Prince Edward Island & Îles De La Madeleine June 2024

Day 1 Cornwall – Grand Falls NB

Today we quickly find ourselves transported through the beautiful province of Quebec into New Brunswick to overnight.

Day 2 Grand Falls NB – Charlottetown PEI 

We will travel the length of the lovely St John River Valley on our way to the smallest province in Canada, that of Prince Edward Island, accessed by the longest bridge in North America and one of the wonders of the world. Twenty-Five years ago this year, this thirteen-kilometre-long Confederation Bridge spanning the Northumberland Strait opened.  We will be staying in the heart of the Capital City of Charlottetown for the next two nights. [B, D]

Day 3 Charlottetown PEI 

Today, learn about some of the ways this tiny island sustains itself economically, from potato farming to mussel, oyster, and lobster farming, to tourism. The farmland is fertile, and the island is dotted by red-sand beaches and lighthouses. If ever you could describe a spot that is picture pretty, we believe Prince Edward Island would take the top award. Look forward to a fabulous Lobster dinner tonight included. [land-lubbers meal available for those who do not eat seafood] [B, D] 

Day 4  Ferry – Îles de La Madeleine

Enjoy a welcome dinner aboard the state-of-the-art ferry while crossing and before arriving to Cap-aux-Meules on board the M.V. Madeleine.

Welcome to Îles De La Madeleine, an Archipelago of breath-taking seascapes in the middle of the Gulf of the St. Lawrence. Arrive to an immediate and total change in scenery. As far as the eye can see, the islands shaped like half moon fishhooks, and the long thin dunes seem to blend then break apart and then stretch out of sight. Each island is a tiny land mass with splashes of brilliant green valleys, spectacular white sandy beaches, and deep red cliffs. The backdrop of sea and sky offers countless shades of blue. This landscape will be your home for the next three nights at our lovely Oceanfront Hotel in Cap-aux-Meules. [B, D

Day 5 & 6 Îles de La Madeleine

Today we will work at discovering the stories behind the toponymy of the Islands. Who are the people called Madelinots, population of which is just under 13,000 people? They have a proud Francophone & Indigenous history of which approximately 5% only is Anglophones of largely Scottish descent. While living with profound isolation, their self-sufficiency is beyond remarkable. Familiar with the trials and tribulations of maritime life, they are a very resilient

people. We will view Artisan’s work and Creative Art Trades, hear tales, legends, and storytelling.

See sacred buildings, possibly art galleries, museums, and The Interpretation Centre. Clearly the key to the originality of Madelinot culture lies in its Indigenous, Acadian, and Quebec influences. Their lively vibrant culture today is in the language, the arts, the economy, and in the maintenance and development of the land.

Primary industry of the islands is its fisheries. Lobster, scallops, snow crab, fish (cod, sole, mackerel, herring, ocean perch, shark & smelt) and shellfish (mussels, baby clams and surf clams) Tourism is the second most important industry on the islands, followed by Agriculture and salt mining. Our two full days of touring will be generously filled with “See & Taste” in this fascinating part of Canada. [B, D daily + one Lunch] 

Day 7 Ferry – Charlottetown PEI – Moncton NB 

We bid adieu to this charming place and begin re-tracing our steps back to New Brunswick. It will be a delightful end to our day to join for a Maritime Kitchen Party following dinner tonight.          [B, D]

Day 8 Moncton, NB – Québec City 

Our destination today is the oldest walled city in North America outside of Mexico, that of Québec City; an exciting city to visit, enhanced by staying right in the heart of the upper walled city. tour.  [B]

Day 9 Québec City – Cornwall, ON 

Before we leave for home early- afternoon today, you have time to independently explore upper and lower streets, cobblestones walkways, narrow artisan row, boutiques, cafés, charming Dufferin Boardwalk and more. [ B]