Deal

Welcome to Halifax, a vibrant coastal city where history, culture, and natural beauty meet. From the star-shaped Halifax Citadel National Historic Site to the lively Halifax Waterfront, this charming port city has something for every visitor. Arrive at Halifax International Airport, collect your rental vehicle, and check in to your downtown hotel. This afternoon, set sail on an all-electric, environmentally friendly 1930s-style harbour launch carrying a maximum of just eight passengers. Guided by your captain, who tailors each excursion based on weather, marine traffic, special events, and expert local knowledge, you may explore beneath the city’s bridges or cruise past George’s and McNab’s Islands. Wherever the journey takes you, you’ll be treated to spectacular water views of the Halifax skyline. Thanks to the vessel’s whisper-quiet electric motors, marine wildlife is often nearby, offering the chance to spot seabirds, mammals, and other aquatic life as you cruise the harbour.

Join a knowledgeable local guide for a small-group walking tour this morning. Begin your tour at the Halifax Public Gardens, one of the finest surviving examples of a Victorian garden in North America. Established by the Nova Scotia Horticultural Society in 1836, the gardens were designated a National Historic Site in 1984. As you continue your walk, you’ll pass the Citadel National Historic Site. The prominent hill inspired the British military to establish Halifax here in 1749. One of the first structures was a wooden guardhouse atop what would later be called Citadel Hill, while the city’s first settlers built their homes at its base. Today, the Citadel still watches over downtown Halifax, standing as a striking reminder of the city’s rich history. You’ll love the Halifax Waterfront, a lively hub featuring one of the world’s longest urban boardwalks, stretching 4 km along the waterfront. As you walk, you can explore the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, the Discovery Centre, and enjoy dozens of fantastic restaurants and shops. As you arrive at the Canadian Immigration Museum at Pier 21, your tour will end. You’re welcome to explore the museum on your own or continue to stroll along the boardwalk at your leisure.

Depart Halifax this morning and drive along the scenic Lighthouse Route to the charming community of Peggy’s Cove. This picturesque fishing village is set among bare granite and coastal barrens, with trails leading to its iconic lighthouse, one of the most photographed in the world. An early morning visit is perfect for catching a stunning sunrise and avoiding daytime crowds. Stroll the boardwalk, explore local art galleries, and breathe in the salty sea air as waves crash against the rocks below. Continue along the winding coastal roads, with glimpses of rugged shorelines and forested stretches, until you reach Mahone Bay. This quaint town, known for its colourful heritage buildings and artisan shops, is famous for the iconic trio of waterfront churches. This afternoon, enjoy a private sailing tour in Mahone Bay aboard the yacht Oak Haven. Relax, take in breathtaking views, or get hands-on by helping navigate and set the sails, the choice is yours. Your experienced captain and crew will guide you along the stunning South Shore coastline, offering the chance to breathe in the salty air, marvel at the natural beauty, and spot abundant local wildlife.

Enjoy the charm of Old Town Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on a walking tour rich with history and 18th century and Victorian-era architecture. Your guide will bring the town to life with fascinating anecdotes, local lore, and insider tips. As you stroll through its historic streets, discover the quirky architectural features known as “Lunenburg bumps,” admire St. John’s Anglican Church, the second oldest Protestant church in Canada, and learn about the superstitions that once led residents to hide shoes in their walls. The tour begins at the “Castle on the Hill” and follows a gentle downhill route to the lively working waterfront, lined with shops and restaurants. The rest of the day is at your leisure to further explore Lunenburg. Be sure to dive into Nova Scotia’s seafaring history with hands-on exhibits and historic vessels at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic.

Leaving the coastal views behind, you’ll journey through forested landscapes, sparkling lakes, and rolling hills, keeping an eye out for wildlife as you pass charming communities and inland wilderness. Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site is where nature, culture, and history converge across 404 km² of pristine wilderness. It is the only site in Canada designated both a National Park and a National Historic Site, celebrating its ecological richness and deep Mi’kmaw heritage. For thousands of years, the Mi’kmaq people used Kejimkujik’s lakes and rivers as travel routes. Petroglyphs, ancient stone carvings, still reveal traditional life, including hunting, fishing, and wildlife. Kejimkujik is also recognised as a Dark-Sky Preserve, making it an ideal place for stargazing. Tonight, you’ll stay at the Mersey River Chalets, a pristine hideaway where you can reconnect with nature. For an upgrade/extension, consider venturing a bit further south to Trout Point Lodge, a quintessential wilderness lodge and nature retreat located in the heart of the Tobeatic Wilderness in southwestern Nova Scotia. This lush sanctuary offers a perfect blend of authentic wilderness experiences and refined comfort for adventurers seeking both adventure and luxury.

