jdavid

No issues with wildfires since late June. However we are very saddened by the flood situation of recent days. Nothing should impact on cruises as there are not many ships in this month. Even with the July arrivals tours should not be affected

For those planning on renting in Saint John or even Halifax for that matter, you will find cars are scarce and expensive. That said, go on line as soon as possible to book. The price won’t get better in the future. The other thing to consider on ship or multiple ship days, close by rental companies are a challenge

Have you checked the ship excursions? I am booked that day, otherwise would have done this tour. Other possibilities could be Viatour

There are a few places on the Harbourwalk north of the ship. Dave's comes to mind.

Yes that is a great route from the Pier. Head up past the Westin, go north on Barrington past the Governors Mansion and at Spring Garden Road visit Basilica and Library. Spring Garden is THE people street of the city. At South Park go right and visit the Public Gardens and at that point you are at the foot of Citadel Hill. After doing the citadel (there is an admission) you should walk down and head to the Ferry Terminal where you can take a $2 ride across the harbour to Dartmouth. Ask for a transfer and come back free. Then head south along the Boardwalk and it is another 25 minute leisurely walk back to Pier.

We are planning a week holiday in Quebec City next week. While more French than Montreal, most people are bilingual in Quebec City. You can easily survive in English.

I would go straigt to Lunenburg on the 103 Highway and then come back. After leaving Lunenburg take the 3 to Mahone Bay for 15-20 minutes there, It's only a ten minute drive. After leaving Mahone Bay, catch the 103 again to Exit 5 at Tantallon and follow signs to Peggy's. You'll know at that point how much time you have before heading back to Halifax on the 333. Don't go back to Exit 5, When leaving Peggy's turn right on 333. It's 45 minutes back to city. You may have time for Titanic Cemetery ??? Eat in Lunenburg or Mahone Bay or take a lunch with you and get a lobster roll in peggy's at Tom's or McGoos. When I do my Private tours to Lunenburg, Peggy's - this is my plan (no charge).

And if anyone is going to Rome for the first time read Dan Brown’s DaVinci Code. I have read it before my two visits

In terms of Halifax, one of the big events in our history was the Halifax Explosion of 1917. It was the largest explosion in the world until 1945 when the atomic bombs were dropped. Hugh MacLellan wrote a book called Barometer Rising which is almost required reading for historical purposes. It will give you a great perspective on Halifax and so much of what you’ll hear about while here. The military history, the War even the Titanic which happened in 1912. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which many visit will be much more meaningful if you decide to visit it.

One other point is the day of the week. Weekdays are busier than weekends and you will want to check how many ships are in when it comes to availability of cars

I do tours in Halifax and a Lunenburg day with Peggy’s Cove and Titanic visit is a full day without accounting for rental car pickup and return. There is a rental car agency at Westin close by (12 minute walk) but you would have to check when it opens. A direct a Lunenburg drive from Port is 1 hour 25 minutes (not the coastal route). So if doing this tour I suggest you go direct to Lunenburg then return with a Peggy’s visit followed by Titanic cemetery and a drive around citadel hill last. This route is taking you back toward the ship. The other thing about renting a car is you have to account for time in finding parking places. A tour could achieve what you want because your driver would pick you up and the take care of parking and know best routes.

You’ll see a lighthouse right across from where your ship docks in Halifax. It’s on George’s Island. There may be several others further out the Harbour . However to see the most iconic lighthouse in Canada you’ll have to take a tour to Peggy’s Cove.

There won’t be too much in the way of Fall Leaves in the Harbour. Our fall colours are best the week of October 4 to 20. Best colours would be in Cape Breton so if booking tours in Sydney, you might take Baddeck or Cabot Trail.

I think immigration clears ship at first port of entry to a country

There are many lighthouses in Nova Scotia. We even have a Lighthouse Route. The most famous of all lighthouses is in Peggy’s Cove. It is the most visited and photographed. Many cruisers take this tour but it tends to me a visit of less than an hour. There is a lighthouse that can be viewed as you come in the harbour and their is one on George’s Island across from where your ship docks. I am not aware of a specific tour dedicated to Lighthouses only but I’m sure one can be designed easily. Here is pic of the Peggy’s Cove light I took a few days ago.