The Magnificent Seven - National Parks of Atlantic Canada 20 Night Self Drive Itinerary

Included

• Document Pack Includes: Travel Wallet, Full Itinerary, Vouchers, Driving Directions, Maps & Supporting Literature
• 20 Nights Accommodation
• Midsize Car Rental for Duration (unlimited Kms)
• Halifax City Tour
• Digby to Saint John ferry incl vehicle charge
• North Sydney to Port aux Basques ferry
• Western Brook Pond Cruise
• St. John's City Tour

Day 1 - Halifax

Arrive Halifax and pick up your rental car. Welcome to Nova Scotia's provincial capital, this attractive city is a bustling hub of art galleries, shops, museums, restaurants, sidewalk cafes and vibrant nightlife centred around the picturesque waterfront. Officially founded in 1749 the history dates back even further, to times of the Mi'kmaq Natives, European Fishermen and the early Acadians, who came long before the British. Overnight Halifax.

Day 2 - Halifax

This morning enjoy a city tour and take in the sights of Citadel Hill, Halifax Harbour, Historic Properties, Bedford Basin, Point Pleasant park and much more. Afternoon at leisure to explore the city further. Visit one of the nearby malls, enjoy a Harbour Tour or take the ferry over to the city of Dartmouth. A visit to the excellent Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is a must! See the unique collection of the memorabilia collected after the tragic Titanic disaster. Overnight Halifax.

Day 3 - Halifax/Kejimkujik National Park

Depart Halifax and drive the south shore along the Lighthouse Route. En route visit Peggy's Cove, a picturesque fishing village surrounded by bare granite and coastal barrens and home to the most visited lighthouse in Nova Scotia. Continue on to Lunenburg, a unique town in terms of architecture and now an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunenburg is the birthplace of the famous Bluenose, built in 1921. Drive North into the Kejimkujik National Park, a spectacular inland National Park with walking trails to suit all levels and some of the best canoeing in Atlantic Canada. Overnight Kejimkujik National Park.

Day 4 - Kejimkujik National Park/Digby

This morning explore further the delights of this beautiful park. Visit the excellent visitor centre, which house replicas of the native tools found, by archaeologists dating back 4500 years ago. Depart Kejimkujik and drive north to Digby. Digby boasts spectacular views of the Annapolis Basin and is also the ferry gateway to New Brunswick. Overnight Digby.

Day 5 - Digby/Fundy National Park

Board the ferry, a crossing of approximately 3 hours over to Saint John, New Brunswick. Saint John is New Brunswick's largest city and is steeped in history with lots to see and do. Places to visit include Carleton Martello Tower National Historic Site, the Old City Market, Loyalist House, the New Brunswick Museum and probably the most famous - the Reversing Falls. Continue on along the spectacular Fundy Coastal Drive via St. Martins, a scenic fishing village with a famous shipbuilding heritage and spectacular red cliffs and caves. This route then takes you via Sussex and then on to the Fundy National Park. The Fundy National Park has 206 square kilometres of steep coastal cliffs, forest clad hills, deep rich valleys and rolling meadows. Overnight Fundy National Park.

Day 6 - Fundy National Park

Day at leisure to explore this magnificent park. The park is renowned for its hiking trails, with over 104 kms of trails to choose from, ranging from easy - km loops to a demanding 50 km circuit around the park. The park is a haven for bird watchers, golfers, cyclists, canoeists and naturalists. If time permits visit Cape Enrage Lighthouse and Mary's Point Bird Sanctuary located nearby. Overnight Fundy National Park.

Day 7 - Fundy National Park/Kouchibouguac National Park

Depart Fundy National Park and drive via the fascinating Hopewell Rocks where you can walk on the ocean floor and witness the highest tides in the world. Continue on along the Acadian Coastal Drive, north through coastal towns and villages en route to Kouchibouguac National Park. The Park is a stunning display of beaches and sand dunes sweeping over 26 kilometres. Overnight Kouchibouguac National Park.

Day 8 - Kouchibouguac National Park/Summerside

Depart Kouchibouguac National Park and drive back along the Acadian Coastal Drive via Shediac and Cap Pele and onto the Confederation Bridge. The Confederation Bridge was completed in 1997 and provides a direct link across the water from New Brunswick to Prince Edward Island. On arrival into P.E.I. take the Blue Heron Scenic Drive west to Summerside. On arrival visit the stately homes that grace the downtown residential core which were once home to many a wealthy ship builder. Also visit Spinakers Landing on the attractive waterfront, bringing the shipbuilding era alive. Overnight Summerside.

Day 9 - Summerside/Prince Edward Island National Park

Depart Summerside and follow the Blue Heron Scenic Drive via Kensington and on to Cavendish - home of Anne of Green Gables. Continue on via North Rustico, and Brackley Beach to the only National Park on the island - Prince Edward Island National Park. Overnight Prince Edward Island National Park.

Day 10 - Prince Edward Island National Park/Baddeck

Depart Prince Edward Island National Park via Charlottetown - Prince Edward Island's capital, and continue on through the Hills and Harbours region to Wood Islands ferry terminal. Take the NFL ferry across to Caribou, Nova Scotia (payable locally) - a short scenic crossing of only 75 minutes. On arrival drive east along the Sunrise Trail via the historic town of Pictou - the birthplace of New Scotland. Continue on to Cape Breton via the Canso Causeway and on to Baddeck. This scenic village overlooks the beautiful Bras d'Or Lakes and the most notable resident historically was Alexander Graham Bell - you can visit the National Historic Site named after him. Overnight Baddeck.

