Explore the very best of Atlantic Canada on this 13 day Self Drive tour visiting Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Whale Watch on the Bay of Fundy and drive the Cabot Trail, voted one of the top ten scenic drives in the world.
Historic Sites admission to Alexander Graham Bell, Casno Islands, Fort Anne, Fortress of Louisbourg, Grand-Pre, Halifax Citadel, Port Royal, Kejimkujik, Green Gables House (Prince Edward Island), Port-la-Joye-Fort Amherst.
Pick up car hire Overnight hotel accommodation in Halifax.
Head south to Lunenburg, visiting Peggy’s Cove along the way. Peggy’s Cove (45km) is a small village with houses built right into the granite rock and a lighthouse overlooking the Atlantic. Old Town Lunenburg (98km), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a lovingly restored Victorian town that begs you to wander and explore.
Cross the peninsula and make a stop at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, renowned for its hiking trails and incredible canoeing on wilderness lakes and rivers. Park interpretive staff conduct outings on foot to reveal the natural history of the area, including the Mi’kmaq pretoglyphs. Continue along Route 8 to Annapolis Royal. (breakfast included)
Today drive along 95 km along the Digby Neck to experience a whale watching excursion in the nutrient rich waters of the Bay of Fundy. You will likely see finback and Minkes, humpbacks or even the rare North Atlantic right whale. Spend the afternoon exploring Annapolis Royal and Fort Anne. (breakfast included)
Make time to stop at the Grand-PréNational Historic Site, commemorating the Grand-Pré area as a centre of Acadian settlement from 1682 to 1755 and the Deportation of the Acadians, which began in 1755 and continued until 1762. Also the Domaine de Grand Pré is a fantastic winery in the area well worth a visit. (breakfast included)
Enroute to Charlottetown take time to stop and see the Bay of Fundy, a marvel of nature. You will cross the 13km long Confederation Bridge. (breakfast included)
Charlottetown Sightseeing Explore Charlottetown, the site of Canada’s birthplace - Province House National Historic Site was the scene of meetings that led to the formation of Canada as a country in 1867. (breakfast included)
You can explore picturesque Prince Edward Island National Park on the island’s north shore -see sand dunes, beaches and Green Gables, fictional home of Anne, the character created by Canadian writer Lucy Maud Montgomery and loved by millions worldwide. (breakfast included
Ferry Depart Charlottetown taking Route 1 to Wood Islands Ferry crossing to Caribou, Nova Scotia then drive to Cape Breton Island, a little piece of Scotland in North America. (breakfast included)
Allow a full day to drive with time to get out and hike or observe views. Visit the park visitor center (5 km). There are 28 beautiful hiking trails in the National Park between Cheticamp and Ingonish. The most recommended one would be the Skyline Trail which is approximately located about 15 minutes drive from park entrance. Explore the fabulous Cabot Trail around Cape Breton Island for awe-inspiring views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The route winds through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Along the way visit the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre Route 19 Judique (approx 25 minutes from causeway) or the Glenora Distillery Route 19/Ceilidh Trail, Glenville (between Inverness and Mabou about 30 minutes from Judique). Other stops may include Acadian Cultural Center & Museum (Les Trois Pignons ) or St. Ann’s Gaelic College of Arts & Crafts.
This morning head north to discover the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. This incredible “living museum,” largest historical reconstruction in North America, is an impressive restoration of a French garrison town dating from the 1700s, complete with costumed interpreters who re-enact daily life from the French colonial period. You can even sample period food in the restaurant, or take part in a mock battle. Also, don’t miss a visit to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in the village of Baddeck, a museum dedicated to the life and inventions of this fascinating man - who spent his summers here on the shores of the Bras d’Or - Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site is located on Chebucto Street (Route 205), in a residential area on the east edge of the village of Baddeck. You may also want to visit the Highland Village Museum in Iona.
A full day for the return trip to Halifax along the scenic Bras d’Or Lakes Drive to the Canso Causeway to enter mainland Nova Scotia. At the community of Antigonish, travel southwest along Marine Drive to your destination.
