Upon arrival into Halifax collect your car and drive to your hotel for 3 nights (you may wish to pick up your car when you leave Halifax). Halifax is located on one of the world’s largest natural harbours and bears all the hallmarks of both a modern and historic city. Welcome to Nova Scotia’s provincial capital, this attractive city is a bustling hub of art galleries, shops, museums, restaurants, sidewalk cafes and vibrant nightlife centred around the picturesque waterfront. Officially founded in 1749 the history dates back even further, to times of the Mi’kmaq Natives, European Fishermen and the early Acadians, who came long before the British. Visit Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery, one of the nearby malls, enjoy a Harbour Tour or take the ferry over to the city of Dartmouth. A visit to the excellent Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is a must! See the unique collection of the memorabilia collected after the tragic Titanic disaster.

Today you travel along the Nova Scotia coast visiting Peggy’s Cove. Traversing the northern shore of beautiful St. Margaret’s Bay, you arrive in the picturesque Western Shore area, just across the water from magnificent and mysterious Oak Island.

Day 5 Western Shore

You will be staying on the beautiful southern shores of Nova Scotia with breath-taking views of mahone Bay and legendary Oak Island. Stroll along the seaside trail and observe humpback and fin whales as they play off Tancook Island.

Day 6 Western Shore to Digby (158 km)

Head west and cross the heart of Nova Scotia and the near pristine wilderness that is home to a wide variety of woodland animals. You may wish to make a stop for a hike in Kejimkujik National Park and Historic Site. The hiking tails and canoe routes are accessible from Kejimkujik Lake and lead deep into the park’s interior and to its remote island-dotted lakes. On several locations on the shore of Kejimkujik Lake, the soft slate has been decorated with petroglyphs reflecting life prior to and following the arrival of Europeans. Arrive in Digby on the southern shores of the Bay of Fundy – overnight in Digby.

Day 7 Digby to Truro (296 km)

Drive along Nova Scotia’s northern shore and admire the Bay of Fundy, world-famous for its extreme tides. The vertical range between high and low tide can be as much as 15 metres, the greatest rise of water on earth. Twice a day, the tides carry 100 billion tonnes of water into the Bay of Fundy. On your way through the beautiful stretch of land you can visit historic landmarks, such as the Annapolis Royal Area, the Gran Pre National Historic Site and Fort Edward National Historic Site. You will be able to learn more about Nova Scotia’s Scottish Acadian and native heritage.

Day 8 Truro to Antigonish (114 km)

Drive through tranquil scenery and small communities that still celebrate Nova Scotia’s Scottish, Native and Acadian identities. Overnight in Antigonish.

Day 9 Antigonish to Baddeck (141 km)

Today you depart your hotel and soon arrive at the narrows of the ocean and the eastern reaches of the Northumberland Strait at the doorstep of the island and the commercial hub of Ports Hawkesbury near the tip of St. Georges Bay. Continue on through gentle rolling fields of the bay area as it transitions into the beautiful Bras D’or Lake lowlands. Arrive in Baddeck, often known as the gateway to Cape Breton Highlands.

Day 10 Baddeck to Cheticamp and Bay St. Lawrence (178 kms)

On your way to Cheticamp drive via the Margaree Valley. Visit the Margaree Salmon Museum — the history of salmon fishing in the area is over 100 years old, and the Margaree is a world-famous salmon river. Stop by the Margaree Fish Hatchery, the second oldest salmon hatchery in North America. Perhaps take part in a quilting workshop and learn to make colourful quilts or drop into the Cape Breton Clay pottery centre. Continue on to the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where you can join a guided nature tour or take to the hiking trails that wind through some of the oldest forests in the province. Perhaps cool down with a dip in the ocean at Petit Etang Beach or embark on a whale watching tour. Admire the architectural splendour at l'Église St. Pierre (St Peter's Church) Acadian Museum before digging in to a true Acadian dish at Le Gabriel Restaurant. Take time to visit the bustling fishing town Pleasant Bay where you can check out the fascinating Pleasant Bay Whale Interpretive Centre or just enjoy a stroll around the harbour. Drive to the top of Cape Breton and stay at Bay St Lawrence. Spend time exploring the northern tip of Cape Breton Island with its indented coastline and bays such as Meat Cove. Make sure you allow time to go walking in the beautiful Cape Breton Highlands National Park to look for wildlife there. Perhaps hike to Beulach Ban Falls, one of nature’s most mystical gems.  A ride on the Atlantic Gondola will take you to the summit of Destination Cape Smokey, where you will find expansive views of the Cape Breton Highland National Park, Atlantic Ocean, and Ingonish. 

Spend two nights in St. Lawrence.

Day 12 Bay St Lawrence to Ingonish and Saint Ann’s Bay (144 kms)

The Ingonish area is a destination for all seasons. Be inspired by the breath taking coastal and mountain scenery whether bathed in sunshine or covered in snow. In the summer, spend time along the sandy shores of Ingonish Beach that offers both saltwater and freshwater swimming. Challenge yourself in the ocean's waves in a kayak or unwind under a canopy of trees. The area is known as a golfers' paradise, as golfers from around the world flock to the famed Highlands Links, which is considered by many to be Canada’s finest course. Browse in the shops of skilled crafters — watch them create treasures in clay, pewter, wood, fibre, glass, or leather. Shop for Cape Breton quilts, fine art, even an antique. Hike or snowshoe a local trail, or one of the rocky shores. Stand atop the rolling hills and enjoy the views. Maybe bring along a fishing rod and cast a line into the many rivers or lakes, or try your luck in the ocean at Jersey Cove or take a boat trip to Bird Islands. In the evening take part in a traditional music ceilidh or attend an evening concert of Cape Breton's music. 

Overnight St Ann’s Bay 1 night

Day 13 St Ann’s Bay to Liscombe Mills – (233 kms)

Continue on Cape Breton island and the shores of Bras d’or Lake and travel through Port Hawksbury over the Canso Causeway connecting eastern and western Nova Scotia. Once on the western shore you may wish to alter your route and turn south to drive along the rugged southern Nova Scotia coastline. The coastal highway passes through great natural habitats, beach parks and dramatic shorelines along Nova Scotia’s eastern Atlantic coast. 

Overnight at Liscombe Mills.

Day 14 Liscombe Mills to Halifax (176 km)

Make your way to the Liscombe Game Sanctuary – a 250 square kilometre area encompassing stands of virgin Nova Scocian forest and wildlife such as moose, deer, mink and muskrat. Follow the Marine Drive back to Halifax International Airport to drop off your car and take your flight to the UK.