Example Tours

Included in Every Tour :

• Bilingual tour director/guide for entire stay
• Deluxe Motor coach for entire tour *
• Accommodations in three stars Hotels or better **
• Entrance fees to all activities and major attractions
• All breakfasts, most lunches, most dinners and a special scrumptious lobster feast
• All luggage handling (2 bags/day) for entire stay
• All taxes / All gratuities on supplied meals
• A tour information kit
• & much more !

 

Blossom Time!
in Nova Scotia's Acadie

A 7 day Spring delight

 

Day 1   Flight arrival to Capital Halifax, Canada's Ocean Play ground

Arrival at Halifax International Airport. (time: t.b.d.)

Bienvenue en Acadie!!

Be greeted by your friendly escort, Richard for the entire tour.

Our deluxe motor coach awaits the Acadian cousins finally coming back home!

Let us make our way to our Hotel for that well needed relaxation after your flight to Nova Scotia. (Pending on arrival time)

A welcoming reception at our home away from home, a good meal and comfy bedroom!

Dartmouth

Day 2   Halifax, Peggy's Cove, LaHave

Good morning all! Our motor coach takes us to the capital, where we will enjoy a tour of the city of trees, Halifax.  We will take in an overview of its foundation and long standing history, starting by a stop over at the Citadel fortification to admire the region from the best view point.  Learn about how this city was settled within a complex of British defense against the French and the Natives during earlier centuries...  We will take a drive by tour of the Port of Halifax; the second largest natural harbor in the world which also hosts the Canadian Naval headquarters.  On this tour you'll learn about the famous "1917 Halifax Explosion", see the Parliament, site of the first elected assembly of the country, explore the buzzing commercial street of Spring Garden and relax in the oldest Victorian Public Gardens in Canada close by.

The road calls us to make our way south along the Atlantic coast otherwise known as the Lighthouse route. Visit and lunch at immortalized Peggy's Cove -one of Canada's most visited attractions. You will 'sea' why! Its famous lighthouse "planted on the rock" is the only true and functional Post Office of the kind in the country.  Mail yourself or friends a post card from this awesome location.

This whole region including LaHave is filled with mysteries, shipwrecks and renowned buried treasures& How can we not look into it with our Acadian perspective? After all, this is where France's explorer Samuel de Champlain and governor of New France first landed in 1604, claiming their New World possession in "La Cadie and other lands of Canada", the extension of France in America.

Here also, a few years later, the very first pioneer peasants from the west coast of France, will plant their roots to become the Acadians! We will make our way to Fort Point Museum in LaHave close by to find out more about it.

Derived from French Port LaHève, this site baptized "Fort Ste-Marie de Grâce" is the stepping-stone of the French permanent settlement pattern in North America.  The oldest schoolhouse was erected here, near the chapel and cemetery.  Let's follow their traces, prize their legacy.

The Trahan, Bourque, Guidry, Lejeune, Thériau, Dugas, Comeau, Boudreau, Hébert, LeBlanc, Pitre, Landry, Dupuis, Broussard, Daigle... to name a few, they all started here!

Time to check into our Hotel for a great meal and the night spent in the region of your ancestors.

Bridgewater

Day 3   LaHave - Wolfville - Grand Pré

To start the day the right way, let us enjoy breakfast at our Hotel. 

Today is Apple Blossom Festival in the Grand Pré area.  A grand street parade, some music, good food and countless of happy faces awaits us during this annual celebration of Nature's renewed gift to us, you can count on "Passing a good time!" Acadie du Nord style!

For a change of scenery, a pleasant drive through gorgeous farmland and orchards takes us to the top of Cape Blomidon for that essential view of one of Canada's finest agricultural lands; the prestigious Annapolis Valley! and the Bay of Fundy from above! We are reminded that from this basin, many British vessels departed with their human cargoes in 1755&referred as "le Grand Dérangement"&

Next is the picturesque Hall's Harbour.  Admire the fishermen's basin fill up or empty its water before your very eyes (pending on tide tables) as we indulge on delicious lobsters fresh from the ocean. Complete the experience by walking along the stony beach in search of semiprecious stones such as amethyst, jades and agates or browsing through the quaint gift and artisans' shops with the sound of the ocean waves surrounding you.

