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.

Halifax

Enjoy a city tour and take in the sights of Citadel Hill, Halifax Harbour, Historic Properties, Bedford Basin, Point Pleasant Park and much more.  Your afternoon is at leisure to explore the city further.  Enjoy a Harbour tour or a visit to the excellent Maritime Museum of the Atlantic to see the unique collection of memorabilia collected from the Titanic. 

Halifax to Lunenburg

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 Mahone Bay on to Lunenburg, the birthplace of the famous Bluenose built in 1921.  This UNESCO World Heritage Site is unique in terms of architecture. 

1 night in Lunenburg.

Lunenburg to Annapolis Royal

Drive north via the Kejimkujik National Park, a spectacular park with walking trails to suit all and some of the best canoeing in Atlantic Canada. Visit the excellent visitor centre which houses replicas of the native tools, found by archaeologists, dating back 4500 years ago.

1 night in Annapolis Royal.

Annapolis Royal to Pictou

In the morning take time to explore Annapolis Royal. After lunch continue along the Evangeline Trail and on to one of the largest communities along the Northumberland Shore. Pictou is rich in Scottish heritage and has a pleasant downtown district and delightful  waterfront area. 

1 night in Pictou.

Pictou to Cape Breton Island

You will cross the Canso Causeway on to Cape Breton island. 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.

1 night in Baddeck.

Cape Breton Island

Follow the Cabot Trail, winding around the rocky splendours of Cape Breton’s northern shore, ascending to the incredible plateaus of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Your route then takes you via Sydney and Glace Bay, home of the Miners Museum and Marconi National Historical Site.  Glace Bay is the beginning of the Marconi Trail, named after Guglielmo Marconi the Italian inventor who sent the first transatlantic wireless message from here.  Continue on to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, the largest historical reconstruction in North America.

1 night in Louisbourg.

Cape Breton Island to Liscomb Mills

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 Liscomb Mills.

Liscomb Mills to Halifax

Depart Liscomb Mills and 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.