Day 1
Halifax
Arrive in Halifax and transfer independently to The Prince George Hotel Halifax to check in before an afternoon of adventuring. Take in stunning ocean views on the Tall Ship Silva Sailing Cruise or a Halifax Harbour Cruise. Then head to dry land where you’ll explore the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. Grab dinner at one of Halifax’s many oceanside restaurants then head back for a restful night at this charming boutique hotel.
Overnight: The Prince George Hotel Halifax
Day 2
Halifax
After breakfast stroll along the boardwalk then head to the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic for a deep dive into history. After the museums, set out on a tour of picturesque Georges Island National Historic Site or perhaps join the Best of Halifax Walking Tour, then grab dinner and a show or pop into one of the many charming pubs with live music.
Overnight: The Prince George Hotel Halifax
Day 3
Halifax - Lunenburg (58 miles)
Head out on the highway for about an hour and you’ll find yourself in the colourful fishing village of Lunenburg. Discover this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s fascinating history on a Lunenburg Walking Tour. Then make your way to the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic to delve deeper into the area’s seafaring past.
Overnight: Ashlea House or Bluenose Lodge
Day 4
Lunenburg - Smith’s Cove (111 miles)
This day is dedicated to historic treasures. Travel by car for about two hours to Smith’s Cove and you’ll find Canada’s first administered National Historic Site and one of the most hotly contested pieces of land on the continent— Fort Anne National Historic Site. Then zip over to nearby Port Royal National Historic Site before making your way to Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens where you can take in the view while overlooking a tidal river. Then nestle into your cozy accommodations at Harbourview Inn.
Overnight: Harbourview Inn
Day 5
Smith’s Cove - Wolfville (83 miles)
Today you’ll drive 1.5 hours to Grand Pré National Historic Site. Discover powerful Acadian stories within a picturesque landscape on the unceded traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq. Successes and struggles are illuminated through multimedia presentations and engaging displays, a splendid Victorian garden, and a Memorial Church. The site is a monument to Acadian culture and deportation. Explore the grounds, take a tour, rent a bike, hit the trails and so much more before ending your night at Tattingstone Inn.
Overnight: Tattingstone Inn
Day 6
Wolfville - Parrsboro (72 miles)
Pack some car snacks for a 2.75 hour drive to the charming town of Parrsboro. Spend the day at Joggins Fossil Centre Museum and explore one of nature’s most inspiring creations, where the highest tides in the world reveal the most complete fossil record of the “Coal Age,” 100 million years before the dinosaurs. Then uncover gems at the Fundy Geological Museum for a day full of historic marvels.
Overnight: Gillespie House Inn
Day 7
Parrsboro - Ingonish Beach (195 miles)
You will have the drive of a lifetime along the Cabot Trail on today’s journey. Take in majestic ocean views and stunning natural beauty all along the way to Ingonish Beach where you can join in the ‘Lantern Walk through Time’ guided tour with Parks Canada. After a long day of beautiful views and fascinating history you can tuck in at the welcoming Castle Rock Country Inn.
Overnight: Castle Rock Country Inn
Day 8
Ingonish Beach - Baddeck (52 miles)
Head to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site where you will explore the remnants of a short (but eventful!) period of history, including a reconstructed section of the French colonial town featuring costumed guides and richly furnished exhibits. As you make your way towards Baddeck, visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site to wake up your own spirit of innovation through diverse experiences, as you explore Bell’s inventions that helped shape our modern world.
Overnight: Auberge Gisele’s Inn
Day 9
Baddeck - Charlos Cove (107 miles)
Today you’ll travel to the artists haven of Parc do nos Ancêtres. Explore the engrossing history of the park and the story of the Tor Bay Acadian families with a series of large stones and interpretive panels in the shape of an anchor. Then, go back in time at the Sherbrooke Village Museum where costumed interpreters bring history to life in 25 original heritage buildings on 53 acres.
Overnight: Seawind Landing Country Inn
Day 10
Return to Halifax (151 miles)
It’s time to drive back to Halifax and catch your flight home, or fly on to explore another part of Canada.
Important notes:
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Meals noted in the above itinerary are not included in the holiday price
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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? Speak to our Canada travel specialists for further information.
