Name: Amazing Canadian Maritimes for Knitters and Crafters
Start: 2024-06-13T00:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-06-22T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia

Battenkill Textile Tours LLC

Email address verified

10 reviews

Jun 13 - 22, 2024

Group size: 14 - 21

Amazing Canadian Maritimes for Knitters and Crafters

Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia

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Battenkill Textile Tours LLC

Email address verified

10 reviews

Jun 13 - 22, 2024

Group size: 14 - 21

Our long-requested first trip to Canada is here! We’ve packed a lot of memorable experiences into this itinerary - two knitting workshops including a full day with Lucy Neatby on Tancook Island, a rug hooking class at the North American Rug Hooking Museum, Anne of Green Cables Heritage Place, UNESCO-rated world class historic sites, winery tour and tasting, and free time for shopping and spa appointments. And on top of all of that textile and crafting fun, there’s amazing sight-seeing and local foods.

Mary Jeanne Packer, the founder of Battenkill Textile Tours LLC, has been leading groups of knitters and fiber enthusiasts on trips around the world (and around the corner) since 2006 when she put a small ad in the national knitting magazines to see if anyone might want to come and spend a few days knitting, wine tasting, and visiting fiber farms in the Finger Lakes; and 20 people signed up! Those first 20 said they would "like to go to Ireland sometime"; and the rest is history. Mary Jeanne is the founder and co-owner of Battenkill Fibers Carding and Spinning Mill in Greenwich, NY.

Canadian Maritimes
Canadian Maritimes
Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia Tour for Knitters and Crafters

Day 1: June.13, 2024 – Arrive in Charlottetown, PEI

Welcome to Prince Edward Island! Welcome reception at 6; and group dinner at the hotel.

3- star hotel (RODD Charlottetown)

Day 2: June.14,2024 - Charlottetown, PEI

Following breakfast, we will explore a treasure of Prince Edward Island's, the Green Gables Heritage Place, where you can walk through the memory-filled rooms of the beloved fictional character, Anne of Green Gables. Next, we sample some of the best fruit preserves in the world at the Prince Edward Island Preserves Company. We arrive back in the capital city of Charlottetown and enjoy a historical and foodie tour of the downtown area. The remainder of the evening will be time at leisure.

3- star hotel (RODD Charlottetown)

Day 3: June.15,2024 - Charlottetown, PEI

Today we will enjoy a visit to the Fleece & Harmony farm, a thrummed mittens workshop, lunch, and some time to shop. Next, we return to Charlottetown and explore the Arts & Heritage Craft Trail. Stops will be made at locations such as Northern Watters knitwear and tartan shop, PEI Crafts Council retail gallery, and Nellies & Reggie’s PEI gift and souvenirs.

3- star hotel (RODD Charlottetown)

Day 4: June.16,2024 – Wolfville, NS

After breakfast, we will start our travel towards Nova Scotia. First, we make our way over the Confederation Bridge. The curved, 12.9 km. (8 mile) long bridge is the longest in the world crossing ice-covered water, linking mainland New Brunswick with Prince Edward Island, and continues to be one of Canada’s top engineering achievements of the 20th century. After four years of construction using more than five thousand local workers, the Confederation Bridge opened to traffic on May 31, 1997. Next, arrive into Amherst and where we will have a rest stop for lunch and a visit to Deanne Fitzpatrick’s lovely rug hooking studio and yarn shop. We will arrive in Wolfville early afternoon with time free to enjoy a spa treatment at the hotel (please book in advance and pay separately)

4-star hotel (Old Orchard Inn & Spa)

Day 5: June 17, 2023 - Grand Pre

Our morning is spent at the Gaspareau Valley Fibres and the glorious Seafoam Lavender Gardens. Here we will hear about a new locally-themed and designed colorwork hat pattern; and enjoy some time to shop for the hat kits, as well as yarn and spinning and needle felting supplies. Next, the group will enjoy a visit at Luckett Vineyards where we will have lunch with wine tastings/pairing. Your evening will be free to explore at your leisure, enjoy spa treatments, and dine on your own.

