Amazing Acadia
self drive tour
Acadia is the name that early explorers gave to the Maritime coast of Canada, perhaps because it reminded them of Acadia of ancient Greece, a land where the gentle country made rural life especially idyllic. The descendants of the first European settlers are still known as Acadians and Acadia is still a land of exceptional beauty and tranquillity. Wild landscapes are intermixed with small farms and petite, intimate cities.
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Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9
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Day 10-11
Day 1 : UK - Arrive Moncton
On arrival in Moncton airport collect your rental car and make your way to your hotel. Moncton is the centre of Canada’s Maritime Provinces – the perfect place to start any exploration! One of the most bilingual cities in Canada, English and French are both spoken everywhere.
Day 2 : Moncton − St. Andrews (260 km)
Today you travel west to Saint John, famous for its “Reversing Falls”. Twice each day, these large, rocky rapids at the mouth of the Saint John River reverse their direction as the Bay of Fundy tides rise and force the water to run upriver. Continue to the charming seaside village of St. Andrews, one of the premiere summer resort villages of Eastern Canada.
Day 3 : St. Andrews − Fredericton (140 km)
Travel through New Brunswick’s small rural villages to the city of Fredericton, a vibrant riverside city rich in heritage, culture and nature where you can stroll along the river or explore the city by bicycle. Nearby Kings Landing Historical Settlement houses a re-created pioneer village.
Day 4 : Fredericton - Miramichi River/Doaktown (100 km)
Follow the Miramichi - Canada’s most famous Atlantic salmon River. This modern road tracks an old lumberjack route through the forested heart of New Brunswick - explore the old wood covered bridges that cross the river or visit the Atlantic Salmon Museum en route.
Day 5 : Miramichi River − Caraquet/Tracadie Sheila (310 km)
At Miramichi you enter an area that is home to French speaking Acadians, descendants of the very first Europeans to colonize North America, who retain their distinctive culture to this day. Follow the shorelines of the Baie des Chaleurs for a two night stay.
Day 6 : The Forgotten Islands
The islands of Lamèque and Miscou offer untouched nature with more than 250 species of birds, sandy beaches and a lighthouse. On Miscou Island you can visit the Ecological Park which includes almost every example of the Acadian Peninsula’s flora and fauna. The towns of Caraquet and Shippagan offer Acadian culture at its best with lots of festivals and a lifestyle devoted to the sea.
Day 7 : Caraquet/Tracadie-Sheila – Richibucto/ Kouchibouguac NP (170 km)
This coast is lined with sand beaches and islands, making it excellent for beach and water sports like kayaking or windsurfing. Kouchibouguac National Park has the warmest ocean water you will encounter on your trip. Explore the park on a nature trail or attend one of the interpretive events.
Day 8 : Richibucto/Kouchibouguac NP – Hopewell Rocks (120 km)
From the warm quiet waters of the Kouchibouguac area, you travel to the shores of the mighty Bay of Fundy, home of the world’s highest tides. The tides rise and fall up to 16m twice a day. Horizontally, the water flows in and out for 2 kilometres or more, as fast as a man can walk. More water runs out of the bay each day than runs from all the rivers in the world. Two night stay at Hopewell Rocks.
Day 9 : Hopewell Rocks
Fundy National Park, 206sq.km in area, is a sanctuary of steep coastal cliffs and clear streams, with ocean-side forests, green meadows, sparkling rivers and gorgeous hiking trails. The Hopewell tidal experience site (a Provincial Park) is the best place to witness and understand the tides. Iron stairs lead down the cliffs to the beach and at low tide you can walk through nearby Hopewell Rocks, shaped like giant vases, which are almost covered by the tide every six hours; a large clock warns you to leave as the tide comes in.
Day 10-11 : Hopewell Rocks – Moncton (50 km) - Arrive UK
A last chance for sightseeing and shopping before returning to Moncton and dropping your car in time to check in for your departure.
