Unique Nova Scotia

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. Immerse yourself in Halifax’s rich history at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and be sure to survey the city from the 18th-century Citadel National Historic Site. You can also visit a 200-year-old restored fishing village at Fisherman’s Cove and discover the stories of over a million immigrants who landed in Halifax at Pier 21. Venture to McNabs Island, located at the mouth of the Halifax Harbour, for secluded trails, a beautiful beach, and a historic fort.

Old Town Lunenburg is one of only two urban communities in North America designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Considered to be its best surviving planned British colonial town, you can still see the tall ships moored off the port and hear the smith’s hammer, while guided tours tell tales of lives lost on the ocean, and the spirits that return to haunt the living. Lunenburg’s harbour-side streets are lined with unique shops and restaurants that blend with the well-preserved and colourfully painted historic homes, much of it like a living museum from the 18th century. Visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic to explore wharf-side vessels and their extraordinary aquarium, and the famous Bluenose II, a replica of the original world famous racing schooner.

En route to Digby explore some of Kejimkujik National Park with it’s trails and some of the best canoeing in Atlantic Canada. Digby itself boasts spectacular views of the Annapolis Basin and is also the ferry gateway to New Brunswick as well as offering great Whale Watching. Make sure to visit postcard pretty Annapolis Royal.

Take the early 3 hr ferry crossing to Saint John, NB and follow the Fundy Coastal Drive to the Park. With its steep coastal cliffs, forest clad hills, and deep rich valleys, Fundy is renowned for its hiking trails, as well as being a haven for bird watchers, golfers, cyclists, canoeists and naturalists alike. Take the opportunity to walk on the ocean floor at Hopewell Rocks and witness the highest tides in the world.

Continue along the Acadian Coastal Drive via Sackville and Port Elgin and onto the Confederation Bridge to Prince Edward Island. On arrival in Summerside visit the stately homes that grace the downtown residential core which were once home to many a wealthy ship builder and visit Spinakers Landing on the attractive waterfront, bringing the shipbuilding era alive.

Depart Summerside along the Blue Heron Scenic to delightful Charlottetown, capital of PEI. Enjoy a city tour taking in the sights of Charlottetown Harbour, the Governor’s Mansion and the University of P.E.I. The pretty historic village of Victoria and the Fort Amherst-Port-La-Joye National Historic Site are definite highlights that shouldn’t be missed.

Continue on through the Hills and Harbours region to Wood Islands ferry terminal. Take the short scenic ferry across to Caribou in Nova Scotia and follow the Sunrise Trail to vibrant Tatamagouche and check out the old Victorian homes here.

Time to explore the western shore of Cape Breton Island along the Ceilidh Trail. Highlights include the Provincial Parks at Long Point, Port Hood and Margaree Harbour. Then slowly explore 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. Explore the 26 miles of hiking trails through mountain and coastal landscapes.

Today the Fleur-de-Lis Trail follows 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 through many picturesque villages and communities. Visit the living history museum of Sherbrooke Village – a re-enactment of life in old Nova Scotia.

Depart and take a leisurely drive back to Halifax.