Atlantic Maritimes: Nova Scotia and New Brunswick 2018 1
Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Halifax We arrive in Halifax, meet our local leader and transfer to our accommodation in downtown Halifax, our base for two nights. Our accommodation is well situated to explore the city including the public gardens, Halifax Harbour and the waterfront. Accommodation: Hampton Inn, Downtown Halifax (2 nights) Meals included: Dinner Enjoy warm welcomes from these two provinces on a superb journey discovering Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. A more relaxed pace will allow more time to enjoy each province. Each has its own unique identity along with a wealth of natural wonders including the famous tides of the Bay of Fundy. From fantastic coastal scenery, lighthouses and the colourful historical buildings of Lunenburg, to fabulous walking trails in Fundy, your journey will introduce you to superb scenery, a wealth of wildlife and world class walks. Day 2: Halifax Our day begins with a walking tour of Halifax enjoying the city sights such as Citadel Hill with its 19 th century starshaped fort, the bustling harbourside and Fairview Lawn Cemetary, the final resting place for many of those who journeyed on the Titanic s last voyage. The city has a wealth of historical sites and your local guide will help bring the city s stories to life. (Distance 1.5-2.5miles/3-4km with 165ft/50 metres ascent.) After lunch enjoy free time to discover what the city has to offer. Visit the Maritime Museum, take a guided tour of the Citadel, walk along the waterfront or perhaps visit McNab Island. (Meals included: breakfast, dinner) 2
Day 3: Halifax to Peggy s Cove and Lunenburg (160km drive total) From Halifax we begin our travels with a visit to picturesque Polly s Cove. We stretch our legs with a short walk exploring the erratic geology of the surrounding area (2 miles/3km, minimal ascent). This is fairly rugged terrain but worth it for the spectacular views. After our picnic lunch we continue towards the town of Lunenburg. We ll walk in Graves Island Provincial Park, typical of the many small islands found along Nova Scotia's Atlantic coast. (2.5 miles/4km with minimal ascent). Accommodation: Boscawen Inn, Lunenburg (2 nights) (Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner) Day 4: Lunenburg be the best surviving planned British colonial town in North America. (3.7 miles/6km with no elevation.) We begin on the Back Harbour trail with beautiful views of the ocean and finish with a walking tour of the Old Town of Lunenburg. The town's cultural evolution based on shipbuilding and the fishing industry can be seen in the buildings and spaces that exist throughout the town. After lunch we have the opportunity to experience a guided tour of the Iron Works Distillery, a marine blacksmith s shop that once produced ironworks for the shipbuilding trade, now a micro-distillery, perhaps enjoying a sample or two. The remainder of the day is yours to spend at your leisure. Perhaps visit the Museum or take a harbour cruise(approx $35 pp) (Meals included: breakfast, dinner). Day 5: Kejimkujik National Park to Digby (180km drive) After breakfast explore Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Historic District, considered to Today we travel to Digby via Kejimkujik National Park, a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the world and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Nova Scotia. This inland section is home to bear, deer and beaver, as well as being historical home to the Mi kmaq Indians. After walking the Hemlocks and Hardwood trail (3.1miles/5km, little 3
ascent) we enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before walking the Mersey River Trail. (2.1 miles/3.5km one way, option to extend by walking back to transport) Continue to Nova Scotia s west coast and Digby. in a zodiac boat) or walk the Seal Cove trail to observe a seal colony, (1.2 miles/2km return with minimal elevation.) Time at leisure in Westport before returning to Digby (Meals included: breakfast, lunch dinner). Day 7: Digby to St.Andrews (180km, approx 4 hours, including ferry crossing) This morning we shall take a 2½ hour ferry crossing to New Brunswick arriving in St Andrews in time for lunch. Accommodation: Harbour view Inn, Digby (2 nights) (Meals included: breakfast, lunch dinner). Day 6: Digby & Surroundings After breakfast we travel to East Ferry (60km) for a short ferry ride to Tiverton. Here we walk the Balancing Rock Trail, an easy hike through woods to a spectacular view of a basalt sea stack on the edge of St. Mary's Bay. This basalt sea stack stands teetering on the edge of the ocean, providing a spectacular view for all visitors. In the past local fishermen have tried to pull the rock down, but luckily their attempts were unsuccessful. (1.5 miles/2.5km return with 195ft/60 metres of ascent/descent (235 steps) After lunch take an optional whalewatching cruise (approx $75 pp Orientation walk in the picturesque St Andrews with stops at Centenial Park and the St Andrews Blockhouse National Historic Site, Indian Point and the science by the Sea Interpretive Display, Loyalist Burying Ground and the many murals spread around town 4km, no elevation gain. Accommodation The Algonquin Resort, St Andrews (2 nights) Meals included: breakfast, dinner. Day 8: St.Andrews From the mainland, we shall walk to Ministers Island, a protected historic site and former summer home of railroad baron Sir William Van Horne. Sir William's vast house, his equally large barn and his bathhouse/artist's hideaway are on view, as are the beautiful carriage lanes through woods and fields. We shall walk the perimeter trail, 4.4 miles/7km (minimal ascent) 4
