SHORE EXCURSIONS

OVERVIEW

Maximize your time in two characteristic towns on Nova Scotia’s southern shore by independently exploring the attractions that sound most intriguing to you. Founded in 1811, the village of Peggy’s Cove originally thrived on fishing and has evolved into a beautifully rustic artist’s community. While there, you might browse the art galleries and admire the classic red-and-white lighthouse that marks the entrance to St. Margaret’s Bay. Lunenburg is renowned for being North America’s best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement, the reason UNESCO designated it a World Heritage site. As you stroll the historical streets, be sure to notice the rectangular grid layout, which was drawn up in England.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Spend hours of free time independently exploring two classic towns on Nova Scotia’s southern shore.
• Meander about Peggy’s Cove, an extraordinarily artistic community known for its classic lighthouse.
• Explore the continent’s best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement in Lunenburg.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Experience a narrated excursion of Halifax, including a drive by Citadel Hill and the beautiful public gardens before heading out to Peggy’s Cove. On this tour you’ll travel along the scenic coastal highway to the tiny village of Peggy’s Cove, where less than 40 residents live year round. See the brightly colored houses nestled close to the water’s edge in this working rustic fishing village. As you enter the cove, drive by the monument carved by local artist William deGarthe from a massive slab of granite and a tribute to the people of Peggy’s Cove. Your guide will also tell you about the cove, explain how it got its name, tell you the story of the lighthouse and talk about the lobster fishery, which is the backbone of the local economy. Explore the village on your own and if you choose, there is plenty of time to visit a few of the shops and galleries before you return to your ship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy commentary filled with local stories and history.
• Take in Atlantic Ocean views, rugged shorelines, and charming rural communities along the way.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

When people think of Canada, they think of maple syrup. When people think of Nova Scotia, they think of Peggy’s Cove. On this tour you’ll get a chance to experience both! Board your coach for the scenic drive to Peggy’s Cove – one of the most popular and visited lighthouses in Atlantic Canada. Enjoy some free time here to take some breathtaking pictures and explore the village with its galleries and souvenir shops. Continue your journey to Acadian Maple Products, started as a family hobby over 30 years ago, today they are the largest purchaser and processor of maple syrup produced in Nova Scotia. Their high-quality products are now enjoyed worldwide and their shop welcomes over 30,000 visitors a year. Browse the shop, enjoy tastings of maple syrup samples and get your taste of Canada!

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the picturesque village of Peggy’s Cove, home to one of Atlantic Canada's most iconic lighthouses, with free time for breathtaking photos and local shopping.
• Enjoy a scenic drive to Peggy’s Cove, taking in the stunning coastal views along the way.
• Experience the Acadian Maple Factory, sampling delicious maple syrup.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Guests who are fully dependent on their mobility device are eligible for this excursion and are required to bring their own wheelchair/scooter.

