Join Us This October 1st – 11th!!

Plus Optional Extension October 11th – 14th

Enjoy the vibrant fall colors, photographic opportunities and camaraderie of Bar Harbor, Maine, Acadia National Park, the Canadian Maritime Province of Nova Scotia. We’ll explore the landscapes, seascapes, small towns, historical sites, whale watching and more. Maximum number is 30 people.

We start October 1, 2024, in Bar Harbor, Maine for three days. Then we take a ferry to Nova Scotia and all the wonderful sights of this Canadian Maritime Province for seven days. There is an optional trip extension to Prince Edward Island for an additional 4 days.

Registration is now open, click here.

Deposit is $1000.00/person and non-refundable after 30 days. Deadline is July 1, 2024, final payment due on or before July 31, 2024.

Pricing varies with the number of attendees and the exchange rate. We expect the total price per person to be as follows:

Maine & Nova Scotia: $4-5,000/person

Optional Prince Edward Island Extension: $1-1,500/person


 

Maine & Nova Scotia Detailed Itinerary

Bar Harbor, Maine October 1 – 3, 2024

This is a planned itinerary, but as in any outdoor adventure, we must be flexible to make any changes due to weather or other unforeseen incidents.  Please be flexible!

Detailed Itinerary – please print & bring with you.

October 1st | Day 0: Mandatory Arrival

Travel Day to Bar Harbor, Maine.

Transportation to hotel from airport on your own / cost not included.

Hotel address:

Bar Harbor Regency

123 Eden St

Bar Harbor, Maine 04609

7:00 PM - Group Welcome Dinner & Orientation included.  Alcohol not included. Dinner location TBD.

Day 1 of 3 nights at Bar Harbor Regency.

YOUR NOTES FOR THE DAY:

 

October 2nd | Day 1

TBD - Breakfast included at the hotel.

TBD – Departure to Acadia National Park.  Please be prompt!

Morning Program:

Travel to Cadillac Mountain & enjoy a beautiful panoramic drive through Acadia National Park. The mountain is the tallest mountain of the Eastern seaboard in the continental United States. For thousands of years, people have climbed Cadillac Mountain and looked out from its lofty peak. We will set up for a picturesque experience of the eastern seaborn then continue onto the summit of the mountain and enjoy the sights before continuing down the mountain back to your hotel in Bar Harbor.

October 2nd | Day 1 continued

Lunch on your own

Afternoon Program:

1:00 pm – Departure.  Please be prompt!

Autumn in Acadia National Park is among the smallest and most popular national parks in the United States with about 4 million visits a year. We will begin our afternoon by departing the pier in which you will have the opportunity to make 3 stops dependent on traffic and park congestion to photo some of the most picturesque sites in Northeast Maine.

Starting via the park loop road to the first stop at Sieur de Mont which often refers to the heart of Acadia. Known for its birdwatching, Sieur de Mont serves as a memorial to George Dorr, the first superintendent of the park.

We will continue the park loop road to your second stop, Thunder Hole where we will experience and view the power of the Ocean tides along Maine’s rocky coastline.

Then onto to the final stop at Jordon Pond House to walk and photograph the pristine grounds such as various mountain peaks including the Bubbles, Pemetic and Penobscot mountains.

At the end of our day, we will return to Bar Harbor. (Day 2 of 3 nights at Bar Harbor Regency)

Dinner On Your Own

YOUR NOTES FOR THE DAY:

October 3rd | Day 2

6:00 am – 7:30 am - Breakfast included at the hotel.

8:00 am – Departure to Bass Harbor Lighthouse & Cadillac Mountain.  Please be prompt!

Day Program:

Bass Harbor Lighthouse is considered one of the most picturesque locations on Mount Desert Island, Cadillac Mountain, and the scenic Somerville Bridge.

At the end of our day, we will return to Bar Harbor Pier/Hotel. (Day 3 of 3 nights at this hotel.)

Dinner ON YOUR OWN

Be packed & ready to check out of the hotel tomorrow morning!

YOUR NOTES FOR THE DAY:

 


 

Nova Scotia – October 4-11, 2024

Yarmouth – Lunenburg – Mahone Bay – Peggy’s Cove – Halifax

October 4, 2024 | Day 3: Check out of hotel.

6:00 am – 7:30 am - Breakfast included at the hotel.

About 9:00 am – Depart hotel to board the ferry to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.  Please be prompt!

