps take a river cruise or a leisurely stroll along the riverside walk.

Drive to Saint John and take the ferry across the Bay of Fundy to Digby in Nova Scotia. From here, it’s a short drive to the charming town of Annapolis Royal.

Spend the day in the former Nova Scotia capital of Annapolis Royal, exploring the various heritage sites.

Take a drive through Kejimkujik National Park today to Liverpool on the south coast. Take a short detour into the park and enjoy a walk or picnic lunch by Kejimkujik Lake. Once in Liverpool, turn east and wind your way along the coast to Lunenburg.

Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, brimming with colourful buildings and a fascinating maritime heritage. Take a guided walk this morning and enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring the town.

This stretch of your journey takes you to Peggy’s Cove. Take a short sightseeing boat trip around the harbour and capture photos of this beautiful landmark. Afterwards, head to Halifax for your evening flight home.

Places you'll visit

Prince Edward Island

Where You'll Stay

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What You'll Do

All Excursions In canada

Excursion

Brier Island Whale and Seabird Cruise

Brier Island Whale and Seabird Cruises is one of Nova Scotia’s most exciting ways to experience the Bay of Fundy, where powerful tides create nutrient-rich waters that attract an incredible range of marine life. This is a brilliant spot for whale watching, with the chance to see multiple species in the same outing, alongside plenty of seabirds riding the coastal winds and skimming the surface. You can choose between two very different styles of trip depending on how you like to travel. The regular whale watch takes place on the Mega Nova, a comfortable, purpose-built vessel with an open viewing deck, sheltered areas and onboard facilities, making it a great option if you want a relaxed cruise with plenty of time scanning the water and enjoying the scenery. For something more adventurous, the Zodiac option is a faster, more exhilarating ride on a rigid inflatable boat, designed to cover ground quickly and maximise time with the wildlife once you reach the action. Whale watching here is very seasonal, with tours running from mid-June through to early October. Peak months are typically July and August, when departures are most frequent and conditions are often at their best. As with any wildlife experience, sightings can’t be guaranteed, but the Bay of Fundy’s reputation is well earned and it’s one of the strongest places in Atlantic Canada to give yourself a great chance. Brier Island is wonderfully remote, which is a big part of the appeal, and getting there is part of the adventure too. Westport is reached via two short ferries, and it’s worth allowing good time for the crossing so you can arrive feeling unhurried and ready to head out on the water.

Excursion

Glenora Distillery Tours & Tasting

Glenora Distillery’s Tours & Tasting experience is a brilliant choice if you fancy something a little more exclusive, offering a private, appointment-only look behind the scenes of one of Nova Scotia’s most iconic whisky names. It’s designed to feel personal and unhurried, with plenty of time to dig into the story of the distillery, how it came to be, and what makes its whisky distinctive. The experience goes beyond a standard tour, taking you through the production side of things with a knowledgeable host who brings the process to life, from the heritage and setting to the craft that goes into each expression. The real highlight comes in the Whisky Warehouse, where you’ll draw and taste a barrel sample straight from the cask, a wonderfully atmospheric moment that gives you a direct connection to the whisky as it matures. To round things off, you’ll move to the pub for a private guided tasting, comparing a selection of Glenora whiskies with expert insight into flavour, character and style. Running seasonally through the warmer months, it’s an ideal addition for anyone who enjoys food and drink experiences, and it works particularly well as a relaxed afternoon treat during a Cape Breton stay.

Excursion

Cape Breton TNT Trail Tour

Cape Breton TNT’s Trail Tour is a cracking way to get off the beaten track and see a wilder side of the Cape Breton Highlands, swapping paved roads for forest trails, mountain terrain and big, open viewpoints. Travelling by UTV (side-by-side) with a knowledgeable guide, you’ll head from the base of the Crowdis Mountain Wilderness area up towards Cape Clear, one of the region’s most impressive lookouts. The route is all about variety, with changing landscapes as you climb, plenty of fresh air, and lots of natural pauses for photos. The reward at the top is the sweeping view from around 1,500 feet, looking out across the highlands with the Margaree River winding below and Cape Clear’s coastal scenery in the distance. It’s the kind of perspective you simply don’t get from the main roads, and it really shows off how diverse Cape Breton can be. Because it’s a private experience, it feels relaxed and tailored, with space to take your time, enjoy the moment, and keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. Helmets and safety gear are included, and you’ll also be looked after with water and snacks, plus a signature swag bag of TNT keepsakes and locally made treats to take home. It’s a fun, high-energy addition to a Cape Breton stay, especially if you want a bit of adventure without committing to a full-day activity.

