Day 1 - Halifax Arrive Halifax. 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.
Overnight Halifax.
Day 2 - Halifax/Lunenburg
This morning enjoy a city tour of Halifax – take in the sights of Halifax Historic Properties, Spring Garden Road, Province House and much more. Later, depart Halifax and drive the south shore along the Lighthouse Route. En route visit Peggy's Cove, a picturesque fishing village surrounded by bare granite and coastal barrens and home to Nova Scotia's most visited lighthouse. Continue on to Mahone Bay, a relaxing seaside town renowned for its quiet beauty and internationally known churches. Further along the route you will arrive in Lunenburg, The region’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lunenburg is widely touted as one of the most beautiful towns not just in Nova Scotia, but in all of Canada. Located along a harbor and bordered by dramatic hills, the town is dotted with beguiling pastel-coloured buildings, most of which were constructed between the 18th and 19th centuries. These historic houses are characterised by the unique 'Lunenburg Bump', a five-sided dormer window built over the front door. The town’s vibrant atmosphere adds to its draw, with its downtown area buzzing with offbeat boutiques, progressive galleries and artisan shops. Overnight Lunenburg.
Day 3 - Lunenburg/Digby
Drive north along the Kejimkujik Scenic Drive via the Kejimkujik National Park; a spectacular inland National Park with walking trails to suit all levels and some of the best canoeing in Atlantic Canada. Visit the excellent visitor centre, which houses replicas of the native tools found by archaeologists dating back 4500 years ago. Continue on to Annapolis Royal, nestled in the Annapolis Valley. Sightseeing suggestions in the area include Fort Anne National Historic Site, Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens, the O'Dell House Museum, Sinclair Inn National Historic Site, a delightful waterfront boardwalk and much more. Continue on to Digby overlooking the broad Annapolis Basin and the ferry gateway to New Brunswick. The Annapolis Valley area is known as wine country, be sure to visit one of the many wineries in the area.
Overnight Digby.
Day 4 - Digby/Pictou
Today you will depart Digby and continue along the Evangeline Trail and on to the historic town of Pictou - known as the birthplace of New Scotland. It was here that the province's first Scottish Highlanders landed on the ship ‘Hector’ in 1773. Pictou boasts an award-winning waterfront development that includes the Hector Heritage Quay, where a full scale replica of the Hector has been built using traditional ship building techniques.
Overnight Pictou.
Day 5 - Pictou/Baddeck
This morning you can tour Pictou. Depart Pictou and continue to Cape Breton via the Canso Causeway and onto Baddeck. This scenic village overlooks the beautiful Bras d'Or Lakes and the most notable resident historically was Alexander Graham Bell - you can visit the National Historic Site named after him.
Overnight Baddeck.
Day 6 - Baddeck/ Louisbourg
Today you will follow the famous Cabot Trail clockwise - one of the most spectacular drives in all of Canada. Follow the route along to the French Acadian community of Cheticamp – which has a distinct Acadian flavour noticeable in the architecture, people, language and music. Continue along the Cabot Trail which winds around the rocky splendour of Cape Breton's northern shore, ascending to the incredible plateaus of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The park has 26 hiking trails ranging from 20-minute short walks to challenging hikes through stunning mountain and coastal landscapes. 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. Then drive to Glace Bay, home of the Miners Museum and Marconi National Historic Site. Glace Bay is the beginning of the Marconi Trail, named after Guglielmo Marconi the Italian inventor, who sent the first transatlantic wireless message from here. Follow the trail to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site the largest historical reconstruction in North America. Hear the cannons and muskets fire, watch the changing of the guard and meet the villagers at this meticulously preserved and recreated French fortification of over 250 years ago.
Overnight Louisbourg.
Day 7 - Louisbourg/Liscomb Mills
Depart Louisbourg and continue onto Canso Causeway. From here you will drive along the Eastern Shore and follow the Marine Drive Route where you will find nature, history and culture, as well as rugged coasts, tranquil bays and beaches, unspoiled forest fauna and crystal clear lakes and streams. Be sure to visit the communities en route such as Guysborough - an inviting neighbourhood with distinctive architecture overlooking Chedabucto Bay before arriving at Liscomb Mills. Overnight Liscomb Mills.
Day 8 - Liscomb Mills/Halifax
Take a leisurely drive back to Halifax Stanfield International Airport, ready for your onward journey. En route visit Musquodoboit Harbour & Valley – a haven for nature lovers, and Martinique Beach – the longest beach in the province.