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Waves crash against the iconic red sandstone cliffs of Prince Edward Island under a blue sky.

Prince Edward Island/Nova Scotia/New Brunswick

The Best of the Canadian Maritimes

Program No. 3788RJ

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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. Discover the historic seaport of Charlottetown and absorb the natural beauty that awaits in the Maritimes.

Best of all, you'll...

Discover the dynamic nature of coastal sand dune ecosystems in Prince Edward Island National Park.
Step back in time to 1744 at the Fortress of Louisbourg and learn about the battle between the French and the English for control of North America.
Enjoy local delicacies such as lobster and mussels, and revel in East Coast traditional music and entertainment at a local cèilidh.

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General Notes

Select dates are designated for small groups and are limited to 24 participants or less.

Featured Expert

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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 the program

Please Note:

These experts may not be available for every date of the program

James White

Patricia Brown

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.

Linda Lavoie

Linda Lavoie was born and raised in Prince Edward Island and graduated from the University of P.E.I. with a degree in modern languages. She worked for the federal government in Halifax and Ottawa and Charlottetown for 33 years. In these years she also taught project management at the University of P.E.I. and has tutored adults and children in English and French. After retiring in 2013, she began working in the travel industry for Parks Canada and other organizations.

Cameron MacDonald

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.

Philippe Theriault

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.”

Kate MacQuarrie

Kate MacQuarrie is an award-winning botanist, naturalist, and author who has been eating wild foods, tracking wild animals, and interpreting the natural history of Prince Edward Island for more than 30 years. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in biology, has conducted research in PEI’s upland hardwood forests and coastal sand dunes, found plants not previously known to exist on the Island, published papers in national and international peer-reviewed journals, and released a book on the Wild Foods of PEI.

Jocelyn Bethune

Jocelyn Bethune is a storyteller at heart. She is a writer, researcher, and local historian. She has been a reporter, an interpretive guide, and is the best-selling author of 'Historic Baddeck.'

Cheryl Bray

Cheryl Bray's work is deeply rooted in Cape Breton's rich history, weaving ancestral tales of resilience and hope. From the French era at Louisbourg to the journeys of Highland Gaels and Irish immigrants who shaped the island's identity, their stories are a testament to the land's enduring spirit. As a Gaelic learner, singer, and active member of the island’s theatre community, Cheryl serves as a set designer for Cape Breton University’s Boardmore Theatre.

Lerenda Donovan

Lerenda Donovan was born in Halifax. Her 6th-great-grandfather arrived in Nova Scotia from France in 1604, and her mother's family were one of the founding Acadian families along the Eastern Shore. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling the lesser known roads of Nova Scotia by motorcycle and spending time with her grandchildren. During her career, she traveled to many places in the U.S. and Europe seeking business opportunities for Nova Scotia agriculture companies, inspiring her to begin leading travel groups in 2017 after retiring.

Graham Marshall

Graham Marshall comes from Unamaki’k (Cape Breton Island). A storyteller, singer and knowledge keeper, he has been an ambassador for his tribe, the Mi’kmaq, for several years, He performed and showcased his culture throughout the world for decades, and now the world has been coming to him in Cape Breton. Graham has also been involved with ethnomusicology where he performs throughout the world in different universities as a guest lecturer. Graham has also performed at the Smithsonian Folk Life Festival in Washington, D.C.

Activity Level

Keep the Pace

Walking up to 2 miles per day at a moderate pace of 2 mph over varied terrain including sidewalks, uneven ground, cobblestones, grass areas, gravel paths, boardwalks and slippery rocks, sand; stairs, some without handrails. Standing up to 1.5 hours per day. Program will require approximately 16 miles of walking over 12 days. Getting on/off a motorcoach, ferry and boat. Some long days, up to 15 hours, including up to 5 hours on a motorcoach. Must be physically capable of participating in all planned program activities. Total of miles covered is 1330 miles (2138 kms).

Suggested Books and Resources

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You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?

We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!

Call 800-454-5768

Helpful Links

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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

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Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

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Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

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Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

An illustration of a hand holding a globe with a small bird flying around it

Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.
Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

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