21 Days from $6,790 USD / person
Eastern Canada: Road Trip Through the Atlantic Provinces
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – 3
International Arrival
Make your own way to the St. John´s, NL airport and pick up your rental car
2 Nights
St. John’s, NL
St. John’s is the capital and largest city of the Atlantic island of Newfoundland. Vibrant rows of houses, busy streets, vast open green spaces and a charming harbor front are the distinguishing elements one of North America’s oldest cities. The narrow winding alleys of the town lead up to Signal Hill, home to Cabot Tower, where Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless message. The tower was originally built to celebrate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s voyage to Newfoundland. Perched atop the hill are other iconic sights, such as the twin clock towers of the Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and The Rooms, a museum and cultural center with displays of local art, artifacts and historical records. The Newman Wine Vaults Provincial Historic Site offers an intriguing perspective into tales of pirates of yore and old outports. Beyond Signal Hill stands the charming local village of Quidi Vidi, a remnant of the city’s old fishing port days. The village microbrewery, the old wharf, an 18th century battery and lakeside regatta museum are all worth visiting. Head to George Street in the evening for a night out on town, enjoying live music at the many pubs and cafés that serve typical Newfoundland comfort food.
Hotel options
The Murray Premises Hotel – Opt 1
Room
King Guestroom
Meals
Room Only
Style
Heritage
Alt Hotel St. John's – Opt 2
Room
King City View
Meals
Room Only
Style
Boutique
Day 3 – 5
Drive yourself from St. John´s, NL to Trinity, NL in your rental car (Duration: 3.5 hrs)
2 Nights
Trinity, NL
Nestled by Trinity Bay in Newfoundland, the seaside town of Trinity is a heritage destination that draws travelers from across the seas. First settled by the Portuguese in the 16th century, the town has plenty of history and culture to discover, as well as loads of outdoor adventures to look forward to. The town has painstakingly preserved its heritage architecture, with many of its historic buildings recognized today as Registered Heritage Structures. The Cooperage celebrates the old tradition of barrel making, which was fueled by the region’s prosperous shipping industry. The Dock Marina, English Harbour Arts Centre, and Mercantile Building Provincial Historic Site are among dozens of other heritage sites that showcase Trinity’s past. The film locations of the popular drama, The Shipping News, are popular not just for posterity but also for their panoramic ocean views from the cliff tops. The town’s craggy coastline also offers numerous hiking trails over the rolling coastal hills and lovely beaches, including the popular Skerwink Trail, Gun Hill Trail, and Lockston Path Provincial Park. The region is also great for birding and whale watching. Enjoy feasting on fresh seafood paired with delicious local wines.
Hotel options
Trinity Eco-Tours Lodge – Opt 1
Room
Standard Room
Meals
Room Only
Artisan Inn – Opt 2
Room
Lighthouse View
Meals
Room Only
Style
Lodge
Day 5 – 7
Drive yourself from Trinity, NL to Twillingate, NL in your rental car (Duration: 4 hrs)
2 Nights
Twillingate
Twillingate is an old fishing town in the Twillingate Islands in Notre Dame Bay, off Newfoundland. Apart from magnificent natural vistas and lush countryside, the town has a long history. The Twillingate Museum, which stands in the town’s former Rectory, offers an insight into the lives of early settlers of this island town. The lovingly preserved displays at the Twillingate Fishing & Heritage Centre and the Isles Wooden Boat Builders Museum & Workshop also make for happy browsing. The town itself is a pleasure to explore, with its winding streets lined with brightly painted houses, and hiking trails along the rugged coastline, including the Spencer’s Park Trail. Long Point Lighthouse, overlooking Notre Dame Bay, offers spectacular views of icebergs passing down the vast ocean corridors. Boat tours are the best bet for spotting whales, dolphins, harp seals and seabirds off the coast, as well as icebergs in season.
Hotel options
Anchor Inn Hotel and Suites – Opt 1
Room
Hodge Premises Building – King Oceanview
Meals
Room Only
Style
Lodge
Hodge Premises Inn – Opt 2
Room
Standard Room
Meals
Room Only
Day 7 – 10
Drive yourself from Twillingate, NL to Gros Morne National Park, NL in your rental car. (Duration: 5hrs)
3 Nights
Gros Morne National Park, NL
Gros Morne National Park lies on Newfoundland’s west coast in eastern Canada. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was shaped by colliding continents and glaciers, and is packed with ancient forests, pristine beaches, and dramatic cliffs. It is named after the Gros Morne mountain, the second highest peak in Newfoundland. Gros Morne means big lone mountain and it rises 806 m in solitary splendor. Follow the mountain trail to the summit for stunning views of the glacial-carved landscape. In all, there are about 20 marked day-trip trails in the park that pass through both coastal and interior areas. Western Brook Pond has the highest purity rating possible for natural water bodies. Pissing Mare Falls, the highest waterfall in eastern North America, tumbles into the lake from a height of 1,125 ft. The park also contains the Tablelands, a landscape in which the earth’s mantle, normally found below the crust, has been pushed to the surface. There’s plenty of wildlife to be found as well, from moose and foxes to black bears. Harbor seals inhabit St. Paul’s inlet while a variety of whales and dolphins often appear in early summer. The park is also home to a vast number of bird species.
