Adventure in Halifax and Saint John on a budget?

[alyssab333]

Boarding the carnival Glory with my husband on August 5th stopping in Halifax and Saint John. I saw carnival has an excursion including kayaking and a lobster bake. However, I feel it's pretty pricey. Does anyone know of any excursions similar or just plain adventurous and cool like that that are not cruise line sponsored? Looking to save money and have a great time! We're both 27 and not looking to sit on a boring tour bus all day. Thanks!

[paul929207]

We rented a car. In Halifax, Avis picked us up and dropped us back at the ship. Drove to Peggy's Cove and along the coast then back to the Titanic grave yard.

[CruiserBruce]

A good place for research would be the New England Ports board, here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=20

[lovemylab]

In Halifax you can explore the waterfront, Public Gardens and Citadel all on your own as they're within walking distance. Plenty of restaurants on the waterfront serve lobster dinners and other seafood specialties.

[Traveling Library]

At Pier 21 is an interesting immigration museum. You can also walk along the boardwalk to the Maritime museum. If you have AAA or C AA membership there is a discount on entry. There are also two microbrews. One is at the port, the other is on the street between the pier and Maritime museum.

[sail7seas]

The Maritime Museum in Halifax is a nice walk from the ship. We enjoyed viewing it and particularly like their collection of ship's bells. :)

 

[cantw8togo]

A good place for research would be the New England Ports board, here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=20

 

You could also ask for recommendations for private excursions. There may be some great independant operators who offer similar activities, but at a much lower price. Also check your roll call as there may be others on your ship who are interested in sharing a tour as some independents have a minimum number of spots that they have to fill before they run the tour.

[jmf123]

We loved Halifax and Saint John, and rented a car in both of these scenic cities. In Halifax we enjoyed seeing Peggy's Cove, then the nearby Swiss Air Memorial (flight 111) which is very moving, and to Fairview Lawn Cemetary- the final resting spot of many of the victims of the Titanic. If we had more time we would have liked to visit the Maritime Museum of the Pacific (and Titanic artifacts there).

 

In Saint John we had to check out the legendary Bay of Fundy and the reversing falls (rapids). Then on to the St. Martins Sea Caves and Fundy National Park. The park had actually closed for the season the day before we arrived, and it's a rather memorable story as to how we obtained access!

 

If you choose not to rent a vehicle, there are taxi tours likely costing less than the motorcoach tours (and more fun on your own). Loved our Canada/New England cruise, and these two ports in particular!

 

Regarding cantw8togo's suggestion, you could also check TripAdvisor for 'things to do' and the accompanying reviews from members. :)

[laura57]

In Halifax don't miss Maritime museum which is a short walk down the pier. Tons of Titanic artifacts! There are many shops to walk to and a

Brewery tour that looks fun. In St. John walk everywhere. Visit the market to get a great lobster roll and chowder. Then have fun drinking at the many local pubs. Wear a warm jacket and have fun!

 

 

 

 

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[Keith1010]

CruiserBruce has it right. You can learn a lot from the New England Ports Board and also the Canada Ports of Call Board.

 

Halifax is easy to do on your own.

 

Keith

[Krazy Kruizers]

In Halifax you can also do the Hop On Hop Off trolley.

Lobster Rolls are great.

Lobster and Lobster Rolls are not cheap.

[maryann ns]

There is no HOHO trolley in Halifax except for a very expensive privately owned bus. However you could easily spend the day walking the waterfront, then up Citadel Hill and down to the wonderful Public Gardens.

 

Renting a car to go to Peggys Cove is inexpensive. On the way back, stop at Ryer's Lobster Pound where they will cook lobster for you and they provide the picnic tables, ets. for you to eat it.

 

All this information can be found at the Ports of Call - Canada page.

[EGG]

Too bad, when we were in Halifax about 5 years ago there was a free bus that started at the pier and made about 10 stops. We took it to the Citadel and made our way back from there, stopping along the way. There is no commentary so not exactly the same as a HOHO bus but also free. A very inexpensive day. Research all the places you can visit on the NE/Can ports of call board.

 

In St. John we stopped at information in the indoor market and got a map and walking tour with descriptions of all the lovely Victorian houses. Much more intimate than seeing everything through a bus window as you wiz by.

[Bonnie J.]

Check with your roll call. If you haven't joined it, do so. We have joined others we've met through our roll call and once 12 of us chartered a private sunset snorkling trip in Aruba!

When we were on the Glory for this cruise two years ago -June 27th into July. it was COLD. I bought a hoodie and going back to NY where the cruise started, it was 62' and windy so no one was on deck.

The 2nd night Captain LaFarina and his officers will be along the casino to meet passengers. He is a delightful man and enjoys talking with passengers. Take you camera for a picture with him. His son, who will be a year July 23rd, may be on board so you can see him walking around with the baby in his arms!

[sail7seas]

While the lobster rolls in the various ports are (mostly) delicious, few here think to order a steamed lobster and really taste the fresh, delicious lobster in its plainer form. Halifax and Bar Harbor both are particularly good for steamed lobster lunches. :)

 

[sail7seas]

Halifax has a duck boat tour that only lasts about an hour or hour and a half. It's wasn't priced too badly last I looked and people seem to have fun on it.

 

[maryann ns]

That would be the HarbourHopper which is a lot of fun in a hokey, touristy sort of way. You do get a quick look around: http://www.mtcw.ca/harbourhopper/