The Canadian Maritimes
Nova Scotia, PEI, and New Brunswick
TBD
Salt spray lingers in the air, curling around clapboard fishing villages and winding roads that appear to tumble into the edge of the Atlantic - this is Canada’s Maritimes. Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island together weave a tapestry of rugged coasts, seafaring lore, and the warmth of some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. Here, you can crack into lobster fresh from the pot, wander through fields dotted with lighthouses and potatoes on PEI, or stand awestruck before the world’s highest tides thundering through the Bay of Fundy.
Everywhere you turn, the Maritimes invite a slower rhythm: coastal drives scented with salt air, historic port towns humming with stories, and chance encounters with locals who welcome strangers as old friends. To travel here is to embrace a world shaped by tides and tradition, where life by the sea is savored, one moment at a time.
Halifax, Nova Scotia (2 Nights)
Perched on the edge of the Atlantic, Halifax is a city where the sea is both backdrop and heartbeat. Its harbor, one of the world’s largest natural ports, has witnessed centuries of sailors, settlers, and stories carried in on the tides. Stately heritage buildings line the waterfront, echoing a past of maritime trade and naval might, while lively pubs and markets hum with modern energy. At once historic and forward-looking, Halifax embodies the spirit of the Maritimes - resilient, welcoming, and forever tied to the sea.
----------------
Visit Citadel National Historic Site: One of Nova Scotia’s most iconic landmarks, this star-shaped fortress, completed in 1856, stands as a powerful reminder of Halifax’s role as a vital naval stronghold in the British Empire. Visitors can walk the sweeping stone ramparts for panoramic views of the city and harbor, witness the time-honored firing of the noon gun (schedule permitting), and meet costumed interpreters who vividly recreate the daily routines of 19th-century garrison life.
Explore Maritime Museum of the Atlantic: explore exhibits that trace Halifax’s deep maritime heritage, from the golden Age of Sail and the city’s shipbuilding legacy to moving tributes on the Titanic disaster and the 1917 Halifax Explosion. Among the highlights are boarding the CSS Acadia, a century-old hydrographic ship docked at the museum’s wharf, and admiring an extensive collection of model vessels, naval relics, and maritime art.
Driving Tour of Downtown: See some of the city's highlights as we explore downtown, including the Victorian-era Halifax Public Gardens established in 1867, walk through the Halifax Seaport Farmer's Market that is the longest continuously operated farmer's market in North America, the Province House home to Canada's longest-serving legislative buildings, and more.
Halifax Sunset Cruise: A 90-minute cruise to enjoy the golden glow of the city at dusk. Glide past historic Georges Island before heading toward Maugher Beach and the iconic lighthouse on McNabs Island. As the sun dips below the horizon, the skyline, heritage buildings, and open waters are bathed in warm light - perfect for capturing memorable photos and videos.
Peggy's Cove and Lunenberg
A day trip from Halifax, these two stops are a picturesque detour from the modern downtown. With stunning seaside scenery, these coastal gems are the pride of Halifax.
Peggy's Cove: Perched on Nova Scotia’s rugged South Shore, Peggy’s Cove is a postcard-perfect fishing village where weathered cottages cling to wave-battered granite outcrops. The star attraction is Peggy’s Point Lighthouse, built in 1915, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world and a symbol of the province’s maritime spirit. Visitors can wander along the smooth, glacier-carved rocks, watch fishing boats bob in the harbor, and soak in sweeping views of the restless Atlantic.
Lunenberg: Founded in 1753 by German, Swiss, and French settlers, it remains one of North America’s best-preserved examples of a British colonial settlement and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can stroll past brightly painted wooden buildings, learn about the legendary racing schooner Bluenose II, and explore the town’s deep ties to fishing and shipbuilding.
Saint John, New Brunswick (2 nights)
Saint John, the oldest incorporated city in Canada, sits on the shores of the Bay of Fundy in southern New Brunswick. Known for its historic architecture, lively waterfront, and the natural wonder of the Reversing Falls Rapids, the city blends maritime heritage with modern charm. As New Brunswick’s cultural hub, it serves as a gateway to the province’s dramatic coastlines, charming fishing villages, and Acadian traditions.
