Canada & New England: Boston, Bar Harbour & Halifax

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s largest city, is notable for its rich history, on display at the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed) and other American Revolutionary sites. Also iconic are the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, immortalized by Sylvester Stallone’s triumphant run in the film “Rocky.”

Welcome to an American city where history truly does come to life. Be sure to visit Bunker Hill Monument, Paul Revere’s House, the Old North Church, Quincy Market and the mansions of Beacon Hill. Then wander Boston Common, the oldest public park in the U.S.

This coastal attraction has retained much of its charm since its glory days of the 1900s, when America’s elite vacationed here in opulent summer cottages. Surrounding the rock-bound harbour is the world-famous Acadia National Park where the opulence of nature is on display.

Although Champlain landed here in 1604 and named the town, it wasn’t settled until 1783 by Loyalists fleeing the colonies during the American Revolution. Canada’s Maritime Province of New Brunswick is intriguing, with its tidy farms, stately Georgian manors and tea at four. The topography is equally interesting: In a land of vast virgin forests and rushing rivers, fierce tides as high as 53 feet are fueled by the fingerlike Bay of Fundy.

Admire the rugged coastline that surrounds Halifax, the world’s second-largest natural harbour. This beautifully preserved city is Nova Scotia’s capital and was founded in 1749. Take steps through history and climb to The Citadel to witness the Old Town Clock.

The coal industry brought immigration from many parts of the world, giving Sydney a multicultural mix of over 50 ethnic backgrounds and a global flavour to its history. Located on Cape Breton Island, Sydney is also an ideal jumping-off point for scenic adventures.

Opulent clapboard villas lead the way towards Charlottetown’s beautiful Victoria Park. Colours is everywhere – from the Victorian architecture to the red sandstone cliffs. Sample homemade island jams, visit the Anne of Green Gables homestead and stroll the boardwalk.

The city of Saguenay, formed in 2002, is comprised of three boroughs: La Baie, Chicoutimi and Jonquiere. Chicoutimi and Jonquiere are situated on the shores of the Saguenay river and La Baie is found on the whimsically named, the Baie des Ha Ha! This French-speaking region is north of Québec City and is considered a small oasis in the midst of the nearly uninhabited Canadian wilderness.

Québec City lies on the Saint Lawrence River and is divided by steep bluffs into Upper Town – which includes the old quarter – and Lower Town. Perched atop Cap-Diamant, the old quarter is the only walled city in North America and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Québec City lies on the Saint Lawrence River and is divided by steep bluffs into Upper Town – which includes the old quarter – and Lower Town. Perched atop Cap-Diamant, the old quarter is the only walled city in North America and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.