This week-long self-drive holiday takes in the highlights of Nova Scotia, from the historical splendour of Halifax to the stunning scenery of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Bursting with things to see and do, you’ll have time to explore Cape Breton Island at leisure.
Discover countless hiking trails, National Historic Sites, a UNESCO Biosphere reserve, plenty of wildlife and a wealth of arts and crafts. You’ll also drive the breathtaking Cabot Trail, often regarded as one of North America’s most scenic drives.
Halifax is a picturesque city with a fascinating maritime history, which can be uncovered at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic – including permanent exhibits on the Titanic and the Halifax Explosion. The Halifax Citadel offers a glimpse into the city’s role as a naval base for the British Empire, as well as providing fantastic views over the city and the harbour. Countless cafes and harbourfront restaurants provide the ideal place to relax after a day’s sightseeing.
Following time to explore the city of Halifax you’ll spend 3 nights based in Baddeck, the gateway to Cape Breton’s renowned Cabot Trail. The Cabot Trail is just under 300kms in length and follows the coastline of northern Nova Scotia. Tiny fishing villages, local galleries and quirky museums hug the coast, whilst the Cape Breton Highlands National Park stretches right across the island from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the Atlantic Ocean, offering numerous hiking opportunities amongst lakes and forests.
Cape Breton Island is home to four fascinating National Historic Sites: the Alexander Graham Bell Museum in Baddeck, the Fortress of Louisbourg, St Peter’s Canal and the Marconi National Historic Site at Table Head. It is also home to Bras d’Or Lake, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve famed for its sheltered coves, secluded beaches and diverse wildlife including majestic bald eagles and curious grey seals. The Biosphere’s extensive watershed offers a number of trails with sweeping views of the Bras d’Or Lake and surrounding hills, and hikes through gorges to towering waterfalls. Here you’ll also find a fascinating cultural history of Mi’kmaw First Nations and descendants from early French, Scottish, and English settlers.
Itinerary
Arrive in Halifax, pick up your rental vehicle and spend the rest of the day exploring this fascinating maritime city. First settled in 1749, Halifax today is Nova Scotia’s capital and the largest city in Canada’s Maritime Provinces.
Enjoy a full day at leisure in and around Halifax. You may wish to visit the Halifax Citadel, with its spectacular views across the city, or York Redoubt, a 200-year-old fortification overlooking Halifax Harbour. Stroll around the boutiques, pubs and cafes of the Historic Properties around the waterfront, or perhaps head further afield and drive out to the scenic attractions of Peggy’s Cove or Lunenburg.
Depart Halifax for your journey to Cape Breton Island, a little piece of Scotland in North America. Baddeck is home to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, 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 Lake.
Explore the fabulous Cabot Trail around Cape Breton Island for awe-inspiring views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the North Atlantic Ocean. The route winds through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, which boasts 28 beautiful hiking trails including the highly recommended Skyline Trail on the western side of the park. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife – the park is home to moose, snowshoe hare, coyote and lynx as well as a wealth of birdlife, and you may even spot whales offshore. Other attractions along the Cabot Trail include the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre, Glenora Distillery, Les Trois Pignons Acadian Cultural Centre & Museum, and St. Ann’s Gaelic College of Arts & Crafts.
This morning head east to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. This fascinating ‘living museum’ is the largest historical reconstruction in North America; an impressive restoration of a French garrison town dating from the 1700’s, complete with costumed interpreters who re-enact daily life from the French colonial period. You can sample period food in the restaurant, or even take part in a mock battle.
Enjoy the return trip to Halifax at a leisurely pace along the scenic Bras d’Or Lakes Drive to the Canso Causeway, to cross back into mainland Nova Scotia.
Conclude your tour by returning your rental vehicle this morning.
Prices & departures
What's Included
-
Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
-
Car hire including unlimited mileage, 2nd driver, loss damage waiver and third-party liability
-
National Historic Sites Pass including admission to Alexander Graham Bell Historic Site, Fortress of Louisbourg & Halifax Citadel
-
24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
-
No surcharge guarantee
-
Full financial protection
From £875 Excluding Flights
6 Nights
May-Oct
Prices are per person based upon 2 sharing, subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will confirm the exact price based upon your tailored requirements, inclusions, and travel dates.
Our holiday prices exclude flights. Why? Because we want to offer you the best value, tailored to your needs. Flight prices and offers change daily, so when you’re ready to book, we’ll provide a bespoke quote based on the best options from your local airport. This way, you’ll always get the best prices and the flexibility to choose what works best for you.
Make this trip yours
Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.
Doug
7
Continents set foot in
1
Cage dive with sharks
We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.
Experts with real experience
-
Gary
Travel Specialist
-
Kieran
Travel Specialist
-
Jo
Travel Specialist
-
Ben
Travel Specialist
-
Dawn
Head of Customer Experience
-
Rosie
Travel Specialist
-
Eric
Travel Specialist
-
Phoebe
Travel Specialist
-
Darren
Travel Specialist
You may also like…
-
Atlantic Coastal Quest
Canada Self DriveExperience the best of Atlantic Canada on an all-encompassing self-drive trip incorporating all four of the regions provinces.
From £2668 Excluding Flights
-
Maritimes Explorer
Canada Self DriveEmbrace the beauty of the Maritimes on this comprehensive self drive itinerary visiting the Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.
From £2210 Excluding Flights
-
Atlantic Discovery
Canada Self DriveEnjoy picturesque coastlines, marine wildlife and fresh seafood on a self-drive through the Maritimes.
From £1705 Excluding Flights
-
Newfoundland Discovery
Canada Self DriveEnjoy an in-depth exploration of a region awash with history, culture and scenic wonders.
From £2216 Excluding Flights