Eastern Canada: Highlights of the Maritimes & Newfoundland

Visit the town of Antigonish, home to St. Francis Xavier University and the oldest continuous highland games in North America. With deep Gaelic roots, this town is full of history and charm. Enjoy lunch on your own and some time to explore the area before hiking along either the Fairmont Ridge trail or Pomquet Acadian trail.

The Fairmont Ridge Hiking trails are up to 10km and have a 332m elevation gain. The trails overlook the harbour, and wind through old-growth forest and past brooks.

The Pomquet Acadian trail starts along a prominent headland and offers great views of St. George’s Bay and Pomquet Beach. You will begin atop a drumlin and wind through inland forests with 100-year-old pine trees before ending along the beach.

Cape Breton National Park is home a large portion of the scenic Cabot Trail. Considered one of the most beautiful drives in Canada, this 185-mile (298 km) loop road on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia is known for its dramatic coastal views, rugged landscapes, and access to the national park. Your visit here will consist of driving and exploring by foot on trails along this route. Encounter incredible views of the landscape, wildlife, and relaxing beaches. Hike along the Skyline Trailhead, sit down for a picnic lunch at McIntosh Brook Falls or Pleasant Bay Beach. And cap off the visit with a stop to Dingwall Beach or Green Cove for a short walk by the water.

Hiking Information:
Skyline Trail: 6.5km out and back with 290m elevation gain or 8.2km loop with 405m elevation gain. Duration: 2-3hrs.
McIntosh Brook: (possible walk to waterfall depending on lunch location) 1.7km. Duration: 30 minutes

Pay a short visit to the small collection of villages that make up Ingonish. Located on the water and close to the national park, this is the perfect location to enjoy the outdoors. While your visit here may be short, you will have time to get a feel for the peaceful, laid-back atmosphere during the summer months while admiring views of the Atlantic.

Spend some time exploring the quaint waterfront town of Pictou today. Discover some of its rich history as the "Birthplace of New Scotland" and enjoy walks along the coastline. Choose to visit different attractions in town like, The Hector Heritage Quay or simply relax by the water amid the daily small town life.

The massive tides of the Bay of Fundy have been working their magic and sculpting a masterpiece in Hopewell Cape, New Brunswick for thousands of years. Enjoy a visit to where over twenty free-standing sea stacks are sprinkled along 2km of rugged shoreline. Experience these icons on a walk down on the beach during low tide to witness these massive rocks from a different angle of the normally covered ocean floor. Have lunch here among the beautiful coastal scenery before traveling onwards.

Witness the world's most dramatic tides in Fundy National Park. Located on the un-ceded territory of the Indigenous Mi'gmaq people on New Brunswick's east coast, the tides normally cover the area with 12m of water, or about a 4-story building. During your visit the group will venture inland on a trail that winds through Acadian forest up to a cliff overlook of the landscape below.

Distance: 2-4km.

Discover the local history of the Wolastoqi and Mi’kmaq communities on a guided Indigenous Walk and storytelling experience. The group will walk along the harbour and the River Wolastoq. Past by archaeological sites and become more knowledgeable about stewardship of the earth and how we combine respect of the present while celebrating past traditions.

Enjoy a walking tour alongside a guide and learn about the history of Lunenburg. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved examples of a planned British Colonial settlement in North America. Walk the original layout of the town and discover the architectural heritage of the 18th and 19th-century buildings. Your guide will offer facts and a unique insider's perspective on this quaint town.

Enjoy a visit and walk about Peggy’s Cove, a must-see location in Nova Scotia known for its beautiful coastal scenery and the iconic Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse. Walk around the charming fishing village with a long history that is still actively engaged in the trade. Spend time at the lighthouse perched on granite rocks that have been sculpted by the ocean, and which happens to be one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world.

Become acquainted with Halifax on a brief orientation tour with your CEO. Pass by the harbour and on the main streets downtown as you gain insight into the maritime history and natural beautiful of this waterfront city with the world's longest downtown boardwalk.

