Halifax and the Cabot Trail

Self Drive Holiday in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia on Canada’s windswept Atlantic Coast, is almost entirely surrounded by ocean. Little wonder that a road-trip around this rugged province will be as much about the sea as the land. Our ten day fly drive holiday covers many of Nova Scotia’s highlights. You’ll visit the maritime city of Halifax, explore the UNESCO site at Lunenberg, relax at the Trout Point Lodge and follow a stretch of the world-famous Cabot Trail. Throughout your journey, flavours of the sea are never far away. The itinerary can be customized to your travel dates, accommodation preferences and budget.

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SUGGESTED ITINERARY

WHAT, WHERE & WHEN

DAY 1:

Arrival in 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. Overnight Halifax.

DAY 2:

This morning enjoy a city tour of Halifax – take in the sights of Halifax Historic Properties, Spring Garden Road, Province House and much more. Later, 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 Nova Scotia's most visited lighthouse. Continue on to Mahone Bay, a relaxing seaside town renowned for its quiet beauty and internationally known churches. Further along the route you will arrive in Lunenburg. The region’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lunenburg is widely touted as one of the most beautiful towns not just in Nova Scotia, but in all of Canada. Located along a harbour and bordered by dramatic hills, the town is dotted with beguiling pastel-coloured buildings, most of which were constructed between the 18th and 19th centuries. These historic houses are characterized by the unique 'Lunenburg Bump', a five-sided dormer window built over the front door. The town’s vibrant atmosphere adds to its draw, with its downtown area buzzing with offbeat boutiques, progressive galleries and artisan shops. Overnight in Lunenburg.

DAY 3:

Today you’ll continue to Trout Point Lodge where you’ll stay for two nights. Secluded deep in the heart of the Nova Scotian Tobeatic wilderness the luxury adventure inn is the premier destination for stargazing in the Maritimes. The lodge offers guided eco adventures including canoeing, interpretive dark sky adventures and cookery courses. The Japanese inspired forest bathing allows guests to unwind in the fresh air surrounded by the pristine forest of towering spruce, birch and maple trees. Locally inspired menus are served in the renowned restaurant, where guests can expect the freshest Atlantic seafood, meats and homegrown vegetables, matched to an extensive award winning wine list.

Staying at: Trout Point Lodge

DAY 4:

Relax and enjoy the surroundings of Trout Point Lodge. Sitting on the edge of two river systems and vast forests, the hotel is the perfect hideaway for classic Canadian adventures. Today you have the option to be as active or relaxed as you wish. For the more active, the lodge offers canoeing and kayaking, guided hiking and nature walks and wild river swimming. Alternatively unwind during a forest bathing session, join a cooking class, relax in the outdoor barrel sauna and wood-fired hot tub or simply relax in front of a roaring fire amidst wilderness splendour.

DAY 5:

Continue on to Annapolis Royal, nestled in the Annapolis Valley. Sightseeing suggestions in the area include Fort Anne National Historic Site, Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens, the O'Dell House Museum, Sinclair Inn National Historic Site, a delightful waterfront boardwalk and much more. Continue on to Digby overlooking the broad Annapolis Basin and the ferry gateway to New Brunswick. Take an optional whale watching tour from Digby. The Annapolis Valley area is known as wine country, be sure to visit one of the many wineries in the area. Overnight Wolfville.

DAY 6:

Today you will depart Wolfville and continue along the Evangeline Trail. We recommend stopping at Burntcoat National Park and joining the Dining on the Ocean Floor Experience (not included in the price). Continue on to the historic town of Pictou - known as the birthplace of New Scotland. It was here that the province's first Scottish Highlanders landed on the ship ‘Hector’ in 1773. Pictou boasts an award-winning waterfront development that includes the Hector Heritage Quay, where a full scale replica of the Hector has been built using traditional ship building techniques. Overnight Pictou.

Optional: Dining on the Ocean Floor Experience

DAY 7:

This morning you can tour Pictou. Depart Pictou and continue to Cape Breton via the Canso Causeway and onto 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. Overnight Baddeck.

DAY 8:

Today you will follow a section of the famous Cabot Trail - one of the most spectacular drives in all of Canada which winds around the rocky splendour 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. Overnight in Sydney.

DAY 9:

From here you will drive along the Eastern Shore and follow the Marine Drive Route where you'll find nature, history and culture, as well as rugged coasts, tranquil bays and beaches, unspoiled forest fauna and crystal clear lakes and streams. Be sure to visit the communities en route such as Guysborough - an inviting neighbourhood with distinctive architecture overlooking Chedabucto Bay before arriving at Liscomb Mills. Overnight in Liscomb Mills.

DAY 10:

Take a leisurely drive back to Halifax Stanfield International Airport, ready for your onward journey. En route visit Musquodoboit Harbour & Valley – a haven for nature lovers, and Martinique Beach – the longest beach in the province. If you wish, you can stay overnight near to Halifax airport adding an extra night to the trip. The itinerary will be tailored around your travel dates and flight itinerary.

BUDGET

From £1490 per person (excluding flights) based on two travelling

This roughly converts to: 1,714 EUR | 1,952 USD

Remember that each trip we craft is unique, and you'll receive a personalised trip proposal based on your travel dates and preferences, and in the currency of your choice (GBP, USD, or EUR).

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Additional Info

This trip has flexible daily departures

Many of trips can be tailored to your requirements and departure dates. Please get in touch with us for a tailored quotation and details of availability for your preferred travel dates. All trips and departures are subject to availability.

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IDEAL TRIP LENGTH:

9 nights

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