The Funday Trail Parkway: This drive reveals some of the Bay of Fundy’s most dramatic and previously unreachable coastline, tracing the wild southern shore of New Brunswick. The route curves past sheer cliffs, hidden coves, and broad ocean vistas, with breathtaking scenery unfolding at every turn. Along the way, travelers can pause at 21 lookouts and 14 observation decks for sweeping views, or lace up their boots to explore one of 19 hiking trails that weave through forests and along the shore. Scattered waterfalls tumble into quiet valleys, adding to the parkway’s sense of discovery and unspoiled beauty.
Kayak to the St. Martin's Sea Caves (optional): Shaped by the relentless tides of the Bay of Fundy, this is among New Brunswick’s most remarkable natural wonders. At low tide, visitors can wander across the ocean floor and step inside towering red sandstone caves, their walls sculpted over centuries by the planet’s highest tides. As the waters surge back, the caves fill with the sea, creating a dramatic transformation of the coastline that’s best experienced by kayak gliding through the rising tide.
Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park: Often referred to as the Flowerpot Rocks, these dramatic sea stacks have been sculpted over millennia by the immense power of the Bay of Fundy’s tides. Towering 40–70 feet above the ocean floor, the sandstone formations line the coast in fantastical shapes that seem almost otherworldly. Twice each day, the world’s highest tides surge in and out, submerging the bases at high tide and revealing a walkable ocean floor at low tide. The surrounding tidal flats and basins nurture a vibrant ecosystem, drawing thousands of migratory shorebirds each year.
Prince Edward Island (PEI) - (3 Nights)
Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest province, is a pastoral gem of rolling farmland, red-sand beaches, and picturesque fishing villages. Known as the birthplace of Confederation and immortalized in Anne of Green Gables, PEI blends history, culture, and storybook charm. Its winding coastal drives, lighthouses, and renowned seafood make it an unforgettable Maritime escape.
Free Time to Explore the City of Charlettown: The small city has numerous things for you to see at your own pace. This includes the French Gothic-style cathedral St. Dunstan's famed for its twin spires, sign up for a tour at the elegant Beaconsfield Historic House built in 1877 for a wealthy shipbuilder, explore the lively district around Peake's Wharf Historic Waterfront filled with shops and restaurants, and more.
E-Bike Tour of Charlettown (optional): On a tour hour guided tour, stop in various neighborhoods, districts, and notable sites. Enjoy the easygoing pedal as the town is brought to life through the eyes of a local.
Walking Food Tour (optional): Embark on a walking food tour through the heart of downtown Charlottetown, stopping at four carefully chosen local eateries to sample flavors that highlight the island’s vibrant culinary traditions. Guided by warm and knowledgeable locals, the experience weaves together food, history, and storytelling, revealing both the city’s hidden gems and the personalities behind them. Along the way, guests will enjoy a delicious mix of bites and beverages while uncovering why Prince Edward Island is celebrated nationwide as “Canada’s Food Island.”
Visit Anne of Green Gables Museum: A treasured destination for admirers of L.M. Montgomery and one of Prince Edward Island’s most enchanting heritage sites. Set within a storybook 19th-century home once belonging to Montgomery’s Campbell cousins, the museum showcases personal artifacts, family photographs, and period furnishings that inspired her beloved novels. Guests can view the author’s own writing desk, wander through rooms tied to her life and imagination, and stroll the scenic grounds, home to the famous “Lake of Shining Waters” that lives on in her timeless tales.
Enjoy a Shuck & Learn Tour at Raspberry Point Oysters: Immerse yourself in an experience that pairs hands-on learning with the unmistakable taste of fresh, local oysters. This interactive tour takes you into the world of oyster farming, revealing how these delicacies are cultivated, harvested, and skillfully shucked. Along the way, you’ll sample oysters fresh from the sea, savoring their distinctive flavors while gaining a deeper understanding of a cherished Maritime tradition, guided by the experts who know these waters best. And even if oysters aren’t your favorite bite, the fascinating insight into their biology, ecology, and cultural importance makes the journey just as rewarding as the tasting.
Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia (2 Nights)
Cape Breton Island, off the northeastern coast of Nova Scotia, is a land of dramatic beauty where mountains meet the sea. Known for the world-famous Cabot Trail, the island blends Celtic, Acadian, and Mi’kmaq cultures with stunning highland scenery and rich musical traditions. From rugged coastlines to lively ceilidhs, Cape Breton offers an unforgettable glimpse into the soul of the Maritimes.
