Nova Scotia

Come aboard the beautiful Rustad coach as we begin our incredible journey to Nova Scotia, nicknamed “Canada’s Festival Province.” Its strong Scottish heritage sets it apart from the rest of the country by creating a unique culture, way of life, and many Scottish traditions such as Celtic music, dance, and more. Today is a great day to get to know your travel companions as we make our usual stops along the way through Minnesota and Wisconsin. Our first night will be spent in Marquette, Michigan. (L)

After spending the night on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, our travels will take us to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, for lunch. (Sault – pronounced ‘soo’ is a French word referring to the rapids on St. Mary’s River.) We’ll cross the International Bridge over the Soo Locks to arrive in Ontario, Canada, and go through customs at the border. Shipping traffic in the Great Lakes system bypasses the St. Mary Rapids via the American Soo Locks. It has often been claimed to be the world’s busiest canal in terms of the tonnage passing through it. A quick stop will be made to exchange money before continuing to North Bay, Ontario. (B) (L)

By noon we will arrive in Canada’s beautiful capital city, Ottawa, Ontario. A local guide will join our group to explore places such as the Rideau Canal and Parliament Hill. Our hotel is about a block from the By-Ward Market. This evening you might like to explore this popular retail and entertainment district with specialty shops, a variety of pubs and restaurants with live music, and more. (B)

Get ready to experience French culture in Quebec City, Quebec! A step-on guide will join us for a rendezvous with history. You’ll experience history firsthand at the Plains of Abraham, view Chateau Frontenac, and get a glimpse of modern-day Quebec City. Old Quebec City sits on a hill and is protected by a massive stone wall. You will explore the narrow cobblestone streets and old historic buildings that are now converted into charming boutiques. (B) (L)

New Brunswick is the largest of the Maritime Provinces. The first attraction will be a visit to the breathtaking Grand Falls in Victoria, NB, the largest waterfalls east of Niagara Falls. We will view the beautiful St. Johns River that runs through a gorge in the middle of town. Our coach follows the river to Hartland, NB. At this stop, you’ll be able to walk across the Saint John River on the Hartland Covered Bridge to get a great photo of the longest covered bridge in the world. Continuing along the river, we arrive at our accommodations in downtown Fredericton, NB, the capital city of the province. (B)

Rustad Tours is taking you to a magical place today where you’ll witness the unusual and fascinating natural wonders on the Bay of Fundy. Hopewell Rocks is a place to take pause and appreciate a remarkable story that’s been woven through time, tides and nature. These reddish cliffs were first formed millions of years ago as a massive mountain range and began to erode by some of the highest tides in the world. This afternoon, we make our way across the Confederation Bridge to Prince Edward Island. PEI is said to have more shades of green than Ireland. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a free evening to explore the amazing sights and taste the local cuisine in Charlottetown. Our hotel for two nights will be in the only city on the island, Charlottetown, PEI. (B) (L)

Our local guide will join us for a tour of the island and Charlottetown. Most people can only dream of visiting the enchanting place of Green Gables. This 19th century farm has become internationally known because of the famous classic novel. Anne of Green Gables was published in 1908. Although it is most popular as a classic children’s novel, it was written for all ages. The novel recounts the adventures of Anne Shirley, an 11-year-old orphan girl as she makes her way through life with the Cuthberts, in school, and within the community. Many tourist attractions on Prince Edward Island have been developed and based on the fictional “Anne.” This afternoon we explore the best-known beaches on Prince Edward’s Island. The Beckley and Cavendish Beaches are natural wonders of nature. These broad, natural sand beaches stretch for miles, protecting the gorgeous red sand cliffs and white sand dunes. Rustad Tours has a special treat in store for you tonight at New Glasgow Lobster Suppers which includes full lobster or steak. This family-owned restaurant has been serving lobster since June 24, 1958. Throughout the years, it has received many recognitions and awards, including being honored to be on Food Network Canada’s “Big Food Bucket List” in 2019. (B) (L) (D)