Board Morning Ferry

We will be met by our English-Speaking Guide who will remain with the group throughout their entire stay in Nova Scotia.

Depart for a visit of the Cape Forchu Lighthouse in Yarmouth. Cape Forchu Lighthouse is the Beacon to Canada. The light itself, its 19 acres of well-groomed grounds, the view of Yarmouth's working harbour and the drive to the Cape through the very heart of an active fishing community, are all emblematic of Nova Scotia's coastal heritage. The tower stands as a proud symbol of dedication and service and maintains a 175-year-old tradition of guiding vessels in and out of Yarmouth Harbour. It is truly a historic landmark. As the light shines across the water, we are reminded of our historic and economic ties to the sea.

Optional: Climb the Light Experience

Enjoy a brief but informative history of Cape Forchu shared by our knowledgeable guides. This tour will last approx. 30 minutes, with a climb up the 77 spiral steps to the top of the tower where you’ll marvel at the spectacular view.

Dinner On Your Own

Overnight in Yarmouth at the Rodd Yarmouth.  (Day 1/1 night at this hotel.)

Be packed & ready to check out of the hotel tomorrow morning!

YOUR NOTES FOR THE DAY:

October 5, 2024 | Day 4:

6:00 am – 7:30 am - Breakfast included at the hotel.

8:00 am – Check out of Hotel & Depart to Halifax.  Please be prompt!

There will be many stops along the way including a visit of Kejimkujik Seaside. The oceanfront section of Kejimkujik National Park offers hikers a myriad of landscapes and wildlife to admire over a 7-kilometre (4.3-mile) trail. The park’s white, sandy beaches and lagoons offer plenty of opportunity to spot harbour seals while birds such as yellowthroats perch among the shrubs and coastal forest.

Visit the seafaring town of Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its colourful waterfront, narrow streets, and captivating architecture. Old Town Lunenburg is home to Nova Scotia’s famous racing schooner, Bluenose II.

Continue along the South Shore and be sure to stop in Mahone Bay. Find a spot along the historic harbourfront to capture one of the most photographed views in Nova Scotia, the Three Churches of Mahone Bay.

Depart for the South Shore and be sure to stop at the iconic Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse. Wander throughout the working fishing village of Peggy’s Cove where you can visit one (or several) gift and artisan shops, get a taste for the local seafood, and snap a photo of one of the world's most photographed lighthouses.

Peggys Lighthouse Tour by boat is included (Daily every ½ hour from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm) - This is a quick 20-minute cruise which takes you up close and around the famous Peggy's Cove Lighthouse. Bring your camera and take a memorable photograph from the best viewpoint possible. Perfect for social media posts!

Dinner On Your Own

Overnight in Halifax at the Marriott Harbourfront Halifax. (Day 1 of 3 nights at this hotel.)

YOUR NOTES FOR THE DAY:

October 6, 2024 | Day 5:

6:00 am – 7:30 am - Breakfast included at the hotel.

8:00 am – Depart for Annapolis Valley.  Please be prompt!

Today we will tour Annapolis Valley. The Annapolis valley, Atlantic Canada’s richest agricultural region, is spectacular! It’s full of fields, dykes, orchards, and vineyards all waiting to be explored. Behold the power of nature at the Bay of Fundy and its world-famous tides. It’s ever-changing landscape of rocky shores, fertile farmlands, salt marshes, and broad sandy beaches are a must-see.

Visit Canada’s oldest National Historic Site, Fort Anne National Historic Site. This area was known as Nme’juaqnek ("place of bountiful fish") by the Mi'kmaq. In the 1600s and 1700s it was the centre of early European colonization and settlement. Explore historic forts remains and the 15-hectare grounds. The walking trail hosts scenic Annapolis River and basin views.

Everyone will enjoy a winery tour & tasting at a local winery in the area.

Dinner On Your Own

Overnight in Halifax at the Marriott Harbourfront Halifax. (Day 2 of 3 nights at this hotel.)

YOUR NOTES FOR THE DAY:

 

October 7, 2024 | Day 6:

6:00 am – 7:30 am - Breakfast included at the hotel.

8:00 am – Depart for Bay of Fundy.  Please be prompt!

Today we will enjoy a daytrip to the Bay of Fundy and Burnt coat Head Park: the exact site of the world's highest tides! Here, you can experience the wonder of ocean life in tide pools, exploring for hours on the ocean floor. Enjoy stunning vistas of red Fundy cliffs and flowerpot islands.