note, when and amount of time on the island will be subject to tides. After our picnic lunch, we explore the Van Horne Trail and Pagan Point Nature Reserve to Katy s Cove. Part of the Sentier NB Trail network, the trail follows the old railway track from Langmaid Park to the far end of the causeway by Katy s Cove. Pagan Point looks out onto Passamaquoddy Bay. The area contains a salt marsh and a wooded area, with a kilometre of sandy beach along the coast. Ecologically significant salt marches run from the point up the eastern shore of the preserve. These rich marsh ecosystems provided habitat for a variety of birds such as heron, killdeer, and terns. Pagan Point also provides an impressive ocean lookout. (3.1miles/5km with 49ft/15metres of ascent) Visit the popular Kingsbrae Gardens before dinner. (Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner). Day 9 St. Andrews to St. Martins (180km drive total) Today we walk in the Irving Nature Park, one of the province's richest marine ecosystems featuring forest, marsh and beach trails. It's a traditional staging site for migratory and marine birds that travel between the Arctic and South America and a breeding ground for many waterfowl of the Atlantic coastline. Access the Lookout Tower, the park's highest point, with 360 views of land and sea followed by a walk along the Seal Trail loop, (2.3 miles/3.7km, this walk can be extended by a further 1.8 miles/2.9km) At midday we arrive in St. John where you will have time to explore the city which mixes centuries-old charm with a vibrant waterfront and a flourishing arts and culture scene. We continue to picturesque St. Martins where, tide depending, we can walk to the sea caves. Accommodation: St. Martins Country Inn, St Martins (2 nights) (Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.) Day 10: St. Martins This morning we shall take a short drive to the scenic Fundy Trail. With 23 lookout points and an interpretive centre this 11.8 mile/19km trail opens up previously unreachable areas of the Bay of Fundy coastline and its panoramic views. Our walk takes us from the entrance to the interpretive centre, a total of 6.2miles /10km. After lunch enjoy free time to relax in St Martins, explore the village, walk to the 5
Quaco Head lighthouse, or join a kayak tour. (Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner). Day 11: St. Martins to Alma/Fundy National Park (Drive 100km) Today we travel to Alma to walk in the Fundy National Park where the highlands are covered in lush Arcadian forest, cut by rivers, waterfalls and bogs. We shall walk the swampy Caribou Plain Trail, but you re more likely to encounter moose on this popular trail. (1.6 miles/ 2.6km, little ascent) This is followed by the Dickson Falls Trail, which is picture perfect Fundy scenery in a cool lush valley with cascading waterfalls, (1 mile/1.6km, 260ft/79m ascent). views along the way. The trail dips in and out of the forest, it s undulating with some short steep sections. It can be rough underfoot. After lunch in Alma we ll travel to Hopewell Rocks where we shall visit the Hopewell Rocks Ocean Tidal Exploration Site. By low tide it s possible to walk on the ocean floor and observe the rock formations and caves up close. By high tide, the rocks are surrounded by water, there are two short trails which offer good viewing opportunies. (Note, depending on tides, the walk today and the visit to Hopewell Rocks could be reversed) (Meals included: breakfast, dinner) After lunch, we shall follow the Third Vault Falls Trail with its 16m, plungetype waterfall found at the end of this beautiful trail. (4.5 miles/7.5km, 650ft/200m ascent/descent) Accommodation: Parkland Village Inn, Alma (2 nights) (Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.) Day 12: Alma/Fundy National Park After breakfast, we transfer to Herring Cove for a hike along the 4.4 miles/7km western section of the Coastal Trail. The West section travels parallel to the coast to Point Wolfe, with several lookouts and Bay of Fundy Day 13: Alma to Halifax Today we shall return to Halifax (320km) with a stop in Sackville along the way. Here we can visit Sackville waterfowl park with over 1.8miles/3 km of winding boardwalks, trails, and viewing platforms allowing visitors a close-up view of the wildlife. Following lunch in Truro we can take a walk in Victoria Park, a 1000-acre 6
treasure in the heart of Truro. Distance of the walk will be just over 1 mile/2km but you may want to challenge yourself and tackle Jacobs Ladder, a steep climb of more than 175 steps featuring two rest areas. Returning to Halifax late afternoon we can enjoy a farewell dinner by the waterfront and reflect on the experiences of the previous two weeks. Accommodation: Hampton Inn, Downtown Halifax (1 night) (Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.) Day 14: Final Day: Morning at leisure, perhaps find time for some last-minute shopping or visit the Citadel. After lunch, it s time to return to the airport to begin your journey home. (Meals included: breakfast) 7