Wake up to birdsong and mist rising from the lakes of Kejimkujik. After breakfast, enjoy one last paddle or hike through the serene old-growth forest. Follow quiet country roads across rolling hills and sleepy villages into the Annapolis Valley. Keep an eye out for wildlife, deer and foxes often dart across the road, and you might even spot a snapping turtle basking near a bog. Today’s destination is Digby, a town renowned for its world-class scallops. Be sure to indulge in these local delicacies during your stay.

Travel along the scenic Digby Neck, a narrow peninsula that feels like a journey through time with quaint fishing villages, rugged coastline, and misty forests. After a few short ferry rides, you’ll arrive at Brier Island, ready for today’s wildlife-focused boat tour. These whale-watching cruises are not only thrilling adventures but also contribute valuable research on endangered and rare species, including Humpback, Finback, and Right Whales, as well as other cetaceans and seabirds. Naturalists are on board each cruise, and a portion of ticket sales supports ongoing conservation efforts. Choose between an exciting Zodiac ride, putting you close to the water and action, or a Cape Island–style boat, offering seats, shelter, and bathroom facilities for a more relaxed experience. Return to Digby this evening.

Crossing the Bay of Fundy by ferry from Nova Scotia to New Brunswick is more than just a journey, it’s a scenic voyage through one of the world’s most dramatic tidal regions. Aboard the Fundy Rose, the two and a half hour crossing offers panoramic views of rugged coastlines, seabirds soaring overhead, and sometimes even whales surfacing in the distance. Relax on deck or enjoy a warm drink inside while watching the waves. The ferry features comfortable seating, a care, and interpretive displays highlighting the region’s rich maritime heritage. Arrive in Saint John, a bustling harbour city full of history and charm. Be sure to witness the Reversing Falls Rapids, a rare natural phenomenon where the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy cause the Saint John River to temporarily reverse its flow.

Join a First Nations–guided small-group walking tour this morning and discover the history of the Wolastoqi and Mi’kmaq peoples from a unique Indigenous perspective. Meander along the harbour and the Beautiful River, Wolastoq (the Saint John River), walk a historic portage route, and explore archaeological sites while connecting with the timeless wisdom of their ancestors. Learn how stewardship of the earth can be practiced today while honouring and celebrating the traditions of the past. Later, explore the city at your leisure or enhance your experience with an optional guided Seafood Walking Tour, sampling delicious chowder, oysters, lobster rolls, and more.

Depart Saint John on a stunning coastal journey through the heart of New Brunswick’s natural splendour, including the iconic Fundy National Park. This drive is more than a route, it’s an immersive experience through ancient forests, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs that plunge into the Bay of Fundy, home to the world’s highest tides. Along the scenic byways, stop to hike lush trails or take in panoramic ocean vistas. Continue onward to Hopewell Cape, where the world-famous Hopewell Rocks await, towering sandstone formations sculpted over centuries by the power of the tides.

Today offers a rare and unforgettable opportunity to experience the Hopewell Rocks at both high and low tide, revealing the full wonder of this natural phenomenon. At high tide, embark on a guided sea-kayaking adventure, gliding past the towering Flowerpot Rocks as the immense power and beauty of the Bay of Fundy’s legendary tides surround you. Later, as the waters recede, return during low tide to walk directly on the ocean floor, weaving between the sculpted formations that were moments ago submerged. Explore the interactive exhibits at the Interpretive Centre and take in sweeping views from scenic trails and lookouts that highlight the ever-changing coastal landscape.