Excursion

Escape Through the Vines Annapolis Valley Wine Tour

Escape Through the Vines is a relaxed, small-group introduction to Nova Scotia’s wine country, taking you through the pretty landscapes of the Annapolis Valley for a day of tastings, good food, and easy-going local insight. It’s ideal if you want to sample the region’s best without worrying about driving, planning routes, or choosing which wineries to prioritise. Over the course of the tour you’ll visit a hand-picked selection of three vineyards, with tastings that showcase what Nova Scotia does particularly well. You can expect a mix that often includes sparkling wines, rosé, the province’s signature Tidal Bay, and sometimes a medium-bodied red, depending on what’s being poured on the day. Between stops, your guide keeps things light and sociable, sharing stories about the Valley and the people behind the wines, with plenty of chances to ask questions and learn a bit more about the local wine scene. A gourmet lunch is included too, either at a popular local eatery or at a vineyard, depending on the weather and the day’s plan, which makes the whole experience feel like a proper indulgent treat rather than just a quick tasting run. Tours run seasonally from mid-May through to the end of October, which lines up nicely with the Valley’s best weather and vineyard atmosphere. If you’re travelling with family, under-18s can join the tour, although tastings are for adults only. Private tours are also available for smaller groups who’d like a more tailored experience.

Excursion

Halifax Hop On Hop Off Bus

The Halifax Hop On Hop Off Bus is an easy, flexible way to get your bearings and see the city’s highlights at your own pace. Riding an old-school vintage double-decker, you can dip in and out of Halifax’s best-known sights throughout the day, spending longer where you fancy and simply hopping back on when you’re ready to carry on. The route links together the waterfront and downtown with many of the city’s headline attractions, so it works brilliantly whether you’re short on time or just want a relaxed overview before exploring on foot. As you travel, the guides bring Halifax to life with stories from its maritime past, the Halifax Explosion, wartime history and the events that shaped the city you see today. It’s a fun way to add context as you go, rather than just ticking off photo stops. A popular stop for many visitors is Fairview Lawn Cemetery, where over 100 victims of the Titanic tragedy are laid to rest, and it’s a powerful, thought-provoking addition to a day of sightseeing. With your ticket valid for the full day, you can treat the bus as both transport and a moving commentary, letting you explore Halifax in a way that feels easy, efficient and genuinely enjoyable.

Excursion

Traditional Indigenous Food Tasting

Traditional Indigenous Food Tasting at Metepenagiag Heritage Park is a thoughtful, immersive way to connect with Mi’kmaq culture through storytelling, landscape and food. Set within one of New Brunswick’s oldest continuously inhabited Indigenous communities, the experience offers a real sense of place, with the nearby Oxbow National Historic Sites providing a powerful backdrop. Your visit begins at the Metepenagiag Interpretative Centre, where a local guide shares the community’s history and cultural traditions, bringing to life stories handed down through generations. From there, you’ll head out onto the park’s groomed walking trails, following routes that have been part of Mi’kmaq life for thousands of years. Along the way, the focus turns to the natural world and how it has long provided both nourishment and meaning, as you gather some of the ingredients used in the meal. The experience finishes with a traditional Indigenous meal, featuring wild game or fresh fish alongside warm bannock and tea brewed from hand-picked leaves collected during the walk. It’s a relaxed and meaningful way to engage with culture beyond the museum setting, and you’ll also leave with an Indigenous gift as a keepsake of your time at Metepenagiag.

