Self-drive Nova Scotia holiday

  • See sunset over the lighthouse at Peggy's Cove | Travel Nation
  • Spot moose as you drive the scenic Cabot Trail | Travel Nation

    Spot moose as you drive the scenic Cabot Trail

  • Eat and drink at the restored "Historic Properties" in Halifax

    Eat and drink at the restored "Historic Properties" in Halifax

  • Spot whales as you sail in the Bay of Fundy

    Spot whales as you sail in the Bay of Fundy

  • Drive the dramatically beautiful Cabot Trail Highway | Travel Nation

    Drive the dramatically beautiful Cabot Trail Highway

  • Spot puffins snuggling on the coastline of Nova Scotia | Travel Nation

    Spot puffins snuggling on the coastline of Nova Scotia

  • Soak up the scenery of Kejimkujik National Park | Travel Nation

    Soak up the scenery of Kejimkujik National Park

  • Spend time in charming Peggy's Cove | Travel Nation

    Spend time in charming Peggy's Cove

Tailor-made holidays

Duration(in days): 12

From: UK - Halifax

To: Halifax - UK

From

£2,550

Inc. International flights (Per person, based on 2 sharing)

Get a quote

or Call 01273 099433

See more ideas for: Canada

The charm of Nova Scotia cannot be denied – between the picture-perfect rows of brightly coloured houses and lighthouses standing out amongst the blustery sea winds you will find a fun-loving group of people; hardy, resourceful and ready to enjoy a song and a dance! This tour takes you from cosmopolitan Halifax out into the wilderness – you’ll cover long distances and learn about the fascinating history of the region. Spot whales off the coast, hike remote trails and wander around scenic Victorian towns.

This Nova Scotia holiday can be tailored to suit your requirements, please contact one of our consultants to start planning your dream Canada road trip and read more in our Canada travel guide.

This Canada holiday includes

  • International flights
  • Car hire
  • All accommodation in 4* superior grade properties
  • Ferry crossing from Prince Edward Island to Nova Scotia
  • Whale watching excursion
  • Historic Sites admission pass – entrance into a variety of places on interest along the way

 

Highlights

  • Enjoy a meal at the restored ‘Historic Properties’ in Halifax
  • Head up the central hill to the Citadel, Canada’s most visited historic site
  • See distinctive architecture, the Bluenose II schooner, Peggys Point Lighthouse & Peggys Cove Village, the Kejimkujik National Park
  • Spot whales as you sail in the Bay of Fundy
  • Explore historic sites, inc the Grand Pre, Province House and Orwell Corner
  • Drive the Cabot Trail and admire the majestic views
  • Hike in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park

 

Itinerary in brief:

  • 2 nights Halifax
  • 2 nights Annapolis Royal
  • 2 nights Charlottetown
  • 3 nights Cape Breton Island
  • 1 night Halifax

 

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport – fly to Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia and the largest city in Canada’s maritime provinces. Collect your car from the airport and drive to your hotel.

Included: Car hire, hotel

Day 2: Full day in Halifax

Spend the entire day exploring. Dominated by the Citadel, this star shaped fort complex will afford you some amazing views over the city. The Historic Properties are old warehouses by the waterfront – home to plenty of boutiques, pubs and cafes perfect for a refreshment break and people watching. The air is clean and the quality of life here is good.

Included: Hotel

Day 3: Halifax to Annapolis Royal

Get in the car today and head south. First stop is Peggy’s Cove, a small village with houses built right into the granite rock overlooking the Atlantic. Next up is Old Town Lunenburg, a lovingly restored Victorian town perfect for a nice wander. The Kejimkujik National Park is a little further on; the Canadian wilderness at its best offering hiking and canoeing on its lakes and rivers. Your final destination is Annapolis, a quaint Victorian settlement on the banks of the Bay of Fundy.

*Travel approx. 322kms

Included: Hotel

Day 4: Whale watching and fishing villages

The nutrient-rich waters of the Bay of Fundy are host to a variety of marine life, and today you’ll head along the Digby Neck to join a whale watching excursion. You’re likely to see Minkes and Humpbacks, and possibly even the rare North Atlantic right whale.

Return to Annapolis Royal for the afternoon.

Included: Hotel, breakfast, whale watching excursion

Day 5: Annapolis Royal to Charlottetown

Follow the curve of the bay towards Prince Edward Island today. Break for lunch in Wolfville and then make time to stop a little further on at the Grand-Pre historic site which celebrates the area’s history as an Acadian settlement.

*Travel approx. 475kms

Included: Hotel, breakfast

Day 6: Tour of Prince Edward Island – The Land of Anne

In 1867, Charlottetown was host to the meetings that led to Canada being formed as its own country. Visit the Province House National Historic Site and venture to the north shore to the PEI National Park where you can see sand dunes, beaches and Green Gables, the fictional home of character Anne.

*Travel approx. 100kms

Included: Hotel, breakfast

Day 7: Charlottetown to Cape Breton Island

Take the ferry back to Nova Scotia today, stopping en-route at the Orwell Corner Historic Village. Orwell is an abandoned village with a cluster of buildings restored to create a sense of life in the 19th Century. Once you’ve landed continue east to Cape Breton Island, a little piece of Scotland in North America. Stay in Baddeck.

Travel approx. 274kms

Included: Hotel , breakfast

Day 8: Cabot Trail – Cape Breton Island

For some awesome views of the Gulf of St Lawrence follow the Cabot Trail through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. There are plenty of beautiful hiking trails to pick up and along the way you can stop at the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre, the Glenora Distillery, a college of Arts & Crafts and the Acadian Cultural Centre.

Travel approx. 187kms

Included: Hotel

Day 9: Louisbourg – Cape Breton Island

Drive north to discover the Fortress of Louisbourg, a Historical Site offering an impressive restoration of a French garrison town during the 1700s. Another must see is the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, dedicated to the life and inventions of this fascinating man who spent his summers on these shores.

Travel approx. 137kms

Included: Hotel

Day 10: Cape Breton Island to Halifax

Spend your penultimate day driving along the scenic Bras d’Or Lakes towards mainland Nova Scotia.

Travel approx. 357kms

Included: Hotel

Day 11: Depart Halifax

Your time in this beautiful region comes to an end today. Drive back to the airport to take an overnight flight back to the UK, landing in early the following morning.

Included: Hotel, international flight

Day 12: Arrive UK

 

This itinerary is purely a suggestion and can be tailor-made to your requirements, so please contact us with your dates and requests and we’ll put together a bespoke quotation for you.

Summer runs from mid-May to early-September offering little rainfall and warm temperatures, great for outdoor activities, tourism peaks at this time. Spring is pleasant as the cherry blossoms bloom and the winter clouds make way for sunny skies. Temperatures drop during Autumn bringing chilly days and increased rainfall. During the summer months of June to August, you’ll find that the whales come to feed and wildflowers carpet the country. The changing leaves in Autumn provide a beautiful backdrop, heading towards a wet and icy winter.

What's included
  • International flights
  • Car hire for 11 days
  • 10 nights accommodation in 4* superior properties
  • Bay Ferry tolls (Wood Island, Prince Edward Island to Caribou, Nova Scotia)
  • Whale watching excursion
  • 4 breakfasts (as mentioned)
  • Historic Sites Pass, permitting entrance to a range of attractions as mentioned (further details on request)
Not included
  • Any meals not mentioned
  • Activities other than those specified
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips & gratuities
  • Road tolls & parking fees