Bid farewell to Hopewell Cape this morning as you travel through Moncton en route to Shediac, the “Lobster Capital of the World”. For a quirky stop as you travel through Moncton, visit Magnetic Hill and experience the illusion of being pulled uphill by a mysterious “magnetic force”. Once in Shediac, embark on an award-winning marine adventure complete with an interactive presentation and an unforgettable lobster feast. Learn the history and art of lobster fishing, gain hands-on experience, and discover how to prepare and enjoy freshly cooked lobster. Then, relax and enjoy a traditional fisherman’s feast while taking in the scenic coastal views and experiencing the renowned hospitality of the local Acadian community. After the meal, catch the breezes on the spacious upper deck, marvel at Shediac Bay, and be entertained by lively traditional Acadian music. Sated from your delicious feast, continue your journey toward Prince Edward Island. Tucked beneath the sweeping arc of the Confederation Bridge, the Cape Jourimain Nature Centre feels like a hidden sanctuary where land, sea, and sky converge. The historic lighthouse stands watch over the Northumberland Strait, offering panoramic views that reach all the way to Prince Edward Island. Inside the centre, interactive exhibits and local art invite you to explore the region’s rich ecological and cultural heritage. The Confederation Bridge, connecting New Brunswick with Prince Edward Island, is the longest bridge in the world spanning ice-covered water, stretching 12.9 kilometres. Although the smallest of Canada’s provinces, Prince Edward Island is home to Charlottetown, celebrated as the Birthplace of Confederation.

Today’s fully guided small-group tour begins with a narrated drive through historic Charlottetown, highlighting iconic landmarks such as St. Dunstan’s Basilica, Province House, the Confederation Centre of the Arts, Government House, scenic Victoria Park, the University of Prince Edward Island, and the vibrant Queen Street. Beyond the city, the adventure continues with visits to some of the island’s most cherished attractions. Step into literary history at the Anne of Green Gables Heritage Site, sample local flavours at the PEI Preserve Company, and soak in breathtaking coastal views from Cavendish Cliff and Dalvay-by-the-Sea. This tour offers a perfect blend of culture, storytelling, and natural beauty. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore Charlottetown. No visit is complete without a stop at COWS Creamery, home to some of Canada’s most beloved ice cream. Enjoy a quirky and delicious experience with free self-guided factory tours that reveal how their premium ice cream, award-winning cheddar, and famously punny T-shirts are made.

It’s goodbye to Prince Edward Island as you travel by ferry back across the Northumberland Strait to Nova Scotia. Drive through tranquil scenery and small communities that proudly celebrate Nova Scotia’s Scottish, Mi’kmaq, and Acadian heritage. As you head toward Cape Breton Island, consider a stop in Antigonish to visit Peace by Chocolate. More than just a sweet stop, it’s a powerful story of resilience, community, and the universal language of chocolate. Founded by the Hadhad family, renowned chocolatiers in Syria for nearly three decades, their factory was destroyed in 2012, prompting them to flee for safety. After three years as refugees, they were warmly welcomed to Canada and established their new home in Antigonish. Peace by Chocolate has since donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to charitable causes and peace-building initiatives across Canada. Their inspiring story has been featured in a film adaptation, and founder Tareq Hadhad has become a celebrated voice for refugee success and entrepreneurship. Continuing toward Baddeck, the road winds through rolling hills, lush forests, and serene coastal stretches along Bras d’Or Lake. Crossing the Canso Causeway feels like entering a new world, where rugged terrain and expansive vistas signal a change in landscape. The final stretch into Baddeck is particularly stunning, with shimmering water views and the promise of a village rich in history and hospitality. Baddeck is a charming village on the shores of Bras d’Or Lake, renowned for its connection to Alexander Graham Bell. The Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site features fascinating exhibits on his life, inventions, and enduring legacy.

