Best Ways to Leaf Peep
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In the fall, ports of call in New England / Canada itineraries are, with the changing of the leaves, at their most beautiful. For those who take their "leaf peeping" visuals seriously, we offer suggestions on some of the best ports of call to get out and experience autumn's annual ritual at its most beautiful.
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Up Next: New London, Conn. -
New London, Conn.
Ultimate Leaf Peeping: New London sits at the junction of the Thames River and Long Island Sound. Skirt the Connecticut River on a 1926 coal-fired steam locomotive -- the Essex Steam Train. Expect panoramic vistas and gorgeous views of the Connecticut River.
Other Alternatives: Explore the nearby seaside town of Mystic. It's more than just pizza -- the 19th century seafaring village features shops, restaurants, an aquarium and stunning foliage.
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Up Next: Newport, RI -
Newport, RI
Ultimate Leaf Peeping: Take a stroll along Newport's storied "Cliff Walk." This 3.5-mile National Recreation Trail straddles the famed 19th-century cottages of rich-and-richer summer folk.
Other Alternatives: Take an old-timey cruise via the 72-foot Schooner Madeleine; the vessel offers 1.5-hour voyages -- during which information and history are provided by captain and crew -- at 11 A.M. and 1 P.M.
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Up Next: Portland, Maine -
Portland, Maine
Ultimate Leaf Peeping: Paddle a kayak around Casco Bay, one of Maine's most beautiful waterways. Maine Island Kayak Company offers half-day adventures from Peaks Island (a 15-minute ferry ride from the cruise pier).
Another Option: Take advantage of Portland's extensive network of trails; choices include the 3.5-mile Back Cove Trail, which offers skyline and coastal views, and the four-mile Peak's Island Loop.
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Up Next: Bar Harbor, Maine -
Bar Harbor, Maine
Ultimate Leaf Peeping: One choice is visit Acadia National Park. The 47,633-acre park has mountains, woodlands, ocean shoreline, ponds, and lakes. Enjoy the sights in a 15-passenger horse-drawn carriage ride!
Another Option: Bar Harbor Whale Watching Company's Acadian offers whale watching tours, but you may want to call ahead -- in October the whales will depart Maine for warmer shores.
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Up Next: Halifax, Nova Scotia -
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Ultimate Leaf Peeping: There are two great drives for day-trippers. Trip One -- Head north/northwest of Halifax to Nova Scotia's scenic Annapolis Valley. Dubbed the Evangeline Trail, it features views of farms that are harvesting everything from apples to pumpkins. Trip Two -- Head south on the coastal road (also known as "the lighthouse route") to Peggy's Cove. Head towards Lunenburg, a 250-year old town that's a UNESCO world heritage site.
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Up Next: Saint John, New Brunswick -
Saint John, New Brunswick
Ultimate Leaf Peeping: The major attraction in Saint John, located on the banks of the Bay of Fundy, is that famous body of water, known for its extreme high and low tides. Explore by jet ski or boat ride.
Another Option: Take a self-guided walking tour by Tourism Saint John -- the Loyalist Trail, Prince William's Walk, Victorian Stroll and West Side Walk and Drive. Maps are available at the visitors' center.
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Up Next: Prince Edward Island -
Prince Edward Island
Ultimate Leaf Peeping: Explore the Confederation Trail (a conversion of the Prince Edward Island railway to a cycling/walking trail).
Other Alternatives: Take a guided (or self-guided) cycling, kayaking or canoeing trip via Outside Expeditions, which takes advantage of a variety of areas of Prince Edward Island.
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Up Next: St. John's, Newfoundland -
St. John's, Newfoundland
Ultimate Leaf Peeping: Hike the trail at St. John's famous Salmonier Nature Park. The entire length of the trail (just under two miles) is a wheelchair- and stroller-friendly boardwalk, which passes outdoor animal habitats.
Other Alternatives: Journey to the top of Signal Hill, the site of harbor defenses for St. John's from the 18th century to the Second World War, which offers views of the city, the harbor, the ocean and the coastline
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Up Next: Quebec City -
Quebec City
Ultimate Leaf Peeping: Explore the area's Gourmet Route -- the island of Ile d'Orleans (lies in the middle of the St. Lawrence River) is particularly charming and features farm stands and local purveyors of cheese, chocolate and wine.
Other Alternatives: Take a guided cycling tour. Cyclo Services, which is adjacent to the cruise pier, organizes trips that explore terrain ranging from the Saint-Charles River to Montmorency Falls.
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Up Next: Montreal -
Montreal
Ultimate Leaf Peeping: Go river rafting on the Lachine Rapids. The company offers a 2 1/4-hour ride. Advance reservations are critical as the outfitter operates treks in fall -- but only on demand.
Other Alternatives: Explore Mount Royal, which features activities ranging from bicycle paths (and rentals) to hiking trails and pedal boats. Or rent Roller Blades and bicycles at the Old Port.
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