Atlantic Coastal Quest

After checking into your downtown hotel, take some time to explore the vibrant city of Halifax. Enjoy a stroll along the lively waterfront boardwalk, taking in the sea views while sampling delicious local seafood and craft beers. You can also explore one of the city’s many quality museums or take a trip to Halifax Citadel and experience spectacular views from this historic fort, which dates back to 1749.

Make a stop at Peggy’s Cove, on your way south to Lunenberg. This charming coastal village is known for its houses nestled in granite rocks, but the real highlight here is its iconic lighthouse overlooking the Atlantic. Your next stop is UNESCO World heritage Site, Lunenburg, a picturesque Victorian town offers stunning coastal views and interesting local characters. Before arriving in Annapolis Royal, take the opportunity to explore one of the many scenic hiking trails in Kejimkujik National Park, where you can immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty.

Drive along the coastal Digby Neck and enjoy a whale watching excursion on the Bay of Fundy. Species of whale you may spot include finback, minkes, humpbacks or even the rare North Atlantic right whale. Spend the remainder of the day exploring Annapolis Royal and the historic Fort Anne.

This morning you head back to Digby to catch your ferry to Saint John. Here you can witness the famous Reversing Falls Rapids, a combination of whirlpools and rapids formed by the powerful clash of tides between the Bay of Fundy and the Saint John River.

Enjoy the scenic drive along the Bay of Fundy. Along the way you have the chance to visit Hopewell Rocks, where you can witness the power of the world’s highest tides and visit its Interpretive Centre to learn more about this tidal phenomenon. Continue your drive through Fundy National Park before reaching Moncton.

While in Moncton, don’t miss a stop at Magnetic Hill, where you can put the car in neutral to experience the illusion of being pulled up hill by a ‘magnetic force.’ Continue on to The Lobster Capital of the World, Shediac, known for its lobster fishing, processing plants, live-lobster tanks and the famous Lobster Festival. Enjoy a lobster fishing cruise and savour the region’s delicacy, fresh lobster! Follow the Confederation Bridge, the longest bridge in Canada, to Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island.

Spend the morning exploring Prince Edward Island National Park on the island’s north shore. Here you will find prolific birdlife, scenic hiking trails, and rolling coastal landscapes, featuring salt marshes, sand dunes, headlands and deserted beaches. The park is also home to Green Gables, the fictional home of Anne, the beloved character created by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery.

Depart Charlottetown and board the Wood Islands ferry for the crossing to Caribou. Just a short drive from the ferry terminal, you’ll find Pictou, where you can visit the Hector Heritage Quay, home to a full-scale replica of the Hector, the ship that famously brought Scottish settlers to Nova Scotia in 1773. Continue your journey to Cape Breton Island, often referred to as a little piece of Scotland in North America. Your destination is Baddeck, a charming village that offers lovely views of the beautiful Bras d’Or Lakes.

Allow a full day to drive the scenic Cabot Trail loop clockwise around Cape Breton Island as you will want plenty of time to hike and take in the views. The Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers 45 picturesque hiking trails, each providing stunning vistas of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Cape Breton Highlands.

Today, embark on a scenic ferry crossing from North Sydney to Port-aux-Basques, continuing your journey toward Corner Brook. As the ferry sails across the Cabot Strait, keep a close watch for whales and dolphins, as well as white puffins and birds of prey soaring over the dramatic cliffs. The landscape of Newfoundland unfolds with coastal barrens and forested mountains, offering a stunning first impression of the island’s rugged beauty. The best way to experience this striking coastline is by hiking some of the excellent nature trails en route to Norris Point.

Enjoy a day exploring Gros Morne National Park on your own, viewing glacial valleys, intriguing rock formations, magnificent sea arches and numerous types of wildlife. Take a hike on the Lookout Trail which provides panoramic views of the park, or tackle the Tablelands Hiking Trail, a 4km track that cuts across the barren rock. You might like to opt for a whale watching cruise on Bonne Bay, or learn about the geological significance of the Tablelands, where you can walk on the earth’s mantle.

Arrive in Twillingate, known as the “Iceberg Capital of the World” because of the scenery and icebergs that are seen here in the spring. Grab your camera and head out on the ocean aboard an afternoon Iceberg Watch boat tour, where you will have an opportunity to see icebergs, seabirds, whales, sunsets and many other spectacular views that the beautiful island of Twillingate has to offer.

Enroute to the Bonavista Peninsula, make a stop at the North Atlantic Aviation Museum in Gander, located along the Trans-Canada Highway. This museum showcases Gander’s significant contribution to the development of transatlantic aviation. Continue onwards through Terra Nova National Park, home to expansive coniferous forests, ponds and walking trails, before heading north towards the Bonavista Peninsula. Renowned for its breathtaking and rugged shorelines, this peninsula is also home to some of the oldest settlements in Newfoundland, including the charming towns of Bonavista and Trinity.

Recommended is a trip to Port Rexton today, to hike the Skerwink Trail. This leisurely walking trail takes you along rugged coastline and offers spectacular views of the surrounding villages, set against an ocean backdrop. In the afternoon, head north to the town of Bonavista, where you can visit the Ryan Premises National Historic Site, a 19th century replica fish processing factory. In this small village you will also find the red and white striped Bonavista Lighthouse, and the Matthew Legacy, a replica of John Cabot’s ship which voyaged across the Atlantic to discover land in 1497.

Spend a day exploring the enchanting village of Trinity, renowned for its restored white and pastel coloured clapboard houses. Set along a dramatic coastline, this village provides a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in Newfoundland’s history and natural beauty. Join the Trinity Pageant, a captivating walking theatre that meanders through the village, inviting you to experience the area’s history firsthand. If you’re feeling active, hike the short but steep 20-minute trail up Gun Hill behind the village for spectacular 360 degree views of the village and surrounding areas.

Today, journey south towards the charming city of St. John’s. Along the way, consider a delightful detour to the picturesque town of Brigus. Immerse yourself in the history of this region by visiting the iconic Brigus lighthouse, step inside the cozy shops and cafes, and hike the Brigus Battery Brigus Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The capital and largest city of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John’s obtained city status in 1921 and holds the distinction of being considered one of the oldest English-founded cities in North America.

Enjoy a morning of sightseeing in St. John’s. Explore ‘The Rooms’ museum and gallery, take a drive-up Signal Hill for panoramic views and venture out to Cape Spear National Historic Site, the most easterly point in North America. Visit one of the province’s most photographed places, Quidi Vidi Village, just 3 km from St. John’s. You may also want to stop at Quidi Vidi Brewery for a refreshing iceberg beer, a truly authentic local experience!

Today your Atlantic Canada Quest comes to an end.