Hotel options
Sugar Hill Inn – Opt 1
Room
Standard Queen Room
Meals
Room Only
Style
Heritage
Neddies Harbour Inn – Opt 2
Room
King
Meals
Room Only
Day 10 – 12
You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport
Board your flight from Deer Lake, NL to Halifax, NS (Duration: 1.5hrs, Economy Class)
You will be transferred from Halifax airport to your hotel in a private vehicle
Make your own way to the Halifax, NS center and pick up your rental car
2 Nights
Halifax
The capital city of Nova Scotia, Halifax brims with rich history and cultural maritime delights. An iconic symbol of this Eastern coast province is the white and red lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove. A perennial photographic favorite, the Peggy’s Point Lighthouse stands on a rocky outcrop and looks out on the surging waves of the Atlantic ocean. Equally as eye-catching is the Old Town Clock that has stood sentinel over the city since 1803 when it was gifted by Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent. Explore the Halifax Citadel, one of the most visited National Historic Sites in the country, which once served as a garrison for soldiers. The Halifax Public Gardens is the perfect setting for a leisurely afternoon – ornate wrought iron gates lead to lush lawns, formal flower beds, serene ponds and sparkling fountains. Watch the sun go down amid the bustle of Halifax Waterfront, where historic sites jostle with trendy restaurants while the horizon is dotted with colorful sailboats, majestic liners and even heritage vessels. As you hit the nightspots, don’t forget to check out the thriving craft beer scene in the city, ranging from historic ales of Alexander Keith’s Brewery to stylish pubs that feature drinks from different corners of the world.
Hotel options
Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel – Opt 1
Room
Standard Guest Room King
Meals
Room Only
The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax – Opt 2
Room
Premium Room
Meals
Room Only
Day 12 – 13
Drive yourself from Halifax, NS to Lunenburg, NS in your rental car (Duration: 1.5 hrs)
1 Night
Lunenburg
Lunenburg is a port town in the south of Nova Scotia. It was founded in 1753, and much of the town’s architecture dates back to the 1800s. UNESCO designated the Old Town a World Heritage Site in 1995, naming it “the best example of planned British colonial settlement in North America”. Around 70% of the original colonial buildings have been preserved. Among them is Knaut-Rhuland House Museum, a wooden 19th century home that is the only one open to the public. The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic showcases the region’s maritime history, including stories of Bluenose, the legendary ship that never lost a race. There is a year-round Farmer’s Market on Thursdays. The aptly named Lunenburger, served at the Grand Banker Bar & Grill, is topped with lobster meat and embellished with a bacon-wrapped scallop. The Ironworks Distillery creates artisanal spirits from regional ingredients such as tart cranberry liqueur and maple rum.
Hotel options
Pelham House Bed and Breakfast – Opt 1
Room
Standard Room
Meals
Room Only
Bluenose Lodge – Opt 2
Room
Deluxe
Meals
Room Only
Day 13 – 14
Drive yourself from Lunenburg, NS to Digby/Smith’s Cove, NS in your rental car (Duration: 2 hrs)
1 Night
Digby/Smith’s Cove, NS
Digby, with its trademark scallop and lobster fishing fleet, sits by the shores of the Annapolis Basin, near the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia. The town commands the largest fleet of scallop boats on the planet, with almost every restaurant in town serving the day’s fresh catch. A replica of the house of the famous Canadian folk artist, Maud Lewis, is a popular attraction for visitors, as is strolling down the lovely waterfront and catching a ferry ride across the Bay of Fundy. The town also serves as an excellent base to explore the Annapolis Valley and Digby Neck. Nearby Smith’s Cove is a picturesque coastal village that overlooks the Annapolis Basin and is home to a number of stunning beaches. Beach combing is a popular activity here while the Smith’s Cove Old Temperance Hall Museum features displays dating to the 18th century. The Bay of Fundy is also rich with marine animals such as finback and minke whales, harbor porpoises, Atlantic dolphins, seals and seabirds. Whale watching, angling, boating, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, surfing, and marine cruises are popular tourist activities here.
Hotel options
Harbourview Inn – Opt 1
Room
Standard
Meals
Room Only
Harbourview Inn – Opt 2
Room
Standard
Meals
Room Only
Day 14 – 16
Board your ferry from Digby to Saint John across the Bay of Fundy (Duration: 2.5 hrs, current departure time from Digby: 4pm)
2 Nights
Saint John, NB
Saint John is an industrialized port city in New Brunswick, Canada. Straddling the Saint John and Kennebecasis rivers, the city enjoys a lively waterfront. Seaside cliffs and rolling hills overlooking the Bay of Fundy make a wonderful backdrop. The hilltop location of Carleton Martello Tower offers stunning panoramas of the region. The 19th-century buildings in downtown showcase Saint John’s colonial charm. In addition to the New Brunswick Museum and the beautiful Imperial Theater, there are historic markets and squares, perfect for people-watching. Hiking trails in the Irving Nature Park and ziplining over the Reversing Falls’ rapids make for rich outdoor experiences. You can also witness the world’s highest tides in action here, and set out for marine life excursions in the Atlantic waters. With diverse attractions at its doorstep, Saint John serves as a convenient base, especially during a road trip across Canada’s East Coast.
