Arrive in Halifax, pick up your rental vehicle and explore this true maritime city. First settled in 1749, Halifax today is Nova Scotia’s capital and the largest city in Canada’s Maritime Provinces.

Lord Nelson Hotel

Enjoy a full day in Halifax to explore the Historic Properties (Privateer’s Wharf), gaze over the city from the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site and visit York Redoubt National Historic Site, a 200 year old fortification overlooking the harbour. There are also plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants in which to relax and enjoy Halifax’s welcoming ambience.

Lord Nelson Hotel

Head south from Halifax to Lunenburg, visiting Peggy’s Cove along the way. Peggy’s Cove is a small village with houses built right into the granite rock and a lighthouse overlooking the Atlantic. Old Town Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a lovingly restored Victorian town that begs you to wander and explore.

Halifax > Lunenburg | 145 kms

Bluenose Lodge

Breakfast

Cross the peninsula and make a stop at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, renowned for its hiking trails and incredible canoeing on wilderness lakes and rivers. Park guides conduct outings on foot to reveal the natural history of the area, including the Mi’kmaq pretoglyphs. Continue along Route 8 to Annapolis Royal.

Lunenburg > Annapolis Royal | 140 kms

Hillsdale House

Breakfast

Today, drive 70 km along the Digby Neck for 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 National Historic Site.

Annapolis Royal > Bay of Fundy | 205 kms (return)

Hillsdale House

Breakfast

Make time to stop at the Grand-Pré National Historic Site, commemorating 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. Also, the Domaine de Grand Pré is a fantastic winery in the area, that is well worth a visit.

Annapolis Royal > Wolfville | 110 kms

Tattingstone Inn

Breakfast

En route to Charlottetown, be sure to make time to stop and see the Bay of Fundy a marvel of nature. Twice a day, over 160 billion tonnes of water flows in and out of the bay, with the average high tide at Burntcoat Head Park a staggering 14.5 metres. When the tide goes out, you can walk on the ocean floor.

To drive from Nova Scotia onto Prince Edward Island, you will cross the impressive, 13 km long Confederation Bridge.

Wolfville > Charlottetown | 360 kms

The Great George

Breakfast

Enjoy a day exploring Charlottetown. Province House National Historic Site was the scene of meetings that led to the formation of Canada as a country in 1867.

The Great George

Breakfast

Head out today to explore Prince Edward Island National Park on the island’s north shore. Discover stretching beaches and sand dunes, and visit Green Gables, the fictional home of Anne, the character created by Canadian writer Lucy Maud Montgomery and loved by millions worldwide.

Charlottetown > Prince Edward Island | 100 kms (return)

The Great George

Breakfast

Depart Charlottetown taking Route 1 to Wood Islands Ferry crossing to Caribou, Nova Scotia, then drive to Cape Breton Island, a little piece of Scotland in North America!

Charlottetown > Cape Breton Island | 275 kms

Inverary Resort

Allow a full day to explore the fabulous Cabot Trail and Cape Breton Highlands National Park. It’s a 300 km circular route from Baddeck, with stunning views around almost every corner. We suggest setting out early, so you can take your time, stop at the viewpoints and enjoy some of the 26 beautiful hiking trails in the National Park. The 8.2 km Skyline Trail, a 15 minutes drive from the park entrance, just past Cheticamp, is particularly recommended. 

Cape Breton Island > Cabot Trail | 300 kms (return)

Inverary Resort

This morning head north to discover the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. This incredible ‘living museum’, the largest historical reconstruction in North America, is an impressive restoration of a French garrison town dating from the 1700s, complete with costumed interpreters who re-enact daily life from the colonial period.

Back in Baddeck you can visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, a museum dedicated to the life and inventions of this fascinating man, who spent his summers on the shores of the Bras d’Or Lake. The museum is located on Chebucto Street (Route 205), in a residential area on the east edge of the village.

Cape Breton Island > Louisbourg | 220 kms (return)

Inverary Resort

Allow a full day for the return trip to Halifax, starting with a scenic drive by the Bras d’Or Lake (technically an estuary). Drive to the Canso Causeway to cross over to mainland Nova Scotia. At the community of Antigonish, travel southwest along Marine Drive to the Nova Scotian capital.

Cape Breton Island > Halifax | 360 kms

Lord Nelson Suites

Your Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island self drive holiday concludes today. Drop your car off at the depot in time to catch your flight home, or onto your next destination…