4-star hotel (Old Orchard Inn & Spa)

Day 6: June 18, 2024 - Western Shores, NS

This morning we visit Grand-Pré National Historic Site and World UNESCO Heritage Site, where we will enjoy a guided tour and learn about the tragic upheaval of the Acadians, descendants of French settlers, who were expelled from this area. The Grand-Pré site commemorates the area as a centre of Acadian settlement from 1682 to 1755 and the Deportation of the Acadians, which began in 1755 and continued until 1762. Continuing on to Nova Scotia's rugged east coast, we visit picturesque Mahone Bay, showcasing three elegant churches on the sheltered harbor of this quaint village. Here we will stop at Woolworks Studio with excellent yarn and fabric shopping. Lunch will be had on your own before heading to Halifax to check into our hotel and enjoy a group dinner.

4-star hotel (The Prince George Hotel Halifax)

Day 7: June 19, 2024 – Lunenburg, NS

This morning we make our way south from Halifax and arrive to the Wile Carding Mill Museum, where we will be greeted by costumed interpreters representing the women who worked at the mill and step into 19th century industrial life in small town Nova Scotia. Interpreters demonstrate the hard work and industrial dangers Dean Wile’s staff faced daily. You will get to see what the mill provided to local farmers and how wool was carded for spinning. We then visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lunenburg. One of Nova Scotia's most historic towns and home of the famed fishing schooner Bluenose II. Lunch will be on own and after we will receive a guided tour of Lunenburg to learn about the rich history, churches, settlers, gorgeous architecture, and fascinating folklore. This afternoon, we travel the rugged south shore of Nova Scotia, to the well-known town of Peggy's Cove to visit Peggy's Point Lighthouse, which sits high upon the smooth wave-worn granite of the coast. This is the most photographed lighthouse in Canada. Return to Halifax for dinner and the evening on your own.

4-star hotel (The Prince George Hotel Halifax)

Day 8: June 20, 2024 - Halifax, NS

This morning we will visit the Hooked Rug Museum. Here we will receive a tour of the museum and enjoy a morning class of rug hooking and lunch at the museum before leaving. This afternoon we return to Halifax and you will have free time to explore. Some suggestions (all near our hotel): Victorian Public Gardens, the Titanic Grave Site, Citadel and several other historic sites, and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic which is rich with maritime history and stories of the people that define Nova Scotia. Save some time for visiting the Loop or LK Yarns - stores known for selling Hand Maiden and Fleece Artist yarns. Evening on your own for dinner and exploring including the harbor area with lots of fun things to choose from including the historic Alexander Keith's Brewery (tours until 8 pm).

4-star hotel (The Prince George Hotel Halifax)

Day 9: June 21, 2024 – Tancook Island, NS

Spend the day with Lucy Neatby – a knitting legend! Arrive to the Chester ferry, and grab a coffee from the village prior to boarding The Ferry will take about an hour and Lucy will be waiting for our arrival and take us on a tour of the island. Next, you will arrive to the Rec center for a light lunch (lobster roll prepared by Lucy and her friends!) and a workshop on double knitting. Return to the mainland and in Halifax, the group will enjoy a Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant.

4-star hotel (The Prince George Hotel Halifax)

Day 10: June 22, 2024 - Departure Halifax, NS

Following breakfast, our Maritimes adventure comes to an en

Tour Includes:

Private coach bus Transportation Services of a professional Tour Leader Accommodation

Luggage Handling (1 bag per person) Meals Listed

Activities listed

Gratuities to the Tour Leader

Gratuities to the Coach Driver

Tour doesn't include:

Items of a personal nature

Meals and Attractions not listed

Airfare – domestic and international

Travel Insurance (Strongly Recommended)
Read more

Canadian Maritimes

Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia Tour for Knitters and Crafters

Day 1: June.13, 2024 – Arrive in Charlottetown, PEI

Welcome to Prince Edward Island! Welcome reception at 6; and group dinner at the hotel.

