Are you looking for something to do this summer with the family that would be both fun AND educational? I have the perfect solution! Take the family on an learning adventure to discover the history of colonial America on a New England & Canada cruise. Combine valuable family time together with an enriching history education.
Boston, Massachusetts
You can experience Revolutionary War history by throwing tea into the Boston Harbor. The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is an interactive tour where you can be part of the action with live actors who bring history to life. If you choose to see Boston at your own pace, the Old Town Trolley Tour will take you directly to the best sites to see in Boston and allow you to hop off and on.
Photo courtesy of Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Look through the top of the tank at the New England Aquarium.
Photo courtesy of the New England Aquarium
Take a tour of America’s national treasures at the JFK Library and Museum.
Photo courtesy of Tom Fitzsimmons/JFK Library
Where else can you journey through the human body in their Hall of Human Life exhibit, or get struck by lightning in a Theater of Electricity—only at the Museum of Science.
Photo courtesy of © Nicolaus Czarnecki
Walk the Freedom Trail and visit the USS Constitution & Museum for more hands-on history lessons. There are so many places to see that you may just want to plan for a couple of extra days here.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Discover the natural beauty of the east coast in Bar Harbor. Explore Acadia National Park, and, if you’re really adventurous, climb Cadillac Mountain. If you’re new to climbing, spend the day learning to climb with expert climbers at the Atlantic Climbing School.
Photo courtesy of Atlantic Climbing School
If you haven’t decided how to spend your day once you disembark, consider exploring the harbor with Aquaterra Adventures–located right there on the waterfront. Ask your guide about the telescope to see the bottom of the ocean.
Photo courtesy of Aquaterra Adventures
The Natural History Center is a family-owned and operated nature center with guides with plenty of patience to answer all your children’s questions and an experience you’ll never forget.
Photo courtesy of the Natural History Center
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax has one of the largest natural harbors and played a role in helping both the Union and the Confederates with supplies and ship repairs during the Civil War. At the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic you can learn about how the Titanic was connected to Halifax, the explosion that rocked this town, and the legends of the pirates.
Photo by Gerry Lunn and courtesy of Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Take a Tattle Tours walking tour or van tour with an animated guide who will give you and your family a fun education with all the historical facts—and gossip.
Photo courtesy of Tattle Tours
The Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History has interactive activities and exhibits about our planet. Take a step back in time, and see what it’s like to live in the 1860’s at the Sherbrooke Village.
Photo courtesy of sherbrook Village/Nova Scotia Museum
Photo courtesy of the Discovery Centre
Get answers with hands-on displays to test the strength of a suspension bridge at the Discovery Centre. Or, everyone’s favorite, watch a demonstration of the science behind lying on a bed of nails. Take one of the McNabs Island Historic walking tours–they are available in French or English.
Photo courtesy of Friends of McNabs Island Society
Learn about the history of immigration at Canada’s “Ellis Island” at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21.
Photo courtesy of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
Sydney, Nova Scotia
While in Sydney be sure to visit the spectacular Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. Learn what it’s like to be in the French-Canadian military.
Photo courtesy of © Parks Canada
Photo courtesy of © Parks Canada
The Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site is a favorite among the science enthusiasts.
Photo courtesy of © Parks Canada
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
The Islanders of Prince Edward Island would say this Victorian-architectured town of Charlottetown will be your favorite stop. Whether you take a tour with a horse-drawn trolley or by foot, you will love every turn of this beautiful city. Buy your red-braided wig before you visit the famous house that inspired “Anne of Green Gables.”
Photo credit goes to John Sylvester/Prince Edward Island Tourism
A visit to the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation will give you an opportunity to visit the blacksmith, school teacher and more.
Photo courtesy of PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation
Photo courtesy of PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation
Visit the birthplace of the confederation at the Province House National Historic Site of Canada.
Photo credit goes to John Sylvester/Prince Edward Island Tourism
Learn the history of Canada at the Founders’ Hall.
Photo credit goes to John Sylvester/Prince Edward Island Tourism
Québec City, Québec
Québec City is home of the French fort, the Citadell de Québec Musee Royal 22c Regiment. Be one of the first to see their new museum Je me Souviens meaning “I remember.” It opens May 29, 2014.
Photo courtesy of teh Citadelle de Québec -Musee Royal 22c Regiment
The changing of the guard has taken place since 1928. Try to make the straight-faced soldiers crack a smile between June 24-September 1 this year.
Photo courtesy of Citadelle de Québec -Musee Royal 22c Regiment
Experience Québec with an expert guide by taking a walking tour with Ciceron Tours. (Thank you Cicerone Tours for providing the featured pic of your guide showcasing a cruise ship.)
Photo courtesy of Cicerone Tours
Or take a walking tour through this French-Canadian city with Tours Voir Québec . Their tour guides are passionate about the history and architecture of Québec.
Photo courtesy of Tours Voir Québec
Call us for more information
If you want more information about taking a summertime Canada and New England cruise, let one of our experts at CruiseExperts.com. When you’re ready to plan your family vacation, give us a call. Contact us by calling 1-888-804-CRUIse(2784) or visiting our website www.CruiseExperts.com.
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