Coastal Wonders of Nova ScotiaCoastal Wonders of Nova Scotia

To begin the day, you'll venture out to Prospect Bay for a calm kayak paddle. Zigzag your way through dozens of scenic islands and secluded beaches keeping your eye out for playful seals and other sea creatures. In the afternoon you’ll visit Peggy’s Cove. The colorful town of only 37 permanent residents is one of Canada’s most picturesque places. On the trail, you will pass over a unique coastal landscape formed by glaciers thousands of years ago, all the while enjoying vast open views of the Atlantic Ocean. The rest of the night is yours to grab dinner and explore the city. Check out the historic Five Fishermen Restaurant which has an unusual connection to the Titanic disaster.

Today you leave the capital and make your way to the South Shore, where towns ooze with maritime charm. You’ll meet a master storyteller who will regal you with local maritime lore and show you the hidden corners of the quaint community of Blue Rocks, home to artists and fishermen alike. Along the way we'll have the exclusive opportunity to meet members of Canada's only all-women lobster fishing crew and hear about their life on the high seas. In the afternoon, spend time wandering the quaint and colorful streets of picturesque Lunenburg, one of only two North American cities designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Artisans flock here, and old ways of craftsmanship thrive with weavers, wood carvers, and blacksmiths all forging their wares by hand. You’ll end the day with a special feast in the oldest European settlement north of Florida and the place of origin of the Acadian people: Annapolis Royal.

This morning you’ll set out for the remote Brier Island for a thrilling maritime adventure on the Bay of Fundy in a rigid hull zodiac. You’ll explore the important feeding areas that are home to some of the world’s rarest whales. The most common species you’re likely to encounter are minke, humpback, and fin whales. It's possible to spot endangered right whales, and if you're lucky you could even glimpse a blue whale. Stay on the lookout for dolphins, porpoises, seals, and a wide variety of seabirds - including puffins! You’ll cap off your day in true maritime style with a lobster hootenanny. Fresh lobster, sea shanties, and good cheer!

Enjoy a relaxed morning with time to visit the local farmer’s market and some of the historic sites in Annapolis Royal. For lunch, you’ll be brought to an undisclosed location surrounded only by nature. You’ll be met by an award-winning local chef who will open your eyes to edible Nova Scotia and you’ll be treated to an outdoor wild gourmet feast. The afternoon will be spent discovering the Annapolis Valley’s other edible treasure - grapes!  As Nova Scotia’s premier wine region, a total of 12 wineries grow their grapes here and since 2012 many feature Nova Scotia’s very first wine appellation, Tidal Bay. You’ll visit scenic wineries for tastings before checking into your historic inn.

Lace up your hiking shoes to head out to the Bay of Fundy’s fascinating tidal zone. Home to the highest tides on earth, every day 160 billion tons of water race in and out of the bay, raising and lowering the water level as much as 50 feet (15 meters) every 12 hours. With the guidance of a local expert, you’ll comb the ocean floor for your very own gemstones while learning the geologic history of the bay. You’ll have the option to commission a local artisan to turn your finds into unique pieces of jewelry. After lunch at a cozy gastropub, step into the enchanted world of the Tangled Garden. Wander through the gorgeous, mystical labyrinth and sample some mouth-watering sweets. Enjoy a farewell dinner at an award-winning restaurant.

Time to say farewell! Return to the Halifax airport for a midday or afternoon departing flight, or say your goodbyes in downtown Halifax if you intend to extend your time in Nova Scotia.