Summary
Short description
Acadian history & natural beauty on Canada's Atlantic coast
Highlights
- Drive the famous Acadian and Fundy Coastal routes, staying in boutique hotels throughout
- Witness the world's highest tides in the Bay of Fundy
- Sample ultra-fresh seafood including some of the world's finest lobster
- Spot whales, moose and other wildlife in spectacular national parks
- Immerse yourself in Acadian culture, showcased in pretty villages and historic effigies
In Brief
- 2 Nights Halifax
- 1 Night Shediac
- 2 Nights Miramichi
- 1 Night Fredericton
- 3 Nights St. Andrews
- 1 Night Saint John
- 1 Night Halifax
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Eco-tourism | History & culture | Natural world | Self-drive | Wildlife
This action-packed road trip takes in the best of Atlantic Canada's charming New Brunswick province, encompassing two of the region's most spectacular driving routes. Witness the power of the world’s highest tides at the Bay of Fundy, explore remote fishing communities, immerse yourself in the culture of Canada's oldest city and wend along the famous Fundy Coastal Drive to visit its national park namesake, home to spectacular mountains, waterfalls and valleys. Then, discover some of Atlantic Canada's favourite beaches, and sample some of the largest lobsters you'll ever see before embracing the region's Acadian charm, palpable in every historic village and effigy edging the sandy coastline. It's all enjoyed alongside included car hire, excursions and hotels.
Day by day itinerary
Days
1-2
UK to Halifax
After beginning your trip in style with VIP airport lounge access, take your day flight from the UK to Halifax, just over the border in Nova Scotia, on arrival make your way to your downtown accommodation, and the remainder of the day is free to relax.
Next day enjoy a dull day in the historic city of Halifax, stroll along the waterfront boardwalk, take a cruise through its picturesque harbour, visit one of the city's excellent museums, or head out of the city to Peggy's cove to sample Nova Scotia's beautiful coastal scenery.
Stay: The Halliburton, Halifax, Nova Scotia (Superior)
Day
3
Shediac
Make your own way to Halifax airport to collect your hire car. From here, drive north to the scenic province of New Brunswick. En route you may wish to explore the historic sites of forts Beausejour and Gaspareaux that testify to the colonial struggle for control of the region. Your destination today is Shediac, known as the lobster capital of the world. This afternoon you're booked on a two and a half hour cruise with an experienced local fisherman, who will teach you about the physiology and the life of the lobster, and show you how they are fished. You'll then enjoy a full lobster meal, using the fresh catch that you have helped secure. Along the way, just relax and enjoy the seascape of this scenic coastline.
Stay: Hotel Shediac (Superior)
Meals: L
Days
4-5
Miramichi
After breakfast, depart Shediac and follow the famous Acadian Coastal Drive, all sandy beaches, coastal villages, fresh seafood and living history. The Acadian Joyride, as it’s affectionately known, is reflective of the laid-back and warm hospitality of its people with a spirited Acadian heritage – spot historic villages and effigies edging the sandy-beached coastline and if you’ve got time, be sure to sample some fresh seafood in the form of the largest lobsters you'll ever see. Be sure to stop to visit the pristine Kouchibouguac National Park, where beaches and sand dunes sweep over winding coastal paths and empty grasslands. Next you'll join the ultra-scenic Miramichi river route, where you’ll find coastal communities and endless salmon fishing opportunities in the world-famous salmon river. Check into your riverside hotel before perhaps indulging in one of the town's charming seafood restaurants.
Stay: Rodd Miramichi River, Miramichi (Superior)
Day
6
Fredericton
Today you’ve got the morning to explore Miramichi. Perhaps take a stroll along one of the many hiking trails around French Fort Cove and be sure to visit St Michael's Basilica, one of the most spectacular pieces of gothic architecture in Canada. Be sure to stop in Doaktown, nestled in a valley with winding rivers and dense forests, on your way to picturesque Fredericton, New Brunswick’s capital city. Stroll along its historic, 18-century Garrison District, a former British army base that's now centre for culture, craft and entertainment including a Changing of the Guard ceremony. Other highlights include the Beaverbook Art Gallery, Kings Landing Historical Settlement and cycling the network of trails. If time permits, head to the Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market that sells seasonal produce and crafts before checking into your hotel for tonight.
