Road Scholar : Home
History & Culture of the Canadian Maritimes

Program Number: 3788RJ
Start and End Dates:
8/8/2012 - 8/18/2012; 7/10/2013 - 7/20/2013; 8/7/2013 - 8/17/2013; 8/21/2013 - 8/31/2013; 9/11/2013 - 9/21/2013; 6/11/2014 - 6/21/2014; 7/16/2014 - 7/26/2014; 8/6/2014 - 8/16/2014; 8/20/2014 - 8/30/2014; 9/10/2014 - 9/20/2014; 9/17/2014 - 9/27/2014;
Duration: 10 nights
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Price starting at: $2,730.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: On the Road; On the Road; Independent City Discoveries
Meals: 26; 10 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 9 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Embrace the colorful history of the Canadian Maritime provinces on this journey to Nova Scotia, Cape Breton, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. Delve into the history of the port city of Halifax and the old town of Lunenburg. Gain insight into the intriguing Celtic and Acadian cultures including their music and customs. And absorb the natural beauty that awaits in the Maritimes.




Highlights

• At Hopewell Rocks, walk on the ocean floor with naturalists to see the tidal range of the Bay of Fundy.
• Explore Halifax Citadel National Historic Site and learn the role of this fort in the development of the capital.
• Enjoy a performance of Celtic music and dancing.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles per day; some uneven terrain and stairs.




Date Specific Information

8-8-2012

2012 itinerary: Independent arrival Halifax, Nova Scotia, 3 nights; coach to Baddeck, Cape Breton Island, 2 nights; coach to Stellarton, Nova Scotia, 1 night; coach to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, 2 nights; coach to Saint John, New Brunswick, 2 nights; independent departures.



7-10-2013, 8-7-2013, 8-21-2013, 9-11-2013, 6-11-2014, 7-16-2014, 8-6-2014, 8-20-2014, 9-10-2014, 9-17-2014

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Halifax, 1 night; coach to Baddeck, 2 nights; coach to Stellarton, 1 night; coach to Charlottetown, 2 nights; coach to Saint John, 2 nights, coach to Halifax, 2 nights; departure.



Coordinated by Routes to Learning Canada.



Arrival Halifax
1 night
Coach to Baddeck
2 nights
Coach to Stellarton
1 night

After an evening of orientation and introductions in Halifax, journey to the village of Braddeck on the shore of Bras d’Or Lake on Cape Breton Island. Experience the entire Cabot Trail, a 185-mile scenic road through the majestic Cape Breton Highlands. Additional field trips include the Hector Heritage Quay, the Alexander Graham Bell Museum and the Fortress of Louisbourg. Visit charming Celtic communities amid breathtaking scenery and enjoy a toe-tapping musical performance. In the French-speaking enclave of Cheticamp learn about the traditional art of rug hooking.



Ferry to Charlottetown
2 nights

Historic Charlottetown, best known as “The Birthplace of Confederation,” is Prince Edward Island’s largest city but it retains the ambiance of a small town. Explore Province House National Historic Site, Prince Edward Island National Park and the Green Gables National Historic Site. Enjoy a lively presentation of traditional Scottish music and dancing.



Coach to Saint John
2 nights

Continue to the third Maritime province, New Brunswick. At Hopewell Rocks, walk the ocean floor at low tide to learn about New Brunswick’s most famous geological feature. Discover the quiet beaches, cliffs, caves, lighthouses and covered bridges of St. Martins while learning about the tides, geology and history of the area with a local expert.



Coach to Halifax
2 nights
Departure

Return to Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, and learn about the city’s history at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. Visit Pier 21, Canada’s Ellis Island, home to the National Museum of Immigration. Discover the old port town of Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its shipbuilding, and see the tall ship Bluenose II.




Halifax

Nova Scotia’s capital is a modern port city with 18th-century elegance. Once the prime fortress in British North America, this vibrant destination on Canada's east coast offers architectural and cultural reminders of Halifax’s early European days, and also boasts a gorgeous harbor, quaint jazz clubs, live theater and abundant fresh seafood.



Cape Breton

An island off the coast of Nova Scotia, Cape Breton is known for its majestic Highlands region — an extension of the Appalachian Mountains — and distinct blend of British, Irish, Acadian, Scottish and Mi’kmaq cultures. The island was once home to Alexander Graham Bell, whose experiments in hydrofoil technology enabled the first hydroplane flight for the British Empire.



