Hargreaves

Hello. I am travelling to the Maritimes with my family (husband, daughter 10). Our accommodations are located in the Western Shore, Nova Scotia. We will arrive in the morning of August 22-September 1. There is SO much information and SO much to do. Any help with an itinerary/suggestions would be lovely and so very appreciated. It has been our dream to travel to the Atlantic Canada and I want to make sure we do it right and are well prepared. We are easy going, active individuals. We love history (museums), art, geography, adventure. Appreciated. Kind Regards, The Hargreaves

Hargreaves

Some places that have been suggested:

Cabot Trail
Skyline Trail
Point Pleasant Park
Peggy's Cove
Alexander Graham Bell Museum
Irish Loop
Fogo & Change Islands
Red Bay National Historic Site, NL
Fortress Louisbourg
Cape Spear, St. John's
Alexander Keith's Brewery, Halifax
Halifax Public Gardens
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada
Maritime Museum of Atlantic
Magnetic Hill Park
Hopewell Rocks

SO many things....the lists go on and on and all seem equally enjoyable.
What are your favourite sites? Obviously our trip needs to be feasible with time to enjoy the amazing seafood and breathe in the fresh air. I am thinking two Provinces are more than enough. Again thoughts? Tours? Recommended? Whale watching? Canoeing?

We have heard the food is fantastic and that August is a great time to enjoy lobster. We are looking forward to finding a fisherman

Thanks again!!

laverendrye

You have chosen a good time of year to travel to the Maritimes, but you simply don't have enough time to visit Newfoundland if you want to see anything else. So I would take Irish Loop, Fogo, Red Bay, Cape Spear and St. John's off your list.

You mention that you have accommodation arranged in Western Shore, by which I understand somewhere in the vicinity of Mahone Bay and Chester. How long do you plan to stay there? You can certainly make day trips to Halifax, Peggy's Cove and Lunenburg from there for example, but you will have to travel and stay elsewhere to visit Cape Breton, Magnetic Hill and Hopewell Rocks. For Cape Breton, you will need a minimum of 3 days including travel there and back, at least 4 if you want to travel the Cabot Trail and visit Louisbourg, both of which are well worth the time. For the New Brunswick sites, you will want a minimum of two days.

This is all doable, but it depends on how for long you have already arranged your accommodation. If it is for the entire period, you can have a very nice holiday there, but you certainly won't be able to do Cape Breton or New Brunswick. Are you driving to Nova Scotia or flying and renting a car in Halifax? That could also affect your itinerary.

Hargreaves

Thank you. This is very helpful. We are so excited and have been told that this is a fantastic time of year to visit. I didn't realize how much there is to do in the Maritimes. Astounding.

Yes, we are very close to Mahone Bay. We have rented a home but did plan on staying elsewhere if needed. We have flown into Halifax and have rented a car for the duration of our stay. We have a total of 12 days, however, two of those days are travelling days so really 9 to explore fully.

On arrival day our thoughts are to visit Halifax and do as many touristy things...Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and HMCS Sackville. Time permitting the Art Gallery and Province House.
Perhaps Peggy's Cove and Lunenburg on Day 2 & Day 3. Are both full day excursions?

If you were to choose between Cape Breton or New Brunswick what would you choose?

Thank you again for taking the time to answer. It is appreciated and helpful.

Renée

laverendrye

I would certainly choose Cape Breton. If you want to drive the Cabot Trail and see Fort Louisbourg you will need 4 days. In three days, you could do one.

Day One, drive from your location near Mahone Bay to Baddeck, and make it your base. Day Two, either drive the Cabot Trail or visit Louisbourg. Day Three, return to Mahone Bay. During that time you should be able to visit the Bell Museum in Baddeck. If the weather is foggy or rainy, opt for Louisbourg rather than the Cabot Trail.

Peggy's Cove is a half day excursion at best. Lunenburg is a full day.

Hargreaves

Laverendrye Any suggestions on tours? I am thinking of doing the tour with Paul McNeil, Historic Titanic Tour.

laverendrye

I've been in Halifax many times, but have never taken a tour. If your time is limited and you don't know the city, I'm sure it's a great way to see the highlights with knowledgable explanations. However, I'm sorry that I can't make any specific recommendations of guides or tour companies.

My personal choices to see in Halifax would be the Citadel, Province House, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, HMCS Sackville, the Pier 21 National Historic Site and Museum, and the Public Gardens.

While on the waterfront it's pleasant to wander among the shops and restaurants in the Historic Properties. For a great view of the harbour, I would take the Dartmouth ferry across and back.