Atlantic Maritimes Tours & Nova Scotia Holidays

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Rugged, unspoiled and off the tourist trail, Northern New England and Canada's Maritime Provinces reveal their unique charm, rich history and hidden secrets to the intrepid traveller. Stunning natural beauty serves as a backdrop to coastal communities defined by their strong cultural identities. From hiking a portion of the famed Appalachian Trail in Baxter State Park to an included sea kayaking trip at Cape Breton Highlands, the Northeast Coast promises a unique adventure with something to entice all interests.

• Canoeing US$35-US$75
• Great National Park hikes US$FREE
• Cycling US$20
• Horseback riding US$45-$115
• Sea kayaking US$80-$350
• Whale Watching (in season) US$15-$25
• Fishing Trip US$125-$400
• Sailboat cruise US$35-$95
• Rock climbing US$50-$75

Why not arrange your own Grand American Adventures departure? For groups of 8 or more, we can offer private departures on any of our published itineraries enabling friends, families or organizations to enjoy our style of travel at special rates. Although tours will run as per our standard itinerary shown here, slight modifications may be considered and dates can be chosen to suit your needs. (Subject to seasonal/operational restrictions). So contact us today and start planning your own adventure.

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Trip Itinerary

Our routes have been carefully chosen to include the best night stops and highlights. However, as local and operational conditions may vary and unforeseen circumstances can arise, the following itinerary should be used as a guideline.

As this tour departs at 0730 in the morning we recommend that you book pre-tour accommodation. Please request hotel details at the time of booking.

Day 1: Boston to Baxter State Park

After leaving Boston, we travel north through New Hampshire and into the state of Maine. Our destination is Baxter State Park - a large wilderness area in Piscataquis County in the northern-central part of the state and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. On arrival we set up camp for our two-night stay.
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

Day 2: Baxter State Park

We have a whole day free to explore the wonders of Baxter State Park, which is the largest and most remote natural preserve in eastern USA. It was named after its donor and former Maine governor, Percival P. Baxter, and covers an area of 809 square kilometres. At its heart lies Mount Katahdin which is a mountain with many peaks. At 5267 feet one of these peaks, Baxter Peak, is the highest point in Maine. There are many optional activities that you can enjoy here. Hiking, canoeing and scenic flights are but a few ways to enjoy this rare and wonderful wilderness.
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

Day 3: Fundy National Park

We cross the border into Canada and stop at coastal Fundy National Park in the province of New Brunswick. The main features of this park include the seaside habitats and the highland Acadian forests. We get the chance to enjoy a walk in these forests and perhaps even stop by some waterfalls. The Bay of Fundy is known to have the highest range in tide levels of anywhere in the world with an average variance of 47.5 feet and an extreme variance of an amazing 53.5 feet.
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

Day 4-5: Prince Edward Island

After driving past the forests and farmlands of New Brunswick, we cross the Gulf of St Lawrence to Prince Edward Island. This is the smallest of all the Canadian provinces with a total population of 141,000. Often referred to as 'PEI', the province actually consists of one major island called Prince Edward Island as well as a collection of smaller islands. It is also referred to as the 'Birthplace of Confederation' as the Charlottetown Conference held in 1864 was one of a few events that established the framework that led the British colonies to confederation in 1867.

We enjoy free time here to relax and choose from various activities at this popular summer retreat such as biking and beach combing. Prince Edward Island was the childhood home of author Lucy Maud Montgomery, whose best-selling novel, 'Anne of Green Gables' (published in 1908), was also set here. It is possible to join a tour of the Green Gables House, as well as stroll around on the Balsom Woods and Haunted Hollows trails that feature in the book.
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

Day 6-7: Cape Breton Highlands National Parks

From Prince Edward Island it is a short ferry ride to Caribou Provincial Park. We then drive towards the impressive headlands of Cape Breton Highlands National Park in the province of Nova Scotia - Canada's second smallest province. Sheer cliffs rising from the sea at the base of the coastal range help to form the spectacular coastline. During our time here we can hike beside the many forested lakes and to the top of the various rugged peaks for outstanding views, or take to the sea for some fantastic kayaking along the remote and beautiful coastline. Consisting of Acadian forests and boreal forests this park is home to various species of wildlife such a black bear, coyote and moose. If we are lucky we may even see some bald eagles flying overhead or perched high up in the trees.
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

Day 8: Halifax

Next we travel to the World Heritage listed historic town of Lunenburg and Nova Scotia's provincial capital and largest city, Halifax. A walk down the streets of Lunenburg is sure to remind us of a journey back to a bygone era with its unique architecture exemplified in the colourful wooden structures that date back to colonial times, reflecting the towns position as a seaport and a centre for shipbuilding. With its large natural harbour, Halifax has historically been one of the busiest ports on the eastern seaboard. Tonight we also leave our tents and spend the night in a hotel in town.
Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals paid locally

Day 9: St John

We have time to enjoy some of the many parks, museums, landmarks, art galleries and waterfront cafes of Halifax. The Maritime Museum in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) tells the story of the city's seafaring origins whilst the fortress on Citadel Hill with its iconic Town Clock overlooks the modern glass towers of the city, providing that link between the past and the present. We then catch an afternoon ferry across the Bay of Fundy to St John, the largest city in New Brunswick. We spend the second of our two nights in a hotel and get to sample some of the city's nightlife.
Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals paid locally

Day 10-11: Acadia National Park

Leaving Canada, we travel back to USA and the verdant State of Maine. Our destination is Acadia National Park - the only national park in New England. Situated on a series of rocky coastal islands, this reserve was originally named Lafayette National Park in 1919 and took on its present name in 1929. It's a perfect place to enjoy trekking and mountain biking, or there is also the chance to partake in an optional deep sea fishing excursion. Maybe catch something for dinner or haul up a lobster?
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

Day 12: Acadia National Park to Boston

We make our way back to Boston where we recommend that you stay on after the tour ends and book yourself a few extra nights' accommodation to explore the many attractions of one of America's oldest cities.

Founded in 1630 by Puritan colonists, it has been in the forefront of American history and in particular the country's fight for independence. Events like the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party played pivotal roles in that struggle and have become part of American Folklore. Faneuil Hall has been a government centre and a market place for centuries and even today it makes the hive of activity in the city centre. By walking on the Freedom Trail, we get to visit many of these historic sites and learn about the story of America's own road to independence. Some may wish to pay a visit to Harvard University, located in the suburbs of Boston. New England is renowned for its delicious seafood, in particular the thick seafood soup known as New England clam chowder.

This tour ends at our gateway hotel at approximately 17:00 hrs. We can book you post-tour accommodation at our gateway hotel if required. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00 hrs.

You can easily book your trip online using our secure booking engine. You only need to pay a 10% deposit or (whichever is greatest) with full payment due 8 weeks before departure. We are members of ABTA (Association of Britsh Travel Agents) and are fully financially bonded so your money is 100% safe & protected at all times whether you pay by debit, bank or credit card. If you prefer to book by telephone, please contact our sales office and speak to one our friendly travel consultants.

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