Charlottetown

Charlottetown, the historic capital city of Prince Edward Island, was the site of the 1864 discussions to unite the country by delegates from Upper and Lower Canada. Visitors may re-live the “Charlottetown Conference” in local museums and on historic Grand George Street, as well as enjoy the colorful boardwalk and harbor on Peake’s Wharf.



St. John

The largest city in New Brunswick is also the first incorporated city in Canada. Situated along the north shore of the Bay of Fundy and at the mouth of the Saint John River, the city is the site of a unique phenomenon known as the Reversing Falls, where at high tide each day the flow of the Saint John River is reversed for several hours.
Accommodations
Halifax: Modern four-star hotel in the heart of the city. Baddeck: Historic inn with lake views. Stellarton: Comfortable hotel. Charlottetown: Modern downtown hotel. Saint John: Modern Uptown hotel with indoor pool.
Meals and Lodgings
   Atlantica Hotel Halifax
  Halifax, Nova Scotia 3 nights
   Lynwood Inn
  Baddeck, Nova Scotia 2 nights
   Holiday Inn Express
  Stellarton, NS 1 night
   The Hotel on Pownal
  Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island 2 nights
   Delta Brunswick
  Saint John, New Brunswick 2 nights
 Atlantica Hotel Halifax
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: 85% of guest rooms are non-smoking, it's located in downtown/city centre, last renovated in 2000.
  Contact info: 1980 Robie Street
Halifax, NS B3H 3G5 Canada
phone: 902-423-1161
web: www.atlanticahotelhalifax.com
  Room amenities: Complimentary high speed Internet, 2 telephones, key card system for security, coffee maker, iron/ironing board, cable TV, hair dryer, vanity mirror, individual climate control, private bath with full size tub, shower and sink (85% rooms non-smoking)
  Facility amenities: Leisure facilities (indoor pool, wading pool, sauna, whirlpool), outside deck, air conditioned fitness room, gift shop, ATM machine, on-site restaurant (Seasons), wine bar, seasonal concierge services, information on local tourist attractions, business centre services, credit card accessible computer and printer, heated underground garage, dry cleaning pickup, on-site guest self-laundry facilities, free local phone calls, safety deposit box available at Front Desk, room service
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Call for availability & rates. Please contact the hotel directly on your own OR if you require personal assistance contact Cleland Travel toll free at 1-888-905-5959. A service fee MAY apply.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM

 Lynwood Inn
Type: Inn
  Description: Lynwood was built in 1868, and owned by Charles Hart. In the mid-1800s the Hart family were prominent local business people and merchants. The house has three tall triangular gables and a handsome central entrance way. For many years a private house, it was later a prominent local store, selling art, antiques and collectibles, and has recently been extensively renovated and now operates as an inn and restaurant. Located within the heart of Baddeck, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Lynwood is within walking distance of the waterfront, shops & restaurants, and of course the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site.
  Contact info: 441 Shore Road
Baddeck, NS B0E 1B0 Canada
phone: 902-295-1995
web: www.lynwoodinn.com
  Room amenities: iron, ironing board, hairdryer, alarm clock, phone, cable TV, high-speed Internet access
  Facility amenities: Laundry facilities on site.
  Smoking allowed: No

