10-Nights Canadian Maritimes - Land Journey

Prince Edward Island

Canada’s smallest province is known as the "Cradle of Confederation." Charlottetown is the island’s capital and one of Canada’s oldest towns. 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. Victoria Row Officially called Richmond Street, this area between Queen Street and Great George Street is lined with wonderful brick buildings from the 1880s. Known as Fanningbank, Government House is designed in Palladian fashion. Located in the historic setting of the harbor, Peake's Wharf offers a special collection of casual dining and shopping experiences. Crowbush Cove Golf Course, opened in 1994, was named Canada’s best new course by Golf Digest.

Moncton

Many travelers miss downtown Moncton, 115 mi/185 km east of Fredericton, because they stop on the TransCanada Highway at the Magnetic Hill—a naturally occurring perceptual illusion that will have you convinced your car is rolling uphill—it even looks like the stream is flowing uphill.

Or they visit the adjacent Magnetic Hill Zoo (with tigers, lions and camels) or the Magic Mountain Water Park (waterslides and other theme-park attractions). Some even come for the Tidal Bore on the Petiticodiac River, but, unfortunately, its name is all too accurate. The bore is a wall of water that moves upstream at high tide, but it's not worth waiting around to see.

There's more to Moncton, however. Kids love the Crystal Palace amusement park, which has a carnival atmosphere year-round. The University of Moncton is the province's major French-language college—it's like a minitrip to a Paris university. Its museum and art gallery are the main attractions for visitors. The city has plenty of shops downtown and at suburban malls, or grab a snack or drink at one of the downtown cafes.

Moncton is a good base for a couple of day trips, too. The Rocks Provincial Park (Hopewell Cape) is where you'll find the famous "flowerpots"—eroded rock pillars that have trees growing on top of them. Be aware that if you go at high tide—which, at 55 ft/17 m, is very high, indeed—you won't be able to walk on the beach at the rocks' base—it's underwater then. (You can also rent a kayak and see the flowerpots from the sea.)

Another popular area near Moncton is Parlee Beach, in Shediac, known for its warm water, lobster and annual sand-sculpture contest.

Among the Moncton area's notable events are the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival (June and July) and the World Wine and Food Expo (late fall).

Saint John (Bay of Fundy), New Brunswick

Canada's oldest incorporated city, Saint John sits at the juncture of the Saint John River and the Bay of Fundy. Here, visitors may witness the world-renowned phenomenon of the reversing falls, created by the Bay of Fundy's 28 1/2-foot tide swell rising above the level of the Saint John River at high tide. Saint John also has Canada's oldest museum and you'll want to visit Market Square with its charming shops and restaurants.

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.

Lunenburg (Nova Scotia)

Lunenburg's affinity with the sea has shaped her destiny. Canada's most famous tall ship, the "Bluenose" was a classic tribute to its shipbuilding expertise. Check out other visiting tall ships and other boats at Lunenburg Marine Railway. The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic has a tallship visitors can board - Salt Banker "Theresa E. Connor". Lunenburg's architecture reflects a strong European influence. Tour some National, Provincial and Municipal registered historic houses and churches in Lunenburg. Lunenburg's fine artisians capture the Maritime Heritage in their work with handcarved duck decoys, ship models, pottery and beautiful paintings displayed locally. The surrounding waters are a sailor's paradise. Nova Scotia's majestic south shore Lighthouse Route is famous for its scenic drives and beautiful beaches. Lunenburg and the nearby seaside community of Blue Rocks are classic examples of the area's picturesque beauty. Discover and share our unique heritage, scenic beauty and warm hospitality.

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.