Day 1
Fly to Halifax
Arrive in Halifax and transfer independently to your chosen hotel
Overnight: Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel or similar
Day 2
Halifax
Today enjoy a full day of independent exploration. Perhaps begin with a stroll to the top of the Citadel National Historic Site which will give you a great views of the harbour and city. Built in 1749 and restored in the Victorian era, the Citadel’s star shaped architecture is impressive both inside and out. After discovering all about the history of the area in the fascinating museums, it will be time to take a break – try out one of the great pubs with craft beers brewed on site. This afternoon you could tour the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, visit HMCS Sackville restored to her WW2 glory, stroll through Point Pleasant Park or view the local landmarks such as the Old Town Clock, the City Hall and Province House.
Overnight: Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel or similar
Day 3
Halifax
Today you can either explore more of the coastline around Halifax, enjoying a local trail to enjoy the views and the birdlife. Or you can book a Tall Ship Sailing cruise aboard the Silva taking you through Halifax harbour to see the sights and listen to a fascinating commentary. You can participate and help out with hoisting the sails or simply sit back and enjoy a beautiful time out on th water. (Extra charge for cruise).
Day 4
Halifax – Peggy’s Cove - Lunenburg - Mahone Bay – Digby (184 miles)
Pick up your hire car and head west to Peggy’s Cove – a picture-postcard village perched on the rugged Atlantic shoreline. Enjoy the view of waves exploding on the rocks, Peggy’s Point Lighthouse and quaint wooden houses perched along the narrow inlet. After sampling the famous gingerbread at the Sou’Wester Restaurant, continue for an hour along the South Shore to picturesque Mahone Bay and then onto the charming port town of Lunenburg. After exploring this gorgeous part of the province, you’ll be heading to the northern coast of Nova Scotia, passing beautiful lakes and skirting the Kejimkujik National Park. Check into your hotel in Digby for a two night stay
Overnight: Coastal Inn Digby County or similar
Day 5
Digby – Brier Island – Digby (86 miles round trip)
Today you will head out on route 217 along the narrow strip of land called Digby Neck along St Mary’s Bay. After 30 minutes you’ll reach a ferry to take you over to Long Island (ferries run every hour and cost around $7 round trip) then keep driving to Freeport where you’ll pick up another ferry (don’t stop as the ferries time their connections!) This ferry will take you to Brier Island where you will pick up your Whale & Seabird Cruise. Look out for whales, seals and basking sharks. You will see countless species of birds including puffins, eagles, cormorants, gannets, ospreys, razorbills and more. You must dress warmly for this cruise and take waterproofs as you’ll be spending a couple of hours out in the Bay of Fundy which can experience all sorts of weather in one day. After the cruise, drive back to Digby for the night.
Overnight: Coastal Inn Digby County or similar
Day 6
Digby – Pictou – New Glasgow (240 miles)
Drive to Pictou located on the beautiful Northumberland Shored and known as “The Birthplace of New Scotland”. The first wave of Scottish immigrants landed here in 1773 and you can visit a replica of the “Hector”, one of the ships that brought over these early settlers at Hector Heritage Quay. The town is full of old world charm, and there are some nice little cafes and restaurants for you stroll through. Drive down to New Glasgow and overnight here.
Overnight: Travelodge Suites New Glasgow or similar
Day 7
New Glasgow – Baddeck (125 miles)
Today you’re heading to the easterly tip of Nova Scotia and the beautiful wilds of Cape Breton Island. It’s a picturesque drive along Highway 104 crossing the Canso Causeway to Port Hastings and then onto Baddeck, where you’ll be staying for two nights (or more if you’d like). Visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site to discover this great man’s inventions.
Overnight: Ceilidh Country Lodge or similar
Day 8
Cape Breton
A full day to enjoy the splendid landscapes and seascapes of the Cape Breton National Park. There are many different trails you can hike of differing lengths and difficulty. The Skyline Trail Loop is a favourite, located near Cheticamp, taking you over the rolling countryside and offering spectacular views of the ocean. You will spot myriad birds and perhaps even moose. If you’d like to spend more time exploring this gorgeous part of the world, then please let us know and we will build more nights for you into this itinerary.
Overnight: Ceilidh Country Lodge or similar
Day 9
Baddeck – Halifax (199 miles)
It’s time to take the drive back to Halifax airport and catch your flight home, or fly on to explore another part of Canada.
