7-Day Eastern Canada Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Eastern Canada tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaEastern Canada travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Days in Quebec, incl. Quebec City and Mingan Archipelago

  A 7-day paddling adventure through Mingan's protected waters starts in Havre-Saint-Pierre. Paddlers visit île du Fantôme, île Niapisku, and camp on île Quarry while observing the region's unique geological formations and marine wildlife.

  

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  • Day 1

    Quebec City to Havre-Saint-Pierre

    Start early from Quebec City and follow Route 138 north along the St. Lawrence River. The drive to Havre-Saint-Pierre takes about 10 hours. Stop for gas whenever you can since stations are limited on this remote route. Plan to spend the night in Havre-Saint-Pierre to get ready for your kayaking adventure.

    
  • Day 2

    Havre-Saint-Pierre & First Paddle

    Begin with kayaking orientation and safety instructions. You'll learn proper paddling techniques before loading your gear and supplies into the kayaks. Start with an easy paddle through the Marteau Islands and around Goélands Island to get comfortable on the water. Set up camp on Île du Havre for your first night. Bring quick-dry clothes since the northern waters stay cool even during summer.

    
  • Day 3

    Île du Fantôme & Île Niapisku

    Paddle to Île du Fantôme and Île Niapisku to see your first limestone monoliths. You'll spend time both paddling and hiking, with a break to explore the monoliths up close. Make camp on Île Quarry, which will be your home base for the next three nights. The monoliths look stunning in the evening light, so have your camera ready.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Île Quarry Exploration

    Split your time between hiking and paddling around Île Quarry and Grande Île. The hiking trails give you great views of the monoliths and coastline. Look for seabirds like black guillemots and kittiwakes nesting in the cliffs. From June through September, you might spot whales or seals. Wear good hiking shoes with solid grip since limestone gets slippery in wet conditions.

    
  • Day 6

    Final Paddle & Return to Civilization

    Take a scenic route back to Havre-Saint-Pierre on your last day, checking out new coves and inlets. After camping all week, treat yourself to a hot shower at your hotel. Try local seafood specialties at a restaurant for your farewell dinner.

    
  • Day 7

    Return to Quebec City

    Leave early for the drive back to Quebec City. If you're driving yourself, take a break in Baie-Comeau or Sept-Îles for lunch and stretching.

    

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• 7 Days in Bay of Fundy, incl. Halifax and Saint John

  Eastern Canada's maritime heritage shines through Halifax Citadel, UNESCO-listed Joggins Fossil Cliffs, and Saint John's Reversing Falls. Five cities are featured with 11 included meals, highlighting Shediac Bay lobster dinner and Annapolis Valley wine tasting.

  

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  • Day 1

    Halifax, Nova Scotia

    Begin your journey in downtown Halifax. Stay at Cambridge Suites Hotel, which puts you within walking distance of the waterfront. If you arrive in the late afternoon, visit the Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market before it closes at 5 PM. It's the oldest continuously running farmers' market in North America.

    
  • Day 2

    Halifax to Moncton

    Leave early for Joggins Fossil Cliffs, a UNESCO site. Set aside 2-3 hours for the cliff walk and wear sturdy shoes because the beach gets slippery. In the afternoon, take a lobster dinner cruise in Shediac Bay. "The historical stops were just as interesting as seeing the tidal bore." End your day in Moncton.

    
  • Day 3

    Hopewell Rocks & Saint John

    Start at Hopewell Rocks to see the flowerpot rocks at low tide. Come back 6 hours later to kayak around them at high tide. The water level changes by 50 feet! Drive through Fundy National Park to Saint John in the afternoon. Stop at Reversing Falls during tide change. Check local tide tables for timing.

    
  • Day 4

    St. Andrews by-the-Sea

    Take a day trip to St. Andrews. Go whale watching in the morning if weather permits. One visitor noted: "The breathtaking scenery requires plenty of camera memory!" Spend the afternoon exploring Water Street's historic buildings and seafood restaurants. Head back to Saint John for the night.

    
  • Day 5

    Saint John to Digby

    Take the morning ferry to Digby, Nova Scotia (2.5 hours). Bring motion sickness pills if needed. The Bay can get rough. Check into Digby Pines Resort overlooking the Annapolis Basin. Try the local scallops. They're fresh from the day's catch.

    
  • Day 6

    Annapolis Valley to Halifax

    Visit Grand Pré National Historic Site, a UNESCO Heritage site that tells the Acadian deportation story. Sample wines in the Annapolis Valley during the afternoon. The area's unique soil creates distinctive white wines. Drive back to Halifax on Highway 101 (about 2.5 hours).

  • Day 7

    Departure from Halifax

    Leave in the morning. If your flight is in the afternoon, visit the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, which opens at 9 AM. "Even though some hotels were a bit out of town centers, the tour covered all the highlights in the area."

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• 7 Days in Maritime Canada, incl. Halifax and Cape Breton

  

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  • Day 1

    Halifax

    Start in Halifax, Nova Scotia's capital. The downtown area is easy to walk around, so join the 5 PM orientation walk to get familiar with the city. Plan to arrive in early afternoon to avoid traffic from Halifax Stanfield International Airport - the drive takes 45-60 minutes. For dinner, you'll find plenty of seafood restaurants around the harbor in the historic waterfront area.

    
  • Day 2

    Lunenburg Day Trip

    Visit UNESCO-listed Lunenburg, about 90 minutes from Halifax. Get to Mahone Bay and Blue Rocks in the morning for the best photos before tour groups arrive. Wear good walking shoes since Lunenburg's hills can get slippery. If you're interested in local maritime history, visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic before heading back to Halifax in late afternoon.

    
  • Day 3

    Peggy's Cove

    Get to Peggy's Cove by 9 AM to avoid crowds and get the best morning light for photos. You'll need sturdy shoes for the Rock Walk trail since the granite surfaces can be slippery, especially in wet weather. Stay well back from the black rocks by the water - waves can be dangerous here. Back in Halifax, visit the Maritime Museum ($10) to learn about the city's connection to the Titanic.

    
  • Day 4

    Halifax to Baddeck

    The drive to Baddeck takes about 4 hours. Stop at the Millbrook Cultural Center to learn about Mi'kmaq culture. Don't miss the evening ceilidh for traditional music - bring cash to tip the musicians. Book your Baddeck hotel early if visiting in July or August when Cape Breton gets crowded.

    
  • Day 5

    Cape Breton Highlands National Park

    Take the Skyline Trail (5.7 miles round trip) for amazing views. Start early to see moose at dawn. The trail is mostly flat but open to the elements, so bring extra layers since coastal weather changes quickly. Plan 4-5 hours for the full Cabot Trail with photo stops. As one visitor said: "The rugged coastline views are incredible, but don't try to rush the drive - you'll want time to pull over often."

    
  • Day 6

    Baddeck to Charlottetown

    Visit the Alexander Graham Bell museum when it opens at 9 AM ($9 entry) before the 4.5-hour drive to PEI. Note that crossing Confederation Bridge adds about $50 to your car rental costs. Spend the evening walking through Charlottetown's historic center, where Victorian buildings look beautiful in the sunset light.

    
  • Day 7

    Charlottetown

    The city gets busy by mid-morning. If you're flying out today, the airport is just 15 minutes away. Consider staying longer to see PEI's red sand beaches and Anne of Green Gables sites. May-June or September offer better prices and smaller crowds than summer.

    

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