Halifax, Noca Scotia - American, USA & Canada Cruises

Set off from the quayside by bus with your kilted guide for a short drive to the heart of Halifax. Discover the downtown area the way it is seen best - on foot.

Take a leisurely walk through the beautiful Public Gardens, encompassing 17 acres of Victorian paths, lush flowerbeds and sparkling fountains. Founded in 1866, these are the oldest Victorian gardens in North America.

Enjoy the bustle of Spring Garden Road, lined with boutiques and cafés and walk past elegant Georgian and Victorian arches, which help the city retain its historic charm. Stroll through the lovely Grand Parade Square and see the oldest Anglican church in Canada. Learn of the history of Province House and City Hall, overlooked by the picture-perfect Town Clock, perched on Citadel Hill.

At the end of your walking tour, you will have time to browse the quaint shops and heritage buildings of the Historic Properties, located on the Halifax waterfront.

After your guided tour, you may wish to remain in the city and return to the ship at your leisure or walk with your guide back to the ship.


Note: Sturdy walking shoes are recommended for this tour.

Begin your fun tour of the town by land aboard a double-decker bus to see the highlights of Halifax and its historical sites. Let your guide provide you with interesting information as you enjoy the scenery.

After touring the city by land, it is then time to see Halifax from its best vantage point – the water. Board an amphibious vehicle and let your captain plunge the vessel into the world’s second largest natural harbour for an exciting cruise along the Halifax waterfront. Sail past the dockyards and continue along the beautiful Halifax waterfront, taking in the incredible perspective of the city’s modern skyline.

At the end of your tour, you may remain in the downtown area to visit the sights at your own pace. Hop aboard any double-decker bus throughout the day to return to the ship at your leisure.

This excursion will operate by double-decker bus and amphibious vehicle. In the event of small craft warnings, the cruise portion of the tour will be cancelled and you will receive a 25% refund. The Harbour Hopper is partially covered, therefore, it is recommended to carry a raincoat in case of inclement weather. There is no walking during this tour, but guests must be able to negotiate 8 –10 steps onto the amphibious vehicle. Please note the ride may be bumpy. The advertised itinerary may operate in reverse.

Tall ship, ‘Silva’ is located in the heart of Halifax’s waterfront. After a short walk you’ll board the classic tall ship and set sail, enjoy the fabulous views of Halifax from the deck.

Discover the historic seaside city with miles of shoreline guarded by George’s Island and its graceful lighthouse. Keep a look-out for marine life whilst the crew and captain haul the lines and raise the sails. Quench your thirst by sampling a selection of local beers such as Halifax’s own Alexander Keith’s India Pale Ale dating back to the 1800’s, or let your taste buds journey to the Annapolis Valley, Atlantic Canada's richest agricultural region when you sip the wine. There is also a wide range of culinary delights from succulent seafood favourites, such as Atlantic Salmon and Digby Scallops to locally produced cheeses and lamb tenderloin.

Enjoy a toe tapping performance by a local fiddler and when the music breaks there will be a commentary highlighting the points of interest along the way.

To board the tall ship there is a 15 minute walk each way on flat paved ground. The Tall Ship sailing is around two hours. The gangway has a slight incline and once on board there are several steps down to the lounge area and facilities. The raising of the sails is weather dependent and it may be necessary for the ship engines to be used. The open deck has a canopy covering in case of inclement weather.

Be welcomed by your personal driver/ guide and step inside your limousine for a drive to Peggy’s Cove. Your guide will lead you down to the lower Cove whilst giving you the history of the area and lighthouse. You may even have the opportunity to touch a real live lobster.

See the beautifully carved imagines of life and the people in a piece of granite stone, created by local resident, William deGarthe. Have your camera ready to take a photograph of the amazing rock formations forged during the last Ice Age.

Your return drive by limousine, takes you for a brief stop at Acadian Maple to learn why Nova Scotia produces the best maple syrup, along with a photograph stop at the Halifax Citadel.

