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Begins and Ends: Halifax
Travel the east coast of Canada with Caravan Tours and visit the Maritime Provinces and your trip includes a tour along the world famous Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia.
Named after John Cabot, who first explored the area back in 1497, Cabot Trail is now a 186-mile picturesque highway with remarkable coastal vistas and exceptional highland scenery along the Atlantic Ocean. This area of eastern Canada is renowned for the hospitality of the Acadian population and the area’s rich Celtic history.
Ascend through the Acadian forest of the lowlands up to the Boreal forest of the plateaus. The depth of the vast river canyons here are complimented by the surrounding steep cliffs. It’s easy to understand why Alexander Graham Bell called Cape Breton his home.
The lush forests hugging the coastline along the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton have a unique mix of Boreal, Acadian, and Taiga animals, plus many plants and wildlife habitats that are not found anywhere else in Canada.
The old-growth forests here in the Highlands National Park are home to dozens of rare or threatened plant species. There are ample camera opportunities in this spectacular region and don’t be surprised if bald eagles and breaching whales are finding themselves in the center of your lens.
Pleasant Bay is Cape Breton’s whale watching capital. Birds and fisherman cling to the perimeter of the harbor, and the fresh salt air beckons you to unplug and enjoy nature.
Cape Smokey is a rest stop and the gem of Cape Smokey Provincial Park where endless photo possibilities present themselves for your consideration.
Considered the start as well as the end of the Cabot Trail, Baddeck is a thriving center following the shores of Bras d'Or Lakes. Sample the seafood at a lobster boil and cool off with invigorating beverages while you evaluate the local baked goods.
Baddeck is home to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site. This 25-acre holding and museum contains original artifacts and documents from Bell’s research work while he was here in Baddeck. The Bell family even donated artifacts from their personal museum.
Every visitor to Canada should experience Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia. Come breath in the Celtic and Acadian traditions that drift through the salt air and bask in the warmth of these friendly maritime people. As Alexander Bell once said of Cape Breton’s beauty, it “outrivals them all!”
What began as a small family owned tour company back in 1952 has since grown to an international tour operator that is stilled owned and operated by the same family. Now, more than 65 years later, Caravan Tours is one of North America’s leading all inclusive tour companies. We now offer fully guided, all inclusive tours throughout the USA and Canada, and to the Central American countries of Panama, Costa Rica and Guatemala.
On this Caravan Maritime Provinces tour you’ll get to explore New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia with a guided tour along Cabot Trail in Cape Breton.
If you would like more Maritimes tour information or you wish to make a booking, please call Caravan Tours Toll Free at 1-800-Caravan (227-2826) or:
May | 29**, 31** |
---|---|
Jun | 2**, 4**, 6**, 8**, 10*, 12*, 14*, 16*, 18*, 20*, 22*, 24*, 26*, 28, 30 |
Jul | 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 |
Aug | 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31 |
Sep | 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 |
Oct | 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 |
**indicates Super Value date
*indicates Great Value date
Room Type | Super Value | Great Value | Special Value |
---|---|---|---|
Double | $ 1,295 | $ 1,395 | $ 1,495 |
Triple | 1,175 | 1,275 | 1,375 |
Single | 1,829 | 1,929 | 2,029 |
Plus Taxes and Fees:
Double $185; Triple $175; Single $199
Call 1-800-Caravan. You can reserve space free for up to 3 days, then a $300 deposit per person is due. Full payment due 60 days prior to departure.
$99 Travel Protection Plan
Caravan’s $99 travel protection plan offers peace of mind if you cancel for any reason whatsoever prior to the departure of the tour. The travel protection plan also includes air, baggage, evacuation and medical coverage.
Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan. Here is a list of some of the airlines that service this tour.
Meals included are shown by:
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
1 |
Halifax
Hilton Garden Inn |
2, 3 |
Prince Edward Island
North Winds |
4, 5 |
Cheticamp, Cabot Trail
Laurie's Inn |
6, 7 |
Baddeck, Cape Breton
Auberge Gisele's Inn |
8, 9 |
Halifax
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel |
Master Card,
Visa, or
check.
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Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds, sometimes with a cot or rollaway.