Alexander Graham Bell Historic Center: Overlooking the Bras d’Or Lake in Baddeck, the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site celebrates the life and legacy of one of history’s greatest inventors. The museum showcases Bell’s groundbreaking work beyond the telephone, including innovations in flight, sound transmission, and hydrofoil technology. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, view models and artifacts from his experiments, and learn about the time Bell and his family spent in Cape Breton.
Drive the Cabot Trail into Cape Breton Highlands National Park: By far, one of most scenic driving routes in North America. At the heart of the Cabot Trail lies Cape Breton Highlands National Park, established in 1936 as one of the first national parks in the Maritimes. Encompassing 367 square miles, the park safeguards a spectacular meeting of rugged highlands and sweeping seacoast. More than 25 hiking trails wind through its canyons, plateaus, and cliff-lined shores, offering everything from leisurely seaside strolls to strenuous climbs with panoramic views. Beyond the park’s boundaries, the Cabot Trail continues to enchant, with charming villages, scenic lookouts, and additional trails that showcase the beauty and culture of northern Cape Breton.
Enjoy Baddeck Gathering of Ceilidhs Music: A warm and welcoming concerts showcase Cape Breton’s Celtic soul through lively fiddle tunes, Gaelic songs, and spirited step-dancing. The word ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee) comes from the Gaelic for “visit” and originally described gatherings filled with music, stories, and dance - traditions carried to Cape Breton by Scottish settlers in the 18th and 19th centuries. Over the years, ceilidhs became a cornerstone of community life, keeping Gaelic culture and language alive even as they waned elsewhere.
Tour the Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Center: The center offers an engaging introduction to the history and traditions of the Mi’kmaq people. Exhibits showcase everything from intricate quillwork and beadwork to traditional clothing, tools, and stories passed down through generations. Visitors can learn about Mi’kmaq spirituality, language, and their deep connection to the land and waters of Mi’kma’ki, the traditional territory spanning much of Atlantic Canada. More than a museum, the centre is a living celebration of Mi’kmaq resilience and culture, inviting guests to better understand one of the region’s oldest and most enduring communities.
As always this entire trip will be amazing for photography! PhotoFly Travel Club adventures are laid back when it comes to photography. They are not workshop style based tours and you do not need to be an avid photographer to join. All are welcome!
Price: $3995.00
Single Supplement: $795.00
For our solo travelers, we will pair you up with same sex unless single occupancy is requested to have your own room. *See roommate pairing policy below.
Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!
Cancellation & Refund Policy
There is a $300 administrative fee for all cancellations. Cancellations made 145 days (01/14/2026) or more prior to trip departure date are fully refundable except for the $300 fee. Cancellations less than 145 days (01/15/2026) prior to the trip departure date will receive no refund of the full amount due. No refunds on unused portions of the tour. Credit card fees and PayPal processing fees cannot be refunded. After airline tickets are issued, airline cancellations are per the airline’s policy and are usually non-refundable and changeable with a fee plus new ticket price. Travel insurance strongly encouraged (ask us about policy options). Hotels subject to change based on availability
Notice: Payment online incurs 3.7% credit card processing fee or 3.6% PayPal processing fee (automatically added to shopping cart). PayPal payments from outside the USA incur a 4.5% processing fee. Please mail check to avoid fees to:
Local Planet Travel
325 Rocky Slope Road, Suite 104-240
Greenville, SC 29607
We also accept no fee payments via Venmo & Zelle. Should you wish to pay via either method see the instructions below:
Venmo: Send trip payments to @photofly (www.venmo.com/photofly)
Zelle: Send trip payments to steve.juba@localplanettravel.com
*If mailing a check, please reserve your spot via the above trip page and select "check payments" on the checkout page.
Roommate Pairing Policy: Please be advised that PhotoFly endeavors, but does not guarantee, to secure a suitable roommate for travelers electing to share accommodations. In the event a match cannot be arranged no less than forty-five (45) days prior to the scheduled departure date, the traveler shall be required to convert to a single occupancy room and shall be responsible for the associated single supplement fee. Should a roommate become available after said date, PhotoFly will facilitate the pairing and issue a refund for the previously paid single supplement.
Optional Activity Cancellation Policy: Travelers wishing to cancel any optional activity(s) have until the day before Day 1 on the official itinerary to receive a refund. Please note that this is subject to approval by the provider, and PhotoFly will act in good faith to recoup the money.
Accommodation