Day 1
Fly to Halifax, Nova Scotia
Arrive Halifax and transfer independently to your hotel for a two night stay. Halifax is situated on one of the world’s largest harbours and has a rich maritime history.
Day 2
Halifax
Enjoy a day exploring the museums and waterfront district of Halifax, with its restored Historic Properties. Visit the Citadel that has guarded the city since the 18 century and the lovely Public Gardens dating back to 1867. You could also take a harbour cruise aboard the Tall Ship Silva. Enjoy eating in one of the many restaurants in this charming city – many specialising in seafood but also featuring farm-to-fork and craft breweries.
Day 3
Halifax to Western Shore, Nova Scotia (47 miles)
Pick up your hire car and head of the city westbound. Travel along the northern shore of St Margarets Bay and then arrive in the picturesque Western Shore area, just across the water from magnificent Oak Island. You’ll be spending two nights on the beautiful southern shores of Nova Scotia with breath-taking views of Mahone Bay.
Day 4
Western Shore
A full day to enjoy this lovely coastal resort. Take a stroll along the resort’s seaside trail and spot minke and fin whales as they play off Tancook Island.
Day 5
Western Shore to Digby, Nova Scotia (98 miles)
This morning head west and cross the heart of Nova Scotia and the wilderness that is home to a wide variety of woodland animals. It’s worth setting out early so that you can enjoy time hiking at Kejimkujik National Park and Historic Site. The trails, and also canoe routes, are accessible from Kejimkujik Lake and lead deep into the park’s interior where you will find remote, island-dotted lakes. Later, continue to Digby on the southern shores of the Bay of Fundy, for your overnight stay.
Day 6
Digby to Truro, Nova Scotia (184 miles)
Drive along the northern coast of Nova Scotia and admire the Bay of Fundy, world-famous for its extreme tides. The vertical range between low and high tide can be as much as 50 feet. Twice a day the tides carry 100-billion tons of water into the Bay of Fundy. On your way through this beautiful area you can visit historic landmarks such as the Annapolis Royal Area, the Grand Pre National Historic Site and Fort Edward National Historic Site. Continue to Truro where you will spend the night.
Day 7
Truro to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island (147 miles)
This morning you will visit Pictou – the “Birthplace of New Scotland” and explore the Hector Heritage Quay where the first Scottish settlers arrived in 1773. Here you will take the ferry across the Northumberland Strait to Prince Edward Island. This is Canada’s smallest province noted for its peaceful charm and fruitful rolling countryside. Arrive in the lovely town of Charlottetown, the vibrant seaside capital city of Prince Edward Island where you will stay for two nights
Day 8
Charlottetown
A full day to enjoy the charming Victorian houses and elegant squares of Old Charlotte Town. Enjoy browsing the boutiques and or take a Lobster Boil boat trip.
Day 9
Charlottetown to Antigonish, Nova Scotia (215 miles)
Return to Nova Scotia via the Northumberland Strait and drive along the North Shore Drive through tranquil scenery and small communities. Overnight in Antigonish.
Day 10
Antigonish to Baddeck (87 miles)
Drive to the eastern reaches of the Northumberland Strait and St Georges Bay, then continue on through gentle rolling fields of the bay area and the beautiful Bras D’Or Lake lowlands. Arrive at the gateway to the Cape Breton Highlands – the town of Baddeck, your home for the next two nights
Day 11
Baddeck
Take the scenic drive along the Cabot Trail into the highlands of North Breton, past lochs and glens settled by the Scottish Highlanders and along the scenic coastlines settled by the Acadians. Enjoy the stunning views of sea-swept headlands, plunging cliffs and tranquil beaches as you continue through the rugged Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Return to Baddeck for the evening.
Day 12
Baddeck to West Bay, Nova Scotia (54 miles)
Today drive south through charming maritime communities that still celebrate their Scottish heritage. Tour the Fortress of Louisburg, where you will enjoy the interactive demonstrations by staff in their historical costumes. You can have lunch here in one of period restaurants serving authentic meals of the original inhabitants. Continue onto Bras d’Or Lake, considered to be one of the best places to sail, and tonight you’ll be staying in West Bay.
Day 13
West Bay to Liscombe Mills, Nova Scotia (95 miles)
Travel through Port Hawksbury and over the Canso Causeway which connects east and west Nova Scotia. Once on the western shore, drive along the rugged southern coastline, passing beautiful beach parks and dramatic shorelines. Reach Liscomb Mills for your final night of the holiday.
Day 14
Liscombe Mills to Halifax (109 miles)
Follow the Marine Drive back to Halifax where you will drop your car off at the airport and fly home.
Please be aware that departure flights leaving from Halifax typically leave mid morning. Why not extend your trip with an additional night in Halifax for ease of travel?
