Peggy's Cove, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Maritimes

The Maritimes Holidays

Known for dramatic coastal drives, strong whale populations and adrenaline sports, the Maritime regions are breath-taking but relatively little-explored.

Housing some of the world’s most epic unsung road trips and countless opportunities for biking, hiking and sailing, Canada’s Maritime regions of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island are spontaneous places where maps are optional (but discovery is obligatory).

Think salty sea air, scenic wine regions, miles of untouched coastlines and proud locals who still live in stilted houses. Then add a spattering of delicious local cuisine, a fascinating cultural heritage and a selection of secret fossil-rich coves. This is a place that is still relatively little-visited, so explorations are inescapably immersive and authentic.

Kayaking, Trout Point Lodge, Maritimes, Canada
Trout Point Lodge

Self-Drive the Canadian Maritimes

Encompassing the iconic trio of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island – which are Canada’s three smallest provinces – this impressive self-drive itinerary incorporates properties perched on dramatic cliffs, eclectic island cities, and sustainable backwood wildernesses that will appeal to travellers with an enduring sense of adventure.

14 days

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Cabot Trail, Cape Breton, Nova scotia, Canada, Maritimes
Nova Scotia, Canada

Drive the Cabot Trail

Pass tiny towns, take in far-reaching views, and relish in the inevitable feeling of remoteness while cruising along the dramatic Cabot Trail. Pass the rural community of Ingonish, stop for passing moose or perhaps head off on a detour in search of puffins.

Halifax, Moored Yachts, Sunset, Maritimes
Halifax, Moored Yachts, Sunset, Maritimes

Halifax: Heli-Flights & Champagne Picnics

Boasting great stories and even better ales, the city of Halifax is made up of tall ships, farmers markets, historic forts and skating rinks. Perhaps walk down the lively waterfront as the sun sets or head off the beaten track on a private photography tour. For a real treat, take an exhilarating helicopter flight from Halifax Harbour to Sambro Island. Then sip champagne on a private beach and picnic on a cheeseboard with a lighthouse for a backdrop.

Humpback Whale, New England, USA
Humpback Whale

Whale-Watching with a Marine Biologist

In the company of an experienced Captain and marine biologist, sail out on a 360-degree sailing boat in search of humpback and minke whales. For a touch more adrenaline, don a survival suit and head out on fast-moving zodiacs to follow the marine mammal. Those wishing to stay on dry land can visit the Gaskin Museum of Marine Life, perhaps meeting its in-house researchers.

Experiences

What do you really love doing? We’ll tailor your itinerary to suit you.

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Waterfront, Canada, Maritimes

Sail & Tour Lunenburg

Go on a private sailing voyage from Nova Scotia to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, perhaps learning to hoist the sails, tie knots and navigate a vintage schooner.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Hopewell Rocks, Fundy Bay, Canada, Maritimes

Kayak Hopewell Rocks

Kayak in the “Mount Everest of the Marine World’ in the company of a private adventure guide, learning about the tidal phenomena around the renowned Hopewell Rocks.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Horse, Cape Breton, Canada, Maritimes

Maritimes Horse Experiences

Go on a breathtaking horseback ride between the mountains and the sea on Cape Breton Island or learn to understand their body language during a private wrangler session on Prince Edward Island.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Blacksmith, Artist, Maritimes

Private Blacksmith Workshop

Be introduced to blacksmithing during a one-on-one lesson in the company of an artisan on Cape Breton Island, who will show you all the tricks and technique of this tradition.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Atlantic Puffin, Canada, Maritimes

Look for Puffins

Head out to sea cliffs in search of the breeding grounds of the Atlantic puffin.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Chatham, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, New England, USA

Bay of Fundy Whale-Watching

Board a zodiac and set sail in search of whales and other marine creatures, staying on the lookout for potential fishing net rescue missions.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Dream Dome at Ridgeback Lodge £££££

  • The Maritimes
  • Unusual

A unique adults-only glamping site in the Canadian Maritimes, the Dream Dome at Ridgeback Lodge is a romantic getaway set against the natural beauty of the Kingston Peninsula. Featuring its own private Japanese wood-fired hot tub, propane barbeque, fully-equipped kitchenette and modern bathroom, the Dream Dome is suited to both hardy campers and lovers of luxury. Come rain, shine or snow, the Dream Dome is a tranquil place to watch the world go through panoramic 180-degree windows from the comfort of a memory foam bed.

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Kingsbrae Arms £££££

  • Canada
  • Boutique

Located in an unspoiled 19th-century seaside village that lies on the border of Canada and the United States, Kingsbrae Arms is a calming retreat that overlooks the New Brunswick coast. A charming luxury inn with just 10 bedrooms, the property is an under-the-radar hideaway that sits at the gateway to the Canadian Maritimes and the United States’ coveted New England. Offering privacy, peace and comfort, the accommodations range from unique rooms brimming with old-world charm to luxurious balcony suites. Boasting attributes like sweeping views of blooming private gardens, log fireplaces, historic tapestries and shimmering chandeliers, each of the rooms are utterly unique.

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The Great George £££££

  • Canada

Set within a cluster of 17 lovingly restored heritage buildings in the Prince Edward Island capital city, The Great George is an award-winning boutique hotel that is quite unlike any other in downtown Charlottetown. Offering an eclectic mix of classic rooms and suites, multi-room townhouses, luxury apartments and romantic hideaways, the property is made up of 54 individual accommodations. While a plethora of nearby walking and jogging trails complement the in-house fitness centre, we find that the on tap fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies, family board games and lobby library can make it hard to leave this comfy island property.

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Keltic Lodge at the Highlands £££££

  • Canada
  • Wellness and Spa

A majestic property perched on the cliffs overlooking Ingonish Beach, Keltic Lodge at the Highlands is an oceanfront resort set off the Cabot Trail that boasts a world-renowned 18-hole, par 72 golf course. The property offers 120 main lodge rooms, luxurious suites and oceanside cottages, as well as a handful of plush lounges, an outdoor heated pool and a panoramic al fresco restaurant that showcases the fresh flavours of Cape Breton. The seaside spa is built on the edge of the cliffs at Middle Head Peninsula and is the ideal spot for sipping herbal tea and marvelling at the panoramic views of Cape Smokey.

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Trout Point Lodge £££££

  • Canada
  • Wilderness

Dubbed by National Geographic as one of the ten “most innovative, sustainable travel programmes around the world”, Trout Point Lodge is a luxury wilderness lodge and nature retreat that has garnered a rising collection of major accolades. Set within 100 acres of Canadian backwoods and bordering the Tusket and Napier Rivers, the rustic five-star property offers 12 rooms, suites and cottages that all feature original artworks and antique furnishings.

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The Inn at Fortune Bridge £££££

  • Canada
  • Boutique

Nestled somewhere within a whimsical 46-acre plot of land on Prince Edward Island, The Inn at Fortune Bridge is an elegant boutique hotel that boasts a fragrant flower garden, an aromatic herb garden, a plethora of walking trails, a handful of cosy fire pits and a local beach just a short walk away. Offering just six exquisite Parisian-inspired rooms, this former summer home to Broadway playwright Elmer Harris has an impeccable reputation as the only five-star property on the island.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Roxy Dukes

Roxy’s love for Canada is limitless and she has returned on an almost yearly basis since her first visit as a child. From hiking the high alpine trails, riding with local cowboys to kayaking with humpbacks, she has likely been there and done it.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Paul Bird

Watching bears interacting without any care of his presence was fascinating for Paul, and being a privileged onlooker in their natural habitat created a lifelong fascination with Canada.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

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