3- star hotel (RODD Charlottetown)

Day 2: June.14,2024 - Charlottetown, PEI

Following breakfast, we will explore a treasure of Prince Edward Island's, the Green Gables Heritage Place, where you can walk through the memory-filled rooms of the beloved fictional character, Anne of Green Gables. Next, we sample some of the best fruit preserves in the world at the Prince Edward Island Preserves Company. We arrive back in the capital city of Charlottetown and enjoy a historical and foodie tour of the downtown area. The remainder of the evening will be time at leisure.

3- star hotel (RODD Charlottetown)

Day 3: June.15,2024 - Charlottetown, PEI

Today we will enjoy a visit to the Fleece & Harmony farm, a thrummed mittens workshop, lunch, and some time to shop. Next, we return to Charlottetown and explore the Arts & Heritage Craft Trail. Stops will be made at locations such as Northern Watters knitwear and tartan shop, PEI Crafts Council retail gallery, and Nellies & Reggie’s PEI gift and souvenirs.

3- star hotel (RODD Charlottetown)

Day 4: June.16,2024 – Wolfville, NS

After breakfast, we will start our travel towards Nova Scotia. First, we make our way over the Confederation Bridge. The curved, 12.9 km. (8 mile) long bridge is the longest in the world crossing ice-covered water, linking mainland New Brunswick with Prince Edward Island, and continues to be one of Canada’s top engineering achievements of the 20th century. After four years of construction using more than five thousand local workers, the Confederation Bridge opened to traffic on May 31, 1997. Next, arrive into Amherst and where we will have a rest stop for lunch and a visit to Deanne Fitzpatrick’s lovely rug hooking studio and yarn shop. We will arrive in Wolfville early afternoon with time free to enjoy a spa treatment at the hotel (please book in advance and pay separately)

4-star hotel (Old Orchard Inn & Spa)

Day 5: June 17, 2023 - Grand Pre

Our morning is spent at the Gaspareau Valley Fibres and the glorious Seafoam Lavender Gardens. Here we will hear about a new locally-themed and designed colorwork hat pattern; and enjoy some time to shop for the hat kits, as well as yarn and spinning and needle felting supplies. Next, the group will enjoy a visit at Luckett Vineyards where we will have lunch with wine tastings/pairing. Your evening will be free to explore at your leisure, enjoy spa treatments, and dine on your own.

4-star hotel (Old Orchard Inn & Spa)

Day 6: June 18, 2024 - Western Shores, NS

This morning we visit Grand-Pré National Historic Site and World UNESCO Heritage Site, where we will enjoy a guided tour and learn about the tragic upheaval of the Acadians, descendants of French settlers, who were expelled from this area. The Grand-Pré site commemorates the area as a centre of Acadian settlement from 1682 to 1755 and the Deportation of the Acadians, which began in 1755 and continued until 1762. Continuing on to Nova Scotia's rugged east coast, we visit picturesque Mahone Bay, showcasing three elegant churches on the sheltered harbor of this quaint village. Here we will stop at Woolworks Studio with excellent yarn and fabric shopping. Lunch will be had on your own before heading to Halifax to check into our hotel and enjoy a group dinner.

4-star hotel (The Prince George Hotel Halifax)

Day 7: June 19, 2024 – Lunenburg, NS

This morning we make our way south from Halifax and arrive to the Wile Carding Mill Museum, where we will be greeted by costumed interpreters representing the women who worked at the mill and step into 19th century industrial life in small town Nova Scotia. Interpreters demonstrate the hard work and industrial dangers Dean Wile’s staff faced daily. You will get to see what the mill provided to local farmers and how wool was carded for spinning. We then visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lunenburg. One of Nova Scotia's most historic towns and home of the famed fishing schooner Bluenose II. Lunch will be on own and after we will receive a guided tour of Lunenburg to learn about the rich history, churches, settlers, gorgeous architecture, and fascinating folklore. This afternoon, we travel the rugged south shore of Nova Scotia, to the well-known town of Peggy's Cove to visit Peggy's Point Lighthouse, which sits high upon the smooth wave-worn granite of the coast. This is the most photographed lighthouse in Canada. Return to Halifax for dinner and the evening on your own.