Hotel options
Chipman Hill Suites – Opt 1
Room
Standard Room
Meals
Room Only
Delta Hotels By Marriott Saint John – Opt 2
Room
Standard Room
Meals
Room Only
Day 16 – 18
Drive yourself from Saint John, NB to Hopewell Cape, NB in your rental car (Duration: 2.5 hrs)
2 Nights
Hopewell Cape
Hopewell Cape is a cozy village in the New Brunswick province of Canada. Home to the famous geological formations at Hopewell Rocks, also known as ‘flowerpots’, this hamlet is a tourist magnet. These natural sandstone rocks rise from the ocean floor at the Bay of Fundy and are easily accessible at low tide. At high tide, the water rushes in, making it ideal for kayaking explorations. An interpretive center offers insights into the region’s unique ecology and history. Well-marked walking trails lead to viewing decks that offer splendid vistas of the formations during tide changes. With two sandy beaches at either end of the park, there’s ample opportunity for fun in the sun. The Albert County Museum, showcasing an original gaol and a courthouse, offers a glimpse into the region’s past as a hub of the lumber trade.
Hotel options
Innisfree Hopewell Rocks Bed and Breakfast – Opt 1
Room
Standard Room
Meals
Room Only
Innisfree Hopewell Rocks Bed and Breakfast – Opt 2
Room
Standard Room
Meals
Room Only
Day 18 – 20
Drive yourself from Hopewell Cape, NB to Charlottetown, PE in your rental car (Duration: 3 hrs)
2 Nights
Charlottetown
Charlottetown is the capital of Prince Edward Island, and its largest city. Its main claim to fame is hosting the Charlottetown Conference in 1864, where the idea of Canada as a nation was first discussed and debated, giving the town its motto: Cunabula Foederis, or ‘Birthplace of Confederation.’ Province House, which was the site of the conference, is now the home of the provincial legislature, and is a popular attraction. The historic downtown area includes the original 500 lots surveyed by Captain Samuel Holland in 1764. A number of houses and buildings in the area date back to the Victorian era. There are plenty of art galleries to visit, as well. If you are interested in wildlife, you can take a seal-watching boat tour. When it comes to food, take your pick from a number of Asian, Mediterranean and Indian restaurants, as well as those serving local fare.
Hotel options
The Holman Grand Hotel – Opt 1
Room
Standard Room
Meals
Room Only
The Great George – Opt 2
Room
Traditional Room
Meals
Room Only
Style
Heritage
Day 20 – 21
Drive yourself from Charlottetown, PE to Wood Islands Ferry Terminal, PE in your rental car (Duration: 1 hr)
Board your ferry from Wood Islands to Caribou across the Northumberland Strait (Duration: 75 min)
Drive yourself from Caribou PEI Ferry Terminal, NS to Halifax, NS in your rental car (Duration: 2 hrs)
Make your own way to the Halifax, NS center and drop off your rental car
1 Night
Halifax
The capital city of Nova Scotia, Halifax brims with rich history and cultural maritime delights. An iconic symbol of this Eastern coast province is the white and red lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove. A perennial photographic favorite, the Peggy’s Point Lighthouse stands on a rocky outcrop and looks out on the surging waves of the Atlantic ocean. Equally as eye-catching is the Old Town Clock that has stood sentinel over the city since 1803 when it was gifted by Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent. Explore the Halifax Citadel, one of the most visited National Historic Sites in the country, which once served as a garrison for soldiers. The Halifax Public Gardens is the perfect setting for a leisurely afternoon – ornate wrought iron gates lead to lush lawns, formal flower beds, serene ponds and sparkling fountains. Watch the sun go down amid the bustle of Halifax Waterfront, where historic sites jostle with trendy restaurants while the horizon is dotted with colorful sailboats, majestic liners and even heritage vessels. As you hit the nightspots, don’t forget to check out the thriving craft beer scene in the city, ranging from historic ales of Alexander Keith’s Brewery to stylish pubs that feature drinks from different corners of the world.
Hotel options
Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel – Opt 1
Room
Standard Guest Room King
Meals
Room Only
The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax – Opt 2
Room
Premium Room
Meals
Room Only
You will be transferred from your hotel to Halifax airport in a private vehicle
International Departure
Price & Inclusions
Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.
Price Includes
- Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
- Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
- Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
- Your Trip Coordination Team: Dedicated support throughout your journey, with a primary, personal point of contact. Plus, in case of emergencies while you’re traveling, our trip coordination team are available 24/7 by phone
Not Included
- Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
- Tips and personal expenses
- Visa and tourism fees
- Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
- International airfare
