9-Nights Canadian Maritimes - Land Journey

St. Andrews by the Sea

Also known as St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, this relatively small, picturesque old town near the Maine border and 85 mi/135 km southwest of Fredericton was founded by British Loyalists who wanted to escape the newly independent U.S. in the 1780s. Today, one of the town's main attractions is the Huntsman Aquarium, a small aquarium with a child-friendly "touch pool." The Ross Memorial Museum focuses on local history, antique furniture and Asian items.

We also recommend a visit to the St. Andrews Blockhouse National Historic Site, which was built during the War of 1812, and to St. Andrews Gardens, a nice place for a picnic. Don't miss the quaint shops on Water Street.

A short drive across the ocean floor (at low tide) will take you to Ministers Island where you can take a tour of Sir William Van Horne's visionary 50-room home with greenhouses, windmill and tennis courts. If you’re planning an overnight stay, consider the Fairmont Algonquin Hotel, built in 1889 and known now as the Castle-by-the-Sea.

The Tides of Passamaquoddy Bay, the bay that surrounds the St. Andrews peninsula, raise water levels 28 ft/9 m or more twice a day. The transition from low to high tide takes more than six hours and 2.25 billion tons of water. The phenomena uncovers 6 sq mi/15 sq km of intertidal beach just waiting to be explored for sea creatures and historical artifacts left behind.

New River Beach Provincial Park (25 mi/40 km east of St. Andrews) is the only major sandy stretch on the Fundy shore. It offers campsites, a long saltwater beach, cliffside hiking trails and some special programs, such as guided ghost walks and an annual sand-sculpture contest. Be warned that bad weather systems often stall over this area, and a short drive to Saint John will prove it.

Moncton

Many travelers miss downtown Moncton, 115 mi/185 km east of Fredericton, because they stop on the TransCanada Highway at the Magnetic Hill—a naturally occurring perceptual illusion that will have you convinced your car is rolling uphill—it even looks like the stream is flowing uphill.

Or they visit the adjacent Magnetic Hill Zoo (with tigers, lions and camels) or the Magic Mountain Water Park (waterslides and other theme-park attractions). Some even come for the Tidal Bore on the Petiticodiac River, but, unfortunately, its name is all too accurate. The bore is a wall of water that moves upstream at high tide, but it's not worth waiting around to see.

There's more to Moncton, however. Kids love the Crystal Palace amusement park, which has a carnival atmosphere year-round. The University of Moncton is the province's major French-language college—it's like a minitrip to a Paris university. Its museum and art gallery are the main attractions for visitors. The city has plenty of shops downtown and at suburban malls, or grab a snack or drink at one of the downtown cafes.

Moncton is a good base for a couple of day trips, too. The Rocks Provincial Park (Hopewell Cape) is where you'll find the famous "flowerpots"—eroded rock pillars that have trees growing on top of them. Be aware that if you go at high tide—which, at 55 ft/17 m, is very high, indeed—you won't be able to walk on the beach at the rocks' base—it's underwater then. (You can also rent a kayak and see the flowerpots from the sea.)

Another popular area near Moncton is Parlee Beach, in Shediac, known for its warm water, lobster and annual sand-sculpture contest.

Among the Moncton area's notable events are the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival (June and July) and the World Wine and Food Expo (late fall).

Charlottetown

Charlottetown, with a population of nearly 40,000, is the island’s capital and one of Canada’s oldest towns. Established in 1765 by Capt. Samuel Holland, the settlement was named for Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III of England. The old part of town offers many historical monuments, including important government buildings, churches, old mansions and museums, along with parks and gardens. Outside of Charlottetown, discover miles of farmland, small villages, a scenic coast and the legacy of Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of Anne of Green Gables, the feature of Charlottetown’s annual major theater festival.

Lunenburg (Nova Scotia)

Lunenburg's affinity with the sea has shaped her destiny. Canada's most famous tall ship, the "Bluenose" was a classic tribute to its shipbuilding expertise. Check out other visiting tall ships and other boats at Lunenburg Marine Railway. The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic has a tallship visitors can board - Salt Banker "Theresa E. Connor". Lunenburg's architecture reflects a strong European influence. Tour some National, Provincial and Municipal registered historic houses and churches in Lunenburg. Lunenburg's fine artisians capture the Maritime Heritage in their work with handcarved duck decoys, ship models, pottery and beautiful paintings displayed locally. The surrounding waters are a sailor's paradise. Nova Scotia's majestic south shore Lighthouse Route is famous for its scenic drives and beautiful beaches. Lunenburg and the nearby seaside community of Blue Rocks are classic examples of the area's picturesque beauty. Discover and share our unique heritage, scenic beauty and warm hospitality.

Halifax (Nova Scotia)

Halifax is Atlantic Canada’s center of business, research and education. Strong emphasis is placed on cultural diversity, historic restorations and the preservation of heritage and culture. The Halifax Citadel Fortress dominates downtown Halifax. Take a stroll along the waterfront past restored buildings and warehouses of Historic Properties, or a walk in delightful Public Gardens, the oldest Victorian gardens in North America. Halifax’s sister city of Dartmouth lies on the opposite shore and is reached via the oldest saltwater ferry in North America. The spectacular view of Halifax harbor makes the trip worthwhile. Housed in former Dominion Building, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia features Nova Scotia folk art and maritime artists. A two-hour walk will easily show you the major highlights of historic and scenic Halifax. Visit Historic Properties, St. Paul’s Church and Province House, the latter two being the oldest buildings in the city. Granite Springs is rated one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in Atlantic Canada.