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Fall Foliage Tour: The Canadian Maritimes

with St. John’s, Newfoundland extension

Duration: 9 or 12 days
Group size: 15-35
Reviews: 5

Dive into the culture and seaside beauty of the Canadian Maritimes.

Enjoy rural scenery and rugged coastal landscapes as you journey off the beaten path to discover one of Canada’s most storied regions. Uncover immigrant history, fascinating Acadian culture, and the tranquil lifestyles of quaint fishing villages as you get to know Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. Picturesque sea views, small-town charm, and a colorful past collide on this breathtaking trip.

Your tour package includes

8 nights in handpicked hotels
8 breakfasts
1 lunch
4 dinners with beer or wine
2 guided sightseeing tours

Included highlights

Maritimes’ fall foliage
maple sugar shack visit
Bay of Fundy
Anne of Green Gables Museum
Cape Breton Highlands National Park

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Day-by-day itinerary

Halifax, Nova Scotia2 nights

Day 1: Arrival in Halifax

Welcome to Canada! Arrive in Halifax and settle in to your hotel.

Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Halifax

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Join a kilted local guide and head out on a sightseeing tour of Halifax, a global city that serves as the capital of Nova Scotia.

• Set off on foot to explore the Fairview Lawn Cemetery, where many Titanic victims are buried, and stop at the Victorian-era Halifax Public Gardens (seasonal, early May–mid-November)

• Enjoy a guided visit to the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, which pays homage to the many immigrants who have shaped Canada’s history

• Stroll along the city’s large natural harbor

Then, gather with your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome lunch.

Moncton, New Brunswick1 night

Day 3: Moncton via Peggy's Cove & Lunenburg

Included meal: Breakfast

Travel to the city of Moncton, which serves as a major crossroads at the center of the Maritime provinces, making stops en route.

• Learn how maple sugar is processed during a brief stop at a local sugar shack that has been run by the same family for 100 years

• Admire stunning coastal scenery at Peggy’s Cove, a rural, coastal region in Nova Scotia

• Visit the UNESCO-listed port town of Lunenburg and enter the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island2 nights

Day 4: Charlottetown via Hopewell Rocks

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, stop for a guided tour of the intriguing rock formations called Hopewell Rocks, located in the Bay of Fundy.

• Marvel at the power of tidal erosion as you explore Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park

• Take in views of beaches and covered bridges during a photo stop at Mary’s Point, a sanctuary for shorebird species and home to internationally recognized wetlands

• Enjoy free time to explore the Bay of Fundy, a natural wonder that boasts the largest tidal change in the world, where you can walk on the ocean floor during low tide

Later, loop back to Moncton before crossing the Confederation Bridge.

• Marvel at this feat of engineering, which crosses the Abegweit Passage and is the longest bridge to span ice-covered water

• Make your way to Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island and home to a variety of historic buildings

Attend an authentic Acadian cultural show this evening. You'll hear traditional music as you enjoy an included dinner during the interactive experience.

Day 5: Kensington & Cavendish Beach

Included meal: Breakfast

Get to know some of Prince Edward Island’s charming sights on a guided tour.

• Make a short trip to the town of Kensington, "The Heart of Prince Edward Island”

• Visit the Anne of Green Gables Museum located on Campbell Farm

• Explore the property, which served as the inspiration for L.M. Montgomery’s famous novel

• Transfer to Cavendish Beach, which runs for almost five miles along the Gulf of Saint Lawrence

• Marvel at red dunes and breathe in fresh sea air as you stroll along the boardwalks

Cape Breton Region, Nova Scotia2 nights

Day 6: Transfer to Cape Breton Island

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Continue on to Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. En route, make a brief transfer to Wood Islands, a fishing area on Prince Edward Island. Then, board a ferry to Pictou County, Nova Scotia.

• Disembark from the ferry in Caribou, a rural area on the Northumberland Strait

• Stop in the coastal town of Pictou, the first place Scottish immigrants landed in the late 1700s

• Transfer to the village of Baddeck, located along the shore of the Bras d’Or Lake on Cape Breton Island and noted as the starting and ending point of the Cabot Trail

• Visit the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, which pays homage to the life and work of the famous inventor

Sit down for an included dinner in Baddeck this evening.

Please note: The ferry from Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island to Pictou County, Nova Scotia is seasonal and cannot be guaranteed on all departures.

Day 7: Sightseeing tour of Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Follow an expert guide as you enjoy a sightseeing tour of Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

• Drive up to Cheticamp, a fishing town located on the Cabot Trail, and enjoy an included lunch

• Enjoy breathtaking views of oceans and mountains as you journey north along the Cabot Trail through Cape Breton Highlands National Park

• Make scenic photo stops at Neil’s Harbour and Ingonish Beach as you drive through the park

Halifax Region, Nova Scotia1 night

Day 8: Halifax Region via the Grand-Pré National Historic Site

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Drive back to mainland Nova Scotia, stopping to enter the UNESCO-listed Grand-Pré National Historic Site to learn about Acadian history along the way.