To fully experience the breathtaking power of the Bay of Fundy, visit at both low and high tide. Pass the six hours between tides enjoying the park’s historic lighthouse, trails, picnic areas, and interpretive displays, then exploring attractions of the local community – from museums and art galleries to world-famous tidal bore rafting!

Dinner On Your Own

Overnight in Halifax at the Marriott Harbourfront Halifax. (Day 3 of 3 nights at this hotel.)?

Be packed & ready to check out of the hotel tomorrow morning!

YOUR NOTES FOR THE DAY:

 

October 8, 2024 | Day 7:

6:00 am – 7:30 am - Breakfast included at the hotel.

8:00 am – Check out of Hotel & Depart to Baddeck.  Please be prompt!

We will make our way to Baddeck, including a stop at the Museum of Industry for a guided tour.

Afterwards, visit Their Light Will Always Shine - Westray Memorial Park, which is dedicated to the 26 miners who lost their lives in the Westray Mine explosion (for a donation to the park, I can arrange for a local with first-hand knowledge of the disaster to meet you and talk about the park & the disaster).

Dinner On Your Own

Overnight in Baddeck at the Gisele’s Inn.  (Day 1 of 2 nights at this hotel.)

YOUR NOTES FOR THE DAY:

 

October 9, 2024 | Day 8:

6:00 am – 7:30 am - Breakfast included at the hotel.

8:00 am – & Depart to Cape Breton Highlands National Park.  Please be prompt!

Drive to the French-speaking Acadian settlement of Chéticamp and continue the Cabot Trail, a scenic route with unique views of the rugged coast and endless forests of Nova Scotia, to the impressive plateaus of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Named after the Italian-English explorer John Cabot, the road winds around the bizarre rock formations of Cape Breton in the extreme north of Nova Scotia.

Enjoy an easy hike on the Highland Trail. A dramatic headland cliff overlooks the rugged coast from the end of this level trail. You can enjoy an eagle's view of the Cabot Trail as it winds its way down the mountain – vehicles look like toys. Watch for whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence from the viewing decks. Moose, bald eagles, bears and numerous boreal birds live in this habitat. Be cautious with children around the cliffs and give moose a wide berth. The headland plants are very fragile and easily damaged by trampling, so stay on the boardwalk. Dogs are not permitted here as they disturb wildlife, especially moose and bear.

A stop will be made in Pleasant Bay for 1.5 – 2-hour whale watching tour. Explore the coastal waters of Cape Breton and discover the area's abundant wildlife and spectacular beauty.  Every tour is guided by an experienced captain. We interact directly with you to answer your questions and provide interesting and insightful information about the whales, dolphins, wildlife, and areas we encounter. We are dedicated whale and wildlife watchers. This is our passion, it is all we do, and it shows in the type of tours that we run. As an owner operated company, we take pride in providing a quality tour with a personal touch.

Dinner On Your Own

Overnight in Baddeck at the Gisele’s Inn.  (Day 2 of 2 nights at this hotel.)?

Be packed & ready to check out of the hotel tomorrow morning!

YOUR NOTES FOR THE DAY:

October 10, 2024 | Day 9:

6:00 am – 7:30 am - Breakfast included at the hotel.

8:00 am – Check out of Hotel & Depart back to Halifax.  Please be prompt!

We will visit Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site - Touring the museum and gorgeous grounds overlooking Baddeck Bay and Kidston Island with its picturesque lighthouse. You can also spot the headlands of Beinn Bhreagh, Bell's beloved summer home where he did much of his scientific work. Get a rare glimpse into the extraordinary heart and mind of a world-famous inventor whose genius helped shape the modern world. Pull the curtain back on Alexander Graham Bell’s interests and inventions, spanning airplanes and kites, to deaf education and artificial respiration. Feel his legacy come to life as you explore remarkable artifacts, photos and full-scale replicas that mark his masterful career as an engineer, inventor, scientist, and humanitarian. See how artifacts, including Bell’s favourite jacket, a personal notebook, and a walking stick with an interesting backstory, are conserved for future generations. Hear how Parks Canada has continued to protect and preserve the stories and objects that Bell himself felt were essential to an understanding of his life.

Optional: Add enhanced White Glove Tour - A small group of participants will be taken to the White Glove Room. This small room is accessible through a series of ramps. Here they’ll be offered a rare look into the often-overshadowed personal lives of Alexander Graham Bell and his loving wife Mabel. Items can be handled and are verbally described by the guide.

