Canadian Maritimes Tour Director Training Tour

9 Days, 8 Nights

Arrive & Depart from Halifax International Airport (YHZ)

$99 non-refundable deposit due to hold booking

Commentary, Logistics, Wow Moments + Storytelling & Technology practice

 

Join us for this unforgettable training to the Canadian Maritimes! The Maritimes are a staple on so many itineraries and as many Tour Operators begin their journeys in the States, U.S. Tour Directors are in demand. Understanding the logistics and how to fill those long drive days with stories and secret stops is imperative. Come with us on this incredible journey that will cover the most popular sites and teach you to navigate a perfect tour!
Good to know: This training tour is 9 days long, with 8 night’s lodging included. We’ll travel by motor coach for the trip. Since flights to Halifax can be tricky, Day 1 is largely a positioning day, to get you to the hotel.
Itinerary
During these unpredictable times, some of these itinerary items may change. You will always receive either an equivalently valued experience, or a refund for any paid components we are unable to operator.

Day 1 • Halifax
Today you arrive in Halifax. We are booked at a hotel close to the airport where we will hold an evening “briefing” that will include a classroom style overview of the Maritimes, looking at various itineraries and logistics. Flights into Halifax can be tricky because of the time change (1 hour later than EST), so this is an arrival day to be sure everyone gets in.
Please note: the cost from the airport to downtown is approx. 75CAD. If you wish to arrive early, you will be responsible to getting yourself into town and back to the airport hotel as we will be leaving the next morning from there and not going into downtown Halifax.

Day 2 • Peggy’s Cove/Lunenburg
Depart for the coast!
Selfie at Mahone Bay with the famous 3 churches
Visit the legendary Peggy’s Cove and hear the stories of the past along with tragedies such as the Swiss Air disaster right off it’s coast
Enjoy a guided tour of the UNESCO – listed port town of Lunenburg, a picturesque postcard town and learn about shipbuilding, privateers and all the stories that make this place special!
Overnight in Moncton, New Brunswick

Day 3 • Hopewell Rocks to PEI
We start the day walking on the ocean floor at Hopewell Rocks on the Bay of Fundy! You will learn from a guide about the incredible tides – one of the highest average tides in the world!
We take the Confederation Bridge crossing the Northumberland Straight into PEI, an incredible engineering marvel spanning 8 miles!
After checking in the Hotel, we will enjoy a walking tour of historic Charlottetown, then enjoy a free evening to enjoy the islands mussels!
Overnight Charlottetown

Day 4 • Explore Prince Edward Island
Learn about historic Charlottetown. It’s stories and history as the Birthplace of Confederation.
Afterwards, we explore the island, visiting all the best highlights of this beautiful land.
Visits include: Anne of Green Gables (both private and government sites), Cavendish Beach and PEI preserves, all important stops on most itineraries.
We will learn about farming, potatoes and of course, mussels!
This evening, we attend an authentic Acadian cultural show where you’ll hear traditional music as you enjoy an included Acadian dinner during the interactive experience!
Overnight Charlottetown

Day 5 • Ferry to Baddeck & Cape Breton Island
This morning we continue on to Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia.
We will board a ferry to Pictou County, Nova Scotia, crossing the Northumberland Straight.
After a brief stop in Pictou, the first place Scottish immigrants landed in the late 1700’s. we continue on to Cape Breton.
We will stop at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, where you won’t believe all the accomplishments he had!
We then finish at our beautiful resort on the Bras d’Or Lake where we will have an included dinner and can relax the evening at a lakeside fire.
Overnight Baddeck

Day 6 • Cabot Trail
Today we explore the famous Cabot Trail, with incredible picture stops, quaint villages and amazing stories.
Learn all the stops and logistics of this famous drive as well as new interactive ways to include on your tours to make this (sometimes long) drive be an extraordinary experience.
Enjoy an included lunch at an amazing local restaurant
This evening you are free to enjoy a sunset cruise, a famous lobster supper or just sip wine on the shore as you enjoy the sunset (only the sunset included).
Overnight Baddeck

Day 7 • Cape Breton to Halifax
We transfer back into mainland Nova Scotia with some stops along the way.
We stop at Millbrook Heritage and Cultural Center to learn about local First Nations culture, stories and legends.
After, we stop at Grand Pre, the site of the Acadian Village and learn about the tragic circumstances that found them banished from the area during English control.
We finish back in Halifax for a private ghost and history tour of the famous Citadel!
Overnight Halifax

Day 8 • Halifax
Today we start with a city tour of Halifax, learning the cities historic past; from the Halifax Explosion to Africville, the former small community of predominantly black Canadians.
We will also visit Fairview Lawn Cemetery, where many Titanic Victims are buried (even Jack Dawes!) and stop at the Victorian-era Halifax Public Gardens.
Finally, we end up at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, which pays homage to the many immigrants who have shaped Canada’s history. You will then have free time to explore the waterfront and city.
Transfer to airport hotel included (those continuing on to the extension or those who wish to be close to the airport)
Those wishing to stay in Halifax will have that option (you are responsible for getting to the airport on your own)

Day 9 • Departure Day or Extension
For those not continuing on with the extension, today is departure day from Halifax!

Those continuing on the extension to Newfoundland will board their morning flight to St. Johns! After arrival in St. John’s, we board our bus for a tour of the area.
Pass Government House and the mid-19th-century Basilica of St. John the Baptist
Take in stunning views of the city during a photo stop at Signal Hill, which is surrounded by 17th-century fortifications and is the site of Cabot Tower
We tour Cape Spear, the most easterly point in North America, and walk along a stunning cliffside trail to the Cape Spear Lighthouse
Last, we visit Quidi Vidi Village, a historic fishing town located along Newfoundland and Labrador’s northeastern coast. Visit the Plantation Craft Studios where you can watch local artisans create a variety of handmade items, from pottery to woodcut prints, and take some trinkets home for yourself. We can even visit a local brewery and drink a beer made from real ice bergs!
Overnight St. John’s

Day 10 • Explore Newfoundland, Outports and Lucky Rocks
Cliffs, coves, and beaches! Leave the city behind and head north, following Marine Drive along the rugged coastline of Newfoundland.
Explore Middle Cove’s pebble beach and dramatic cliffs while looking for lucky rocks. Visit Tapper’s Cove, an active fishing wharf in the town of Torbay.
In Flatrock, enjoy the expansive view of Newfoundlands’ unique geology while visiting a Grotto cut into the cliffside. Learn about the folklore, humour, and deep-rooted culture of the Newfoundland people along the way. In season, watch for icebergs, whales, seabirds, and capelin.
Later, enjoy some local food or take a late afternoon Puffin tour! The evening is ours to enjoy!

Day 11 • Departure day
Departure day! Be sure to book your flight out of St. John’s (YYT)

 

Reasons to take this training
Show tour operators you’re serious about learning

Meet fellow tour directors, network, connect and build new friendships

Make yourself more hirable. Last year one TD was even hired for a tour during the training!

So much fun! We know how to have a good time while learning!

The TripSchool Difference
More than a FAM tour: not just surface stops at visitor centers, we’re offering a full-featured, real tour experience.

Immersive: we’ll teach you how to interact with, and actually experience the sights, to share our real experiences with guests

Participatory: you don’t just sit back and listen to us; we’ll also offer you storytelling/commentary assignments (optional) and technology tasks to learn a variety of new skills on tour!