Late Summer Canadian Maritimes Trip

Joyous Vagaries took a 12-day trip to the Canadian Maritimes, which included Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and the Bay of Fundy through New Brunswick.

The trip began with crossing the Confederation Bridge from New Brunswick to Prince Edward Island, and included two stays; one in Summerside, and the other in Montegue.  While on PEI, there were visits to lighthouses, a bottle house village, and a couple of museums.  In addition, Joyous Vagaries took in a couple of shows: “The Old Blue Bus” at the College of Piping Performing Arts Centre in Summerside, and “Yesterday – The Magic of the Beatles”, a Craig Fair Production at the PEI Brewing Company in Charlottetown.  

After 5 days, the Maritimes trip continued with a 75-minute ride on the Northumberland Ferry from PEI to Nova Scotia.  The Nova Scotia portion of the trip involved taking in some sights along the Cabot Trail. Unfortunately, due to extremely dry conditions and an elevated fire risk, all trails in Nova Scotia were closed. 

Moving on from the Cabot Trail, there was a brief visit to Halifax to explore shops along the waterfront, followed by a wonderful dinner experience in Dartmouth at The Canteen.  

In addition to Halifax, there were visits to Peggy’s Cove and Fort Point Lighthouse in Liverpool.    The Fort Point Lighthouse has a museum that allows visitors to crank the old fog horn.  Upon our arrival, for reasons passing understanding, we found the museum to be closed, even though it was supposed to be open. There was at least one large fire going on in the Annapolis Valley, so we had to stay away from that area of the Province.  

Moving on from Nova Scotia, Joyous Vagaries made a stop at the Fundy Tidal Interpretive Centre and the Joggins Fossil Centre before stopping for dinner at Steve’s 50’s Diner in Riverview, New Brunswick.  Anyone visiting the area should make a point of eating at this diner.  The food and service are both excellent!  For those who enjoy a breakfast as their supper, breakfast is served all day.  The food and service were enjoyed so much, it was decided to return for breakfast the next morning.  After dinner, it was decided to hang around to see the tidal bore on the Petitcodiac River.

Continuing on from Moncton, Joyous Vagaries made notable stops at Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, Cape Enrage, Fundy National Park, drove the Fundy Parkway (with a lunch stop at The Cook House Restaurant along the way), and the St. Martins Sea Caves.  

As with Nova Scotia, all trails in New Brunswick were closed to hiking – including very short ones that led out to a view from the Parkway.  As such, the drive along the Parkway was pretty much limited to just that – driving.  At the Sea Caves, the tide was low so people could walk out to the caves, but were prevented from entering them as the entrances were roped off.

Although so many trails were closed for hiking in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, this Maritimes trip was quite enjoyable.  Images from the trip can be found in the Canadian Maritimes Gallery.