Arrive in Halifax, pick up your rental vehicle, and head downtown. After checking in to your hotel, stretch your legs with a walk along the historic waterfront boardwalk. Enjoy a drink in one of the cafés, explore the ships in the maritime museum and choose a restaurant for an evening meal whilst you watch the boats sail by.

Sutton Place Hotel or similar

Today is yours to explore the Nova Scotia capital at your leisure. You could take in the view from the ramparts and preserved buildings of the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, or tour the city by land and sea on the amphibious Halifax Harbour Hopper. Alternatively, Peggy’s Cove, a picturesque fishing village built on giant granite rocks, is just a 50 minute drive away.

Sutton Place Hotel or similar

Depart Halifax and follow the Marine Scenic Highway along the Eastern Shore. You can stop at Lawrencetown or Martinique Beach for a stroll along the shore, or at Sherbrooke Village, where a collection of authentic 19th Century buildings have been lovingly preserved as part of a living museum.

Continue across the causeway onto Cape Breton Island and make your way to the pretty lakeside town of Baddeck, your base for the next three nights.

Halifax > Baddeck | 350 kms

Silver Dart Lodge or similar

Complete a circular drive, setting out along the scenic shores of Bras d’Or Lake en route to the historic town of Louisbourg, best known for its coastal fortress, a National Historic Site. Built by the French in the early 1700s, the fortress was twice put under siege by the British Navy, before being demolished in the 1760s. It was painstakingly rebuilt in the 1960s and is now part of a living museum, where costumed staff share stories of life in the original homes and barracks.

On the return route to Baddeck, pause for a stroll on the beach at Mira Gut or to visit the coastal town of Glace Bay, before following the other side of Bras d’Or Lake back to your hotel.

Roundtrip to Louisbourg | 220 kms

Silver Dart Lodge or similar

Consistently ranked as one of the world’s most scenic drives in the world, the circular Cabot Trail follows the coast of Cape Breton Island, before weaving its way around the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, with jaw-dropping vistas around almost every corner.

There are 24 lookout points on the Cabot Trail, as well as 26 hiking trails, including the popular Franey Trail and Skyline Trail, which not only provide spectacular views, but the chance to spot the park’s resident moose, as well as whales, dolphins and other marine life off shore.

Roundtrip around Cabot Trail | 298 kms

Silver Dart Lodge or similar

Return across the Canso Causeway to the Nova Scotia mainland and head west towards the seaside town of Pictou.

By a natural harbour that shares the same name, Pictou was one of the landing points for Scottish settlers around 250 years ago. One of the first ships to arrive was the Hector, a replica of which can be found along the town’s picturesque waterfront, along with a museum charting their journey and the difficulties endured.

Just north of Pictou board the ferry for a 75 minute cruise across the Northumberland Strait to Prince Edward Island. On arrival, follow the signs to Charlottetown and your hotel.

Baddeck > Charlottetown | 265 kms

The Great George or similar

In Charlottetown, the Province House National Historic Site was the scene of meetings that led to the formation of Canada as a country in 1867. St. Dunstan’s Basilica is in the centre of the town and is known for its stunning architecture, including intricate detailing in each of the spires.

Take a drive around the island to explore the beaches of Prince Edward Island National Park, and to visit Green Gables, the farmhouse inspiration behind Lucy Maud Montgomery’s novel ‘Anne of Green Gables’. Keep an eye out for farmers markets and festivals as you go. Sample some local produce and try the traditional ‘Prince Edward Island lobster boil’ if you have the opportunity.

Roundtrip to Green Gables Beach | 80 kms

The Great George or similar

Leave Prince Edward Island via the impressive Confederation Bridge, part of the Trans-Canada Highway, and cross into New Brunswick.

Continue up the New Brunswick coast, perhaps stopping at the stretching beaches near Bouctouche. Further north you can explore the Kouchibouguac National Park, following one of the boardwalks over the coastal wetlands, keeping an eye out for local wildlife.

Charlottetown > New Brunswick | 262 kms

Rodd Miramichi River or similar

Start your day in Miramichi with a walk along the waterfront boardwalk at Ritchie Wharf, a good place for scenic views and breakfast, before visiting the Fishermen’s Museum to learn about the area’s maritime history.

French Fort Cove is a beautiful area for a hike, a swim or a guided kayak tour along the river, or it is possible to visit Beaubears Island for an insight into the local shipbuilding industry.

