From the Arctic to Antarctica

Admire the coastal charms of Peggy’s Cove and discover Halifax’s link to the RMS Titanic. Drive with your guide along the coastal highway affectionately known as the Lighthouse Route. Upon arrival at Peggy’s Cove, enjoy free time to explore during a stroll on your own. Here, see the most photographed lighthouse in the world, part of a breathtaking seascape that also includes a granite sculpture by local artist William deGarthe. You may also admire the colorful houses and fishing shacks perched along the rocky shore, ponder the unusual rock formations forged by glaciers, or browse the village shops. Return to Halifax via St. Margaret’s Bay for a visit to Fairview Lawn Cemetery, the final resting place for 121 passengers of the Titanic. Learn more about the ship, its ill-fated maiden voyage and the passengers interred here during an informative guided walk.

Take to the water and explore your surroundings with a member of your Viking Expedition Team. After a thorough introduction and safety briefing, transfer from your ship to the kayak staging area, where you will receive your paddle and join a fellow traveler in a two-person kayak. Your kayak has been designed to provide a combination of stability and comfort as you paddle your way through the open water. Dressed in a kayak suit (depending on the season) and bespoke life jacket for maximum maneuverability, you will be geared up to remain warm and dry during your expedition experience. Immerse yourself in the scenery of this historic seaport, while exploring the harbour and channels.  Keep an eye open for marine life as your paddle these waters.

Experience the beauty of Nova Scotia’s coast from the water during a ride in a Special Operations Boat. Board your vessel from the ship’s shell door landing, with assistance by a member of Viking’s Expedition Team. Once securely on board, lines will be untethered, and your thrilling journey will begin. As you motor across the water, enjoy the scenery of one of the largest natural deepwater harbors in the world, and imagine its past as one of the most significant seaports on the Eastern Seaboard. Your highly maneuverable vessel will allow you to reach less accessible locations along the water’s edge. Knowledgeable specialists will be on hand to explain the natural and cultural history of the port, and to alert you to the presence of wildlife in the area. At the end of your excursion, your Special Operations Boat will return you and your fellow travelers to your ship.

Investigate the picturesque scenery of the historic seaport of Halifax during an exhilarating Zodiac ride. Board your Viking Zodiac and set off from your Expedition ship with a small group of fellow travelers to explore Halifax’s historic harbor. As you cruise past Point Pleasant Park, view the crumbling fortifications and the Prince of Wales Martello tower, the last remaining of five that were built here. Keep watch for local birdlife; you may even spot a curious harbor seal as they pop their head from the water. Your Expedition team will answer any questions you may have along the way, as well as share stories and insights. At the end of your excursion, your Zodiac will return to your ship.

Stroll through picturesque Lunenburg and join a hands-on craft workshop in Mahone Bay. Drive by motor coach to vibrant Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then set out on foot with your guide to learn about its seafaring heritage. After lunch, visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic for a more in-depth look at Nova Scotia’s rich fishing history and maritime traditions. After, continue to Mahone Bay to call at Amos Pewter, an artisan workshop and boutique—its open studio invites visitors to see the artistic process up-close and learn the techniques for creating jewelry, tableware and more. Learn about each step of the process from a skilled instructor and then try your hand at creating your own wax piece as a memento of your visit. Cap your day with a photo stop at the picturesque Three Churches of Mahone Bay, an iconic symbol of Nova Scotia.

Enjoy striking views of Halifax’s harbor while leisurely cruising on board a classic three-masted steel schooner. Take a short walk along the pier to your vessel, the Tall Ship Silva. Originally built in 1939, the Silva was a general cargo hauler and bulk freighter for five decades before its decommissioning; it was subsequently restored, renovated and launched as a charter tour ship. Once on board, receive a safety briefing, then relax as your crew unfurls the sails and you head out into the harbor. Revel in the sweeping views of Halifax’s coastline as your guide highlights points of interest. Enjoy a selection of light refreshments while listening to a toe-tapping performance by a local fiddler. After you return to the pier, you may choose to explore Halifax independently or walk back to your ship.

Explore the beautiful bays and inlets along Nova Scotia’s shores by kayak and savor a mouthwatering lobster boil. Depart your ship and transfer to a boathouse in Lower Prospect. Upon arrival, meet your knowledgeable guides and receive your paddle, life jacket and kayak; you will have a choice between a single or a double kayak. After a short safety briefing, follow your guide onto the water to paddle along the shore and between the surrounding islands. As you go, learn more about the environment around you and keep watch for local wildlife. About halfway through your 1¼-mile journey, you will stop on an island, where you pause from paddling to enjoy a delicious traditional East Coast lobster boil, complete with traditional fixings. Appetite sated, grab your paddle and board your kayak for the return journey to the boathouse, before transferring back to your ship.

Learn about the brewing heritage of Halifax and visit a local brewer for a tasting. Join your guide and take a short walk to the Atlantic Beer Institute for an in-depth overview of one of the oldest beverages in the world. Discover the art of crafting beer and the techniques employed by the masters along with expert advice on brewing and handling, followed by a tasting of a selection of premium lagers from Belgium, North America and the United Kingdom. With your honorary Bachelor of Beer Arts in hand, continue to Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your costumed guide and enjoy a tour of the facility as you hear fascinating tales of one of North America’s oldest breweries. After time to sample some of Mr. Keith’s celebrated ales, you may return to your ship with your guide or head back independently at your leisure.

Set off on foot for a guided walk along Halifax’s boardwalk and to the Halifax Citadel. Enjoy fascinating stories of Nova Scotia’s capital as you explore on foot. Stroll along the city’s boardwalk, passing iconic landmarks, including the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Canada’s oldest and largest maritime museum. Continue your walk uphill to Citadel Hill and see its impressive star-shaped fortress. Here, you will see members of the 78th Highlanders Regiment in full period attire and enjoy free time to explore this remarkable site, perhaps exploring one of its period rooms. After, descend the tree-lined streets, viewing St. Mary’s Basilica and the Old Burying Ground as you get a glimpse of the city’s Victorian past. You may return to your ship with your guide or enjoy free time to explore more on your own.