Excursion

Maple Sugar Tour and Tasting

The Maple Sugar Tour and Tasting at Dumfries Maples is a sweet, feel-good glimpse into one of Canada’s best-loved traditions. Set in the Saint John River Valley, it’s the kind of visit that’s all about comforting aromas, warm hospitality, and seeing how maple sap is transformed into that familiar golden syrup. Hosted by the Scott family, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the sugarbush and sugarhouse, with time to watch sap boiling down and syrup being bottled. Along the way, there are plenty of chances to sample the good stuff, including classic maple taffy poured onto snow (when conditions allow) and homemade biscuits served with maple butter, which is exactly as delicious as it sounds. If you’re visiting in late winter or early spring, the experience becomes even more seasonal and hands-on. You can walk or snowshoe through the sugarbush to see sap collecting in buckets on the trees, then finish with a hearty pancake breakfast in a cosy cedar log cookhouse, a real highlight for anyone who loves local food and simple, authentic experiences. It’s an easy add-on for travellers passing through the Fredericton area, and works particularly well for families. As it’s a small group experience that runs with a minimum number of guests, it’s worth booking ahead where possible.

Excursion

Kayak the Hopewell Rocks

Kayak the Hopewell Rocks is one of the most memorable ways to experience the Bay of Fundy, putting you right on the water beside the famous “Flowerpot Rocks” as the world’s highest tides transform the coastline around you. Paddling through this dramatic landscape of sea stacks and cliffs is an incredible perspective, and it really brings home the sheer scale and power of Fundy’s tidal range. With a guide leading the way, you’ll glide along calm tidal waters at just the right time, weaving past the towering rock formations and taking in views that are completely different from the lookouts above. It’s a brilliant mix of gentle adventure and natural wonder, with plenty of chances to pause, soak it all in, and snap photos from water level. What makes this experience especially special is pairing it with time on the ocean floor. To really appreciate what’s happening here, many visitors choose to walk on the beach just before or after paddling, when the tide is out, to get those classic “before and after” shots of the same formations at different water levels. You can explore independently or, if available, join a park interpreter to learn more about the geology, wildlife and tidal rhythms that shape the area. This is an active outing and conditions matter, so it’s weather dependent and best suited to confident participants, with young people required to be accompanied by an adult (minimum age typically 10). Please note that park admission is not included, so you’ll need to purchase entry separately to access the Hopewell Rocks site.

Excursion

Top Notch Lobster Tour

Top Notch Lobster Tour is a brilliant, hands-on way to experience Prince Edward Island’s most famous catch, taking you out on a working lobster boat for a proper behind-the-scenes look at the fishery. Departing from Charlottetown’s waterfront, you’ll cruise through the harbour and out towards the Northumberland Strait, with Island views all around and plenty of salty sea air to go with it. Along the way, the crew share what lobster fishing means to PEI, from the role it plays in the local economy to the conservation measures used to protect stocks. It’s not just a sightseeing cruise either, you’ll see how modern tools like GPS and sonar help fishers locate and check their traps, and then it’s time for the best bit: helping haul a trap from the water to see what’s inside. After the catch is checked and the trap is re-baited, it goes straight back down, giving you a real sense of the rhythm of the work. There are two options depending on how foodie you want to make it. The shorter cruise focuses on the experience on the water, while the longer tour finishes in the best possible way, with a fresh lobster dinner served on board. If lobster isn’t for everyone in the group, chicken can be arranged instead with advance notice. This is a seasonal summer experience and a real PEI crowd-pleaser, combining coastline, local insight and a delicious finish in one easy outing.

Excursion

Lennox Island Mi’kmaq Cultural Experiences

Lennox Island Mi’kmaq Cultural Experiences offer a warm, welcoming way to connect with Mi’kmaq traditions on Prince Edward Island, learning directly from local teachers and artisans in a hands-on, story-led setting. Hosted at the Lennox Island Mi’kmaq Cultural Centre, these experiences are about sharing knowledge in an engaging, practical way, with plenty of time for questions, conversation and a genuine sense of connection. There are three different options, each offering a slightly different window into Mi’kmaq culture. Bannock and Clams in the Sand focuses on traditional food preparation, where you’ll help make bannock and cook it in the sand while listening to stories of life on Lennox Island, and you may even pick up a little Mi’kmaq language along the way. It’s a relaxed, sociable experience that finishes exactly as you’d hope, with a shared meal. For something more creative, The Beat of One Drum invites you to learn the teachings and meaning of the drum, then weave your own moose hide drum to take home. It’s a brilliant option if you love making something with your hands and want a keepsake that carries real significance, not just a souvenir. Quill Work on Birchbark is a chance to explore an ancient art form that has been passed down through generations, working alongside a skilled artisan to create your own decorative birchbark piece. It’s a calm, detailed experience that offers a real appreciation for the craftsmanship and history behind Mi’kmaq quillwork. These sessions run seasonally through the summer months, and because they’re small-group experiences, they can feel personal and interactive. Some options require a minimum number of participants to go ahead, so it’s worth building in a little flexibility if you’re travelling in quieter periods.