 Holiday Inn Express
Type: Hotel
  Description: The hotel is located close to the PEI Ferry, Pictou, and New Glasgow.
  Contact info: 86 Lawrence Blvd.
Stellarton, NS B0K 1S0 Canada
phone: 902-755-1020
web: www.hiestellarton.com
  Room amenities: Unlimited local and toll-free calling, coffeemaker with tea service, 32” LCD televisions, hairdryer, iron with board, easy-to-set clock radio
  Facility amenities: Complimentary high-speed Internet, pool with waterslide and hot tub, on site fitness facility
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 The Hotel on Pownal
Type: Hotel
  Contact info: 146 Pownal Street
Charlottetown, PE C1A 3W6 Canada
phone: 902-892-1217
web: www.thehotelonpownal.com
  Facility amenities: Wireless high-speed internet Free parking Coffee, tea and treats in the lobby. Visit us every day after 3 PM for fresh baked chocolate chip cookies
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 Delta Brunswick
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Located in the heart of uptown, above Brunswick Square shopping complex, the hotel is connected by an indoor walkway to Market Square, the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre and Saint John City Market.
  Contact info: 39 King Street
Saint John, NB E2L 4W3 Canada
phone: 506-648-1981
web: www.deltahotels.com/hotels/hotels.php?hotelId=4
  Room amenities: All rooms have individual temperature control, hairdryer, telephone, iron and ironing board, 24 hour room service, TV, complimentary wireless high speed Internet access, AM/FM clock radios, coffee, laundry/valet service available, guest room voice mail.
  Facility amenities: The hotel’s health club facilities are open seven days a week, 5:30 am to 12:00 midnight. They include an indoor pool, whirlpool, saunas, exercise room, full change rooms and showers. Access is complimentary to hotel guests. Drycleaning and laundry services are available, and shuttle service to the airport is provided at a nominal charge.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after: Call for availability & rates. Please contact the hotel directly on your own OR if you require personal assistance contact Cleland Travel toll free at 1-888-905-5959. A service fee MAY apply.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
4:00 pm Halifax, Nova Scotia. You will be staying at Atlantica Hotel Halifax that night.
  End of Program:
Independent departures after breakfast last day, Saint John, New Brunswick. Check out of the hotel is 12:00 noon. You will be staying at Delta Brunswick the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. A passport is required for ALL travel to/from Canada. A US law known as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires those traveling to/from the United States by land & sea to also have a passport or other appropriate secure documents (NEXUS card). Passport requirements are subject to change. Visit www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html for information.
  Parking availability:
Airport terminal - CAD$45 per week - call 902-873-1423. For parking details at the hotel please contact the hotel directly.
Transportation
  Train or bus availability: Via Rail call toll free 888-842-7245. Taxi from train station: approx. CAD$13 (All prices subject to change)
To Start of Program
  Location:  Halifax, Nova Scotia
  Transportation to site: Independent arrivals to hotel on first day. By Air •Taxi – From the airport to the hotel the cost is approximately CAD$60 (travel time approximately 40 minutes). •Shuttle service – Airporter Inc. provides shuttle service to the Atlantica Hotel Halifax. Core hours of operation are 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. daily. The cost is approximately CAD$19.50 one way per person. For more information, call (902) 873-2091. www.airporter.biz/index.html By Train •Taxi – From the Via Rail station to the hotel the cost is approximately CAD$15 (travel time approximately 10 minutes). By Car: From the Halifax International Airport (YHZ: Start out going SOUTH on Bell Blvd / Boulevard Bell toward Silver Dart. Stay right on Bell Blvd/Boulevard Bell. Take the Highway 102 S ramp towards Halifax/Dartmouth. Take the Highway 118 exit on the left towards Highway 103/Darthmouth/Highway 111/Halifax. Turn left onto Victoria Rd/Highway 322. Turn right onto Nantucket Ave. Nantucket Ave becomes Angus L Macdonald Bridge, which then becomes North St. Turn right onto Agricola St, and then left onto McCully St.; left again at Robie St. and end at the Atlantica Hotel Halifax, 1980 Robie St, Halifax, NS B3H 3G5, CA. Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services for assistance with air travel at: 1-800-854-3418; travelinfo@roadscholar.org. Hours of operation: 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. For assistance with pre/post add on hotel accommodations, medical/travel insurance, car rentals, or to customize your extended stay please contact Denise Tracey at Maritime Travel, toll free 1-888-905-5959 or by email at dtracey@maritimetravel.ca.
  From End of Program
  Location:  Saint John, New Brunswick
  Nearest city or town:  Saint John
  Nearest highway: Rte 111
  Nearest airport:  Saint John International Airport
  Transportation from site: Routes to Learning Canada has organized an OPTIONAL transfer on the last day of the program from Saint John, NB to Halifax. The modern air-conditioned coach will depart the Delta Brunswick Hotel in Saint John, NB at 8:00 am and arrive at the Halifax International Airport at approximately 1:30 pm. A secondary drop off at the Atlantica Hotel, Halifax can be arranged for those staying on at the end of program at their own expense. The per person cost for this transfer is US$45.00 and is payable directly to Routes to Learning Canada in advance of your program. Payment is acceptable by check and credit card. A transfer form will be included with the preparatory materials package that will be mailed approximately two months prior to your program departure. To reserve this transfer, please complete the form, include method of payment and return to Routes to Learning Canada at your earliest convenience. Please note, restroom facilities are available onboard the coach and one washroom stop will be arranged during the transfer to stretch your legs. By Air (Saint John Airport, YSJ) •Taxi – From the hotel to the Saint John Airport is approximately CAD$30. Approximate travel time is 20 minutes. •Shuttle Service is available from the hotel to the airport. Front desk staff at the Delta Brunswick Hotel will arrange shuttle pick up on your behalf. They require 24 hour notice. Cost one way per person is approximately CAD$20.00.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: 4:00 pm Independent Arrivals to Halifax/Orientation and Introductions
(Wednesday, August 8)
   
