Glimpse of Nova Scotia | A Self Drive Holiday in Nova Scotia

Day 1

Halifax

Welcome to Nova Scotia’s provincial capital.  Halifax 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 Mi’kmaq Natives, European Fisherman and the early Acadians long before the British arrived.

2 nights in Halifax.

Day 2

Halifax

We suggest you take a city tour and take in the sights of Citadel Hill, Halifax Harbour, Historic Properties, Bedford Basin, Point Pleasant Park and much more.  Your holiday includes a Harbour tour to further enjoy the city sites.

You should also take time to visit to the excellent Maritime Museum of the Atlantic to see the unique collection of memorabilia collected from the Titanic.

Day 3

Halifax to Kejimkujik National Park

Having collected your hire car, drive the south shore via the Lighthouse Route. En route visit Peggy’s Cove, a picturesque fishing village home to Nova Scotia’s most visited lighthouse.  Continue on via the coast road to Mahone Bay and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lunenburg, the birthplace of the famous Bluenose built in 1921 where you might have lunch before going on to Kejimkujik National Park where you will stay.

1 night in Kejimkujik.

Day 4

Kejimkujik National Park to Wolfville

Kejimkujik National Park is a spectacular park with abundant wildlife and many lakes, wild rivers and forest areas. Enjoy a walk on a forest trail or try canoeing on North America’s oldest canoe routes.  Visit the excellent visitor centre which houses replicas of the native tools, found by archaeologists, dating back 4500 years ago. And why not visit the Grand Pre Winery for a tour and wine tasting?

On your way to the pretty town of Wolfville, do stop in Annapolis Royal. This lovely town nestled in the Annapolis Valley was originally inhabited by a strong Mi’kmaq community. In 1605 the area became home to some of North America’s earliest European settlers. The Fort Anne National Historic Site and the Royal Historic Gardens are both worth a visit.

Your overnight stay takes you out of the park on your journey towards Cape Breton.

1 night in Wolfville.

Day 5

Wolfville to Baddeck

The Bay of Fundy is home to the world’s highest tides; the large tidal rivers expose broad expanses of mud banks and salt marshes at low tide and then are covered hours later by 40 feet of water! You will drive along the south shore of Cobequid Bay and then onwards to  Cape Breton island via Antigonish and the Canso Causeway on to Cape Breton island. The drive is about 4 hours but the roads are easy and you will make plenty of stops along the way.

2 nights Baddeck

Day 6

Cape Breton Island

Spend the day exploring the Cabot trail, one of Canada’s best loved scenic drives which follows the impressive coastline from sea level up to an alpine plateau 500m above the sea. Waterfalls and swift running streams can be found near the road and moose-spotting are opportunities are plentiful too. You can also take a morning whale-watching cruise, or whales can often be spotted from the walking trails overlooking the coast.

Day 7

Cape Breton Island to Charlos Cove

Follow the Fleur-de-Lis Trails as it winds along the coast to St. Peter’s, where you will join the Bras d’Or Lakes Trail.  Back across the Causeway, along along the eastern shore. drive through Guysborough, an inviting town with distinctive architecture. 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.

1 night in Charlos Cove

Day 8

Charlos Cove to Halifax

Take a leisurely drive back to Halifax.  En route visit Musquodoboit Harbour & Valley and Martinique Beach.  Drop off your rental car in Halifax ready for your onward journey.