Lighthouse and Hidden Treasures of Nova Scotia

Day 1 Halifax

Upon arrival at Halifax Airport collect your car and make your way to your downtown hotel. The day is at leisure where you can explorer Canada’s traditional gateway to the world, combining charming old wooden homes and Victorian parks with modern shopping centres. Ships, from tall ships to naval vessels, can still be seen in the harbour, and old warehouses and shipfitters’ shops have become part of the exciting boardwalk along the waterside. Overnight Halifax

Day 2 Halifax

Explore Halifax harbour on an (optional) nature and whale watching tour. Where the Atlantic Ocean meets the cliffs of Chebucto Head at the mouth of Halifax Harbour the waters are rich with wildlife. You will have the opportunity to view minke whales, fin whales, dolphins, seals, tuna, sunfish and a variety of seabirds whilst learning about the history and sights of the Harbour. The Captain and crew of this tour will further enchant you by pulling up a lobster trap.

Day 3 Halifax – Mahone Bay/Western Shore (100 km)

Rocky harbours with hidden bays and islands have made Nova Scotia’s south shore a pirate’s and smuggler’s paradise for over 300 years. Visit the much photographed Peggy’s Cove, elegant Chester and UNESCO World Heritage Site Lunenburg en route before arriving in the picturesque Mahone Bay region. Today’s optional activity is a 2 hour kayak rental at Western Shore – enjoy the scenic view of the coastline from the ocean.

Day 4 Mahone Bay/Western Shore – Yarmouth (250 km)

Kejimkujik Seaside Adjunct is known for seals and the most beautiful coastline. The 22 sq.km of protected wilderness on the Atlantic coast offers pristine white sand beaches, astonishing turquoise waters, coastal bogs, and an abundance of wildflowers, rich lagoon systems, and coastal wildlife. Explore the hiking trails, equipped with interpretative signs and telescopes. Shelburne’s waterfront reflects the heritage of the days when wooden ships sailed from here to Europe, New England and the Caribbean.

Day 5 Yarmouth – Digby (125 km)

Go whale watching on the Bay of Fundy, one of the best whale-watching areas in the world. Eight kinds of whales and dolphins are regularly seen. Or visit some lighthouses and explore Annapolis Royal, the oldest continuously settled town in Canada.

Day 6 Digby – Wolfville (140 km)

The Annapolis Valley is the oldest settled part of Canada and the lushest agricultural area of Eastern Canada. This is reflected in the ornate, aristocratic wooden houses common to the area, a result of the 300 years of prosperity farmers and forest owners have enjoyed here. One of the best examples is Annapolis Royal, the oldest continuously settled town in Canada. Lobster dinners are a specialty of the area.

Day 7 Wolfville – Tatamagouche (190 km)

The Bay of Fundy is home to the world’s highest tides. A Mecca for migrating birds, the large tidal rivers expose broad expanses of mud banks and salt marshes at low tide; hours later they are covered with 12m of water or more!

Day 8 Sunrise Trail Region

Visit the Maritimes’ newest UNESCO World Heritage Site at Joggins and explore the carboniferous era in a brand new visitor centre and along the cliffs. Here, of the Bay of Fundy has exposed the largest cache of fossil bones in North America. The fossilized footprints of creatures over millions of years can be seen along the shore. Amethyst and agate can also be found on the beaches.

Day 9 Tatamagouche – Inverness/Cheticamp (300 km)

Drive through the scenic hardwood hills of Eastern Nova Scotia where is seems every little roadside stream has been dammed by beavers and cross to Cape Breton Island by the causeway. The Bras D’Or Lake, which occupies the island’s heart, is one of the most striking features of eastern Canada... a huge inland sea, perfect for swimming, sailing, and sightseeing.

Day 10 Cabot Trail (300 km)

Take in an optional morning whale-watching cruise or enjoy a drive around the Cabot Trail. The Cabot Trail is one of Canada’s best loved scenic drives and follows the impressive coastline from sea level up to an alpine plateau 500m above the sea. Waterfalls and swift running streams can be found near the road, and opportunities for seeing moose are excellent. Whales can often be spotted from the walking trails which overlook the coast.

Day 11 Inverness/Cheticamp – West Bay (275 km)

A side trip leads to the Fortress of Louisbourg, Canada’s largest National Historic Site, and the strongest French fortress ever built in the Americas. Between June and September, costumed “animators” live in the fortress, making it come alive as it was in the summer of 1744.

Day 12 West Bay – Charlos Cove (160 km)

Follow the shores of the Bras D’Or Lake, home to hundreds of Bald Eagles, back to the mainland where the ”Marine Drive” leads through the forest at the head of the harbours and over low hills. Many excellent views are available from small side roads to the shore.

Day 13 Eastern Shore

Take a cruise to offshore islands, try out ocean kayaking, spend a lazy day on the isolated beaches, or explore the “back roads” that wander through the forest. Or, why not visit Sherbrooke Village - one of the largest “living museums” in the Maritimes which has been partially restored to its frontier days.

Day 14 Charlos Cove/Liscomb – Halifax (260 km)

The Marine Drive leads through the forest at the head of the harbours and over low hills. Many excellent views are available from small side roads to the shore. Smoked Salmon and other seafood can be purchased and be taken home.

Day 15 Halifax

Today you journey to Halifax Airport for your departure.

Please Note: Park entrance fees, bridge tools and ferry crossings to and from Prince Edward Island are not included.

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