 Afternoon: HOTEL CHECK-IN: Following your independent arrival to Halifax proceed to the hotel for check in, available from 4:00pm. PROGRAM REGISTRATION: Following check-in, meet your group leader in the lobby to register beginning at 5:00pm. Receive your information packet containing an up-to-date schedule and relevant information that we be reviewed during our orientation session following dinner. Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to local circumstances. In the event of any changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
 Evening: ORIENTATION: Meet program hosts and fellow participants during a program overview session. We will briefly review the program itinerary and schedule providing you with the remainder to explore the neighborhood, or simply relax in the hotel. If you arrive late, your information packet will be left at the hotel front desk for you. The following day you will begin an in-depth exploration of the Maritimes. Few places remain so enchantingly disparate as the eastern edges of Canada - Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick. This area was finally settled by western European immigrants - principally, Scottish, Irish, English and French, creating a magical mosaic of cultures, both old and new. With local experts, learn about the rich history and culture of this region from folklore music, rugged coastline, remote fishing villages and Acadian farms, to 21st- century cities.
   
Accommodations: Atlantica Hotel Halifax
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: History and Overview of Halifax/Halifax Citadel/Pier 21
(Thursday, August 9)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: PRESENTATION: A local historian will introduce you to the history of this city. FIELD TRIP: At Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, explore the grounds of the fort with a local expert and hear about the major role it has played in the development of Halifax and the importance of the city as a major North American port. The present Citadel, completed in 1856, is the fourth fort to occupy the hill overlooking Halifax Harbour. It was established to guard against a land-based attack from the United States. This massive, star-shaped masonry structure is an excellent example of a 19th-century bastion fortification.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own to explore local fare.
 Afternoon: FREE TIME: Following lunch, enjoy some free time to explore the downtown harbor area. Walking through central Halifax, you will see evidence of the long history of Nova Scotia's capital city. Halifax has always been a significant port as well as a site of extreme strategic importance for the Atlantic coast. Today, Halifax is a busy international port, boasting the second-largest natural harbor in the world, and its maritime heritage blends easily with modern-day business and commerce. It is the center of many maritime activities, particularly along its busy, scenic waterfront. FIELD TRIP: Explore Pier 21, Canada's Ellis Island, with a local guide including the Exhibition Hall. From the 1920s to the 1970s, Pier 21 was Canada's "front door"” to over a million immigrants, Home Children, wartime evacuees, refugees, returning troops and war brides. Pier 21 is now a National Historic Site and a monument to Canada's immigration experience. By viewing the interactive displays, virtual projections and many fascinating images, you will gain insight into how immigration to Canada enriched the country's social and cultural landscape and changed a nation forever.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant overlooking beautiful Halifax Harbour.
 Evening: FREE EVENING: Enjoy the evening to explore on your own or relax at your hotel.
   
Accommodations: Atlantica Hotel Halifax
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Peggy's Cove/Historic Lunenburg
(Friday, August 10)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: EXCURSION: This morning, travel to Peggy's Cove, one of the most picturesque and charming fishing villages on the East Coast with its rustic, weathered wharves balanced on huge granite boulders. The town is named after the sole survivor of a schooner shipwrecked on Halibut Rock off Lighthouse Point - Peggy (Margaret) of the Cove. The most well-known lighthouse in Canada, and one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world, was built here in 1914. Positioned on a granite ledge, it serves as the local post office. In 1998, Swissair Flight 111 tragically crashed into the ocean off Peggy's Cove. Victims of the crash are interred at a memorial site in a peaceful, park-like setting. FIELD TRIP: Historic walk of Lunenburg. Explore historic Lunenburg's narrow streets, visit its historic churches and examine the Victorian architecture of the Old Town. The town's picture-postcard harbor, its colorful waterfront and the homes of flamboyant sea captains reflect its seafaring heritage. Many of these beautifully maintained homes were on the original town plan, established in 1753, the first British colonial settlement in Nova Scotia outside Halifax. Later, a vibrant economy was built on farming, fishing, shipbuilding and trade, particularly with the West Indies. The renowned fishing and racing schooner Bluenose was built here in 1912, as was the replica Bluenose II in 1963.
 Lunch: Dine on your own, and enjoy one of the many local harborside establishments.
 Afternoon: FREE TIME: Enjoy free time in Lunenburg this afternoon before returning to Halifax.
 Dinner: Dinner in Halifax.
   
