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
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Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
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Car hire including unlimited mileage, 2nd driver, loss damage waiver and third-party liability
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National Historic Sites Pass including admission to Alexander Graham Bell Historic Site, Fortress of Louisbourg & Halifax Citadel
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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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.
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
8
Canada provinces visited
6
Penguin species encountered
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
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Jo
Travel Specialist
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Kieran
Travel Specialist
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Darren
Travel Specialist
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Lauren
Travel Specialist
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Dawn
Head of Customer Experience
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Freya
Travel Specialist
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Eric
Travel Specialist
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Doug
Travel Specialist
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Ben
Travel Specialist
