13-Nights Maritime Magic Treasures: Halifax, Digby, Charlottetown, Baddeck & More

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.

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.

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.

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.