Quebec City, Nova Scotia, & Prince Edward Island

Quebec City is the start of your 10-day rail-drive adventure. Upon arrival, today, check into your hotel and then hit the town. Stroll the streets and visit the city's many shops and boutiques, all just steps away from your hotel. Overnight in Quebec City.

This morning, embark on a city sightseeing tour that takes you to some of the most important landmarks including the Plaines of Abraham, the Place d'Armes, the Fortifications, the Parliament Building and Place Royal. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure. 

This evening transfer on your own from your hotel to the Ste. Foy rail station to board VIA Rail's Ocean train to Halifax. Settle into your first-class accommodations and prepare for your night aboard the train. Your onboard accommodations include comfortable upper and lower sleeping berths. Overnight train.

Awake this morning and enjoy a hot breakfast in the Dining Car. Afterward, visit the Park Car for panoramic views of the passing scenery from the observation dome as well as entertaining and informative presentations about the Maritimes region from the onboard Learning Coordinator (Learning Coordinator is seasonal). This afternoon, the Ocean pulls into Moncton, an outdoor lover's paradise, for a 15-minute stop. Stretch your legs and get a glimpse of the town. Because Moncton is well-situated to both the ocean and woodlands, it is ideal for visitors interested in kayaking, hiking, and birdwatching. Admire the passing scenery as you continue the last leg of your journey.

Upon arrival in Halifax, drop your bags at your hotel and venture out for dinner this evening. Argyle Street, located in the heart of downtown Halifax, will have an array of options to choose from. You may also opt for a meal by the water along the boardwalk. Enjoy the fresh Nova Scotian seafood the local cuisine has to offer and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight Halifax.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Today's half day excursion will take you on a narrated tour of Halifax and a journey to the fishing village of Peggy's Cove. Your day begins with a drive to Peggy's Cove known for it's most photographed lighthouse. There will be time to explore the small shops and enjoy the ocean views. The tour continues with a return back to Halifax to see some of the city's top sites including the Citadel, Titantic cemetary, City Gardens, and Pier 21. Spend the remainder of your day visiting one of the many museums in the area, such as the Canadian Museum of Immigration or the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, or opt to enjoy a leisurely stroll and shop your way down Spring Garden Road. Overnight in Halifax.

Pick up your rental car this morning (included) and enjoy the leisurely scenic drive to Cape Breton. Upon arrival, plan a stop at Alexander Graham Park in Baddeck. The complex houses the largest collection of Bell's artifacts and inventions including replicas of the first telephone. Climb to the rooftop gardens to get a glimpse of Bell's Canadian estate, Beinn Breagh. As you walk back to the car, admire the beautiful views overlooking the Bras d'Or Lakes. Keep an eye out for bald eagles! Overnight in Baddeck.

Take the day to explore Cape Breton Island. Your hotel is centrally located in Baddeck, near many of the island's popular attractions. You may wish to travel the Cabot Trail, a breathtakingly beautiful roadway carved into the island's northern highlands. You may opt to add admission to the Cape Smokey Gondola about an hour north of Baddeck. The Gondola takes you to the summit of Cape Smokey for expansive views of Cape Breton Highland National Park. Choose to visit the Fortress of Louisbourg, a National Historic Site where you can relive history in 1744-era New France. Perhaps the Miner's Museum, which gives underground tours of the Ocean Deeps Colliery; or, add a cruise to learn the rich history and tour Cape Breton's UNESCO Biosphere, Bras d'Or Lakes. After the cruise, drive to St. Peter's Canal, a highlight of the Bras d'Or Lakes scenic drive and the only national historic canal in Atlantic Canada. Overnight in Baddeck.

*Please note the Gondola does not begin operation until June 15.*

This morning set off for Prince Edward Island, the location that inspired Anne of Green Gables and the place where Canada's confederacy was solidified. Take the ferry (not included) over to shorten the drive and enjoy stunning views of the area. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and set off to explore Charlottetown. The harbor area offers several boutiques worth browsing, and the downtown area includes beautiful Victorian homes and buildings. Overnight in Charlottetown.

Take the day to explore the Island's offerings. Visit fabulous beaches such as the north shore, which boasts 60-foot dunes, and the south shore with red sand and calm waters. Explore popular attractions including Province House, which hosted the Charlottetown Confederation in 1864, and the Confederation Centre of the Arts, which is home to live theater, an art gallery, and the Charlottetown Festival during summer months. For departures in July and August, you may wish to add a Morning or Evening Lobster Cruise. The cruise will take you to a lobster trap where you will have the opportunity to help haul in the catch of the day and add fresh bait to put back. The evening Lobster cruise will include a lobster dinner. Overnight in Charlottetown.

Today return to Nova Scotia by ferry (not included). The day is at your leisure so you can determine your schedule and any stops you make. Along the way, stop for a pint at one of the many local breweries or enjoy a meal in a vintage train car at Train Station Inn. Upon arrival in Halifax, you may wish to visit Citadel Hill or explore some of the town's unique shops and pubs. Overnight Halifax.

Your tour comes to a close this morning. You may wish to extend your stay or transfer to the airport for your return trip home. Return your rental car to the Halifax International Airport.