Rest assured, you will never forget the Atlantic oceans highest tide's spectacle.

Heading back to the valley, we will be able to admire the Apple blossom Festival's Fire works at sunset, from the crest of the North Mountain or from our Hotel's upper deck.

Grand Pré

Day 4    Grand Pré - Port Royal

-"All aboard!" your host takes you on a complete tour of the Grand Pré National Historic Site. Once known as Acadie's "bread basket", the Grand Pré area is the mythical land of Evangeline.  This is where the land of Belle Évangeline begins, and never ends, at least, in your heart.

Its classic story comes alive for us!  Welcome to a Grand memorial site dedicated to Acadie.  Welcome to the sister site of Évangeline de la Louisiane.

We travel along rolling hills and peaceful farms in blooms in the arms of beautiful Annapolis Valley until it opens up to the Port Royal area, rightfully referred as the "cradle of the Acadian culture" worldwide.

Something totally refreshing for lunch! A typical all home made Acadian-like meal outdoor in the midst of apple orchards filled with magnificent blossoms and fragrance!  This lovely break and orchard tour takes place on the century old farm where the Girouard Village once stood. Authentic cellars remnants and wells to prove it!

It should be known that this lovely region is also the first permanent European settlement in Canada dating back to 1605, two years before Jamestown, Virginia.

We will enjoy it all here in a small town & country setting!  The Samuel de Champlain Habitation, the Fort of Port Royal, (Fort Anne) respectively, the first Habitation in Canada and the oldest and best preserved earthen fortification in North America.

Both are "musts see" national historic sites we won't miss.  The surrounding scenery and culture will mark you in a special way.

Let's take our evening meal in the "Secret Garden" dear! (t.b.c.)

To top things off, the Historic Gardens, offers several acres of a dreamland of gardens featuring hundreds of varieties of roses as well as exotic plants from all over the world.

A 1671 thatched roof Acadian cottage has been re-created nearby the reclaimed marshland like many would have stood during the golden age of Acadie.

Make yourself at home like the forefathers for a while; we will be here for the next two nights.

Port Royal

Day 5   Port Royal - Baie Ste-Marie - Port Royal

Enjoy a lovely drive along the very historic and picturesque Port Royal basin. Ste-Mary's Bay, is next with "the longest street in the world" leading us to the very Acadian region of Clare.  The area, famous for its churches will seduce you in many ways.  This is the most populous provincial French Acadian region.

Of course we will visit "l'Église Ste-Marie"; the largest wooden church in North America and the "cathédrale" of St-Bernard, a massive granite structure. Both monuments are testimony of the "deep faith" for the exiled of past centuries that returned to Nova Scotia's Acadie to take roots again and forever.  They stand proud, overlooking the blue "baie Saint-Marie" which has sustained the resilient Acadian community for a long long time. So much to "sea", and so little time&Visit of the charming area with local guides coloring our discovery with the

We will make sure you do not go back to Louisiana without a taste of our fabulous local Acadian specialties!  Paul Comeau opens his house/restaurant, kitchen and heart to our Cajun cousins! Bienvenue la visite!  Just call it, "tourism with a human dimension!"

We will spend a second night in Port Royal

Day 6   Annapolis Valley; breadbasket of Acadie!--Piziguit - Truro

A short drive on the Évangeline Trail takes us to the mysterious Pre-deportation Acadian cemetery of Ste-Famille de Piziguit in Falmouth.   Discovered only a few years ago, this was the location of church and burial ground for several hundreds of Acadian people from the late 1670's till the expulsion.  Trahan, Rivet, Babin, Doiron, Vincent, LeBlanc, Landry, Breau etc etc. are some of the name associated to old Sainte-Famille parish.  Many were put to rest here in this pastoral region.