The limousine is not exclusive, each vehicle accommodates six passengers. Comfortable, flat, walking shoes are recommended. The lower Cove is an optional walk with your guide. Guests are advised that the drive to Peggy’s Cove is along narrow and windy roads, also the sidewalk and rocks around Peggy’s Cove can be slippery.

This tour unveils some of the gems of Nova Scotia, from the power of the Atlantic Ocean and one of the most famous lighthouses; to a world heritage site known as the ‘prettiest town in Canada’.

Upon reaching Peggy’s Cove, your kilted guide will lead you on a walking tour of the Lower Cove and village including the famous lighthouse. Learn about the lobster fisheries and the various traps used at the cove and take the opportunity to see and touch a live lobster. You will have some free time to shop in the small nautical souvenir shops and take some wonderful photographs.
br> Lunenburg was once considered to be the busiest shipbuilding town in the world, and the birthplace of the world-famous racing schooner Bluenose. The town’s distinctive architecture and extraordinary scenic beauty is a colourful reminder of Nova Scotia’s maritime heritage. A lobster luncheon will be served at a local restaurant and then you will have some free time to browse the narrow streets and many galleries in this small quaint town.

On the return drive to the ship a brief stop, will be made at Mahone Bay, famous for its three waterfront churches. This is a real VIP tour to visit two of the best highlights in Halifax, Novia Scotia.

Guests are advised that in Peggy’s Cove your executive coach will drop off at the Upper Cove and pick up at the Lower Cove, in order to make the best use of time at the site. Guests are advised to take local currency, Canadian dollars for souvenir shopping. Comfortable, flat, walking shoes are recommended.

Embark on a scenic drive along the winding coastal highway of the lighthouse route, passing picturesque fishing villages to Peggy's Cove.

Upon arrival, you may choose to accompany your kilted guide on an optional walking tour of the Lower Cove, have your camera ready as you pass by the famous lighthouse, perched among a mass of boulders and admire a huge granite carving which depicts the life and the people of the area, by local artist William de Garthe.

Enjoy some free time to stroll around the harbour, passing colourful clapboard cottages and fishing shacks, and browse the small shops for souvenirs, local handicrafts and artwork.

Returning to Halifax, enjoy a short drive around the city to familiarise yourself with its many highlights.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Sturdy walking shoes and protection from the rain are recommended in case of Atlantic mists. There are no sidewalks at Peggy's Cove. The roads are narrow, but paved, and hilly in places and the rocks around the Cove may be slippery.

Climb aboard an authentic London double decker - dressed in pink to support breast cancer awareness and journey through the historic streets of Halifax, stopping at over 15 different downtown locations on 3 separate tour loops.

You’ll have the opportunity to hop-off at a variety of locations such as the Halifax Citadel, Public Gardens, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and Point Pleasant Park. Stop off at great shopping destinations such as Historic Properties and Spring Garden Road. With your full day pass, you will have the choice of staying on board the double-decker for a full tour on 3 separate tour loops (1 loop at 60 minutes and 2 loops at 30 minutes each) or hopping off at your leisure to explore at each stop. This tour will even allow you to go back to the ship for lunch, while using your full day pass to return again to the city whenever you like.

Either way, this tour offers you a number of choices that allow you to enjoy the city of Halifax the way you want to see it.


This excursion will operate by double decker bus.This tour departs from the quayside approximately every 15-30 minutes throughout the day, depending on traffic. Guests are requested to present their ticket/pass every time they wish to re-board the bus. This tour is not exclusive to Cunard. A portion of the proceeds from this tour are donated directly to the Breast Cancer Foundation On selected days, big pink buses may be used in conjunction with double deckers.

A tranquil setting amidst the bustle of commercial Halifax, the Public Gardens encompass 17 acres of lush flowers, duck ponds, sparkling fountains and Victorian footpaths.