Enjoy a visit and walk around Signal Hill in St. John's. This national historic site is famous for its role in military history and communication breakthroughs (the first wireless transatlantic signal was received here in 1901). Walk around the area and take in the beautiful views of the city and Atlantic Ocean. Check out the iconic Cabot Tower and savour the rugged coastline. There may be time for a quick stop at the visitor centre.

Spend a few hours this afternoon exploring the quaint town of Brigus. The well-kept, old-style architecture, stone walls, lush green gardens, and winding narrow lanes are reflective of the English, Irish, and Welsh heritage evident here. The group will walk through the charming town, visit an old tunnel in the rocky cliffs by the harbour, learn about the maritime history here, and enjoy free time for lunch. There will also be time for an optional visit to the Hawthorne Cottage National Historic Site, or to walk part of the Lighthouse trail if you choose. Brigus is famous for its annual blueberry festival and so trying one of the blueberry pastries (like cobbler, crisp, or pie) is a must.

Trinity, Newfoundland is known for its well-preserved heritage architecture, vibrant arts scene, and for being one of the province's oldest settlements. It was once a major trading centre for salt fish and boasts a beautiful harbour. Follow your CEO on an orientation walk of the small town and get a sense of the history as you go. Then, spend time on your own. Find your way around town by the old-fashioned street signage in calligraphy, watch a blacksmith at work, or visit the Cooperage to learn about barrel making. Later in the evening, choose to join your CEO for a sunset walk on Gun Hill to see golden hour colours over Fisher Cove. The walk to get to the top takes between 20 and 30 minutes. Or you could choose to book a show at the Rising Tide Theatre. This local establishment located in the heart of Trinity has been producing culturally rich and locally rooted performances for over 40 years.

Enjoy a walk on a narrow, well worn path for about 5 minutes to reach the local puffin viewing site. This is one of the best accessible locations in North America to view this beautiful bird. Between May and September the colourful auks occupy a section of the land at the end of a rocky outcrop. Observe, take photos, and simply enjoy the wildlife.

Spend the afternoon on a hike with your CEO on one of the trails along the Bonavista Peninsula. Your CEO will choose the trail based on weather and overall group ability. Options could be the Cape Shore trail to the lighthouse (3.5km along the coastline), Murphy's Cove Loop (7.7km coastal loop through abandoned community), and Skerwind Trail (5.3km coastal loop with wildlife viewing opportunities).

King's Point is special for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. Known for the Alexander Murray Hiking Trail with 2,200 stairs and unforgettable views and the local art scene. During free time here choose to hike along the trail with your CEO and enjoy a packed lunch along the way. This will be 8km and 350m in elevation gain. Or choose to stay in town and visit a local restaurant for lunch. Then walk on your own to places like the King's Point Pottery Gallery or Heritage House.

Gros Morne National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site that boasts diverse landscapes from fjords and mountains to forests and coastlines. The area also offers a unique and visible example of continental drift and plate tectonics. Begin the visit today with the Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse. Walk along the trail with views of the water and visit the exhibit.

Set off on a boat tour on Western Brook Pond, a landlocked fjord with waterfalls, billion year old cliffs, and plenty of chances to see wildlife. Throughout the two hour boat tour, the group will learn more about the geological and historical features of this gorgeous place. You will walk from the parking lot to the dock which is about 3km and takes 45 minutes along a gravel and fairly flat trail.

Travel to Norris Point and board the boat shuttle to Woody Point. This 15-minute ride across the beautiful Bonne Bay saves an hour drive and offers stunning views to those on the boat. Take in the views of the Tablelands, Gros Morne Mountains, and small communities dotting the shoreline. Disembark in the quaint fishing village of Woody Point. Upon arrival there will be about 45 minutes of free time to explore the town on foot.

Start the CEO-led hike from the trailhead near Woody Point. Follow an old roadbed as it weaves along the base of the mountain. Search for plants, unusual rocks, and panoramic views. Finish the trail in the glacially carved Winter House Brook Canyon. The total distance is about 4km roundtrip, there will be about 88m of elevation gain and it will take 1-2 hours.