Settle in for a picturesque drive to the quaint fishing village of Peggy’s Cove, an experience that a historical look at Halifax will beautifully complement. Although known for its natural beauty, Peggy’s Cove also features a few noteworthy landmarks, including its lighthouse. While stopping at this 1915-built beacon, be sure to take pictures as it is one of the most photogenic spots in Nova Scotia. Back in Halifax, history will take center stage as you pass the Citadel – a fortress revered as Canada’s most visited National Historic Site – and pause to reflect at a cemetery where victims of the sinking of the Titanic are buried. A look at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 will add another glimpse into the past, while Halifax Public Gardens will offer a serene respite. Created in 1750, Halifax Farmers Market has the distinction of being the longest continuously running such market in North America.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Admire the area’s natural beauty on a leisurely drive to and from Peggy’s Cove.
• Pause to snap pictures at the photogenic lighthouse at Peggy Cove.
• See Halifax landmarks such as the Citadel and a cemetery for victims of the Titanic’s sinking.
• Browse an immigration museum and a farmers market that has been operating since 1750.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Gain an understanding of how Halifax’s past and evolution through significant architectural landmarks on this immersive walking tour. After Moving through the city in chronological order, you’ll see how its buildings reflect different eras of history and transformation. You will visit Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica; the impressive façade of this neo-Gothic masterpiece has defined the city’s skyline for centuries. It is a fine example of early 19th-century urban planning, much like the Government House, an elegant Georgian residence that offers a glimpse into Halifax’s colonial heritage. you will see, the Halifax Waterfront’s historic charm meets modern vibrancy. Here, enjoys free time to explore, take in harbor views, and experience the city’s dynamic blend of old and new.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Admire the neo-Gothic exterior of Saint Mary’s Cathedral, completed in 1899.
• Visit the façade of the Halifax Central Library, renowned for its bold design, sustainability, and community role.
• Enjoy free time at the Halifax Waterfront, a vibrant harbor front with scenic views and local shops.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Settle in for a walking tour through Halifax as an appetizer of sorts to your immersion into the city’s culinary scene with a focus on the local seafood. Enlightening commentary will describe the significance of Halifax’s landmarks, strolling along the Halifax waterfront, passing by historic piers, bustling shops, and lively restaurants. As you walk from restaurant to restaurant, know how the city’s culinary traditions have evolved over time. Halifax is especially known for seafood-based dishes, and depending on the restaurant, these may vary from succulent crustacean to savory mollusks, subject to availability. Each dish showcases the best of Nova Scotia’s coastal flavors.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See highlights of Halifax on a walk through the city.
• Sample local specialties at different restaurants as their staff describes the dishes.
• Gain insight into how seafood reigns supreme in Halifax and influences the cuisine.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Sample a selection of premium wines produced in the fertile Annapolis Valley, a small but impressive wine-producing region near the Bay of Fundy. You will first pause at the Grand-Pré National Historic Site, a memorial to the Acadians that lived in the area until their forced deportation that began in 1755. UNESCO declared the surrounding area a World Heritage site for the innovative flood control that the Arcadians developed to manage one of the world’s most extreme tidal ranges. Those conditions also affect the terroirs of the vineyards in the Annapolis Valley. While touring one of the premier wineries in the valley, you will learn how the cooling summer breezes encourage the grapes to thrive. Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Noir grapes do particularly well as you will discover while sampling several wines, which likely will be a mix of varietals and blends.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a tasting of Annapolis Valley wines at an award-winning winery.
• Gain insight into the valley’s terroirs and how the extreme tides affect them.
• Stop at a historical memorial that recognizes the Acadians that were forced from the valley.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

This tour is intended for guests who have limited mobility, rely on a cane or walker, or for guests’ companions.

Settle in for a picturesque drive to the quaint fishing village of Peggy’s Cove, an experience that a historical look at Halifax will beautifully complement. Although known for its natural beauty, Peggy’s Cove also features a few noteworthy landmarks, including its lighthouse. While stopping at this 1915-built beacon, be sure to take pictures as it is one of the most photogenic spots in Nova Scotia. Back in Halifax, history will take center stage as you pass the Citadel – a fortress revered as Canada’s most visited National Historic Site – and pause to reflect at a cemetery where victims of the sinking of the Titanic are buried. A look at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 will add another glimpse into the past, while Halifax Public Gardens will offer a serene respite. Created in 1750, Halifax Farmers Market has the distinction of being the longest continuously running such market in North America.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Admire the area’s natural beauty on a leisurely drive to and from Peggy’s Cove.
• Pause to snap pictures at the photogenic lighthouse at Peggy Cove.
• See Halifax landmarks such as the Citadel and a cemetery for victims of the Titanic’s sinking.
• Browse an immigration museum and a farmers market that has been operating since 1750.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Delve into the history of Halifax through iconic attractions that reflect events that shaped the city since its founding in 1749. Camp Hill takes its name from the military troops that were camped there during the 1834 cholera epidemic. Military graves from both world wars are scattered throughout the Camp Hill Cemetery, as well as the graves of two of Canada’s founding fathers. The Halifax Public Gardens are noteworthy for being a rare example of a Victorian garden that has changed little since opening in 1867. Its setting is extraordinarily tranquil. Star-shaped Halifax Citadel – the fourth fort to perch on the hilltop – was built in 1856 to keep the peace. It still looks impenetrable, a reason why this National Historic Site was never attacked. You will also drop by the Halifax waterfront, where you can browse local shops, discover unique artisanal goods, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this historic harbor area.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit a historical cemetery where prominent local citizens and soldiers are buried.
• Meander through Halifax Public Gardens, an urban oasis of Victorian design.
• See the imposing Halifax Citadel, a 19th-century star-shaped fortress.
• Enjoy some shopping time at the Halifax waterfront, where you can explore local boutiques, artisanal shops, and unique markets.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