Accommodations: Atlantica Hotel Halifax
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Hector Heritage Quay/Traditional entertainment/Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
(Saturday, August 11)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Travel by coach to Baddeck. EXCURSION: En route to Baddeck, we will stop at the the Hector Heritage Quay, located on the scenic Pictou waterfront. The site offers visitors a unique glimpse into the journey of early Scottish settlers to Nova Scotia and their life in the new world. The proud centerpiece of the award-winning attraction is a full-scale reproduction of the tall ship Hector that is renowned for bringing the first wave of Scottish immigrants to Nova Scotia in 1773. It was this historic voyage that established Pictou as the "Birthplace of New Scotland". The site also features a working blacksmith shop, rigger's shop, carpentry shop, resident artist's studio, and Ship Hector Company Store.
 Lunch: Lunch en route.
 Afternoon: Following lunch, enjoy a lively, toe-tapping performance provided by a local group. FIELD TRIP: Continue on to Cape Breton Island to the town of Baddeck and visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site. Discover how air and water captured Alexander Graham Bell's imagination. Explore the amazing life of the man who invented the telephone and his many accomplishments, including his work to bridge the world between sound and silence by teaching the deaf to speak.
 Dinner: Dinner at the inn.
 Evening: FREE EVENING: Explore the village of Baddeck on your own.
   
Accommodations: Lynwood Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Cape Breton Highlands National Park/Rug hooking demonstration/Free time in Baddeck
(Sunday, August 12)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the inn.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Cape Breton Highlands National Park/Cabot Trail. Explore the Cabot Trail and Cape Breton Highlands National Park as you journey through this spectacularly scenic area. The Cabot Trail is a paved road that loops 185 miles around the northern tip of Cape Breton. This remote rugged area passes through many charming Celtic communities, each with breathtaking scenery and unforgettable hospitality. Cape Breton Highlands National Park conserves and protects the majestic highlands and coastal wilderness stretching across the northern tip of Cape Breton Island between the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean. EXCURSION: Stop in Cheticamp, a coastal town famous for its rug-hooking tradition and enjoy a demonstration. The internationally renowned Cheticamp hooked rug enjoys a colorful history. Their popularity is due to the perfect workmanship, rich pastel colors, diversity of design and the distinguished owners who display them with pride of history and talent.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch en route.
 Afternoon: FREE TIME: Following your return to Baddeck in late afternoon, enjoy free time to explore this quaint town.
 Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Lobster supper in Baddeck
 Evening: FREE EVENING: The evening is free to explore on your own or relax at the inn.
   
