Atlantic Charm Self Drive

Day 1 Halifax Arrival

Arrive in Halifax, pick up your rental vehicle and explore this true maritime city. First settled in 1749, Halifax today is Nova Scotia’s capital and the largest city in Canada’s maritime provinces.
 

Day 2 Halifax Sightseeing

A full day in Halifax to explore boutiques, pubs and cafes of Privateers Warehouse and Historic Properties, tour the Bluenose II (see the “tails” side of a Canadian dime for a picture of the Bluenose I). Get a terrific view of the city from the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site and visit York Redoubt National Historic Site a 200-year-old fortification overlooking Halifax Harbour.

Day 3 Travel to Lunenburg (145 km/90 mi)

Head south to Lunenburg, visiting Peggy’s Cove along the way. Peggy’s Cove (45km) is a small village with houses built right into the granite rock and a lighthouse overlooking the Atlantic. Old Town Lunenburg (98km), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a lovingly restored Victorian town that begs you to wander and explore.

Day 4 Travel to Annapolis Royal (133 km/83 mi)

Cross the peninsula and make a stop at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, renowned for its hiking trails and incredible canoeing on wilderness lakes and rivers. Park interpretive staff conduct outings on foot to reveal the natural history of the area, including the Mi’kmaq pretoglyphs. Continue along Route 8 to Annapolis Royal.
(Breakfast Included.)

Day 5 Whale watching and fishing villages (206 km/128 mi return)

Today drive 65 km along the Digby Neck to experience a whale
watching excursion in the nutrient rich waters of the Bay of Fundy. You
will likely see finback and minkes, humpbacks or even the rare North Atlantic
right whale. Spend the afternoon exploring Annapolis Royal and
Fort Anne. (Breakfast Included.)

Day 6 Travel to Wolfville (109 km/68 mi)

Make time to stop at the Grand-Pré National Historic Site, commemorating
Grand-Pré area as a centre of Acadian settlement from 1682 to 1755
and the Deportation of the Acadians, which began in 1755 and continued
until 1762. Also the Domaine de Grand Pré is a fantastic winery in the
area well worth a visit. (Breakfast Included.)

Day 7 Travel to Charlottetown (360 km/224 mi)

En route to Charlottetown take time to stop and see the Bay of Fundy, a
marvel of nature. You will cross the 13km long Confederation Bridge.

Day 8 Charlottetown Sightseeing

Explore Charlottetown site of Canada’s birthplace - Province House National
Historic Site was the scene of meetings that led to the formation of
Canada as a country in 1867.

Day 9 Island Sightseeing (Approx 80-100 km/50-62 mi round trip)

You can explore picturesque Prince Edward Island National Park on the
island’s north shore - see sand dunes, beaches and Green Gables, fictional
home of Anne, the character created by Canadian writer Lucy Maud
Montgomery and loved by millions worldwide.

Day 10 Travel to Cape Breton Island (274 km/170 mi)

Depart Charlottetown taking Rte 1 to Wood Islands Ferry crossing to Caribou,
Nova Scotia then drive to Cape Breton Island, a little piece of Scotland
in North America.

Day 11 Cabot Trail (300 km/187 mi)

Cape Breton Highlands National Park and Cabot Trail
Allow a full day to drive with time to get out and hike or observe views.
Visit the park visitor center (5 km). There are 28 beautiful hiking trails in
the National Park between Cheticamp and Ingonish. The most recommended
one would be the Skyline Trail which is located approximately
15 minutes drive from the park entrance. Explore the fabulous Cabot
Trail around Cape Breton Island for awe-inspiring views of the Gulf of St.
Lawrence. The route winds through Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
Along the way visit the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre Route 19 Judique
(approx 25 minutes from causeway) or the Glenora Distillery Route 19/
Ceilidh Trail, Glenville (between Inverness and Mabou about 30 minutes
from Judique). Other stops may include Acadian Cultural Center & Museum
(Les Trois Pignons ) or St. Ann’s Gaelic College of Arts & Crafts.

Day 12 Louisbourg Sightseeing (220 km/137 mi return)

This morning head north to discover the Fortress of Louisbourg National
Historic Site.  This incredible “living museum,” largest historical reconstruction
in North America, is an impressive restoration of a French garrison
town dating from the 1700s, complete with costumed interpreters
who re-enact daily life from the French colonial period. You can even
sample period food in the restaurant, or take part in a mock battle.
Also, don’t miss a visit to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
in the village of Baddeck, 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 - Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site is located
on Chebucto Street (Route 205), in a residential area on the east edge of
the village of Baddeck. You may also want to visit the Highland Village
Museum in Iona.

Day 13 Travel to Halifax (357 km/222 mi)

A full day for the return trip to Halifax along the scenic Bras d’Or Lakes
Drive to the Canso Causeway to enter mainland Nova Scotia. At the community
of Antigonish, travel southwest along Marine Drive to your destination.

Day 14 Tour End

Conclude your tour by returning your rental vehicle 

Hotel Information

* Halifax - Lord Nelson Hotel (Traditional Room)
* Lunenburg - Boscawen Inn (Standard Room)
  (Breakfast Included)
* Annapolis Royal - Hillsdale House (Standard Room)
  (Breakfast Included)
* Wolfville - Tattingstone Inn (Standard Room)
  (Breakfast Included)
* Charlottetown - The Great George (Traditional Room)
* Baddeck - Inverary Resort (Standard Room)