The Halifax Citadel is one of Canada's most visited national historic sites and lies on a natural drumlin overlooking the entire city with super views of the harbour. Explore the restored barracks, magazines and corridors, or take in an audio-visual show on the Fort's history.

The Historic Properties area on Halifax waterfront is a collection of restored buildings, including stone warehouses built to hold privateers' booty at the turn of the 18th century. Many of the buildings now house quaint pubs, cafe's and lovely shops that feature local handicrafts.

En route through downtown Halifax, you will pass Province House, the Halifax Metro Centre, the Halifax Clock Tower along with the financial and residential areas.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. At the Citadel there is a fair amount of walking on uneven ground with steps to negotiate to at the panoramic viewpoint. Guests may stay on board the coach during the stops. Total walking time is expected to be around 45 minutes.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the highlights of Halifax, as you travel along the through the historic waterfront and financial district, before heading along the scenic lighthouse route to visit one of the world’s most famous seascapes, Peggy’s Cove. Have your camera ready, to capture the crashing surf and rugged granite coastline of this tiny fishing community. The picturesque fishing village has long been a backdrop for tales of pirates, rum runners and shipwrecks, not to mention spectacular sunsets. Peggy’s Cove is also home to perhaps the world’s most photographed lighthouse. Enjoy some free time to explore and shop for souvenirs or join your kilted guide as they host a walking tour of the Lower Cove. Then, it is time to experience the true taste of Nova Scotia, as you dine on a full lobster luncheon. Afterwards, you will head to the Acadian Maple for a short stop. This specialty retail store produces delicious Canadian Maple Syrup on site, and there is also a gift shop offering a variety of Maple Syrup items.

To round off your tour, a sightseeing drive of Halifax will made, before returning to the ship.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There are no pavements at Peggy’s Cove. The roads are narrow but paved and hilly in places and the rocks around the Cove may be slippery. Guests wishing to have an alternative to lobster should advise the Shore Excursions team on board in advance of the call. The order of this tour may vary.

Whether you’re an experienced cycling enthusiast or a beginner, this is the perfect way to connect with Halifax’s natural and architectural beauty.

Once you’ve received an orientation, you’ll follow your guide and make your way up into the charming and historical South End area. Here, you’ll see the home of the Titanic Millionaire, George Wright and the Point Pleasant Park. You’ll weave your way back through the tree lined streets and into the heart of the city, before returning to the ship.

ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

Children under the age of six years may not participate. The tour is a combination of quiet paved streets, with a few small inclines and gravelled areas or beaten pathways. The distance travelled is approximately 6 miles. When operating at the weekend or during a public holiday the itinerary may vary, due to park restrictions. All participants must be at least 4’ 10” and safety helmets will be provided and are mandatory. Guides will give a safety and equipment orientation before departing. This tour is recommended to those who consider themselves to have a good level of physical fitness.

Cruising on a Cunard Line ship would not be complete without a close look at Samuel Cunard’s Halifax connection. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the son of a master carpenter and timber merchant, Samuel Cunard became the world's foremost shipping magnate in the nineteenth century.

His company created and operated the finest passenger liners and transformed navigation of the world's oceans. During your tour you will learn of Samuel Cunard’s transatlantic steamship service, which was inspired by his ferry system in Halifax. The focus of this tour is also on the city’s compassionate relief efforts and recovery operations after the Titanic tragedy. You will visit the renowned Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which houses a combination of fascinating Cunard and Titanic exhibits.

Your journey will take you past the property where Samuel Cunard’s childhood home once stood, and St Paul’s Church, the oldest Protestant church in Canada and where Samuel Cunard was baptized.

A visit will also be made to the Fairview Lawn Cemetery, the largest resting place of the Titanic victims, and a drive will be made by the beautiful home of George Wright - the only Haligonian to perish on the Titanic.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Comfortable, flat, walking shoes are recommended.