Continue to Halifax for a city tour. Sites may include (from outside): Province House, Town Hall, Public Gardens, beautiful residential neighborhoods, the harbor area, Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market & Fairlawn Cemetery, the final resting place for more than 100 people who perished on the ill-fated voyage of the Titanic.

7:00 PM - Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant is included.

Overnight in Halifax at the Marriott Harbourfront Halifax.  (Day 1 of 1 nights at this hotel.)

Be packed & ready to check out of the hotel tomorrow morning!

YOUR NOTES FOR THE DAY:

October 11, 2024 | Day 10: Halifax Departure

6:00 am – 7:30 am - Breakfast included at the hotel.

8:00 am – Check out of Hotel & Depart.  Please be prompt!

Transfer to the airport or start the PEI extension tour.

YOUR NOTES FOR THE DAY:

 

COST INCLUDES:

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:


 

 

Prince Edward Island Optional Extension

October 11 – 14, 2024

October 11 - Day 1: Halifax – Caribou, NS - Wood Islands, PEI - Charlottetown

6:00 am – 7:30 am - Breakfast included at the hotel.

8:00 am – Departure.  Please be prompt!

Depart from Halifax by coach to Caribou Nova Scotia. We will board the ferry for a 75-minute crossing to Wood Islands, PEI. Upon arrival at Wood Islands Ferry Terminal, continue to CharlottetownA city with trees and a body of waterDescription automatically generated . Upon arrival in Charlottetown, we will enjoy a walking tour with our English speaking Guide. Among other places, you’ll see historic Province House, the Lieutenant Governor’s House, beautiful Victoria Park along the water, and the University of Prince Edward Island. From the historic buildings where the foundation of Canada as a national began, to seeing some of the beautiful homes throughout the city, you will have the opportunity to uncover the history of this city and life in Charlottetown today.

7:00 PM – Dinner on your own.

Overnight in Charlottetown at The Great George Hotel or similar.  (Day 1 of 2 nights at this hotel).

Your Notes for The Day:



Day 2: Charlottetown – PEI National Park - Charlottetown

6:00 am – 7:30 am - Breakfast included at the hotel.

8:00 am – Departure.  Please be prompt!

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Depart on a day trip to Prince Edward Island National Park. Discover extensive walking trails and boardwalks. Meander across floating boardwalks and along field edges and hedgerows, through varied coastal terrain, from saltwater marsh to Acadian Forest. Marvel at the spectacular vistas and varied species of birds and wildlife. The National Park is renowned for its beaches. The beautiful dunes are protected areas that are critical to ecosystem health. Beaches are also nesting areas for the endangered Piping Plover.

7:00 PM – Dinner on your own.

Overnight in Charlottetown at The Great George Hotel or similar.  (Day 2 of 3 nights at this hotel).

Your Notes for The Day:

Day 3: Charlottetown – Lennox Island - Charlottetown

6:00 am – 7:30 am - Breakfast included at the hotel.

8:00 am – Departure.  Please be prompt!

Continue for a visit of Green Gables Heritage Place (admission & guided tour)

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Walk in the footsteps of one of Canada's most celebrated authors and immerse yourself in the landscape that inspired the setting of Anne of Green Gables. Part of L.M. Montgomery's Cavendish National Historic Site, Green Gables tells the story of both the author, L.M. Montgomery, and her most famous heroine, Anne Shirley. Explore the new visitor center, original house, 19th century gardens, farmyard, walking trails - including the Haunted Wood and Lovers Lane - gift shop and The Cordial Café.

Continue to visit the First Nation Village on Lennox Island. They will enjoy an authentic Bannock and Clams in the Sand Experience. With the guidance of traditional teachers and storytellers, you will get to experience preparing Bannock (traditionally made bread) that is cooked in the sand. While everything is cooking, you will be treated to stories of traditional life on Lennox Island and maybe learn a little Mi’kmaq while you are there.

Return to Charlottetown.

7:00 PM - Farewell Dining Experience (oyster tasting or similar at a local restaurant).

Overnight in Charlottetown at The Great George Hotel or similar.  (Day 3 of 3 nights at this hotel).

Your Notes for The Day:

Day 4: Charlottetown – Halifax (departure)

6:00 am – 7:30 am - Breakfast included at the hotel.

8:00 am – Departure.  Please be prompt!

Return to by coach to Halifax and drop off at the airport. Time TBD

 

COST INCLUDES:

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:

               


                              

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