Day 11 - Cabot Trail

Today you will follow the famous Cabot Trail, one of the most spectacular drives in all of Canada. The trail winds around the rocky splendor of Cape Breton's northern shore, ascending to the incredible plateaus of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The park has 26 hiking trails ranging from short 20-minute walks to challenging hikes through stunning mountain and coastal landscapes. Overnight Baddeck.

Day 12 - Baddeck

Depart Baddeck and drive to Glace Bay, home of the Miners Museum and Marconi National Historic Site. Glace Bay is the beginning of the Marconi Trail, named after Guglielmo Marconi the Italian inventor, who sent the first transatlantic wireless message from here. Follow the trail to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site the largest historical reconstruction in North America. Return back to Baddeck. Overnight Baddeck.

Day 13 - Baddeck/Corner Brook

Depart Baddeck and drive on to either Sydney or North Sydney and drop off your rental car. Take a taxi ride to the ferry terminal. Board the Marine Atlantic ferry, which will sail across to Port aux Basques, Newfoundland. On arrival pick up your rental car and drive north from Port aux Basques through the spectacular Codroy Valley and onto Corner Brook - Newfoundland's second city located on the south shore of the Humber Arm. Highlights locally include Margaret Bowater Park, Captain James Cook Monument, Corner Brook Museum & Archives and the Newfie Bullet Historical Train. Further afield visit the spectacular Bay of Islands, the Humber Valley and Steady Brook - home to Marble Mountain four-season mountain ski area. Overnight Corner Brook.

Day 14 - Corner Brook/Gros Morne National Park

Take a leisurely drive north to Gros Morne National Park - designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 for it's impressive geological features, the 1805 sq. kilometre park offers beauty and adventure that are unsurpassed by any in the world. Take time to fully explore this outstanding area of Newfoundland. Visit the impressive Discovery Centre in Woody Point and if time permits take the boat cruise of Trout River Pond - an excellent way to see the spectacular Tablelands. Gros Morne is a hikers paradise catering to all abilities, with over 19 hiking trails to choose from covering over 100 kms throughout the park. Overnight Gros Morne National Park.

Day 15 - Gros Morne National Park

This morning enjoy the spectacular Western Brook Pond Fjord Boat Tour - the only way, other than by helicopter to see the spectacular Western Brook Gorge. Enjoy a 45 minute boardwalk stroll to the dock before enjoying a leisurely cruise into the gorge - be at one with nature and geology as you see the dramatic ravine-like sides of this inland fjord tower over 600 metres above you. The gorge is a haven for wildlife such as moose, eagles and the odd bear! Overnight Gros Morne National Park.

Day 16 - Gros Morne National Park/Notre Dame Bay

Depart Gros Morne National Park driving southeast via Deer Lake, continue on through the Central Region and into the scenic Exploits Valley region to Notre Dame Bay. Take time to explore this area further visit the delightful fishing village of Twillingate and Long Point Lighthouse - one of the best places in season to see humpback whales and icebergs. Overnight Notre Dame Bay.

Day 17 - Notre Dame Bay/Terra Nova National Park

Depart Notre Dame Bay and visit the spectacular 'Road to the Beaches' area. Places to visit include Salvage - voted one of Canada's top ten prettiest towns, Eastport or perhaps one of the many superb beaches in the area. Continue on to Terra Nova National Park, a beautiful example of typical Newfoundland landscape. Terra Nova National Park is known as the 'Fingers of the Sea' as it protects remnants of the ancient Appalachian Mountains. Rocky headlands provide shelter from the awesome power of the open ocean. The landscape of the park varies from the rugged cliffs and sheltered inlets of the coastal region to the rolling forested hills, bogs and ponds of the inland. Keep an eye out or ospreys, eagles, lynx, and moose. Overnight Terra Nova National Park.

Day 18 - Terra Nova National Park

Today enjoy a day of exploring. There is an endless list of activities to enjoy within the park, from taking a boat tour through the Newman Sound Fjord, golf, canoeing, sea kayaking, fishing, hiking, and cycling to name a few. Overnight Terra Nova National Park.

Day 19 - Terra Nova National Park/ St. John's

Depart Terra Nova National Park early and drive east to Trinity - the cultural capital of Newfoundland and renowned for its unique historical architecture including the Ryan Store, Hiscock House and the Blacksmith Museum. Trinity also hosts the New Founde Lande Trinity Pageant - a humorous look at Newfoundland & Labrador history. Continue south towards St. John's visiting Brigus enroute. Brigus was the residence of the world famous northern explorer Captain Bob Bartlett and is the beginning of the scenic Marine Drive. Continue on the Marine Drive coastal road to St. John's - capital city of Newfoundland. St. John's has a wide selection of restaurants ranging from fine dining to traditional Newfoundland fayre and also has the highest concentration of pubs per capita on the continent - a visit to the infamous George Street is a must! Overnight St. John's.

Day 20 - St. John's

This morning enjoy a city tour of St. John's - highlights include Quidi Vidi Village, Government House and Signal Hill to name a few! In the afternoon perhaps enjoy a cruise from St. John's Harbour as you sail through the Narrows. The Dinner Theatre in St. John's comes highly recommended - experience an evening of hilarious wit, musical talent, character interaction and sumptuous food! Overnight St. John's.

Day 21 - St. John's

Final day to explore this vibrant, historical city at leisure- suggestions include visiting the new Johnson's GEO Centre, the St. John's Botanical Gardens, the Newman Wine Vaults or maybe taking a gentle stroll along sections of the Grand Concourse, which comprises of 40 km (25 miles) of spectacular trails and walkways within St. John's, taking in the sights of Signal Hill, Quidi Vidi Lake and Rennies River. Drive to St. John's Airport where you will drop of your rental car ready for your return flight home.

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