Accommodations: Lynwood Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Fortress Louisbourg National Historic Site
(Monday, August 13)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the inn.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: The Fortress Louisbourg National Historic Site. Explore this breathtaking historic site with a Parks Canada interpreter to discover the history of Nova Scotia and the battle between the French and the English for control of North America. Founded by the French in 1763 and abandoned by the British in 1768, Louisbourg was a place of great importance in North America. It was the administrative capital of French holdings in Atlantic Canada and one of France's key economic and military centers in the New World. It was also a center for trade with France, the French West Indies, Lower Canada (now Québec), Acadia and New England. Over 100 trading vessels a year sailed in and out of the harbor. This site is North America's largest historical reconstruction. Unlike most colonial settlements, no modern city was built here; thus, the site preserves a massive archaeological time capsule.
 Lunch: Lunch on site at Hotel de la Marine.
 Afternoon: Travel to Stellarton.
 Dinner: Dinner en route.
 Evening: Mid evening arrival; check into hotel in Stellarton.
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Introduction to Prince Edward Island/Province House/Ceilidh
(Tuesday, August 14)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Travel by ferry to Prince Edward Island. The relaxing ride allows you to breathe in the bracing sea air and photograph the picturesque views. Once at Wood Island, travel on to Charlottetown. Gain an overview of Prince Edward Island from a presentation on the coach by your Group Leader. FIELD TRIP: Walking field trip and presentation on historic Charlottetown by a local historian.
 Lunch: Lunch in Charlottetown.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP and LECTURE: Province House National Historic Site. At Province House National Historic Site, discover the significant role this building has played in the history of Canada. The Charlottetown Conference was held here in 1864. The delegates were driven by fears of American expansionism and by Britain's growing desire that its North American colonies should look after themselves. Yet these men were gripped by the idea of a new, independent nation. After further conferences in Halifax and Quebec, the delegates hammered out the terms of Confederation, and Canada was born on July 1, 1867. Province House is also the seat of the Prince Edward Island Provincial Legislature since 1847. Look for the tax record, a path in the stones of the main floor where farmer's hobnailed boots etched a valley in the floor as they walked to the old tax office. A spool of cotton ribbon on a table in the library was once used to tie up bundles of documents, thereby coining the term "red tape". And as you enter Province House, look down at the stone step, worn in the middle from the weight of so many people entering the building.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.
 Evening: PERFORMANCE: Celtic culture comes alive at The College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts of Canada! With a mandate to preserve and promote the Celtic heritage of Canada's most Celtic province, Prince Edward Island, The College ignites passion in the hearts and minds of students and visitors alike. Uplift your spirits and feel the exhilaration of Highland Storm, a Celtic music and dance show involving the very best in Island talent. Featuring a cast of over thirty, this high-energy show captivates visitors with the fast-paced feet of the Highland and step dancers, stirred by the sounds of the pipes and drums.
   
Accommodations: The Hotel on Pownal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Prince Edward Island History/PEI Preserve Company/Green Gables National Historic Site/Dalvay by the Sea/Prince Edward Island National Park
(Wednesday, August 15)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: PRESENTATION: A local historian will discuss the early settlement of Prince Edward Island as well as the island's rich natural and cultural heritage. En route to Green Gables, stop at the Prince Edward Island Preserve Company. FIELD TRIP: Green Gables National Historic Site. Parks Canada staff will present the history of this site and its significance to Canadian literary history. Spend time at Green Gables, the famed fictional home of red-haired Anne Shirley, the heroine of Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic 1908 novel, Anne of Green Gables. Discover the history of the house as well as biographical information about Montgomery. Green Gables, part of Lucy Maud Montgomery's Cavendish National Historic Site, has become famous around the world as the inspiration for the setting in Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic tale of fiction, Anne of Green Gables. In real life, this farm was the home of David Jr. and Margaret Macneill, who were cousins of Montgomery's grandfather. Shortly after her death in 1942, Lucy Maud Montgomery was recognized by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada as being a person of national historic significance, and a monument and plaque were erected at Green Gables in 1948.
 Lunch: Lunch at Dalvay by the Sea
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Following lunch, explore the fascinating background of historic Dalvay by the Sea, a National Historic Site of Canada. This elegant Queen Anne Revival home was built in 1895 by a Scottish-American oil tycoon. FIELD TRIP AND PRESENTATION: Prince Edward Island National Park. Located along the beautiful north shore of the island, the park has long stretches of sand dunes and beaches at its eastern end. The park is a dynamic system of shifting sand carried by wind and waves, and is the finest example of sand-dune ecosystems in Atlantic Canada. The park also contains heritage cultural sites, notably Green Gables and Dalvay-by-the-Sea National Historic Site. In 1998, ten miles of the Greenwich Peninsula were added to the park to protect unique dune formations, rare plants and animals as well as archaeological findings dating back 10,000 years. At the Dunelands Trail area of Prince Edward Island National Park, you will discover its diverse habitats. Known for its wetlands and forests, the park provides a home for a variety of plants and animals, but more for its beaches, sandstone cliffs sand dunes, barrier islands and sand pits. The coastal area is inhabited by the endangered Piping Plover, whose nesting sites are protected. Enjoy time to walk along the beach.
 Dinner: Dine on your own, and enjoy one of the many Charlottetown restaurants.
 Evening: FREE EVENING: Opportunity to attend a theatre presentation at Confederation Centre of the Arts
   
