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Québec/New Brunswick/Nova Scotia

On the Road: Québec City to the Canadian Maritimes

Program No. 21432RJ
Explore historic Québec City, visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and learn the story of French Canada as you venture from Québec to the Maritimes by train and motorcoach.

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At a Glance

Embark on a journey through eastern Canada by train and motorcoach reveling in the charm of Québec and the Maritimes. Setting off from Quebec City aboard the “Ocean,” ride the rails overnight through the lower St. Lawrence River valley to Moncton, New Brunswick. There, disembark and venture by motorcoach through New Brunswick to Prince Edward Island and Halifax, experiencing the natural beauty of the Bay of Fundy and the unique culture of the Canadian Maritimes.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to 2 miles during field trips over uneven terrain including busy streets, cobblestones, hills and stairs, some without railings. Be prepared to get on/off trains and walk through museums. Sleeping arrangements on overnight train include bunk beds in close confines requiring the use of a ladder to reach the top bunk. Travel by motorcoach between 130-200 miles daily over the course of 2-4 hours.

What You'll Learn

  • Discuss with local experts the history, settlement and cultural significance of French Canada while discovering 400-year-old Québec City.
  • Discover the dynamic nature of coastal sand dune ecosystems in Prince Edward Island National Park.
  • In the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax, survey the maritime history of Atlantic Canada, from the age of steamships to the Royal Canadian Navy to Nova Scotia's role in the aftermath of the Titanic.

General Notes

Select dates are designated for small groups and are limited to 24 participants or less.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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James White
James (Jay) White is an expert in history, having earned his PhD in Canadian History from McMaster University in 1994. After a two-year stint at Western Washington University, Jay migrated home to Nova Scotia where he has lived ever since, teaching a variety of historical subjects. He even instructed members of the Canadian Armed Forces in military history. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and photography, is a Toronto Blue Jays and Montreal Canadiens fan, and is of Loyalist and Acadian descent.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of James White
James White View biography
James (Jay) White is an expert in history, having earned his PhD in Canadian History from McMaster University in 1994. After a two-year stint at Western Washington University, Jay migrated home to Nova Scotia where he has lived ever since, teaching a variety of historical subjects. He even instructed members of the Canadian Armed Forces in military history. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and photography, is a Toronto Blue Jays and Montreal Canadiens fan, and is of Loyalist and Acadian descent.
Profile Image of Patricia Brown
Patricia Brown View biography
Patricia Brown has traveled across Canada and the USA with numerous groups, allowing her to discover many wonderful places and meet equally wonderful people. Patricia is also bilingual in French and English which certainly makes navigating the province of Quebec easier! She studied Communication at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, BC, as well as Travel in Quebec. Currently, she’s made her home in Montreal with her partner and dog, where she indulges in her other passions, cooking and entertaining.
Profile Image of Cameron MacDonald
Cameron MacDonald View biography
Cameron Bennett MacDonald was born in Charlottetown, as a 9th generation Islander. Being between the theatre and history of the Island his entire childhood, it only made sense that Cameron joined the Confederation players in 2013, a historical reenactment troupe. The troupe combined a knowledge of history and group leading experience, with a theatrical side as well, a job to honor both his parents. As the troupe’s artistic supervisor, he writes historical vignettes and shares his knowledge with those around him.
Profile Image of Clarisse Fréchette
Clarisse Fréchette View biography
Clarisse Frechette’s family arrived in Québec back in 1677 as shipbuilders. She has a bachelor’s degree in sociology and worked as a research agent for Québec’s Department of Education before taking on the role of a field manager for Statistics Quebec. Becoming an educational interpreter was second nature for Clarisse, with her love of history and certainly her love of Québec! She has explored the old streets of Québec for over 20 years. It is always her pleasure to help people discover this area.
Profile Image of Marie Legroulx
Marie Legroulx View biography
Marie is an eleventh-generation Quebecoise whose ancestors settled on the shores of the St. Lawrence River in the mid-17th century. She has a BA in history and an MA in Quebec literature from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. Marie draws on both fields in her Road Scholar learning adventures as well as within her life more broadly. She taught French and Quebec literature for 25 years at the university level. Marie has been leading groups in Quebec City and the surrounding area since 2008.
Profile Image of Francois Vidal
Francois Vidal View biography
François Vidal was born in Québec City, where he spent years studying theatre and travel. He frequently combines his education with his love for Québec City and its rich history, performing in numerous educational theatrical productions. François has been an educational interpreter in Québec City since 2009 and is well-known for his personification of historical figures including a recent production in which he portrayed General Montcalm from the French-Indian War. François displays a keen interest in the architecture, culture and lifestyle in Québec City.
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Routes Adventures Mobile Phone View biography
Please call the toll free line at 1-866-745-1690 during regular business hours or for non-urgent matters (Mon - Fri 8:30 - 4:30 EST). The mobile phone #1-613-331-5777 is for after hours and weekends for emergency use only. The phone is carried by a staff member.
Profile Image of Philippe Theriault
Philippe Theriault View biography
Philippe Theriault has been a group leader in India, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and the Americas for 30 years. He has a background in anthropology and history, and is an expert in generalizing history to help people understand local cultures and traditions. When asked to comment on his experiences while traveling, Philippe quotes Marcel Proust: “helping people discover a new place or a new culture is also a way of opening their eyes to the joy of living and to the art of travel.”
Profile Image of Michael O'Neill
Michael O'Neill View biography
Michael O'Neill's university background in landscape architecture led to practice in site planning in the private sector as well as in the national parks. The latter part of his professional career was spent in the field of environmental evaluation and review of major development projects planned for the northern portion of the province of Quebec. He readily shares not only his keen interest in the restoration and repurposing of period architecture and contemporary architecture into its host environment but also various facets of Quebec’s history.
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