Arrive at Halifax Airport in the afternoon. Pick up your hire car and begin the scenic drive to Antigonish, passing through peaceful countryside and coastal stretches.

Once you arrive, check into your hotel and unwind after your journey. If you’re feeling up to it, take a relaxed stroll through Columbus Field Park or along the charming main street to get a feel for the town. Grab dinner at a local bistro and enjoy the friendly Maritime hospitality. It’s the perfect low-key start to your Nova Scotia adventure.

Halifax > Antigonish | 215 kms

Maritime Inn, Antigonish or similar

Drive north towards Cape Breton Island, crossing the Canso Causeway and joining the world-renowned Cabot Trail. The journey offers dramatic ocean views, cliffs, and forested valleys.

Makes sure to stop at the Skyline Trail, an 8.2 km loop walk with breathtaking views over the Gulf of St. Lawrence, where in-season, you can often see humpback whales breaching. Bald eagles and moose are also commonly sighted.

Arrive at the stunning Keltic Lodge at Ingonish Beach, nestled on a cliff in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where you’ll stay for the next three nights.

Antigonish > Keltic Lodge | 230 kms

Keltic Lodge & Spa

You have two full days to enjoy both the resort’s amenities and the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds Keltic Lodge.

You could start your day with a round of golf at the renowned Highlands Links Golf Course, considered one of Canada’s top coastal courses, or a relaxing spa treatment, and dip in the outdoor heated pool.

Head to Ingonish Beach for a swim or a relaxing paddle on the Atlantic, or join a guided nature walk through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. You can also spend time browsing local craft shops and soaking up the region’s deep-rooted Celtic culture in nearby communities.

Evenings at the lodge are equally inviting, with local seafood on the menu, cosy fireside lounges, and occasional live entertainment, capturing the spirit of Cape Breton. As night falls, enjoy stargazing in the park’s Dark Sky Preserve.

Keltic Lodge & Spa

Continue your journey through the western Cabot Trail, with stops at artisan studios, lookouts like MacKenzie Mountain, and cultural gems like the Great Hall of the Clans in Gaelic College St. Ann’s.

Arrive in Baddeck, a charming village on Bras d’Or Lake, and check into Silver Dart Lodge for a two-night stay.

Keltic Lodge > Silver Dart Lodge | 100 kms

Silver Dart Lodge

Silver Dart Lodge offers a peaceful retreat with a perfect balance of relaxation and exploration. Start your day with a quiet coffee on your private balcony as the morning mist rises off Bras d’Or Lake. Spend some time unwinding by the outdoor pool or relax on the lakeview terrace with a good book. For those wanting to stay active, rent a bike and explore the nearby trails that wind through the gentle hills around Baddeck. Later, enjoy a delicious meal at McCurdy’s Dining Room, which offers regional cuisine and panoramic views over the lake—an ideal spot for a leisurely dinner.

When you’re ready to explore the area, begin with a visit to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, where you’ll gain insight into the inventor’s ground breaking work and deep connection to the region. For a truly memorable experience, take a boat cruise on Bras d’Or Lake, a peaceful outing often accompanied by sightings of bald eagles and sweeping sunset views. In the afternoon, wander through Baddeck’s quaint boutiques and art galleries, or take a gentle stroll along the Baddeck Waterfront Boardwalk for a relaxing end to your day.

Silver Dart Lodge

After breakfast, drive back to Halifax. Along the way, stop at Victoria Park in Truro for a refreshing walk to waterfalls hidden in forest trails.

Arrive in Halifax and check into your hotel. In the evening, stroll along the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk and enjoy a seafood dinner at a harbourside restaurant.

Silver Dart Lodge > Halifax | 350 kms

Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites or similar

Drive to Halifax Airport in the morning, return your hire car, and catch your late morning flight home.