Stay: Fredericton Inn (Superior)
Day
7
St Andrews
Today will see you drive to St Stephen, Canada's Chocolate town and the gateway to the Fundy Coastal Drive, where the wilds of the Fundy coast are expertly showcased, bending along the entire southern shore of New Brunswick. You’ll wind along natural wonders, passing coastal islands and fossil-filled mudflats, with several spots that lend themselves perfectly to whale watching. Marvel at the dramatically scenic drive as you approach the Bay of Fundy, one of the marine wanders of the world. Finish in St Andrews, a stunning maritime resort with endless verdure dotted with traditional houses. Explore the historic and the award-winning Kingsbrae Garden before checking into your hotel, the spectacular Algonquin Resort, featuring a grand façade, swimming pool and elegant rooms.
Stay: The Algonquin Resort, St Andrews (Superior)
Meals: B
Day
8
Minister Island
Enjoy a self-guided tour of Minister Island, which is just a short one kilometre drive across the ocean floor at low tide. The island is named after the Loyalist Anglican minister, Reverend Samuel Andrews, who first settled on the island in 1786, and you'll be able to see the original stone house where Rev. Andrews lived with his family, and visit the summer estate of the visionary railway builder in Canada, Sir William Van Horne. Returning to St. Andrews later today, you'll have some time at leisure to continue exploring under your own steam.
Stay: The Algonquin Resort, St Andrews (Superior)
Day
9
Campobello Island
After breakfast, take an included water taxi to Campobello Island, a rugged island of lighthouses and dense forest, with provincial parks and endless whale-watching opportunities. Highlights include Friars Head, the East Quoddy Lighthouse Area and the Roosevelt Campobello International Park that preserves the house and landscapes of Franklin Roosevelt. Enjoy ‘Tea with Eleanor’, where you'll hear tales of Eleanor Roosevelt and enjoy tea and homemade cookies before getting a water taxi back to St Andrews.
Stay: The Algonquin Resort, St Andrews
Day
10
Saint John
Make your way east along New Brunswick's rugged southern coastline to the city of Saint John. The only city along the Bay of Fundy and the first incorporated city in Canada, Saint John offers visitors a variety of attractions, ranging from wine tours, museums, and North America's oldest market. You'll have the afternoon at leisure to explore the city.
Stay: Crowne Plaza Saint John Harbour View (Superior)
Day
11
Hopewell Rocks & Halifax
On the way back to Halifax stop off at Fundy Bay, with a tidal range of just under 15 metres, making it one of the most unique in the world. Stop at Hopewell Rocks where at low tide you can walk the seabeds at the 50-foot-tall Hopewell Rocks, a result of years of erosion. Then make the drive through the farmlands of Nova Scotia to return your car at Halifax Airport for an overnight stay.
Stay: ALT Hotel Halifax Airport (Superior)
Day
12
Halifax to UK
Check in for your morning flight back to the UK
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
12-day tailor-made self-drive
from £2,210 pp incl. flights
Superior
May / Jun / Sep / Oct
from £2,210 pp. incl. flights
Jul / Aug
from £2,635 pp. incl. flights
Includes
- Complimentary UK airport departure lounge access
- Return flights between UK and Halifax
- 9 days car rental in an Intermediate vehicle
- 11 nights hotel accommodation
- Return water transfer between St Andrews and Campobello Island
- Guided tour of Campobello Island
- Entrance to Roosevelt Campobello International Park
- 'Tea with Eleanor'
- Shediac Lobster Cruise
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
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