Accommodations: The Hotel on Pownal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: Hopewell Rocks/Fundy National Park
(Thursday, August 16)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP AND PRESENTATION: Hopewell Rocks. A Parks Canada expert will discuss the significance of this area. Over thousands of years, the Bay of Fundy's mighty tides have shaped the landscape of coastal New Brunswick. The Hopewell Rocks are also called the Flowerpot Rocks and created by the clash of continents, carved by melting glaciers and then sculpted by the highest tides in the world.
 Lunch: Hopewell Rocks Interpretive Centre
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Tidal walk with Parks Canada naturalist at Hopewell Rocks. Walk the ocean floor (weather and tides permitting) with naturalists at low tide out to the Hopewell Rocks to learn about New Brunswick's most famous geological feature. Travel through Fundy National Park along the New Brunswick coast with its impressive views of seaside cliffs and colorful forests. Travel to Saint John, check into the hotel.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
 Evening: FREE EVENING: Enjoy the evening to explore Saint John on your own or relax at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Delta Brunswick
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Legacy of Loyalists and Shipbuilders/Quaco Museum/St. Martins Sea Caves and Tidal Harbor/Fundy Trail
(Friday, August 17)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP and LECTURE: Discover the legacy of Loyalists and Shipbuilders at the Quaco Museum in a session conducted by the curator and a local genealogist. Learn about the arrival of the Loyalists and the shipbuilding industry that at one time made St. Martins the second wealthiest community in the British Empire. Take an opportunity to explore the museum exhibits and archives. LECTURE: A second presentation explains the Bay of Fundy Tides, the highest in the world.
 Lunch: Lunch at the Tidal Watch Inn
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: St. Martins/Bay of Fundy. Visit the Sea Caves and Tidal Harbour, followed by a historic walk of the village. Discover St. Martins' quiet beaches, cliffs, caves, lighthouses and covered bridges while learning about the tides, geology and history of the area with a local expert. Marvel at the highest tides in the world sweeping in and out each day, carving sea stacks and caves into the rugged red cliffs that surround the village. EXCURSION: Explore the Fundy Trail with your local guide.
 Dinner: Special farewell dinner at Tidal Watch Inn.
 Evening: Following dinner, return to Saint John, overnight.
   
Accommodations: Delta Brunswick
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Independent departures
(Saturday, August 18)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Independent departures.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Wild Nova Scotia


Author: Len Wagg | Bob Bancroft


Description: NATURAL HISTORY, 2007, HARD COVER, 86 PAGES A collection of stunning color photographs of Nova Scotia's landscapes and wildlife, from butterflies and blossoms to rocky coastlines, river valleys and mist-shrouded lakes. (CND290, $29.95) Available through Longitude. Call 1 (800) 342-2164 or go to reading.longitudebooks.com/RL22280.



My Famous Evening: Nova Scotia Sojourns, Diaries and Preoccupations


Author: Howard Norman


Description: TRAVEL NARRATIVE, 2004, HARD COVER, 208 PAGES Howard Norman returned to Nova Scotia over a period of 30 years to interview local legends and research the folklore of the area. Norman writes with an impressionistic intimacy to create a portrait of this enchanting place and its people. (CND204, $20.00) Available through Longitude. Call 1 (800) 342-2164 or go to reading.longitudebooks.com/RL22280.



Anne of Green Gables


Author: Lucy Maud Montgomery


Description: LITERATURE, 2003, PAPERBACK, 320 PAGES The immensely popular children's novel set on Prince Edward Island. Anne, an 11-year-old orphan, moves to the small town of Avonlea when she is adopted by an elderly brother and sister. (CND39, $4.95) Available through Longitude. Call 1 (800) 342-2164 or go to reading.longitudebooks.com/RL22280.



Moon Handbook Atlantic Canada


Author: Mark Morris


Description: GUIDEBOOK, 2009, PAPERBACK, 500 PAGES A comprehensive guide to New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island. With regional maps and detailed descriptions of St. John's and other points of interest, along with an overview of the people, wildlife and history of the region. (CAN02, $19.95). Available through Longitude. Call 1 (800) 342-2164 or go to reading.longitudebooks.com/RL22280.





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