12-Nights Maritimes Adventure

St. Andrews by the Sea

Also known as St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, this relatively small, picturesque old town near the Maine border and 85 mi/135 km southwest of Fredericton was founded by British Loyalists who wanted to escape the newly independent U.S. in the 1780s. Today, one of the town's main attractions is the Huntsman Aquarium, a small aquarium with a child-friendly "touch pool." The Ross Memorial Museum focuses on local history, antique furniture and Asian items.

We also recommend a visit to the St. Andrews Blockhouse National Historic Site, which was built during the War of 1812, and to St. Andrews Gardens, a nice place for a picnic. Don't miss the quaint shops on Water Street.

A short drive across the ocean floor (at low tide) will take you to Ministers Island where you can take a tour of Sir William Van Horne's visionary 50-room home with greenhouses, windmill and tennis courts. If you’re planning an overnight stay, consider the Fairmont Algonquin Hotel, built in 1889 and known now as the Castle-by-the-Sea.

The Tides of Passamaquoddy Bay, the bay that surrounds the St. Andrews peninsula, raise water levels 28 ft/9 m or more twice a day. The transition from low to high tide takes more than six hours and 2.25 billion tons of water. The phenomena uncovers 6 sq mi/15 sq km of intertidal beach just waiting to be explored for sea creatures and historical artifacts left behind.

New River Beach Provincial Park (25 mi/40 km east of St. Andrews) is the only major sandy stretch on the Fundy shore. It offers campsites, a long saltwater beach, cliffside hiking trails and some special programs, such as guided ghost walks and an annual sand-sculpture contest. Be warned that bad weather systems often stall over this area, and a short drive to Saint John will prove it.

Digby

Digby, the most romantic place in Canada, is also home to the world’s largest inshore scallop fleets. Water Street is lined with many wonderful shops and restaurants and offers spectacular view of Annapolis Basin and the famous Scallop Fleet. In August, be sure not to miss Digby Scallop Days – when the town celebrates its way of life and dependence on the sea with an amazing festival. Stop in the Admiral Digby Museum to learn about town history. Other popular attractions are the Trinity Anglican Church, built in 1785 and the only church in Canada to be built by shipwrights. There is also the Old Loyalist Cemetery, the Fisherman’s Memorial and the Soldier’s Cenotaph, a monument constructed in 1921 to honor those who died serving Canada during World War I, II and the Korean War. Two places perfect for gazing out at sea are the Admiral’s Walk/Loyalist Park and Point Prim Lighthouse. The lighthouse, one of the first in Nova Scotia, is set high on cliffs overlooking the mighty Bay of Fundy.

Fredericton

Located along the banks of the St. John River about 50 mi/80 km northwest of Saint John, Fredericton is the capital of New Brunswick and one of the most beautiful cities in Atlantic Canada.

Well worth the drive is Kings Landing Historical Settlement in Mactaquac Country (22 mi/35 km west), a working historical village that re-creates rural life in English New Brunswick from the 1700s to the early 1900s. The costumed staff members play their roles well: After chatting with a farmer's wife or the local publican for a few minutes, you'll feel like a town resident.

Oromocto Marina in Oromocto's Sir Douglas Hazen Park offers an afternoon of quiet strolling on the pier, and the Village of Gagetown (just 40 minutes away) offers unique arts and crafts found only in the Maritimes. You may also want to try your hand at fly-fishing for salmon on the world-famous (and close-by) Miramichi River.

Bar Harbor

Drawn by the pines, granite shores, fresh lobster and stunning views from Cadillac Mountain, captains of industry once kept summer homes here. The charming little town, and all the rest, remain. And the rocky boulder beaches on its shoreline are now Acadia National Park, a preserved expanse of vintage Down East scenery.

Charlottetown

Charlottetown, with a population of nearly 40,000, is the island’s capital and one of Canada’s oldest towns. Established in 1765 by Capt. Samuel Holland, the settlement was named for Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III of England. The old part of town offers many historical monuments, including important government buildings, churches, old mansions and museums, along with parks and gardens. Outside of Charlottetown, discover miles of farmland, small villages, a scenic coast and the legacy of Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of Anne of Green Gables, the feature of Charlottetown’s annual major theater festival.

Boston

The history and bricklaid beauty of Boston is easy to enjoy. Follow the Freedom Trail past Old North Church, Paul Revere Park, Fanieul Hall, the Commons, Old Ironsides and more landmarks of America's birth. Across the Charles River is Cambridge and Harvard. Venture to Marblehead and Salem to the south, or Lexington and Concord to the north. Back in town, have clam chowder at the warf or great Italian food in North End.

Halifax (Nova Scotia)

Halifax is Atlantic Canada’s center of business, research and education. Strong emphasis is placed on cultural diversity, historic restorations and the preservation of heritage and culture. The Halifax Citadel Fortress dominates downtown Halifax. Take a stroll along the waterfront past restored buildings and warehouses of Historic Properties, or a walk in delightful Public Gardens, the oldest Victorian gardens in North America. Halifax’s sister city of Dartmouth lies on the opposite shore and is reached via the oldest saltwater ferry in North America. The spectacular view of Halifax harbor makes the trip worthwhile. Housed in former Dominion Building, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia features Nova Scotia folk art and maritime artists. A two-hour walk will easily show you the major highlights of historic and scenic Halifax. Visit Historic Properties, St. Paul’s Church and Province House, the latter two being the oldest buildings in the city. Granite Springs is rated one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in Atlantic Canada.

Baddeck (Nova Scotia)

Baddeck is located in the heart of Cape Breton. It is the 'beginning and end of the Cabot Trail' and is a popular stopping place on the Trans-Canada Highway. The Village's charm and character, and it's dramatic scenery, have provided memorable experiences to visitors for generations. Experience the magnificent setting overlooking Cape Breton's beautiful inland sea, the Bras d'Or Lake. The Alexander Graham Bell Museum depicts the genius of this extraordinary man. Best known for the invention of the telephone, he also invented flying machines and communications for the deaf. The Scottish history and culture comes alive with concerts, celtic crafts and fashion shows of Gaelic College. The Village Shops provide a variety of quality gifts and crafts. Boat Cruises can be taken from the village. There are amenities for visiting yachts. Take the ferry boat from the Government wharf to enjoy the public beach and nature trails of Kidston Island.