A revealing tour of the historic land and vineyard and great wine tasting at the Ste-Famille Winery sounds like a great plan!? OK! 

Just so you know, this was the farmstead of the Forest family during the "golden age". Celebrate with a taste to our health and the Acadian "Order of Good Cheers! 

We will swing by Fort Edward, the oldest "blockhauss" in Canada, dating back to 1750.  This British fortification was erected on a previous Acadian site which overlooks the impressive arm of the Piziguit River, itself dividing before us to create the Ste Croix River at our feet...  From here also were expelled, well over a thousand Acadians in the fall of 1755, but their legacy is still imprinted in the landscapes, their peaceful voices murmur in the wind& you will be seduced by Acadie.

The day is young; let's head towards Truro along Nova Scotia's best kept secret, the Minas Basin route, land of Mi'kmaq deity Glooskap.  On our scenic way, why not check out the "record site" of the highest tides on earth?  Evocative of yesteryears, the place is called BurntCoat Head.  On this location, the water level has reached 54'3''.  This region is also referred as Cobequit, a Mi'kmaq word meaning "where the waters end".  Family names such as Aucoin, Blanchard, Bourque, Hébert, Doiron, Thibodeau, Dugas, and many more used to live off the marshland that they reclaimed by means of dykes and "aboiteaux".  Discover the area and refresh the knowledge of our fabulous 17^th century ingenious material culture.

Let's check in to our Hotel for a relaxing evening, maybe a dip in the pool and the last diner together before the "too soon coming" return day.

Day 7   Truro - Halifax Intl Airport - Flight back  (t.b.d.)

Good morning everyone!

After a good breakfast at the Hotel, we will visit the "state of the art" First Nations interpretive Center and giant statue of Glooskap just next door.  Another important site that reminds us of the profound bond that has taken place at the time of European "contact", the solidarity that characterizes the "make up" of our Acadian identity right here in the heart of old Acadie, in Mi'kma'ki, land of the Métis.

-Airport transfer and group "check in" assistance.

Sorry to see you go so soon !

Last Au Revoirs!

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This Exclusive Tour  includes:

• A 47 or 56 Pax. De luxe motor coach transportation for entire tour program
• Tour director/guide for entire stay
• 6 nights accommodations in 3 1/2 stars Hotels or superior
• Entrance fees to over 15 national historic sites and/or major attractions
• 16 great meals, including a scrumptious lobster feast by the ocean
• Annapolis Valley Winery tour & taste
• All taxes and gratuities on supplied meals
• All luggage handling for entire stay
• A complete tour information kit
• Countless friends and much more

Tour cost per person based on a group of 40  (Canadian dollars):

Double occ.:	$1,120.00	approx. equivalence in U.S. =	$  995.00
Triple:	$ 995.00	,,  ,,          ,,          ,,	$ 796.00
Quad:	$ 940.00	,,        ,,          ,,          ,,	$ 752.00
Single:	$1,480.00	,,       ,,          ,,          ,,	$1,184.00

NOTE: the above costs are provided to give an approximate idea to our clients.

Accurate and timely quotations need to be provided on a "per case" tour program.

 

Between sky and sea!
A warm invitation during fall foliage
from Novacadie & your group organizer

 

Day 1       Your flight departure location ---Bangor, Me.

Group flight. Your tour director is pleased to greet everyone at the airport.  Arriving just on time for freshening up at our Hotel nearby and to enjoy our Welcome dinner together on this lovely tour ahead.

Welcome all!

Bangor, Me.

Meals included: D.

Day 2       Bangor - Bar Harbor

Our deluxe motor coach is all set and so are we all! Departure from Bangor in the morning Direction! Acadia; The birthplace of Europe in America.

Getting in town early enough to fully enjoy this picturesque New England community with so much history and charms.