Hilton Garden Inn, Halifax Airport
Halifax is the gateway to the Canadian Maritimes. The Hilton Garden Inn is a mid-rise hotel located near the Halifax airport. The hotel offers a 24 hour free airport shuttle. Each room has complimentary wired and wireless internet access, two phone lines, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, iron & ironing board, and hairdryer. The Hilton Garden Inn has an indoor pool and fitness center. The hotel has the Great North American Grill Restaurant (6AM to 10PM), evening room service (5PM to 10PM) and a late night bar menu (10PM to Midnight).
North Winds
The North Winds, Brackley Beach, is located in rural Prince Edward Island just minutes from Prince Edward Island National Seashore and Brackley Beach. The hotel has an indoor pool. All rooms have modern amenities, including air conditioning, refrigerator, cable TV, hair dryer, and an iron/ironing board.
Laurie's Inn
Laurie's Inn is located in the heart of the Acadian village of Chéticamp, along the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island. Chéticamp is the rug-hooking capital of the world and a 200 year old traditional fishing village. Enjoy the invigorating sea air of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and see picturesque fishing boats bobbing at anchor. Laurie's Inn is close to the boardwalk which runs along the harbor's edge. The inn is also know for its lively Acadian step-dancing and music.
Auberge Gisele's Inn
The inn is located in the quaint town of Baddeck, which is the official starting point of the Cabot Trail. Baddeck's waterfront, a short stroll away, has a vibrant array of maritime shops, cafes and restaurants. The famous Bell Bay golf course is a short drive.
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel
The Marriott Harbourfront Hotel is located on the downtown waterfront boardwalk of Halifax. The hotel is adjacent to the historic properties, and is connected to the downtown indoor pedway system. The rooms have all the modern amenities. There is a casino, fitness center, spa, swimming pool, and whirlpool for you to enjoy.
Caravan's arrival hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn Halifax Airport, provides arrival transfers every half hour on the hour, 24 hours a day from Halifax Stanfield Airport (YHZ). On your arrival at the baggage claim area, call the Hilton Garden Inn Halifax Airport using the courtesy hotel phones or call 1-902-873-1400. (Transfers are available for pre-tour arrivals too).
U.S. citizens traveling between the United States and Canada must carry a passport, valid for at least six months past your entry date into Canada. Non U.S. citizens, please check your passport and visa requirements. Beginning in 2016, Canada requires non US citizens and Visa exempt foreign visitors to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to travel to Canada. This requirement also applies to Permanent Residents of the US (Green Card holders). More information can be found at: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp
Children under 18 years old, traveling internationally without both parents or legal guardians, should carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws.
Caravan's vacation packages include departure transfers from the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront to the Halifax Airport (YHZ) in Halifax, Canada, on the last day of the tour. Please reserve your transfer time the day before your departure with your Tour Director. Allow for a 30-45 minute drive to the airport, depending on traffic. Taxis cost approximately $60.00 (Canadian Dollars).
Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan Tours. Here are lists of airlines that service this tour:
|
and Ends |
Air Canada, Air Saint Pierre, Airtransat, American Airlines, American Eagle, Canadian Affair, CanJet, Condor Airlines, Continental, Delta, Maritime Air Charter, Provincial Airlines, Skyservice, United Airlines, Westjet, Zoom Airlines |
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Halifax | ||||||||||||
temp | 15/13 | 31/15 | 38/23 | 47/31 | 59/40 | 68/48 | 74/55 | 74/56 | 67/50 | 57/41 | 46/32 | 35/21 |
rainfall | 5.4 | 4.3 | 4.9 | 4.5 | 4.1 | 4.0 | 3.8 | 4.4 | 4.1 | 5.4 | 5.3 | 5.4 |
Prince Edward Island | ||||||||||||
temp | 26/12 | 26/11 | 34/20 | 45/30 | 57/40 | 67/50 | 75/58 | 73/57 | 65/51 | 55/41 | 43/32 | 31/19 |
rainfall | 4.3 | 3.7 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.6 | 3.5 | 3.2 | 3.6 | 3.6 | 4.1 | 4.9 | 4.7 |
Cape Breton | ||||||||||||
temp | 29/17 | 29/17 | 37/24 | 46/30 | 58/38 | 68/47 | 74/55 | 73/54 | 66/50 | 55/43 | 45/33 | 34/26 |
rainfall | 6.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.2 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 7.0 |
This is a predominantly casual tour. Casual wear is suggested for sightseeing and daytime travelling. Dress code for most evenings is smart casual.