This tour combines breathtaking ocean scenery and delicious food, promising a memorable day in the Nova Scotia countryside. Begin with a sightseeing drive through Halifax and along the coast to Peggy's Cove. This rustic and charming fishing village, situated on a narrow ocean inlet with huge granite boulders, is one of Canada’s most photographed sites and inspired renowned marine artist William de Garthe. Photograph the lighthouse and visit the gift shops, or simply relax in this enjoyable setting. Your visit to Peggy’s Cove will be complemented by a traditional lobster lunch at a popular local restaurant offering commanding views of the craggy coastline and picture-perfect lighthouse. You'll see some of the city’s highlights, driving around Citadel Hill National Historic Site and past the Public Gardens and the Old Town Clock, prior to your return to the ship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Savor a delicious Atlantic lobster lunch, a true Maritime tradition
• Enjoy breathtaking views of the iconic lighthouse, one of the most photographed sites in Atlantic Canada.
• Explore the picturesque village of Peggy’s Cove, featuring charming galleries, souvenir shops, and close-up views of the lighthouse.
• Discover Halifax's highlights and the rich history of Nova Scotia during a scenic drive along the stunning coastline.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Discover how Halifax responded to the sinking of the Titanic by visiting sites that associated with the tragedy. More than 120 mostly unidentified victims of the disaster are buried at Fairview Lawn Cemetery, their small black granite tombstones engraved with the date of the sinking – April 15, 1912. This cemetery stands as a solemn memorial to the tragedy, offering a poignant reminder of the loss felt worldwide. Services for many of the victims of the sinking were conducted at the Cathedral Church of All Saints. After admiring the façade of the church, you will continue to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which holds the world’s largest collection of wooden artifacts from the Titanic., which houses the world's largest collection of wooden artifacts from the Titanic, including an intricate deck chair and part of the ship's grand staircase, offering a poignant glimpse into the tragic voyage.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See different landmarks in Halifax with ties to the aftermath of the sinking of the Titanic.
• Visit a cemetery for victims of the tragedy and a church that held services for them.
• Admire the historic architecture of the Cathedral Church of All Saints, a landmark where services for many of the Titanic victims were held.
• Browse a collection of artifacts from the Titanic in the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Watch a maritime influenced céilidh performance that combines Celtic music and step dancing and then join the fun by learning a few dances moves yourself. After a short walk to the nearby downtown venue, you will settle in for an electrifying performance that will bring the Irish and Scottish cultures to life. A céilidh – pronounced kay-lee – is Gaelic for a party or any social gathering with music, dancing, and storytelling, and this one will live up to its promise. The music will be cheerful and stir the emotions as the musicians play traditional instruments such as fiddles, flutes and tin whistles. Other performers will step dance, a style in which the arms remain somewhat motionless compared to the feet. Watch carefully as you will have the opportunity to participate by learning a simple jig or a series of hop backs. To complement the festivities, relax with tea, coffee, and a light snack as you soak in the vibrant culture and warm maritime hospitality.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy an emotionally stirring céilidh show that celebrates the Celtic culture.
• Be awed by the soulful musicians playing traditional instruments.
• Marvel at the dynamic step dancing that stresses footwork over arm movements.
• Learn a few simple dance steps from the performers who will happily instruct you.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.