Acadia National Park, with its bare summit enables us to admire miles and miles of sea coast (Frenchman Bay) bordered by the mighty Appalachians.  Many place names around this gorgeous site remind us of the early presence and contributions of the French explorers such as Champlain (1604) and later Cadillac (future founder of Detroit) to the region.  It is still referred as Acadia regardless of today's U.S and Canadian ownership.  It was the time of the founding of lt; La Cadie > in theearly 1600's. Canada did not exist. French colonists planted roots and befriended with the Natives.  On most friendly terms the two groups shared their ways, the land and sea together.  This is the story of this land, although it is not recognized as a defined country on our world maps, somehow, Acadie still occupies an undisturbed place in the heart of millions worldwide.  This tour will undoubtedly provide us with a glimpse of its magic!

Free time to browse and shop along the quaint streets of this eastern seaboard community.

The night is spent in the Bar Harbor region.

Meals included:      B.D.

Day 3       Bar Harbor---Yarmouth--Church Point--Annapolis Royal

A very good morning to all!

It's now time to board our deluxe ferry the Cat, which will "hop us" over the Golf of Maine, to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia;  

Departure: 9:00am.  Enjoying the scenery while traveling at 55 mph in all comfort and playing a little Casino is quite an experience.  One of the best of its kind in the world.  Quite a contrast to the Age of Sails of those days of long ago.  Time to have Lunch on our own on the ship and, here we are!

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Historically, this region was known as < Cap Sable > to the Native Mi'kmaqs and early French settlers from the early 1600's on. 

Appreciate the town of Yarmouth nicknamed the "Gateway to Nova Scotia" as we tour through it. 

The lighthouse, the charms of the water front street, its historic buildings, museums and boutiques remind us of the legacy of the Schooners, then, to "the Steamers" and now to the ferries who have been bringing people here, from all over the world for centuries. 

Continuing on a lovely drive along Ste-Mary's Bay, claimed to be "the longest street in the world" takes us to the very Acadian region of Clare.  The area, famous for its churches will seduce you in many ways.  This is the most populous provincial French Acadian region.

Of course we will visit "l'Église Ste-Marie"; the largest wooden church in North America and the "cathédrale" of St-Bernard, a massive granite structure.  Both monuments are testimonies of a people's deep faith after their return from exiles.

These churches stand proud, overlooking the sea which has sustained the faithful Acadian community for a long long time. 

This is where the land of Belle Évangeline begins, and never ends, at least, in your heart

So much to "sea", and so little time

On our way, we will appreciate the site of the first water mill in America done by the industrious French peasants in 1607, three years before the founding of Jamestown, Virginia.

Next is the Port Royal area.  Referred as the "Cradle of the Acadian culture" worldwide.  After this morning treat, let's explore this region which is where France's explorer Samuel de Champlain, sailed in 1604, claiming the possession of New France "La Cadie and other lands of Canada".   Here also, a few years later, the very first pioneer peasants from France, will plant permanent roots to become the Acadians.  The site of The Historic Gardens gathers, presents and convinces us, in countless smells and colors, that the foresight of the first settlers and their leaders in selecting the Annapolis Valley as a farming region has been justified by time, it, remaining to this day, one of the most fertile parts of Canada.

After our meal in the Garden, discover with pleasure, the fascinating culture of Acadie, past and present.  The Acadians reclaimed meadows, is a scene of inspiration for all men.  The marshes created by the over flowing of the bountiful ocean for thousands of years, have lead men to be ever so creative, and hearty

We will visit the marvellous replica of 1605 Port Royal Habitation. Next and last is the Fort of Port Royal, renamed Fort Anne after the last British conquest of 1710.

Begun in 1636, the Vauban earthen star shape structure is the oldest and best preserved fortification of its kind on the North American continent.  Canada's destiny was played on these shores. A tour of the museum to appreciate the master piece tapestry and other displays.  They teach us vividly and all about the past four centuries here before checking into our Hotel close by.

The night is spent in Greenwood

Meals included:          B.D.

Lunch: on our own on the ship

Day 4       Annapolis Royal - Grand Pré---Peggy's Cove---Halifax

Good day all!