Accommodation Stay in comfortable 3 and 4-star hotels and welcoming inns, specially selected for their stunning locations and access to the national parks. The mix of city centre and coastal locations will give you the perfect flavour and a big warm welcome from these two provinces. Hampton Inn, Halifax (2 nights) http://boscawen.ca/ 150 Cumberland Street, Lunenburg, B0J 2C0 Harbourview Inn, Digby (2 nights) Located in the heart of downtown Halifax, Hampton Inn provides comfortable en-suite rooms for us to relax in after our flight. The hotel has a swimming pool and a fitness studio. We'll also stop here on our final night. www.hamptoninn3.hilton.com 1960 Brunswick Street, Halifax, B3J 2G7 Boscawen Inn, Lunenburg (2 nights) A beautiful mansion, designed in Queen Anne style, dating back to the late 1800s. Only a short walk to the Old Town and docks, this fully licensed inn is situated on the hillside with lovely views all around. The inn only has 16 rooms, all decorated in Victorian style. Panoramic views and a warm welcome make this hotel a favourite. This century-old inn is located in Smith's Cove in Digby, and is the perfect place to relax with an evening walk. Alternatively there s a swimming pool at the hotel too. http://www.theharbourviewinn.com/ 25 Harbourview Rd, Smiths Cove, NS B0S 1S0 8
The Algonquin Resort, St Andrews (2 nights) which have a mix of antique and modern furnishings, all have en-suite facilities. http://stmartinscountryinn.ca/wp/ 303 Main Street, St Martins, NB E5R 1C1 Parkland Village Inn, Fundy (2 nights) The Algonquin is one of Canada s most luxurious and legendary resorts. Rich in history, meticulously restored to its original splendour, and complete with every modern comfort you could desire, this year-round destination truly offers the best of the past with contemporary amenities. The hotel offers indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a great location by the sea. http://algonquinresort.com/ 184 Adolphus Street, St Andrews by the Sea, NB E5B 1T7 This hotel affords us fantastic views out over the Bay of Fundy, where we can hopefully watch the rise and fall of the area s famous 50 foot tides. http://www.parklandvillageinn.com/ 8601 Main Street, Alma, NB E4H 1N6 St Martins Country Inn, St Martins (2 nights) Situated in the heart of the Bay of Fundy, this heritage inn offers a wonderful view over the ocean in the historic fishing village of St Martins, New Brunswick. The Inn has 16 rooms, 9
Before your holiday We hope you find this information comprehensive if not please visit our website for more details or contact us. All details correct at time of writing (Feb 2017). Passport and visa requirements are subject to change; please check with your consulate before you travel. We would advise that you check your government s travel advisory before travelling. For UK travellers, please check www.fco.gov.uk In all instances during your holiday, your first point of contact should be your HF Holidays leader or local leader. If for any reason this is not possible, HF Holidays emergency contact details are as follows: Mon - Fri 9am - 7pm Tel +44 (0)345 470 7558 or +44(0)20 8732 1250 ( from overseas) Fri - Mon 7pm - 9am Tel +44 (0)7918 737777 Airport parking and accommodation If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call 0871 360 2750 and quote HX031 or book online at www.holidayextras.co.uk/hfholidays Suggested Kit List Please try to keep luggage to a minimum as you will need to carry it yourself at airports and between your transport and your hotel. Walking boots (worn in) with good ankle support and spare bootlaces Walking socks Walking sandals Lightweight fleece Lightweight waterproof trousers and jacket Shorts Walking shirts/tshirts Warm fleece, hat and gloves Sun hat Comfortable clothes and shoes for evenings and sightseeing Sun protection sunglasses, high factor sunscreen and lip protection Water bottle at least 2 litre capacity Lightweight survival bag Small/medium rucksack (30 litre) a bin liner will keep contents dry if it rains Soap and hand sanitizer gel Insect repellent Universal adaptor plug Personal first aid kit including: personal medication, tissues, plasters, blister kit, painkillers, antiseptic wipes, Imodium, rehydration sachets Passport (and copies); booking confirmation; insurance cover note; HF Holidays registration form Optional: trekking poles, camera, umbrella, binoculars. Please ensure you have access to emergency funds should you need 10
them; carrying a credit card is probably the most convenient method. Please note that your HF Holidays leader reserves the right to refuse to take any guest on a walk should they consider that a lack of suitable clothing/footwear may affect safety. Baggage allowance 1 piece checked-in luggage (max 23kg). Please check details of your airline s baggage allowance, as shown on your e-ticket. Remember to also check any connecting flights you may have booked. Passports & visas Passports must be valid for the duration of the trip. UK passport holders must obtain an ETA (electronic travel authorisation) prior to flying to Canada. The cost is approx 3.50 and covers you for 5 years. You will need to apply in advance. Please see http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/ index.asp for more information. If you are a dual Canada-UK national, you are recommended to travel with your Canadian passport. Other countries should consult the embassy for advice. Travel insurance If arranging your own travel insurance, please ensure it is adequate for your specific itinerary. You will not be going over 2000m in this itinerary Health advice This is subject to change and we would highly recommend that you consult your doctor before travelling. For further information on country specific advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk Diphtheria and Tetanus may