4-star hotel (The Prince George Hotel Halifax)

Day 8: June 20, 2024 - Halifax, NS

This morning we will visit the Hooked Rug Museum. Here we will receive a tour of the museum and enjoy a morning class of rug hooking and lunch at the museum before leaving. This afternoon we return to Halifax and you will have free time to explore. Some suggestions (all near our hotel): Victorian Public Gardens, the Titanic Grave Site, Citadel and several other historic sites, and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic which is rich with maritime history and stories of the people that define Nova Scotia. Save some time for visiting the Loop or LK Yarns - stores known for selling Hand Maiden and Fleece Artist yarns. Evening on your own for dinner and exploring including the harbor area with lots of fun things to choose from including the historic Alexander Keith's Brewery (tours until 8 pm).

4-star hotel (The Prince George Hotel Halifax)

Day 9: June 21, 2024 – Tancook Island, NS

Spend the day with Lucy Neatby – a knitting legend! Arrive to the Chester ferry, and grab a coffee from the village prior to boarding The Ferry will take about an hour and Lucy will be waiting for our arrival and take us on a tour of the island. Next, you will arrive to the Rec center for a light lunch (lobster roll prepared by Lucy and her friends!) and a workshop on double knitting. Return to the mainland and in Halifax, the group will enjoy a Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant.

4-star hotel (The Prince George Hotel Halifax)

Day 10: June 22, 2024 - Departure Halifax, NS

Following breakfast, our Maritimes adventure comes to an en

Tour Includes:

Private coach bus Transportation Services of a professional Tour Leader Accommodation

Luggage Handling (1 bag per person) Meals Listed

Activities listed

Gratuities to the Tour Leader

Gratuities to the Coach Driver

Tour doesn't include:

Items of a personal nature

Meals and Attractions not listed

Airfare – domestic and international

Travel Insurance (Strongly Recommended)

The trip to Norway was amazing! I found it a great balance between planned group activities with cultural and fibre connections and solo time to explore. The scenery was beautiful, the accommodations were lovely, we were very well fed. I went alone, I made some new friends and I am looking forward to my next trip with M.J.

By Cheryl O for Scenic Norway Knitters and Crafters Tour on Oct 16, 2024

My first trip with Battenkill Fiber Tours & it was wonderful. Really well organized and fun trip. I had never done a tour before and it was wonderful. Each day was different and full of new learning about Norway plus and had a fiber event. Traveling between places was easy, using the best form of transit for that trip. Really enjoyed the incredibly scenic train trip between Oslo & Bergen which gave us lots of knitting time. While in Oslo, loved the flexibility of the day pass on all transit and how we visited sites I would not have thought to visit. Again - the planning of each day was excellent and balanced. The fiber workshops were especially wonderful and varied. It was exciting to try techniques that were new and learn more Norwegian design/textiles. And on top of it all the other people attracted to this tour were as interested in trying in Norwegian wool/tradition as I was. Can’t wait to take my next trip with Battenkill Fiber Toursl

By Catherine C for Scenic Norway Knitters and Crafters Tour on Oct 14, 2024

A fantastic trip! A great cultural and fiber experience! Workshops were engaging and fun. Pace was just right-good mix of leisure and scheduled experiences! Reconnected with old friends and made new ones. Thanks you Andrew and Mary Jeanne!

By Rachel K for Scenic Norway Knitters and Crafters Tour on Oct 13, 2024

This was a wonderful experience. The in depth knitting techniques, the museum tours, the city tours of Oslo and Bergen, and the marvelous lodgings and fantastic food. Not to mention the shopping! I met some great people on this trip.

By Ingrid I for Scenic Norway Knitters and Crafters Tour on Oct 13, 2024

One of the best trips I’ve ever done. Excellent trip leaders, wonderful hotel in Bergen, interesting classes, a great look at textiles in Norway. And new friends.