Day 1
Fly to Halifax
Arrive in Halifax pick up your hire car and make your way to your first night in Nova Scotia. Stretch your legs after your flight with a walk around the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site – entrance is included in your Parks Canada Discover Pass. Or if you have arrived by lunchtime, we recommend the harbour cruise to see this vibrant water community, which we can pre-book for you and departs at 2pm.
Overnight: Standard - The Barrington Hotel or Hampton Inn by Hilton or similar
Upgrade - The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites or Homewood Suites or similar
Day 2
Halifax NS to Lunenburg NS (61 miles)
Head southwest along a scenic route that offers glimpses of Nova Scotia's beautiful coastline. We recommend a stop at Peggy’s cove and its famous lighthouse, and you may also wish to stop at Mahone Bay for a stroll around its charming boutiques and shops. Arrive in the village of Lunenburg later in the afternoon - a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Two nights: Atlantic View Motel & Cottages or Bluenose Lodge or similar
Upgrade - Ashlea House Bed & Breakfast or Atlantic View Motel & Cottages or similar
Day 3
Lunenburg NS
A full day to enjoy the lovely historic village and surrounding areas. You may want to book an optional excursion – we recommend the Lunenburg Walking Tour so you can stroll the Old Town and discover the Victorian architecture with a knowledgeable guide who will bring the sites to life with a mix of captivating stories and anecdotes.
Day 4
Lunenburg NS to Annapolis Royal NS (81 miles)
Journey northeast to explore the stunning Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site. You can visit either the lush forests and meandering rivers of Kejimkujik inland or travel north to Kejimkujik Seaside- entrance to both are included in your Parks Discover Pass. At Kejimkujik Seaside the oceanfront section has a lovely 4.3 mile hiking trail, will take in the sandy beaches and lagoons where you can spot harbour seals, and in the coastal forest see birds such as yellowthroats.
Continue to the historic town of Annapolis Royal, one of the oldest settlements in Canada for a two night stay.
Two nights: Hillsdale House Inn or Carlisle House Inn or similar
Day 5
Annapolis NS
Begin your day walking the local streets edged with beautifully preserved 18th-century architecture, reflecting the town's rich colonial past. Visit Fort Anne National Historic site (included in your Canada Parks Discover Pass). Afterwards perhaps delve into maritime history at the O'Dell House Museum or the Port-Royal National Historic Site, telling the story of Annapolis Royal's seafaring legacy. Finish your day with a scenic stroll along the waterfront with unforgettable views of the Annapolis Basin.
Day 6
Annapolis NS to Wolfville-Grand Pre NS (72 miles)
Travelling through the rolling hills and lush farmlands of the province, en route visiting the Grand Pre National Historic Site (included with your discovery pass), where visitors can learn about the struggles and enduring legacy of Acadian settlers. Continue to the small university town of Wolfville for a relaxing night stay.
Overnight: Old Orchard Inn & Spa or Evangeline Hotel or similar
Upgrade - Tattingstone Inn or Evangeline Hotel or similar
Day 7
Grand Pre NS to – Parrsboro NS (152 miles)
You will uncover the glory of the Fundy coastline today, renowned for its dramatic profile and the world's highest tides at nearby Cape Chignecto Provincial Park. Plan a stop at Five Island Provincial Park and visit Cap D’Or Lighthouse for its incredible view of the Bay of Fundy.
Overnight: Gillespie House Inn or similar
Day 8
Parrsboro NS – Kouchibouguac National Park NB - Saint Louis de Kent/ Boutouche NB (120 miles)
Your first stop today is just 25 miles north - the Joggins Fossil Cliffs, a UNESCO heritage site rich with fossil deposits offering a glimpse into Earth's distant past. You’ll then cross over into the province of New Brunswick, where you can stop off at the self-proclaimed Lobster Capital of the World – a great place to enjoy a late shellfish lunch. Then continue you’re your hotel in the Kouchibouguac region of New Brunswick where you’ll be staying for the next two nights.
