The Island Drive & Anne of Green Gables

The maritime province of Prince Edward Island is the smallest in Canada, in both land area and population (excluding the territories). The island has a few other names: "Garden of the Gulf," referring to the pastoral scenery and lush agricultural lands throughout the province, and "Birthplace of Confederation," referring to the Charlottetown Conference in 1864, although Prince Edward Island did not join the Confederation itself until 1873 when it became the seventh Canadian province.

The island's landscape is pastoral. Rolling hills, woods, reddish-white sand beaches, ocean coves, and the famous red soil have given Prince Edward Island a reputation as a province of outstanding natural beauty. As you tour the North Shore area, brief photo stops will be made at quaint little villages, lighthouses, and the world-class Cavendish Beach. Fronting the Gulf of St. Lawrence, this broad natural sand beach stretches for five miles, from the entrance to New London Bay in the west to the red sandstone cliffs at Cavendish East in the east. The entire beach is located in the Prince Edward Island National Park.

You will also have the opportunity to visit the Anne of Green Gables House. Anne of Green Gables is a bestselling novel by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery, published in 1908. Set in 1878, it was written as fiction for readers of all ages, but in recent decades has been considered a children's book. Montgomery found her inspiration for the book on an old piece of paper that she had written at a young age, describing a couple that was mistakenly sent an orphan girl instead of a boy, yet decided to keep her. Montgomery also drew upon her own childhood experiences in rural Prince Edward Island. As a result, the Green Gables farmhouse was designated a national historic site for its importance in literary history and is one of the most visited historic sites in the country. The farmhouse exterior has not changed remarkably over time, and its interior decor and artifacts depict the late Victorian Period in rural Prince Edward Island. Various rooms in the house have been named according to the Anne of Green Gables story.

Nova Scotia's Peggy's Cove

Peggy's Point Lighthouse, situated in the charming fishing community of Peggy's Cove, is the most well-known, most visited, and perhaps most photographed of all the approximately 160 historic lighthouses in the province of Nova Scotia.

Constructed more than a century ago, the lighthouse towers over massive granite rocks and the roaring Atlantic Ocean waves. Take some time to stroll around the picturesque surroundings before heading down to the quaint, bustling fishing village, which has stores, restaurants, the William deGarthe Art Gallery, and more.

Peggy's Cove is an exceptional destination for those traveling to Nova Scotia.

Historic Quebec City

Quebec City is the capital city of the province of Quebec. The city has a remarkable history as the fortress capital of New France since the 16th century. It also has a vibrant historical center that makes for an incredible visit.

Founded by the French to make a claim in the New World, the name Quebec originally referred to just the city. It is an aboriginal word for "where the river narrows," as the St. Lawrence River dramatically closes in just east of the city. It is situated on 200-foot-high cliffs, with stunning views of the surrounding Laurentian Mountains and the St. Lawrence River.

On this riding Quebec City tour, you will see the highlights of this charming city, with photo stops at some of the major sites.

The Chateau Frontenac is a grand hotel in Quebec City that opened in 1893 and holds the Guinness World Record of "most photographed hotel in the world." It was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1980.

The City Hall of Quebec City is located in the heart of Old Quebec. The building slopes downward as it was built on a hill and was once home to the Jesuit College (Jesuit Barracks) from the 1730s to 1878. Located on Rue des Jardins and designed by architect Georges-Emile Tanguay, it is the second permanent city hall for the old city.

Place Royale, the nucleus from which Quebec City developed, stands on the site of Quebec's actual foundation, the spot where, in 1608, Samuel de Champlain erected his first "habitation," a farm and storage shed. Named in honor of Louis XIV, whose bust adorns it, Place Royale is the largest surviving ensemble of 17th and 18th-century buildings in North America.

The Citadelle, the French name used both in English and French, is a military installation and official residence located atop Cap Diamant, adjoining the Plains of Abraham in Quebec City. It has also been an official residence of the Queen in Right of Canada and the Governor General of Canada since 1872, who by tradition resides there for several weeks out of the year.

You will not want to leave Quebec City without taking this tour.