First time to Canada- What to do?

[Dee79]

I've been doing some research on things to see and do. We're planning on going to Halifax and St. John (New Brunswick)

 

Any ideas on what to do, eat, shop, see.. All within a minimal cost of course.

[Cruise Lover Kathy]

I love travelling in Canada. The people are so friendly and there is so much to see. We have cruised to Canada and New England on the Grand Princess and the QM2. We saw different things each time and had great trips.

 

Halifax is the stepping off spot for a day trip to Peggy's Cove. It is a pretty setting and the rocks around the nearby lighthouse make for some spectacular pictures. The trip can be a little pricey if you are counting your pennies. If you go online you can find a city tour in old English cabs that is fun. This fall we took the free city bus just off the dock and went to the Citadel and did the guided tour there. The guides are dressed in kilts and have a lot of info about the fort and the area. We walked back down toward the docks, stopping at a couple of the churches and historic cemetaries along the way.

Walking along the harbor area led us to a great lunch and some great ice cream. There are some very neat shops too. If you are going with little kids, the original Theodore the Tugboat is docked there. It is a working tug and does tours. We didn't take the ferry across the river but it wasn't very expensive so that could be an option.

 

Getting off the ship at Saint John is very special. The men all receive a lapel pin and the women are handed a rose. What a welcome! We had done a long bus tour in Saint John, New Brunswick in 2004 through Princess that was ok but ... The Reversing Rapids are just impressive if you happen to be there at just the right time. Taking the jet boat ride WILL get you WET(heard from some people who felt they lost a lot of time after going back to the ship to shower and warm up before going back to see the city)

This year it was raining but we went into the tour tent on the dock and took a cab tour that we shared with another couple. Just look for their booth when you get off. They have a line of taxis to take care of independent people. We had a wonderful morning with our driver and saw some out of the way places. Then he gave us ideasfor lunch and shopping before dropping us right where we wanted to be.

Be sure to go through the "craft tent" at the dock. You can get some great deals on little sized maple syrups for the folks at home.

 

Whever you go, enjoy our neighbors to the North. They treat us with such a welcome!