By mid-morning, a short ferry ride will take us across the Northumberland Strait to Nova Scotia. Because of the shallow depths of the strait, it is home to the warmest ocean temperatures in Canada. Our coach, traveling toward Cape Breton Island, will arrive at the resort city of Baddeck, NS, for a two-night stay. This quaint village is considered to be the beginning and end of the world-famous Cabot Trail. Delight in the charm of this village by enjoying fine dining, unique shopping experiences, art galleries, and much, much more. Baddeck’s most famous resident, Alexander Graham Bell was captivated by the beauty of this area, choosing it as his summer home in the late 1800s. This distinguished inventor was considered a modern-day Leonardo da Vinci. The Alexander Graham Bell Museum contains the largest repository of artifacts and documents from Bell’s years of experimental work in Baddeck. The museum includes displays relating to Bell’s work in the field of deaf education and how that study led to the invention of the telephone. This evening, dinner will be included at the motel restaurant overlooking the spectacular Bras d’Or Lake. (B) (D)

Today, a local step-on guide takes us on a journey of a lifetime along one of the world’s most scenic drives. Cabot Trail is named after the explorer, John Cabot, who landed in the Atlantic, Canada in 1497. The Cabot Trail is a winding mix of roadways, paths, and stunning beauty that takes you from unreal ocean vistas and along quaint fishing villages. Our guide shares fascinating stories while we drive the beautiful Cabot Trail. Lunch will be included in Pleasant Bay, located along the Cabot Trail. Your evening meal will be included in our accommodations. (B) (L) (D)

Today, we leave Cape Breton Island, traveling to the Nova Scotia peninsula and south to Halifax. During our drive today, you’ll be impressed with Nova Scotia’s stunning scenery. Its small, charming towns depict a quiet and peaceful lifestyle and family-friendly atmosphere. We’ll take an included lunch break in Truro at the Swiss Chalet Restaurant. This quaint town will remind you of the Old European-style villages complete with unique shops, markets, and picturesque parks. By mid-afternoon, we arrive in Halifax, the first permanent European settlement in the region and is now the leading cultural center in the Atlantic Provinces. There’s always something to celebrate in Halifax…from wine to apples, music to pumpkins, and everything in between. Lively ethnic festivals are celebrated all year long, taking pride in everything that makes Nova Scotia unique. Rustad Tours has arranged for you to see the sights of Halifax in an unconventional way. Our guided tour of Halifax has us traveling on both land and water aboard the Harbour Hopper, a renovated amphibious Vietnam War vehicle. Highlights include St. Paul’s Cathedral, Citadel Hill, and the Victorian beauty of the public gardens before splashing into the Halifax Harbour for great views of the city from the waterfront. By late afternoon, we check into the Hampton Inn in downtown Halifax for a two-night stay. (B) (L)

Have your cameras ready for the amazing sights and attractions that are in store for you today! We start our day by exploring the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site (Citadel means it is a small part of the city in which it is the defense core.) This commanding view of Halifax Harbour was destined to protect the city. The impressive citadel’s star-shaped architecture was common in 19th-century forts. The star shape allowed the soldiers to point their muskets from every angle over the wall. You’ll learn what life was like for the soldiers and their families to live and work at this historic fort. After a short drive from the city, we arrive at Peggy’s Cove for lunch on our own. You’ll have time to explore one of the most popular stops in Atlantic Canada. (According to legend, Peggy’s Cove was named after the sole survivor of a schooner that ran aground and sank in 1800.) Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse is one of Nova Scotia’s most well-known lighthouses and is famed for its picturesque profile set on rocky shores. Despite its popularity, this tiny fishing village has kept the same relaxed atmosphere that made it popular, still maintaining a rustic undeveloped appearance. By mid-afternoon, we are back in the heart of Halifax’s waterfront at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. As Canada’s oldest and largest maritime museum, it serves as a valuable historical, cultural, and educational institution. You’ll discover the stories, events, and people that have come to define Nova Scotia’s relationship with the sea. This evening is free for you to explore or relax on our final night in Halifax. (B)