Virtually everything! Hotels, most meals, all of the activities described in the itinerary pages, airport transfers in select cities, gratuities to hotel porters, restaurant staff and local guides. Caravan’s professional Tour Directors and local guides will be with you every step of the way, ensuring a worry free vacation.
Prices do not include air travel, country entry or departure fees, airport porter fees, visas, phones, valet, all items of a personal nature, food and beverages not on the regular menu and tips to the Caravan Tour Director and Driver. General fees and taxes are additional and listed separately beneath each tour’s price.
From the dramatic coastlines of Nova Scotia to the tropical rainforests of Costa Rica, Caravan has a tour for every one. Passengers requiring special assistance must be accompanied by an able companion.
A well paced and unhurried itinerary is our goal, after all, you are on vacation! Touring days begin and end at reasonable hours and include frequent stops. While the occasional early morning departure is necessary, we do our best to ensure a leisurely vacation.
Group sizes will vary depending on the reserved rooms at the hotels and lodges and the capacity of the ships, trains, and motorcoaches used. Usually, the maximum size will range from 36 to 44 passengers.
Included meals for each tour are listed at the end of each day. Meals are shown by B (breakfast), L (lunch) and D (dinner). All meals in Latin America are included. Most meals are included in the USA and Canada. Full, buffet, or deluxe continental breakfasts are included everywhere. Coffee and tea are provided at all meals. In Latin America, bottled water is provided free on the motorcoach and purified water is provided at the meals. Alcoholic beverages are not included unless specified.
As of November 2010, the Canadian Dollar is worth $0.98 U.S. Dollars.
“Our motor coach driver was EXCELLENT! He takes care of his motor coach extremely well. He handled our luggage as if it were his own and made sure it was all there as we came and went to our hotels. EXCELLENT! EXCELLENT! EXCELLENT!”
Mr. & Mrs. A.C., Auburn, Massachusetts“I was very impressed with Caravan and hope to travel with you again. I will recommend you to my friends. Thanks for a wonderful week in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.”
Ms. A.H., Shelby, Ohio“There were several people on our tour who had traveled with Caravan and sought Caravan for their Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island vacation. I fully understand why and will certainly travel with Caravan again.”
Mr. & Mrs. K.D., Albuquerque, New Mexico“The new friendships we made were an added bonus.”
Mr. & Mrs. M.Z., Shelby, Ohio“Our tour director and driver made a great team. We chose this tour for our honeymoon because we wanted something scenic, relaxing and stress free. Your people helped make it everything we expected and more. We will definitely be going on tours with Caravan in the future.”
Mr. & Mrs. M.B., Rhinedorf, New York“Caravan Tours was excellent and Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island are a must see!”
Ms. N.F., Osler, Saskatchewan Canada“Its nice to leave the driving and all of the arrangements to someone else and just enjoy the sights.”
Mr. & Mrs. N.A., Arlington, Texas“I have traveled extensively with several different tour companies and am very pleased with my experience with Caravan. They deliver what they promise and provide a pleasant and hassle-free vacation.”
Ms. A.R., Ventura, California“The hotel in Halifax was beautiful with great service. The restaurant was great as well.... The tour was well organized and the sightseeing tours were beautiful. The tour guides were very knowledgeable and friendly. I fell in love with the East Coast and would like to retire there some day in Prince Edward Island.”
Ms. S.R., Toronto, Ontario Canada“The hotel in Halifax had an excellent location. The guides at the Fort and Prince Edward Island were very helpful. They added the local color and knowledge, which added to the pleasure of the visit. Looking forward to our next Caravan tour. This was our second very enjoyable trip with Caravan Tours.”
Mr. & Mrs. J.B., Bradenton, Florida“I have no further comments that I would like you to share other than to go on Caravan Tours and have a great time! Caravan rocks!”
