Ultimate New Brunswick self-drive tour

Enjoy a full day at leisure in the historic city of Halifax; stroll along the waterfront boardwalk, take a cruise through its picturesque harbour, visit one of the city's excellent museums, or head out of the city to Peggy's Cove to sample Nova Scotia's beautiful coastal scenery.

Make your own way to Halifax airport to collect your hire car — your car hire package includes a sat-nav and all insurances. From here, drive north to the scenic adjacent province of New Brunswick. En route you may wish to explore the historic sites of forts Beausejour and Gaspareaux that testify to the colonial struggle for control of the region between France and Great Britain. Your destination today is Shediac, known as the lobster capital of the world. This afternoon you're booked on a two and a half hour cruise with an experienced local fisherman, who will teach you about the physiology and the life of the lobster, and show you how they are fished. You'll then enjoy a full lobster meal, using the fresh catch that you have helped secure. Along the way, just relax and enjoy the seascape of this scenic coastline.

Drive along the pretty Acadian coast, delving into the fascinating history of the Acadian settlers' en route. We recommend a stop at the 12 km (7.5 miles)-long Dune de Bouctouche where a wooden boardwalk enables easy exploration of the dune's salt marshes and sensitive echo-systems. Also, highly recommended is a visit to nearby Kouchibouguac National Park where you can explore mixed woodlands, sand dunes and a dark sky preserve. Continue to Miramichi for your overnight stay.

The heart of New Brunswick's Acadian coast is centred on the small town of Caraquet, north of Miramichi. Spend the day exploring this pretty coastal region and learning more about the history of the Acadians. Take the bridge over to unspoilt Miscou Island, a remote land of peat bogs, sand dunes, lagoons and small fishing communities. Visit the Village Historique Acadian to learn all about the history and culture of the Acadian people, and don't miss a visit to nearby Grande Anse lighthouse. Return to Miramichi for your overnight stay.

Make your way along the Miramichi River today, famous for its salmon fishing, and if you have time why not try your hand at casting off? Your destination today is picturesque Fredericton: New Brunswick's riverside provincial capital. There is plenty to explore, including the Beaverbrook Art Gallery and Old Government House, while Officers' Square, the Garrison District and nearby King's Landing tell of the city's colonial heritage. There are plenty of river-side paths to explore on foot or by bicycle as well as a good range of microbreweries.

Drive to St. Andrews by the Sea and begin your exploration with a half day whale watching cruise to the nearby Bay of Fundy. The Bay of Fundy has been compared in marine biodiversity to the Amazon Rainforest, known globally for its ecology, geology, tidal energy currents and diverse habitats. Afterwards you may wish to visit the Kingsbrae Garden which covers 10.9 ha (27 acres) and features a working windmill, sculptures and peacocks.

Enjoy a self-guided tour of Minister Island, which is just a short one kilometre drive across the ocean floor at low tide. The island is named after the Loyalist Anglican minister, Reverend Samuel Andrews, who first settled on the island in 1786, and you'll be able to see the original stone house where Rev. Andrews lived with his family, and visit the summer estate of the visionary railway builder in Canada, Sir William Van Horne. Returning to St. Andrews later today, you'll have some time at leisure to continue exploring under your own steam.

Travel by water taxi from St. Andrew's wharf to Campobello Island and enjoy a guided tour of the island's delightful scenery, lighthouses and hidden gems, while learning about the history and way of life on the island. Enjoy an included lunch at one of the best restaurants on the island before heading to Roosevelt Campobello International Park. You can visit Franklin D. Roosevelt's stunning summer residence as you make your way around the park, before taking afternoon 'tea with Eleanor', featuring an interpretive talk and Eleanor Roosevelt's own recipe for ginger cookies. After the tour, return to the water taxi terminal for the cruise back to St. Andrews.

Make your way east along New Brunswick's rugged southern coastline to the town of Saint John. The only city along the Bay of Fundy, Saint John offers visitors a variety of attractions, ranging from wine tours, museums, and North America's oldest market. You'll have the afternoon at leisure to explore the city.

Enjoy the beautiful drive today along the coast to Alma on the edge of Fundy National Park. Here you can enjoy a coastal walk in the national park and marvel at the region's immense tidal changes.

On the way back to Halifax stop off at Hopewell Rocks. Make sure you go at low-tide so you can walk among the 'Flower Pots' — giant rocks sculpted by the tide. From here, continue on to Halifax Airport to drop off your hire car, and take your onward flight.

Arrive home today to complete your journey.