Nova Scotia Charms Fly Drive

Day 1 - Fly from the UK to Halifax

Upon arrival in Halifax pick up your hire car and have a short drive to your hotel. Remainder of day at leisure. 

Day 2 - Halifax to Baddeck (356kms)

Collect your rental vehicle (included) and depart Halifax for your journey to Cape Breton Island, a little piece of Scotland in North America. Arrive in Baddeck at your leisure.

Day 3 - Baddeck to Ingonish (Cabot Trail 300kms)

Cape Breton Highlands National Park is known for its spectacular highlands and ocean scenery. Accessible via the famous Cabot Trail, the park offers many treasures and extraordinary experiences. This morning drive towards Ingonish and visit Cape Breton Highlands National Park visitor center to start your 2-day Cabot Trail adventure. There are 26 beautiful hiking trails in the National Park, ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs – they all lead to panoramic views of canyons, highlands and the coast. The most recommended one would be the Skyline Trail which is located about a 15-minute drive from the Cheticamp park entrance. 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 the Acadian Cultural Center & Museum (Les Trois Pignons) or St. Ann’s Gaelic College of Arts & Crafts.

Day 4 - Ingonish to Baddeck (Cabot Trail 300kms)

Day 5 - Baddeck to Pictou (212kms)

Today head south from Cape Breton and drive along the Northumberland Strait to Pictou, where the first Scottish settlers arrived in 1773, beginning two centuries of ship building history. Located on the Northumberland Shore of Nova Scotia, Pictou is a great place to experience old-world charm and culture, and present-day hospitality.

Day 6 - Pictou to Wolfville (226 kms)

Today we travel into Acadian country and the university town of Wolfville. This region was populated by innovative French settlers in the early 1600s. A rather isolated community, they established unique fishing and farming methods in order to survive in this region. They lived a semi-autonomous existence until trade with their English-speaking neighbours became more important than their French loyalties. In 1755, at the start of the Seven Years War, the British government was intent on securing an oath of allegiance to the crown, but the Acadians refused and were deported to other colonies as they were deemed a security risk. A visit to Grand-Pre National Historic Site will outline their lifestyle and the history behind these people. You may choose to have lunch at 'the Library' in Wolfville before heading north to the Grand-Pre National Historic Site.

Day 7 - Wolfville to Digby (140 kms)

Today travel toward the Annapolis Basin, a tidal lake connected to the Bay of Fundy by a narrow outlet known as Digby Gut. Some of the earliest French colonists settled in this region. The Acadians built dikes to reclaim the marshland for agricultural production. In addition, the valley is sheltered on both sides from heavy wind and fog by the North and South mountains, a feature that has nurtured the valley famed apple orchards. End your day in Digby, a waterfront town famous for its scallops. A number of restaurants along Water Street specialize in preparing these large mollusks in a variety of different ways.

Day 8 - Digby to Lunenburg (164kms)

This morning 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 conducts outings on foot to reveal the natural history of the area, including the Mi’kmaq petroglyphs. Continue to Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring a colourful waterfront and narrow treets.

Day 9 - Lunenburg to Halifax (145kms)

Today, travel along the Atlantic Ocean shore towards Halifax. This region is home to some of the most scenic coastal vistas and historical attractions. Along the way visit Peggy’s Cove, a small fishing village famous for its picturesque and typical East Coast style, with houses perched along a narrow inlet and on wave-washed boulders facing the Atlantic. The famous Peggy’s Point Lighthouse, built in 1915 atop a giant rock, may be the most-photographed in Canada, especially with the ocean waves crashing in.

Day 10 - Halifax

The day is free to explore the boutiques, pubs and cafes of Privateers Warehouse and the Historic Properties. 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 11 - Fly Halifax to UK

For your last day in Nova Scotia take in some last minute souvenir shopping before heading out to the Airport where your holiday ends.