Ms. C.R., Toronto, Ontario Canada“The hotel in Halifax was a really nice hotel that I enjoyed very much. The meals are good there and the location of the hotel was perfect. The North Winds, even though it’s not a big hotel, it’s still clean and comfortable so that you’ll enjoy the situation there with such pleasant staff.”
Ms. C.L., Vancouver, British Columbia Canada“I really didnt think that I would enjoy this trip as much as I did. We had an exceptionally nice group and we made some good friends. My husband and I have been on a lot of tours and we were very impressed with our trip to Nova Scotia. Cant wait until our next one. I will certainly recommend Caravan to all my friends.”
Mr. & Mrs. G.B., South Daytona, Florida“The tour director was very helpful in working out a couple of situations we encountered. The Halifax guide was excellent. The Prince Edward Island guide was very good. Cape Breton guide was knowledgeable. This was our first tour. Thanks to Caravan and its staff for making it a very enjoyable experience. We recommend this tour to anyone.”
Mr. & Mrs. R.D., Rochester, New York“The hotel in Halifax had wonderfully comfortable rooms, close to the action as well.... The sightseeing and activities were as they were described in brochures and as shown in online videos. You will enjoy a comfortable and relaxing trip through the beautiful and not crowded Canadian Maritimes.”
Mr. & Mrs. E.S., Rochester, Minnesota“The hotel in Halifax had excellent accommodations, food and service. We enjoyed the pool and associated facilities. The North Winds Hotel was clean and comfortable. Also, dinner was excellent.... Everything was well planned and there was a lot of additional information provided to us for us to see and do on our own. It was an outstanding tour that I would recommend to anyone. Hotels, meals, guides and tour route were fantastic. Please pass on my commendations to all of the special guides.”
Mr. & Mrs. C.L., Lompoc, California“It was a great trip. I regret not having a bathing suit. I was not aware of pool and workout facilities available.”
Mr. & Mrs. M.H., Manasquan, New Jersey“We were a group of people and it was our first motor coach tour. We are planning another one in the spring with your company. Keep up the high standards.”
Mr. & Mrs. J.L., Great Neck, New York“I would love to go on this trip again. The trip was well planned. I enjoyed it very very much.”
Ms. J.S., Birmingham, Alabama“Id go again in a heartbeat.”
Ms. M.C., Birmingham, Alabama“Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton Highlands are beautiful areas and we are glad we saw them by motor coach with Caravan rather than trying to do it on our own.”
Mr. & Mrs. C.D., Seattle, Washington“Caravan is a real excellent value for the price. I had a wonderful time and do hope you can keep your rates at the same level. Thank you.”
Ms. R.F., Doylestown, Pennsylvania“I have been on lots of different tours and the tour director on this tour was exceptional. She was easy to listen to and knew how to relate to people. She was very educated and well-versed on all aspects of the tour.”
Ms. B.F., Fergus Fall, Missouri“This was our first tour and already looking to go on another next year. I will recommend Caravan to all.”
Mr. & Mrs. W.R., Flanders, New Jersey“This was our fourth Caravan tour. As always, it was fun, educational and enjoyable.”
Mr. & Mrs. R.H., Wheat Ridge, Colorado These are only the first 25 reviews of this tour... Read all 85 Reviews »
Caravan Tours began selling fully escorted tours in 1952. We have been under the same management and ownership ever since. In 1965, Roger Mudd hosted a two hour CBS TV special on Caravan Tours. This TV production took about one month to make and was so successful it inspired the 1968 romantic comedy movie “If it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium.” In the early 50’s the Mayor of Dublin presented Caravan with the Key to Dublin for bringing the first American tour to the city after WWII. Since then Caravan has been recognized as a pioneer in travel.
Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. Last year many of our tours sold out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best air fare.
Caravan Tours is a member of ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents), NTA (National Tour Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and an allied member of ACTA (Alliance of Canadian Travel Agencies).
Caravan delivers volume to our suppliers, who in turn reward us with their very best prices, we in turn pass these savings on to you, and you reward us by buying our tours. As volume continues to rise, we then receive even better prices from our suppliers, and we pass even greater savings on to you. This year our tours are better than ever.
The short answer is “very.” Our surveys are uniformly very positive. However we continually strive to improve our tours, (they are often updated several times in the course of one year), we study all client surveys and suggestions for improvement very carefully.
Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.