The Maritimes: Prince Edward Island to New Brunswick

Welcome to Prince Edward Island! Your trip kicks off in historic Charlottetown, the birthplace of the Canadian Confederation. Meet your group and local leader at 10 am for a welcome meeting, then head out for a leader-led walking tour of the town. Your afternoon is free to wander on your own before regrouping in the late afternoon for a special dinner. Head out along the stunning Points East Coastal Drive to meet a local fisherman and enjoy a traditional lobster and mussel boil on his private property. (D)

Drive from Charlottetown to the Greenwich section of Prince Edward Island National Park – home to a rare parabolic dune system and miles of white sand beach. Located along the famous Points East Coastal Drive, Greenwich is the perfect place to discover the small towns, beaches and wildlife that make Prince Edward Island so unique. As you walk the dune trail and dip your toes in the surf, look out for rare coastal plant species and a variety of seabirds. Then, you’ll visit Skmaqn-Port la Joye-Fort-Amherst National Historic Site for views of Charlottetown’s harbour. This site commemorates the first permanent European settlement on the island! After, carry on to a local, family-run and family-owned winery for a tasting of their favourite drops. (B)

This morning, say goodbye to Charlottetown and start the drive towards Summerside, stopping at a few viewpoints along the way. Stop in Cavendish, where L.M. Montgomery famously drew her inspiration for the ‘Anne of Green Gables’ novels. Visit Green Gables Heritage Place and explore the area. After, you’ll stop for an optional lunch at Cape Tyron Lighthouse before continuing to Lennox Island. Here, you’ll visit Lennox Island First Nation to meet with a Mi'kmaq guide for a tour of the cultural centre. Learn about Mi'kmaq culture and history, as well as the traditional way of preparing bannock (quick bread) at a campfire. Then, check out the Bottle Houses – a village of buildings, including a tavern, a chapel and gift shop, that are literally made out of thousands of bottles. Tonight, you’ll spend the night in the coastal city of Summerside. (B)

Today you'll depart Prince Edward Island, crossing the iconic Confederation Bridge and stopping at the informative Interpretation Center to learn about this engineering marvel. Take a short walk near the old ferry terminal, which closed in 1997 when the bridge opened, for a glimpse into the past. Next, head to Shediac, known as the Lobster Capital of the World. Weather permitting, there’s an optional lunch at Parlee Beach before heading to see the famous giant lobster sculpture. Then take some time to wander around the charming village before boarding a boat to cruise scenic Shediac Bay, with dinner served on board. After returning to the mainland, it's just a short 30-minute drive to Moncton for overnight. (B/D)

This morning, make your way to the postcard-perfect Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park. Upon arrival join a naturalist guide for a walk right out onto the sea floor (tide permitting) and get up close to the towering sandstone formations known as the Hopewell Rocks, or Flowerpot Rocks. When the tide comes in, waters in the bay can reach up to 16 m, making it the highest tides in the world. In the afternoon, take a quick detour to spectacular Cap Enrage with its charming lighthouse before continuing on through Fundy National Park. Tonight, you’ll stay in the historic seaport city of Saint John. When you arrive, head out for dinner with your group and cheers to an awesome adventure! (B/D)

With no further activities planned, your trip ends today and you’re free to leave at any time. Or, if you like, stick around and explore the city of Saint John and more of the Maritimes on your own. If you need help with booking additional accommodation, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time. (B)