The town of Miramichi has developed a reputation for arts and crafts, with artisanal products and traditional wears on show and for sale. There are plenty of riverside restaurants, to relax in the evening and tasting the local flavours.

Rodd Miramichi River or similar

From Miramichi, follow the banks of the meandering river all the way to the New Brunswick capital, Fredericton, home to historic buildings, such as the Legislative Assembly, and delightful botanic gardens.

Alternatively you may prefer to stop at nearby Oromocto, where you can follow scenic hiking tails along the banks of the river, or visit Kings Landing Historical Settlement, where 19th Century rural buildings have been preserved as part of a living museum.

Continue your journey to the picturesque town of St. Andrews, situated on Passamaquoddy Bay, a natural harbour off the Bay of Fundy.

Miramichi > St. Andrews | 303 kms

Algonquin Resort or similar

Whilst staying in St. Andrews, you may like to take the time to visit Kingsbrae Garden, a beautiful multi-themed garden, with colourful flower beds and decorative sculptures. For history buffs a walk through St. Andrews’ historic district is a must, whilst the Blockhouse National Historic Site offers an insight into the region’s military significance.

The iconic red lighthouse stands on the St. Andrews seafront and provides picturesque views across the town and out into the Bay of Fundy, and from the harbour it is possible to join a whale watching cruise out into the bay. Accessible by a sandbar during low tide, Ministers Island features the historic summer estate and gardens of Sir William Van Horne, a former president of the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Algonquin Resort or similar

From St. Andrews drive along the coast to the port town of Saint John to board the afternoon ferry to Digby, Nova Scotia. En route, turn off at Pennfield if you would like to visit Beaver Harbour for a short walk to Lighthouse Point, overlooking the Bay of Fundy.

The scenic ferry journey from Saint John to Digby, across the Bay of Fundy, takes approximately 3 hours. You’ll arrive into Nova Scotia in the late afternoon, where it’s just a short drive to your hotel.

St. Andrews > Digby Pines | 105 kms

Digby Pines Resort or similar

Today you can relax at the resort, enjoying a swim or round of golf, or explore Digby and its surrounds.

The Bay of Fundy is one of the best places in the world to go whale watching, with tours leaving from Digby Neck and Brier Island. Inland, Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site is a lush forested area with meandering rivers and mystical lakes, great for hiking and canoeing. The historic coastal town of Annapolis Royal dates back to the 17th Century. Step foot onto Canada’s oldest National Historic Site and one of the most hotly contested pieces of land on the entire continent at Fort Anne National Historic Site. Located on the other side of the harbour, Port-Royal National Historic Site was one of the first European settlements in North America, leaving a lasting legacy on the area that can still be felt today.

Digby Pines Resort or similar

Nova Scotia is known for its historic lighthouses, but perhaps none offer such panoramic views as Cape Forchu. Take a short diversion from your destination at Yarmouth to head out to the rocky peninsula. Sunsets out on Cape Forchu are particularly picturesque.

Nearby Acadia was a colony in New France, dating back to settlers in the 17th Century. To this day this part of the Nova Scotia coastline has a strong French influence, noticeable in some of the town names along the highway.

The Yarmouth Waterfront is lined with shops, restaurants and a number of historic buildings. The town’s history can be followed in the Yarmouth County Museum & Archives, and the interesting Firefighters’ Museum of Nova Scotia.

Digby > Yarmouth | 106 kms

Rodd Grand Yarmouth or similar

Highway 3, that skirts along Nova Scotia’s South Shore, is named the Lighthouse Route for good reason. There are plenty of opportunities to stop at harbours and beaches along the way to Lunenburg, with White Point Beach particularly recommended.

The harbour town of Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, brimming with colourful 18th Century architecture, maritime charm and vibrant contemporary arts. Wander the historic streets and bustling waterfront, and look out for Bluenose II, a replica of a famous fishing and racing schooner.

Yarmouth > Lunenburg | 227 kms

Bluenose Lodge or similar

You have full day to enjoy Lunenburg. If in port, 2 hour harbour cruises on Bluenose II are available, a wonderful experience. Alternatively, you can visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, where another tall ship, the Theresa E. Connor, is moored.

A short drive along the coast from Lunenburg are Mahone Bay and Peggy’s Cove. Mahone Bay is known for its picturesque waterfront, whilst Peggy’s Cove is home to the most iconic of Nova Scotia’s lighthouses

Bluenose Lodge or similar

After a last wander around Lunenburg in time to return your rental vehicle at the airport and check in for your flight home.