Summary
Short description
An exploratory Canada road trip taking in unique properties of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island
Highlights
- From coast to countryside, drive some of the most scenic roads in Atlantic Canada
- Stay in hotels chosen for their unique character and spectacular locations
- Walk in the footsteps of Anne of Green Gables on Prince Edward Island
In Brief
- 2 Nights Halifax
- 1 Night Lunenburg
- 2 Nights Annapolis Royal
- 1 Night Wolfville
- 3 Nights Charlottetown
- 3 Nights Baddeck
- 1 Night Halifax
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
History & culture | Natural world | Self-drive
From Halifax, capital of Nova Scotia, your journey takes you through a diverse range of landscapes, meeting the locals and enjoying some of the best and freshest seafood in North America. Visit Lunenburg, one of three Nova Scotia UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and see the highest tides in the at the Bay of Fundy, where, when the tide retreats, you can enjoy a stroll on the ocean floor. Cross to Prince Edward Island and pay homage to Anne of Green Gables, then head back to Nova Scotia to follow the Cabot Trail, regarded as one of the world’s greatest drives.
Day by day itinerary
Days
1-2
UK / Halifax
Begin your holiday with included airport lounge access before your flight to Halifax, the provincial capital of Nova Scotia. This waterfront port city is a bustling hub of art galleries, shops, museums, restaurants, sidewalk cafes and vibrant nightlife. Officially founded in 1749 its history dates back even further, to times of the Mi’kmaq natives, European fishermen and the early Acadians, who came long before the British. Get your bearings with a city tour and then later, perhaps visit Alexander Keith’s, Canada's first independent brewery, as well as the excellent Maritime Museum of the Atlantic home to a unique collection of artefacts from the Titanic. There's also the excellent Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, a National Historic Site which was the gateway to Canada for one million immigrants between 1928 and 1971.
Stay: The Halliburton, Halifax, Nova Scotia (Superior)
Meals: B
Day
3
Lunenburg
Collect your hire car this morning for a scenic spin along the Lighthouse Route. Along the way, you'll stop at Peggy's Cove, a picturesque fishing village surrounded by bare granite and coastal barrens and home to Nova Scotia's most iconic lighthouse. Then, continue on to the harbour town of Lunenburg, one of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nova Scotia, whose downtown buzzes with offbeat boutiques, progressive galleries and artisan shops. The town itself is dotted with pastel-coloured buildings, historic houses characterised by the unique 'Lunenburg Bump', a five-sided dormer window built over the front door.
Stay: Blue Nose Inn, Lunenburg (Superior)
Meals: B
Day
4
Annapolis Valley
Drive north along the Kejimkujik Scenic Drive to Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site; a spectacular inland National Park with walking trails and some of the best canoeing in Atlantic Canada. Continue on to Annapolis Royal, nestled in its valley namesake. Here, you'll have a free afternoon to take in the sights, from Fort Anne National Historic Site and the pretty Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens to the O'Dell House Museum and the delightful waterfront boardwalk.
Stay: Hillsdale House, Annapolis Royal (Superior)
Day
5
Whale Watching & Fishing Villages | Exploring
Today make the drive along the Digby Neck to experience a whale watching excursion in the nutrient rich waters of the Bay of Fundy. You will likely see finback and Minkes, humpbacks or even the rare North Atlantic right whale. Spend the afternoon exploring Annapolis Royal and Fort Anne
Stay: Hillsdale House, Annapolis Royal (Superior)
Meals: B
Day
6
Annapolis Royal to Wolfville
This morning make time to stop at the Grand-Pré National Historic Site, commemorating the Grand-Pré area as a centre of Acadian settlement from 1682 to 1755 and the Deportation of the Acadians, which began in 1755 and continued until 1762. Nearby, be sure to visit Domaine de Grand-Pré winery, and sample their racy, aromatic Tidal Bay, the first wine appellation for Nova Scotia.
Stay: Tattingstone Inn, Wolfville (Superior)
Meals: B
Days
7-8
Wolfville to Charlottetown & sightseeing
Enroute to Charlottetown take time to stop and see the Bay of Fundy, a marvel of nature. Then, make your way to Caribou for the 75-minute crossing to Wood Islands on Prince Edward Island, then drive to Charlottetown, capital of Prince Edward Island. It was here that the founding fathers gathered for the Charlottetown Conference, and discussions that led to the union of British North America, which eventually became modern Canada as we know it today.
Stay: The Great George, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island (Superior)
Meals: B
Day
9
Prince Edward Island | Exploring
Explore picturesque Prince Edward Island National Park on the Island's north shore - see sand dunes, beaches and Green Gables, fictional home of Anne, the character created by Canadian writer Lucy Maud Montgomery and loved by millions worldwide.
Stay: The Great George, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island (Superior)
Meals: B
Day
10
Charlottetown to Cape Breton Island
Depart Charlottetown towards the ferry crossing point between Wood Islands and Caribou, then drive to Cape Breton Island, a little piece of Scotland in North America
Stay: Silver Dart Lodge, Baddeck (Superior)
Day
11
Cabot Trail
A full day to drive with time to get out and hike or observe the stunning coastal views. There are 26 beautiful hiking trails in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park between Cheticamp and Ingonish. Explore the fabulous Cabot Trail around Cape Breton for awe-inspiring views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Along the way visit the Glenora Distillery and the Les Trois Pignons for a special view into Acadian culture and the history of Chéticamp.
Stay: Silver Dart Lodge, Baddeck (Superior)
Day
12
Louisbourg
This morning head north to discover the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, a restoration of a French garrison town from the 1700s. Continue to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in the village of Baddeck.
Stay: Silver Dart Lodge, Baddeck (Superior)
Meals: B
Day
13
Louisbourg / Halifax
Take a leisurely drive back to Halifax along the scenic Bras d'Or Lakes Drive to the Canso Causeway to enter mainland Nova Scotia. At Antigonish, travel southwest along Marine Drive towards Halifax for your last night.
Stay: The Halliburton, Halifax, Nova Scotia (Superior)
Day
14
Halifax / UK
This morning return your hire car at the airport in time for your daytime flight home
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
14-day tailor-made self-drive
from £2,340 pp
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