Unique Properties of the Maritimes

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.

This morning enjoy a city tour and take in the sights of Citadel Hill, Halifax Harbour, Historic Properties, Bedford Basin, Point Pleasant Park and much more. Afternoon at leisure to explore the city further. Visit one of the nearby malls, enjoy a Harbour Tour or take the ferry over to the city of Dartmouth. A visit to the excellent Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is a must! See the unique collection of the memorabilia collected after the tragic Titanic disaster.

Kejimkujik National Park

104 miles

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 the most visited lighthouse in Nova Scotia. Continue on to Lunenburg, a unique town in terms of architecture and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunenburg is the birthplace of the famous Bluenose, built in 1921. Drive north into 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.

Digby

45 miles

This morning explore further the delights of this beautiful park. Visit the excellent visitor centre, which houses replicas of the native tools found, by archaeologists dating back 4500 years ago. Depart Kejimkujik and drive north to Digby. Digby boasts spectacular views of the Annapolis Basin and is also the ferry gateway to New Brunswick.

Fundy National Park

130 miles

Board the ferry, a crossing of approximately 3 hours over to Saint John, New Brunswick. Saint John is New Brunswick's largest city and is steeped in history with lots to see and do. Places to visit include Carleton Martello Tower National Historic Site, the old city market, Loyalist House, the New Brunswick Museum and probably the most famous - the Reversing Falls. Continue on along the spectacular Fundy Coastal Drive via St. Martins, a scenic fishing village with a famous shipbuilding heritage and spectacular red cliffs and caves. This route then takes you inland via Sussex and then on to the Fundy National Park. The Fundy National Park has 206 square kilometres of steep coastal cliffs, forest clad hills, deep rich valleys and rolling meadows.

Day at leisure to explore this magnificent park. The park is renowned for its hiking trails, with over 104 kms of trails to choose from, ranging from easy � km loops to a demanding 50 km circuit around the park. The park is a haven for bird watchers, golfers, cyclists, canoeists and naturalists. If time permits visit Cape Enrage Lighthouse and Mary's Point Bird Sanctuary located nearby.

Summerside

150 miles

Depart Fundy National Park and drive via the fascinating Hopewell Rocks where you can walk on the ocean floor and witness the highest tides in the world. Continue along the Acadian Coastal Drive via Sackville and Port Elgin and onto the Confederation Bridge. The Confederation Bridge was completed in 1997 and provides a direct link across the water from New Brunswick to Prince Edward Island. On arrival into P.E.I. take the Blue Heron Scenic Drive to Summerside. On arrival visit the stately homes that grace the downtown residential core which were once home to many a wealthy ship builder. Also visit Spinakers Landing on the attractive waterfront, bringing the shipbuilding era alive.

Charlottetown

39 miles

Depart Summerside continuing along the Blue Heron Scenic Drive to Cavendish - home of Anne of Green Gables and Avonlea - the village of Anne of Green Gables. Depart Cavendish and continue along the Blue Heron Scenic Drive to Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island.

Today enjoy a city tour of Charlottetown retracing the steps of the Fathers of Confederation, taking in the sights of Charlottetown Harbour, the Governor's Mansion, the University of P.E.I. and more. Spend the afternoon exploring the attractions further afield, visit the pretty historic village of Victoria and the Fort Amherst-Port-La-Joye National Historic Site, which is located near Charlottetown Harbour.

Tatamagouche

115 miles

Depart Charlottetown and continue on through the Hills and Harbours region to Wood Islands ferry terminal. Take the NFL ferry across to Caribou, Nova Scotia - a short scenic crossing of only 75 minutes (payable locally). On arrival follow the Sunrise Trail to Tatamagouche. Tatamagouche is a vibrant community where meeting of old and new is in harmony and old Victorian homes and businesses mix with modern homes and facilities.

Baddeck

164 miles

Depart Tatamagouche heading east along the Sunrise Trail via New Glasgow, the largest community along the Sunrise Trail. Continue on to Cape Breton via the Canso Causeway and on to 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.

Depart Baddeck and take time to explore the western shore of Cape Breton Island along the Ceilidh Trail. Highlights include the Provincial Parks at Long Point and Port Hood and Margaree Harbour, where you can take a nature cruise of the area. Return to Baddeck.

Depart Baddeck and follow the famous Cabot Trail, one of the most spectacular drives in all of Canada. The trail winds around the rocky splendor 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.

Louisbourg

67 miles

Depart Baddeck via Glace Bay, home of the Miners Museum and Marconi National Historical 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 Louisbourg, home to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, the largest historical reconstruction in North America.

Liscomb Mills

190 miles

From Louisbourg continue along the Fleur-de-Lis Trail following the coastal route to St. Peter's, where you will join the Bras d'Or Lakes Trail. Cross the Canso Causeway and continue along the Marine Drive, which follows the eastern shore. You will drive through Guysborough - an inviting town with distinctive architecture overlooking Chedabucto Bay. Guysborough Harbour is home to 'Wilma the Beluga Whale' - a resident for several years! You will then drive through many picturesque villages and communities including Canso - once an important French fishing station, and Goldboro - once the best goldmining district in the province, to name a few. A visit to Sherbrooke Village is a must! This living history museum is a re-enactment of village life in old Nova Scotia.

Halifax

109 miles

Depart Liscomb Mills and take a leisurely drive back to Halifax. En route visit Musqodoboit Harbour & Valley - a haven for nature lovers, and Martinique Beach - the longest beach in the province. Drop off your rental car in Halifax on arrival.