be suggested. Please note: the use or possession of some common prescription or overthe-counter medicines is banned in some countries. If you will be carrying medication, please check with the country s embassy/ consulate prior to travel. As an extra precaution: Keep your medication in its original packet Take a copy of your prescription too If possible, ask your chemist to write the name of your medication in the language of the country that you re visiting Dietary requirements Please contact us as far in advance as possible if you have any specific dietary requirements. We will do our best to accommodate you. If you require a specific meal on the flight, please let us know as soon as possible, and no later than 96 hours before travel. Travel tips for a comfortable flight We ve put together a few simple tips to help make your flight as comfortable as possible, ensuring you begin your holiday in tip-top shape. Move about. Change position and avoid crossing your legs. Immobility poses the greatest risk in the development of clotting 11
disorders. Get out of your seat and walk around as regularly as possible to improve circulation No pills. Unless advised by your doctor, do not take sleeping tablets on the flight; this will reduce your mobility and make you feel sluggish Protect your ears. If you experience discomfort due to the cabin pressure changes, suck a sweet, chew, or hold your nostrils and gently blow through your nose; this should equalise the pressure. If you still experience problems, speak to a member of the cabin crew Drink plenty. Ask a member of the cabin crew if you are thirsty. Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee or carbonated drinks as these will dehydrate you. Instead, try to drink plenty of fruit juices or water Eat light. Avoid heavy meals and foods air expands at altitude and heavy meals will result in that bloated feeling Moisturise. Your skin, especially your lips and nostrils, may feel dry so moisturising creams may help. If you wear contact lenses, always carry your glasses with you, as your eyes may feel dryer than usual Stay loose. Wear loose fitting, comfortable shoes and clothes Flight socks are recommended to help prevent DVT on longhaul flights Lost/damaged luggage If your bag or its contents are damaged or lost while in the airline s care, this should be reported to the baggage service agents at the airport. They will assess the damage and in some cases the airline may decide to settle your claim immediately. You will be given a reference to quote to your insurance company if settlement cannot be reached. In many cases baggage claims can only be accepted in writing. A baggage claim form must be obtained from the airport. HF Holidays with-flight guests For those travelling on our HF Holidays group flight, please proceed to the arrivals hall once you have passed through passport control, customs and baggage reclaim, when you arrive at your destination. Your local leader will assemble the group in the arrivals hall. Look out for the HF Holidays sign. Independent travellers If you are arriving ahead of the group, and are meeting them at the first hotel, please leave a message at the hotel reception for the local leader, detailing your room number, and a mobile telephone number if possible. The leader will contact you once the group arrives. If you are arriving after the group, a message will be left for you at the hotel reception, welcoming you and giving details of the time and place to meet the group. If your flight arrives before the group flight and you would like to join the transfer to the first hotel, please contact our Abroad Administration team on (0)20 8732 1271. They will have a list of the relevant transfer costs. Safety on your holiday Once you have made your booking, you will receive a pre-holiday questionnaire where we ask for details of next of kin, and insurance details. 12
We need to have this from you at least 4 weeks before travel. Please also inform us of any medical situation which may affect your enjoyment of the holiday Please listen to any safety instructions from the leader Keep group members in view, especially if weather or visibility is poor If you become separated from the group, please stay where you are, the leader will retrace their steps to find you Each leader carries a first aid kit but is not allowed to supply any medication including aspirin, paracetamol, antihistamines, and antiseptic cream. You may wish to bring these items with you In the unlikely event that your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call emergency services on 911. Please then call our emergency number (see page 10) and let us know there is a problem. Local currency & money matters Canadian Dollars (CAD). Credit cards widely accepted. Traveller s cheques are not advised. Suggested reading and maps Lonely Planet Nova Scotia, New Brunswick & Prince Edward Island 2014 Maps can be obtained in advance from The Mapshop www.themapshop.co.uk Electricity 110V, 2 or 3 pin plugs Group size Maximum 18 guests plus local guide/s Time difference GMT/UTC -3 hours Tipping Tips have been included in your holiday price for key services such as local guides/ driver/restaurants. Any additional tips are at your own discretion. Climate The region experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. The summers are humid, and range from warm to hot. Cold fronts can bring crisp, windy weather in the early and later parts of summer. HF Holidays Ltd, Catalyst House, Centennial Court, Elstree, Borehamwood, WD6 3SY, UK 13