Later, marvel at beautiful coastal scenery as you continue on to the Halifax region. Then, celebrate your trip with your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner.

Flight Home

Day 9: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay to visit St. John’s, Newfoundland.

Extension to St. John’s, Newfoundland

With a history dating back to the 17th century, St. John’s is distinguished as one of the oldest cities in North America. Despite its strong footing in tradition and title of Newfoundland and Labrador’s largest city, this scenic port still boasts an exciting, modern vibe and quaint, small-town charm. From stunning coastal scenery and natural beauty to an impressive folklore tradition and lively entertainment district, the vibrant “City of Legends” has it all.

St. John's, Newfoundland3 nights

Day 9: Flight to St. John’s, Newfoundland

Included meal: Breakfast

After a short morning flight, enjoy free time to explore St. John’s, the capital of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, or add an excursion.

Quidi Vidi Village & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 10: Sightseeing tour of St. John’s

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a panoramic bus tour of St. John’s today.

• Pass Government House and the mid-19th-century Basilica of St. John the Baptist

• Take in stunning views of the city during a photo stop at Signal Hill, which is surrounded by 17th-century fortifications and is the site of Cabot Tower

• Transfer to Cape Spear, the most easterly point in North America, and walk along a stunning cliffside trail to the Cape Spear Lighthouse

Day 11: Free day in St. John’s

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a full free day in St. John’s.

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Flight Home

Day 12: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.8 average

10/30/2018 by 6th time traveler Vallerie D.

Great tour! Beautiful countryside with quaint sea coves. There was more bus time than I would have preferred.

10/31/2018 by 3rd time traveler James M.

We hit the peak of color, especially in Cape Breton and enjoyed our wonderful tour leader, Heather, and bus driver, Ken. The itinerary was good but needs some tweaking, especially the long stop at a mall and a tasteless meal at the Acadian Music stop. More time in some places, even just 15 minutes...

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Canadian fall colors a delight

10/30/2018 by 2nd time traveler Eileen E.

We very much enjoyed our fall tour with Go Ahead to the Canadian Maritimes. The fall colors of the leaves were really breathtaking. The itinerary was great, with plenty of things to do so we didn't feel bored - in fact at a couple of places I really wished for more time! Our tour director was know...

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Super Canadian Maritimes Tour

10/19/2018 by 4th time traveler Judith E.

Honestly, I do not have any complaints about our Nova Scotia Maritime Tour with Go Ahead. If I had to name one thing, it would be "getting" to Halifax. From where we live there is no good way to get there and due to fog, we missed our entire first day of touring in Halifax which was a disappointme...

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Hotels, flights, & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Alt Hotel Halifax Airport

This modern hotel is located in the airport neighborhood. Guests enjoy meeting spaces, a bar, and a pool. Nearby, you’ll find Laurie Park, Shubencadie...

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Inverary Resort

This cozy hotel is located on Cape Breton Island. Guests enjoy a fitness center, pool, and spa. Nearby, you’ll find the property's lake and water acti...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
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24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

Canadian citizens need valid government-issued identification for air travel within Canada.
In order to enter Canada, U.S. citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, please be sure to have any additional required identification with you as well.

Tour pace

You will walk for about 1 hour daily across mostly flat terrain, including paved roads and gravel paths, with few hills.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times as well as getting in and out of boats and ferries.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Halifax, Nova Scotia (or St. Johns, Newfoundland on the tour extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tourswill meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
A ferry ride from Prince Edward Island to Nova Scotia is included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension also includes a flight from Halifax to St. Johns.)
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to this region.
Be sure to check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and personal travel requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
During the summer months, take proper care with sun exposure and heat.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

Canadian cuisine closely resembles British cuisine, with elements that will be very familiar to Americans as well. While in Canada, you may want to try local favorites like butter tarts, poutine and anything with maple syrup.
Due to the Maritimes’ coastal location, the seafood in this region is high quality and delicious. Try a lobster roll or dried dulse, a type of seaweed that grows in the area.

Electricity & air conditioning

All of North America operates on 110-120 volts and uses Type A or B plugs with two flat pins or two flat pins and one round pin, respectively.
The majority of the hotels on this tour will have air conditioning.
Some of the hotels on this tour will provide hairdryers, irons and other small appliances, but these amenities cannot be guaranteed for hotels in more remote locations.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island are on Atlantic Time (AT), which is one hour ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
When it’s noon in New York City, it’s 1pm on tour in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
On the tour extension, the province of Newfoundland and Labrador is on Newfoundland Time (NT), which is 1.5 hours ahead of ET.
When it’s noon in New York City, it’s 1:30pm in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Currency

The Canadian dollar is the currency you will be using on this tour.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your purchases for fraudulent charges.
Many banks and businesses now primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on your tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for optional excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.