Today, we learn of a turbulent time in Canadian history in the “Land of Evangeline.” The Grand Pre-National Historic Site was the home of the Acadian people. (The descendants of the French who settled in Acadia during the 17th-18th century. This area of Canada is now the present-day Canadian Maritime Provinces.) The Acadians were deported by the English for refusing to sign an oath of allegiance to England. Families were separated; their lands and property were confiscated. The colonists were deported to locations along the British colonies and thousands were transported back to France. Many Acadians traveled to Louisiana to settle where their descendants still live today. Continuing along the Evangeline Trail, we stop at the Port Royal Habitation, founded by the French in 1605. The habitation transports us back to the earliest days of French exploration and gives us insight into the colonist’s daily lives. Despite the community’s success, its future as a permanent settlement was cut short when the French King revoked the monopoly on fur trading. The colonists returned to France leaving the habitation to the indigenous people. Today, the historic site features a reconstruction of one of the best examples of buildings that represent and commemorate a significant stage of history and events. Our accommodations are at the Rodd Grand Hotel in Yarmouth, NS, tonight. (B)

Today, we experience the Maritime Provinces the way they’re meant to be seen…by the sea! Our fastest route from Nova Scotia to Bar Harbor, Maine, is by the high-speed CAT Ferry. You’ll enjoy plenty of onboard amenities, along with a knowledgeable staff and crew. You’ll get another perspective of Nova Scotia’s coastal beauty beyond the horizon. We arrive at Bar Harbor in the early afternoon to enjoy some free time for lunch, sightseeing, and shopping. Originally, the city was named Eden, after an English statesman, but was later changed to Bar Harbor in 1918. The name was derived from a sand bar that connects Mount Desert Island with another island nearby. Early industries included fishing, lumbering, and shipbuilding. Bar Harbor is also known as the “Gateway to Acadia National Park.” The city has always been a popular vacation destination and today, the town is just as vibrant as ever! Main Street is lined with one-of-a-kind shops, boutiques, and a variety of dining experiences. Tonight, we stay in Portland, Maine. We’ll have an included meal at our hotel. (B) (D)

Enjoy plenty of panoramic views today as our coach winds its way through the scenic country roads of southern New Hampshire, Vermont, and the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. This region is dominated by wooded green mountains that are popular for showcasing brightly colored fall foliage. We’ll make our usual stops along the way, including a shopping stop that features delicious Vermont foods including maple syrup, cheese, famous fudge, apple cider donuts, and Vermont-themed gifts and souvenirs. Tonight, our hotel will be in Syracuse, New York. (B) (L)

Our travels bring us back into Canada to experience one of the world’s most fascinating spectacles…”The Majestic Niagara Falls!” Rustad Tours has arranged an included luncheon for you at the iconic Skylon Tower standing 520 feet above the ground. You’ll ride a glass elevator to the revolving restaurant giving you a “bird’s eye” view of Niagara Falls and the surrounding region. After lunch, we arrive at Table Rock Welcome Center. Tonight, our hotel is in Woodstock, Ontario. (B) (L)

We say farewell to Canada today, but first we travel across Ontario where we cross over the Canadian border into Michigan at Port Huron. We’ll make some stops to rest and dine along our travels today. This evening’s accommodations are located in the western suburb of Chicago at the Quality Inn. (B) (L)

Today we are homeward bound with fantastic memories and new friends, exchanging addresses and comparing favorite Memory Making Moments! We’ll stop at Mousehouse Cheesehaus in Windsor, WI, which is renowned for its fine-aged cheese. Before you know it, the coach pulls back into the Rustad Tours location. (B) (L)