Day 1 Halifax | Arrival
Arrive in Halifax and check in to your accommodation, ideally located in the downtown core of this vibrant Atlantic city. Set on one of the world’s great natural harbours, Nova Scotia’s capital blends maritime history, lively waterfront energy, local dining, museums and coastal character. You may wish to add extra nights in Halifax or include a city tour to explore more of its culture, harbourfront and historic neighbourhoods.
Day 2 Halifax to Annapolis Royal or Smith’s Cove | 281 km/175 mi
Depart Halifax and travel along Nova Scotia’s scenic South Shore toward Peggy’s Cove, one of the province’s most iconic coastal villages. Here, colourful houses sit against wave-worn granite and the famous lighthouse looks out over the Atlantic Ocean. Continue to Old Town Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautifully preserved waterfront, colourful architecture and rich seafaring heritage. Time permitting, continue inland to Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, renowned for forest trails, wilderness lakes, canoe routes and deep Mi’kmaw cultural history. Arrive in Annapolis Royal, or nearby Smith’s Cove, set close to the Bay of Fundy and surrounded by historic charm, coastal scenery and peaceful maritime landscapes.
Day 3 Smith’s Cove or Annapolis Royal to Saint John | approx. 40 km/25 mi + Ferry
Depart the Annapolis Royal area and travel to Digby to board the ferry across the Bay of Fundy to Saint John, New Brunswick. This scenic crossing offers a relaxed way to experience the vast waters of the Bay of Fundy before arriving on New Brunswick’s southern coast. Saint John is famous for the Reversing Falls Rapids, where the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy meet the Saint John River, creating a dramatic natural tug-of-war that changes direction with the tide. Spend time exploring the waterfront, historic streets and coastal character of Canada’s first incorporated city.
Day 4 Saint John to Moncton via Fundy Trail & Hopewell Rocks | 212 km/131 mi
Today’s drive showcases the dramatic coastline, natural wonders and rich heritage of southern New Brunswick. Travel through Fundy Trail Parkway, where coastal lookouts, waterfalls, forest trails and rugged Bay of Fundy scenery create one of the province’s most rewarding drives. Recommended stops include the Big Salmon River area, Fuller Falls, Long Beach and scenic viewpoints overlooking the Fundy coastline. Continue through Fundy National Park and the village of Alma, a great place to enjoy fresh seafood and views of Shepody Bay, before visiting Hopewell Rocks. Here, massive flowerpot sea stacks rise from the ocean floor, offering a remarkable look at the power of the world-famous Fundy tides. After visiting the rocks, continue toward Moncton. If time permits, stop at Magnetic Hill, where a curious optical illusion makes vehicles appear to roll uphill.
Day 5 Moncton to Charlottetown | 164 km/101 mi
Depart Moncton and travel toward Prince Edward Island, with the option to stop in Shediac, known as the “Lobster Capital of the World.” Learn about the town’s fishing heritage, enjoy its coastal atmosphere and see the iconic World’s Largest Lobster sculpture before continuing toward the Confederation Bridge. This impressive 12.9 km bridge spans the Northumberland Strait and provides a memorable gateway to Prince Edward Island. Arrive on PEI and continue through rolling farmland, red earth, coastal views and small island communities to Charlottetown, the charming capital of Prince Edward Island.
Day 6 Charlottetown & Prince Edward Island | Exploring
Spend the day exploring Prince Edward Island’s classic coastal scenery, where red cliffs, white sand beaches, gentle dunes and green fields create one of Canada’s most distinctive island landscapes. Travel to Prince Edward Island National Park for views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, sandy shoreline and protected dunes, then continue to Green Gables Heritage Place in Cavendish. This beloved literary landmark celebrates L.M. Montgomery and the landscapes that inspired Anne of Green Gables, a story loved by readers around the world. Return to Charlottetown with time to enjoy its historic streets, waterfront restaurants and relaxed island atmosphere.
Day 7 Charlottetown to Baddeck | 274 km/170 mi + Ferry
Depart Charlottetown and travel east to Wood Islands for the scenic ferry crossing across the Northumberland Strait to Caribou, Nova Scotia. After arriving on the mainland, continue to Pictou, where Hector Heritage Quay tells the story of early Scottish settlement and features a full-scale replica of the Ship Hector. From here, travel east across Nova Scotia and continue over the Canso Causeway to Cape Breton Island, a region known for its Gaelic and Celtic heritage, coastal scenery and strong musical traditions. Arrive in Baddeck, a scenic village overlooking the beautiful Bras d’Or Lake.
Day 8 Cabot Trail Touring | 298 km/186 mi
Set out to experience the Cabot Trail, one of Canada’s most celebrated scenic drives. The route winds around Cape Breton’s rugged northern coast and through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where mountains rise above the Gulf of St. Lawrence and ocean lookouts reveal sweeping views of cliffs, forests and shoreline. Have your camera ready for dramatic coastal vistas, highland scenery and fishing villages tucked between sea and mountain. Time permitting, consider a walk on the Skyline Trail, one of the park’s most famous hikes, with panoramic views over the coastline and surrounding highlands.
Day 9 Baddeck to Liscomb Mills via Louisbourg | 423 km/262 mi
Travel southeast toward the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, one of the most impressive historic attractions in Atlantic Canada. This reconstructed 18th-century French fortified town brings colonial life to the present through costumed interpreters, restored buildings and immersive exhibits. Walk the streets of the fortress, learn about daily life in the 1700s and experience the scale of this remarkable coastal stronghold. Afterwards, continue across Cape Breton and return to mainland Nova Scotia via the Canso Causeway. Follow the Eastern Shore toward Liscomb Mills, where quiet rivers, forested landscapes and peaceful coastal scenery provide a relaxing setting for the evening.
Day 10 Liscomb Mills to Halifax | 170 km/105 mi
Take a leisurely drive back to Halifax along Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore, a quieter coastal route known for beaches, fishing communities, forested inlets and ocean views. Along the way, visit Musquodoboit Harbour and the surrounding valley, a scenic area popular with nature lovers, or stop at Martinique Beach, the longest sandy beach in Nova Scotia. Continue toward Halifax, where your journey ends after exploring the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick’s Fundy Coast, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton and the peaceful Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia.