Heading towards the heart of the Valley, we are invited to ride gently in our motor coach taking in the countryside and the rich history of this land. Let us look into the Acadian Dykeland Culture, for, this is the cradle, or, where its entire amazing story begins! 

Your host takes you on a complete tour of the Grand Pré National Historic Site and surroundings.

Once known as Acadie's "bread basket", the Grand Pré area is the mythical land of Evangeline as it was so inspired by H.W.Longfellow in 1847.

His classic poem "A Tale of Love in Acadie" comes alive for us!  Welcome to the "Mecca" site of the Acadian culture world wide.

The road calls us to make our way across the Nova Scotia peninsula from the Bay of Fundy side to the Atlantic coast.  Visit and lunch at immortalized Peggy's Cove -one of Canada's most visited attractions.   Its famous lighthouse "planted on the rock" is the only true and functional Post office of the kind in the country.  Mail yourself or friends a post card from this awesome location.

Here is a site of mysteries, shipwrecks and renowned buried treasures

 (5:30-6:00) Time to check into our Hotel for a great meal and the night spent in the City of Lakes, Dartmouth.

Meals included:  B.L.D.

Day 5       Halifax---Stellarton---Baddeck 

Good day all!

Our first exploration of the day is capital Halifax, "the city of trees" with a lot of character and jovial citizens.   Learn about how this city was settled in 1749 within a complex of British defence against the French and the Natives...  We will take a drive by tour of the Port of Halifax; the second largest natural harbour in the world which also hosts the Canadian Naval headquarters.  On this tour you'll learn about the famous "1917 Halifax Explosion", see the Parliament, site of the first elected assembly of the country, explore the buzzing commercial street of Spring Garden and relax in the oldest Victorian Public Gardens in the country nearby.

We now plan on traveling north along the "Sunrise Trail".   Visit the Museum of Industry in Stellarton and look back in time through countless household, commercial and industrial items of the past, including the two first steam powered locomotive in Canada designed and constructed in this province in the 19^th century.   The road takes us along the Bras d'Or Lake; known as the "Inland sea" of Nova Scotia.  Our destination and night stay is Baddeck.

Visit this charming village and National historic site dedicated to genius and great humanitarian Alexander Graham Bell.  Inventor of the phone along with multiple other commodities including the fastest boat in the world of his era, he spent many years of his life and deceased here.

Night in the Baddeck region

Meals included: B.L.D.

Day 6       Baddeck - Chéticamp--Cabot Trail - North Sydney

Enjoy a full buffet breakfast at our Hotel.

Our first stop of the day is in the, as Acadian as it gets, Chéticamp a bilingual speaking community greeting us with smiles you've never seen before.

This region is blessed by its seacoast beauty but also by the summer presence of magnificent whale's species along the shores.  Our friendly professional Acadian captain is all set for us and to take us on a fabulous whale watching boat tour.  A truly overwhelming experience! 

Hop on the bus!  We are off to one of the prettiest stretch of highway in the world; the Cabot Trail

More then just a travel way, it is a "Grand" experience that will move you through nine hundred and fifty square kilometers of an incredible variety of wildlife and landscape: a glorious highland plateau with windswept barrens, deep-walled canyons, picturesque waterfalls, sandy beaches, and spectacular cliffs.

Lunch is served folks!  Enjoying the scenery of the Cape Breton National Park while filing our belly during an outdoor picnic "en route" at the most easterly portion of continental Canada?&Sounds like a good plan!  Get your cameras rolling folks!

Today's extraordinary journey unfolds as we head to our Hotel for Dinner and a comfortable night spent in North Sydney.

Meals included:  B.L.D.

Day 7       North Sydney---Louisbourg - Prince Edward Island 

Good morning everyone!

"Isle Royale" was, once upon a time, the name of this superb French island. It still has the largest historical reconstruction in North America to tell us about the fascinating era.