The Cabot Trail is one of Canada’s most iconic road trips, a 298 kilometre loop that weaves through the rugged beauty of Cape Breton Island. Hugging dramatic coastlines, climbing into forested highlands, and passing through charming Acadian and Gaelic communities, the trail offers a breathtaking blend of nature, culture, and adventure. Whether chasing sunsets from cliffside lookouts, hiking through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, or savouring fresh seafood in seaside villages, the Cabot Trail invites you to slow down and soak in the soul of the island. Begin your day with a guided kayak tour that blends nature, history, and local flavour. Glide through tranquil waters beneath towering sugar maples as you paddle toward a massive eagle’s nest, home to majestic American Bald Eagles often seen soaring overhead. Pause at a secluded waterfall and sandy beach to enjoy a wholesome treat: rich chocolate chai tea paired with homemade banana bread topped with tangy rhubarb jam. On your return, drift past the ruins of the historic Oxford Paper Mill (est. 1899) and the weathered post pier, now a haven for diverse birdlife. During summer months, you might even glimpse local lobster fishers hauling in their traps, a true taste of maritime life. Back on dry land, the Cabot Trail follows the contours of the land, winding past quiet lakes and steep hillsides that hint at the grandeur ahead. Pass through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where the road curves along cliffs and offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. Scenic lookout points, such as South Bay Lookoff and Warren Lake, invite you to pause and take in the panorama. Keep an eye out for wildlife, moose, foxes, and soaring eagles are frequent visitors to these wild landscapes. Spend the evening in Ingonish, a picturesque coastal village nestled on the northeastern tip of Cape Breton Island.

Continuing along the Cabot Trail, today’s breathtaking journey winds through the Cape Breton Highlands, hugging dramatic coastlines and dipping into lush valleys. Take your time, there is so much to see and do along the way. Start the day with a ride on the Atlantic Gondola at Cape Smokey Mountain. From the summit, enjoy expansive views of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, the Atlantic Ocean, and Ingonish. Explore the quiet charm of Neil’s Harbour and the dramatic headlands of White Point. As you ascend into the Highlands, pause at lookouts like North Mountain and Pleasant Bay, where the iconic Skyline Trail reveals sweeping vistas of sea and sky. Chéticamp, a vibrant Acadian fishing village along the western edge of Cape Breton Island, welcomes you with colourful coastal houses and the rhythms of fiddle music drifting through the air. At Les Trois Pignons, Chéticamp’s cultural heart, discover the art of hooked rugs, Acadian genealogy, and the whimsical tradition of La Mi-Carême, a masked celebration unique to the region. Finally, visit Inverness, home to the world-renowned Cabot Links Golf Course, and enjoy a walk along its stunning beach boardwalk. Tonight’s destination is the Glenora Inn & Distillery, a hidden gem nestled in a peaceful valley where Scottish heritage, natural beauty, and whisky craftsmanship converge. The distillery, home to Canada’s first single malt whisky, offers daily guided tours and tastings, while the on-site pub serves locally inspired dishes accompanied by traditional Cape Breton music.

As you descend from the highlands, forested valleys give way to sweeping coastal views, with quiet rivers tracing your return to the mainland. Take some time to unwind along the scenic Guysborough Waterfront Trail, where coastal vistas and interpretive panels provide a peaceful glimpse into the region’s maritime heritage. Just steps away, visit the Authentic Seacoast Distillery & Brewery, home to 15,000 grapevines, an apiary, and a hopyard. Guysborough, the birthplace of brewing in Atlantic Canada, has been recognised as one of the country’s top ten craft beer destinations. Charlos Cove is a hidden gem steeped in Acadian heritage and maritime charm. Settled in the 1760s by Acadian families, this tranquil village offers a captivating blend of history and natural beauty.

If timing allows, consider adding an optional Sugar Island Boat Tour this morning. This fascinating excursion lets you get up close with wildlife and explore the rich human history of the Sugar Islands, where Champlain met Basque fishers and learned about the region and the Mi’kmaw People. Marvel at the nesting grounds where thousands of seabirds return each year, and watch bald eagles and ospreys soar overhead. Continuing along the Eastern Shore, step back in time at Sherbrooke Village, Nova Scotia’s largest living history museum. Spread across 53 acres, the village recreates life in the 1860s, when timber, tall ships, and a gold rush transformed Sherbrooke into a thriving frontier town. Explore over 25 restored buildings, interact with costumed interpreters, and try heritage crafts such as blacksmithing, weaving, and printing. For adventurous palates, stop at Sober Island Brewing Company in Sheet Harbour, home of the signature Oyster Stout. Brewed with real bay oysters, shell, meat, and juice, this rich, briny ale captures the essence of the Atlantic. End your road trip back in Halifax for a final night.