Halifax and Bay of Fundy
 

Next year we're doing an Atlantic Coastal cruise from Newark, NJ . We'll stop in familiar New England ports, but I'm wondering what to expect in Bay of Fundy and Halifax. Any sugestions for land excusions?

For Halifax - you'll probably be offered a range of shore excursion options, but if it were me, I'd pick one of the tours that takes you around the city itself (vs. out to the Peggy's Cove lighthouse, which is nice but you'll likely have seen a fair bit of coastal scenery on the rest of your cruise).

If you have a choice of tours in the city, pick either the horse drawn wagon/cart or the double decker bus tour. There's also the Harbour Hopper (an amphibious vehicle that goes around the city then out into the harbour) that I wouldn't pick (ultra perky/borderline hyper tour guides that make you yell 'ribbit, ribbit' like a frog every few blocks).

From there, Halifax is a very walkable (if hilly) city and you'll get a sense of the layout from the tour.
If you don't get a chance to go into the historic Citadel on the tour, that might be an interesting stop if you're a history buff.

There's lots of shopping and food options in the Spring Garden Road area and if you like gardens, there's the Public Gardens nearby too.

I second NS_Crowgirl's suggestions …. I would recommend staying 'within' the city as well, to see/experience what it has to offer … and that's a lot!!

I cannot comment on the 'organized tours' available - I did my own thing while visiting and then living there - but I can second the comment that Halifax is a very walkable (but yes, the hills can be steep in places!!), the downtown (and immediate environs) is compact in size, and very do-able on foot, if that's something you enjoy.

Some potential sights to see -- the Citadel (perched up high, there's a commanding view of the city and beyond, an historic site, with several museums), the Halifax Public Gardens (a pretty and peaceful 'oasis' within the bustle of the city), the 'new' waterfront (the 'old' renovated/restored and very much 'alive' again, with shore walks, restaurants, pubs, shops, and views), and oops, there was one tour I did take and enjoy, the boat tour of the Harbour (an inner harbour tour of the city from the water).

Sorry, cannot help with the 'Bay of Fundy' part of your trip.

Happy planning -- and hope you have a great time in this lovely part of Atlantic Canada!!

Am I to assume "Bay of Fundy" means a stop in Saint John, NB?

you might see some whales as you go up and down the bay of Fundy on your way to/from Saint John. But probably not enough time in port to go to the whalewatching departure points.

tom (whalewatcher in Nova Scotia - we see the cruise ships going up and down the bay)

I am not sure if you mean a commercial cruise ship or whether it is a private cruise with flexibility re where to stop. If commercial, I think most of them stop either in Saint John or in Halifax and that is about it. Both cities are interesting. I really like walking along the waterfront in Halifax, which sometimes has a movie being shot right there. Also, Pier 21 (more information on web) is a highly regarded and interesting stop. I have not visited Saint John for a few years. They have a nice market that is available right from downtown, and the provincial museum in the city is good, especially for geological history of the area. A new geopark is being created (don't have details right here) for the area. In terms of natural things, the Reversing Falls (caused by the huge tidal range) is probably the best known attraction. If renting a car, it is definitely worthwhile to do the Fundy Trail (near St. Martins it starts) and then to go on to (if time, it is roundabout) visit Fundy National Park, the Cape Enrage lighthouse and Hopewell Rocks (the latter is New Brunswick's signature tourist destination). If you are doing your own cruise, and can choose where to stop, I highly recommend Grand Manan Island and St. Andrews in New Brunswick, and Digby and Parrsboro in Nova Scotia (not sure of the situation re docking small boats in latter - others may know). I know some frown on links, but in the interest of not making this post even longer, I have put my checklist of 15 "must see" Bay of Fundy locations in a blog post, if you want more information, and links, on these and other suggestions. http://bayfundy.blogspot.com/2010/11...checklist.html I hope you have a wonderful trip! Bob