The fortress of Louisbourg is at our feet!  The entire atmosphere of a French city of the 18^th century is ours to relive, see and enjoy!  Feast on a period meal as we mingle with the interpreters of all ages who carry on their daily lives in 1744 in period costumes

You may pinch yourself, you are not dreaming

The waters in the vicinity of this site hold many treasures of the past, where battles were fought between France and England, over the control of North America.

Early afternoon, let's hit the road for a pleasant drive southward to Caribou, specifically, to our ferry terminal.

Relax and enjoy the beauty of the sea and the sky, during a 75 minutes Ferry crossing to Prince Edward Island.

Welcome to Canada's smallest province, a precious secret of the Atlantic.  We will drive into capital Charlottetown.

Initially baptized Isle St-Jean by the French who were the island's first European settlers, it was renamed in honor of Commander in-Chief of the British forces in North America; Edward, duke of Kent.  This small but unique province is a window on our Canadian heritage, where the three founding cultures overlap.

It is now time to check in to our luxury Hotel close by, for a peaceful and relaxing night by the ocean waves.

The night is spent in the Cavendish area.

Meals included: B.L.D.

Day 8       Cavendish P.E.I. - Hopewell Cape - Bangor, Me.

Good morning all!

Our great journey continues as our comfy motor coach takes us on a smooth ride along the rolling hills and the red soil of the island to Anne of Green Gable's magical place. Here we are in the re-created ambiance as conceived by renowned author Lucy M. Montgomery.  Re-live this world acclaimed masterpiece of 19^th century innocence and romance as we tour the Museum, the farmstead and gift shop.

It is now time to head towards New Brunswick via the Confederation Bridge; a marvel of engineering, this is the world's longest bridges (9 miles) to cross over a body of water that freezes during the winter months. 

Once in New Brunswick Hopewell Cape is on the discovery agenda.  Here is the best place to appreciate the phenomenal giant tides of the Bay of Fundy.  Walk on the ocean floor and amidst giants "flower pots" sculpted by the sea's incessant flow.   Lunch is served for us on site.

Hop on the bus folks, we are heading west

Say good bye Canada!  Our itinerary brings us into the U.S of A.  and back where this wonderful travel experience has begun a few days ago!

Late afternoon arrival at Bangor.

Meals included: B.L.D.

Day 9       Bangor, Me.---to your flight landing location

After breakfast, we plan on relaxing at our comfortable Hotel or proceed with these last minute purchases for the unfortunate ones who could not come along!

Optional activities.

Assistance at airport check in and departure.

So sorry to see you go so soon!

Until next time!

Meals included: B.L.

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This Exclusive Tour  includes:

• A 56 Pax. De luxe motor coach transportation for entire tour program
• Tour director/guide for entire stay (Bangor to Bangor-9 days)
• Two Ferry crossings; (The Cat (U.S.-Canada-U.S.) + Ferry N.S. to P.E.I
• Passage-PEI-Confederation Bridge
• 8 nights accommodations in 3 1/2 stars Hotels or superior
• Entrance fees to over 10 national historic sites and/or major attractions
• An incredible whale watching experience
• 22 great meals, including a scrumptious lobster feast + 18 century Period meal
• All taxes and gratuities on supplied meals
• All luggage handling for entire stay
• A complete tour information kit
• Countless friends and much more

Tour cost per person for groups of 30 or more  (U.S. funds):

Double:	$ 1,541.00
Single:	$ 1,831.00
Triple:	$ 1,301.00
Quad:	$1,231.00

NOTE: the above costs are provided to give an approximate idea to our clients.

Accurate and timely quotations need to be provided on a "per case" tour program.

P.S: Some taxes apply on your own personal purchases but qualify for partial refund through the Canadian "Visitor Tax Refund" policy. All accommodations and some meal choices are subject to minor changes.

Every detail has been looked at so that this holiday experience will be cherished by all guarantee!

A promise from Novacadie !

Looking forward to being with you in Atlantic Canada this coming fall!

Richard Laurin,

President / tour director

Acadiennement vôtre!