new england/canada private tour suggestions

[Russy]

I am looking for suggestions for private tours in Halifax and St. John's Bay on the New England/Canada cruise on the Triumph in July. Does anyone have a suggestion? Also, what sights or things are "must dos" in both cities? thanks so much for any suggestions!

[nybumpkin]

I'd recommend going over to the Canada board under "ports of call" for ideas of what you'd like to see and do. There are several threads there for both Halifax and Saint John.

 

As for private tours, in Halifax we did a private tour to Peggy's Cove with Jonathan Duru of Your Cab. He has a lot of offerings - the website is www.yourcab.ca. We really enjoyed his tour. There are lots of things to do within walking distance of the ship in Halifax - harbor tours, brewery tours (we did Keith's Brewery:D), museums (the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is really good).

 

In Saint John, we've generally just done our own walking tours. There is a Harbour Passage path along the waterfront that we really enjoy (if you're up to it, you can walk to the Reversing Rapids - it's a "brisk" hike), and we like to walk around the downtown area with its parks and the City Market.

[Casino Player]

I am looking for suggestions for private tours in Halifax and St. John's Bay on the New England/Canada cruise on the Triumph in July. Does anyone have a suggestion? Also, what sights or things are "must dos" in both cities? thanks so much for any suggestions!

 

When in Halifax don't forget to see: Peggy's Cove, Nautical Museum, The Casino at the Hotel of Nova Scotia. Walk around town a bit it is a nice place. Don't forget go to Cow's Ice Cream and Tim Horton's Coffee Shop.

When in St. John's: Reversing Waters, The Jewish Cemetary, walk around town. It has a large mall/shopping area. Don't forget to visit the three sisters.

[Russy]

Thank you both for all of your suggestions! I will take both of your ideas in the plans..................I can't wait to go on our cruise. Thanks again and have a great evening.:)

[Casino Player]

Thank you both for all of your suggestions! I will take both of your ideas in the plans..................I can't wait to go on our cruise. Thanks again and have a great evening.:)

 

You are welcome. I am not a fan of private tours though. If you get stuck or a vehicle gets a punchured tire and you don't make it back to the ship before it leaves port then you are out of luck and get to the next port-of-call at your own expense. This happened to someone on our cruise coming out of Bermuda a few years ago.

[minimartha]

Casino Player? Do you know if the things you listed are ship tours or can we just get off the boat and walk to do it ourselves.. I kind of wanted to do one of the lobster bakes, is that a good thing to do? Never taken anything but Carribean cruises. Thanks for the info..:)

[davy jones]

In Saint John, we've generally just done our own walking tours. There is a Harbour Passage path along the waterfront that we really enjoy (if you're up to it, you can walk to the Reversing Rapids - it's a "brisk" hike), and we like to walk around the downtown area with its parks and the City Market.

 

What distance is the walk from the ship to the Reversing Rapids?

[nbsjcruiser]

I am looking for suggestions for private tours in Halifax and St. John's Bay on the New England/Canada cruise on the Triumph in July. Does anyone have a suggestion? Also, what sights or things are "must dos" in both cities? thanks so much for any suggestions!

 

If you're doing the Canada cruise I expect one stop will be Saint John, my home town. Suggestions for things you'll enjoy: If there is an excursion to St Martins you may want to consider it. Its a small fishing village about an hour from the ship. You can wander the shore and the caves made by the high tides and eat the best seafood around at the Cave View Restaurant (the clams and fish and chips are awesome) . If there is a shore excursion to St Andrews then that is a beautiful bay side village as well - again about an hour away by car. Also, if you want to hang around town make sure you hit the City Market. We go to the Market often. Great food and nice atmosphere.

 

St Martins - > http://www.stmartinscanada.com/

City Market - > http://www.sjcitymarket.ca/

St Andrews - > http://www.townofstandrews.ca/

 

 

oh, one last thing. If you are in the Market and like seafood then head to Lord's Lobster. There is also a nice little Korean place that just opened in the Market last year. Prices are very reasonable and the food is great.

[Casino Player]

Casino Player? Do you know if the things you listed are ship tours or can we just get off the boat and walk to do it ourselves.. I kind of wanted to do one of the lobster bakes, is that a good thing to do? Never taken anything but Carribean cruises. Thanks for the info..:)

 

Most things I listed you could walk to. However, Peggy's Cove you would have to ride out to. A lobster/fish bake is offered via the cruise line sponsored tours. They are a bit on the pricey side, however, you only go around once. If that is what you would like to do go do it. As for me, I think this time I will walk around Halifax a bit and maybe visit some places in town. I noticed last year they made some improvements to the riverwalk.

I have been to eastern Canada more than any other cruise destination. We even went last year on another cruise line. It is a great place to go.

[minimartha]

Now I'm wishing we had a longer cruise and would get more times and see more ports. I love little fishing villages AND LOVE LOVE seafood...I can't wait.. Its going to be a huge contrast to the time in Manhattan, huh?

So many of the places sound awesome soooo:rolleyes: If you only had ONE day and time for ONE excursion what would be your ALL time FAVORITE or first pick?:confused:

[nybumpkin]

What distance is the walk from the ship to the Reversing Rapids?

I think it was about 1 1/2-2 miles. The first part, along the Harbour Passage, is pretty easy. However, you then have to walk along the sidewalk next to a busy road - uphill. Our kids were fine, but DH and I were winded.:o Coming back was easy, though. I have Saint John (and Halifax, for that matter) photos from our cruise last summer online at http://travel.webshots.com/album/565656926QRtaQb?start=72.

 

And I agree with nbsjcruiser's recommendation of the City Market. We've gone there on all three of our visits to Saint John. (One disappointment last year, though - the candy stand where we bought Canada mints was no longer there. My oldest son is addicted to them.:D)

[minimartha]

thanks for the pictures..:)