Excursion

Historic Charlottetown Walking Tour

The Historic Charlottetown Walking Tour is a fun, easy way to get to know PEI’s capital, bringing the city’s stories to life as you wander through its prettiest historic streets. Led by the Heritage Players in period costume, it’s entertaining and informative in equal measure, and ideal if you want a bit of context and colour rather than a dry history lesson. As you stroll through the heart of Charlottetown, you’ll hear how the Island’s story fits into the wider Canadian picture, from the area’s earliest inhabitants through to Confederation and beyond. Along the way you’ll spot architectural details, key landmarks and little corners you might otherwise walk straight past, with plenty of intriguing facts and local tales woven in. Because the tour is short and paced gently, it works brilliantly as an introduction at the start of a stay, helping you get your bearings and decide where you’d like to explore more afterwards. Tours run seasonally in the summer months, and with two daily departures it’s easy to fit around lunch, the waterfront and other sightseeing.

What You're Saying

“

Our recent trip to Canada was an adventure of a lifetime and our experience was enhanced by the faultless planning by Paul Turner. His thorough organisation and assistance throughout made our time away so relaxed and enjoyable and we are truly grateful.

Kim Hill Trustpilot

”

“

First class. This was the 2nd time I’ve used Holiday Architects - they are absolutely excellent. We have just returned from a perfect trip to Canada to travel and visit friends which Paul Turner brought together excellently.

Patsy Trustpilot

”

“

We choose Holiday Architects so we have a chance to work with an expert on an region, who will combine their knowledge with listening to what we enjoy and are hoping to get out of a particular holiday. Paul really delivered on a wonderful trip to Canada for us this autumn. We had a brilliant balance between exploring cities and their culture and architecture, with some great opportunities to see beautiful fall landscapes and eat some amazing food thrown in for good measure. Highly recommended.

RD Trustpilot

”

“

This time we embarked on a fly/drive tour around the west of Canada and the holiday build was excellent. Our point of contact was Paul Turner. We received an initial itinerary based on Paul's local knowledge and experience, and then over 3-4 phone calls, we honed it down in detail to our requirements and his recommendations. The actual holiday was excellent, everything went as planned with no hiccups. Canada is like the Lake District on steroids and will blow you away, the roads are great to drive on and very well signed. The people very friendly and accommodating. From my experience Holiday Architects have got the right model, they take the stress and time out of a lot of the planning, have excellent customer care, great follow up and very flexible with a budget you set them. Try them and I think you will agree.

Canada customer Trustpilot

”

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Ferry to Prince Edward Island & Charlottetown

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Meet our Canada expert

We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our expert Paul is dedicated to all things Canada and is here to help you plan your perfect trip.

Paul Turner

Destination Manager

Paul’s love for Canada began on a snowboard in Whistler and hasn’t stopped since. From scenic rail journeys to Rocky Mountain adventures, he’s full of ideas for seeing both the wild and city sides of Canada.

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Canada's Maritime Magic

What Makes it Special?

Itinerary at a Glance

Day by Day

Day 1 Welcome to Halifax

Day 2 Exploring Halifax

Day 3 Scenic coastal drive to Liscomb

Day 4 Cape Breton Island & Louisbourg

Day 5 The history of Louisbourg

Day 6 Drive the Cabot Trail to Ingonish

Day 7 Cape Breton National Park

Day 8 Travel to Pictou via Inverness Beach

Day 9 Ferry to Prince Edward Island & Charlottetown

Day 10 Prince Edward Island

Day 11 Lobster cruise in New Brunswick

Day 12 Visit Hopewell Rocks

Day 13 Travel to Fredericton via Kings Landing

Day 14 Ferry across the Bay of Fundy to Annapolis Royal

Day 15 The history of Annapolis Royal

Day 16 Kejimkujik National Park to Lunenburg

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