Two nights: L’Ancrage B&B and Cottages or Auberge Bouctouche Inn & Suites or similar
Day 9
Kouchibouguac region NB
You have a full day to explore the beautiful Kouchibouguac National Park (entrance included with your Discovery Pass), where you can enjoy its lovely beaches, verdant forests, and diverse wildlife. We would thoroughly recommend booking onto a Marine Wildlife Safari. Departing from Saint-Louis de Kent late in the afternoon, you will enjoy a two to three hours discovering the wildlife in and around the Kouchibouguacis River and Kouchibouguac coastal waters, from the comfortable pontoon baot Phocus with a total of just ten passengers. See Bald Eagles hunt, view the second largest Common Tern colony of North America and meet hundreds of Grey Seals.
The park is proud of its designation as a Dark Sky Preserve, giving visitors a rare opportunity to witness the spectacular night sky without light pollution from urban areas. Here, thousands of stars, constellations, and sometimes even mesmerizing northern lights appear - keep your fingers crossed that your visit coincides with a clear night to fully experience this mesmerizing display.
Day 10
Boutouche NB to Westpoint/Woodstock Prince Edward Island (123 miles)
Another day, another province! Drive south along the coast to the 8-mile long Confederation Bridge across the Northumberland Strait, which links New Brunswick with Prince Edward Island – Canada’s smallest province. A lovely visit this afternoon would be to the world-famous Anne of Green Gables Heritage Site (included with the Discovery Pass) where Lucy Maud Montgomery set her novels that have delighted readers for generations. Check into your hotel for a two night stay in this gem of a province.
Two nights: West Point Lighthouse or Mill River Resort or similar
Day 11
Prince Edward Island
Our suggestions of how to spend the day include a visit to the Cedar Dunes Provincial Park to marvel at panoramic views of the surrounding coastline, and also Prince Edward Island National Park, a lovely place for beachcombing and birdwatching amongst the rolling surf.
Day 12
West Point PEI to Baddeck NS (255 miles including ferry crossing)
Today is the longest drive of the holiday, but what a lovely drive it is and also includes a scenic ferry crossing over to Nova Scotia. Traverse the heartland of Prince Edward Island and if time permits perhaps plan a stop in Charlottetown, the only city on the island. The short ferry ride will bring you back to mainland Nova Scotia, where you drive through rolling hills and cross the Canso Dam to arrive on Cape Breton. Upon reaching Baddeck you could visit the Historic Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site or stroll through the welcoming village along the Bras d’Or Lake waterfront. Check into your hotel for a two night stay.
Two nights: Silver Dart Lodge & Macneil House Suites or Inverary Resort or similar
Day 13
Cape Breton Island NS
You have a full day to enjoy the scenic splendour of Cape Breton Island. Perhaps in the morning take a beautiful drive along the Cabot Trail, marvelling at the unforgettable views and sweeping landscapes, and keeping your eyes open for moose!
You could take a break from driving and book a wonderful boat tour departing Baddeck at 2pm, which takes in Cape Breton’s UNESCO Biosphere and the Bras d’Or Lakes. You’ll be onboard the Winstar – a 50 passenger enclosed vessel with 360-degree views to see the sights and wildlife such as bald eagles. Learn the rich history and culture of Baddeck with commentary from Captain John and the crew, highlighting events of historical and cultural significance, including Alexander Graham Bell’s summer mansion.
Day 14
Baddeck NS to Guysborough NS (88 miles)
It’s a relatively short drive today, so plan in a visit to Fortress Louisbourg (included with your Discovery Pass) to learn more about colonial military life. In the afternoon continue back towards mainland Nova Scotia to your last destination of the quaint village of Guysborough. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and wrap the day up at the local pub or one of the restaurants.
Overnight: Distillery House or Seawind Landing Country Inn or similar
Upgrade - Des Barres Manor Inn or Seawind Landing Country Inn or similar
Day 15
Guysborough NS to Halifax Airport NS (152 miles)
You’re heading back to the airport today, so depending on your flight time you can either take the fast route taking just over two hours, or pick a more scenic route to finish off your road trip in style. Drop of your hire car at the airport and fly home
