Treasures of Nova Scotia

Begin your journey in Halifax, Nova Scotia’s spirited capital, to admire its maritime past and thriving cultural scene. After collecting your car, settle in downtown and take time to explore the city at your own pace. Wander along the historic waterfront boardwalk, stopping at local galleries, waterside breweries or the vibrant Seaport Farmers’ Market. Visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 or the hilltop Citadel for sweeping views over the harbour.

The following day, take a scenic coastal drive to the postcard-perfect Peggy’s Cove, home to one of the world’s most photographed lighthouses. The surrounding village, with its colourful wooden houses and dramatic granite shoreline, is an atmospheric stop for a seafood lunch and a stroll.

From Lunenburg, follow the scenic Lighthouse Route south to Yarmouth, a town steeped in maritime history. En route, consider stopping in Shelburne, once a major shipbuilding hub, where waterfront warehouses and restored homes offer a glimpse into Nova Scotia’s Loyalist past. On arrival in Yarmouth, you’ll find charming Victorian architecture and a peaceful harbour setting. Don’t miss a visit to the Cape Forchu Lighthouse, perched dramatically on the rugged coast.

Continue north along the Acadian Shore to Digby, a small town famed for its scallops and sweeping views across the Bay of Fundy. If conditions allow, this is one of the best places in the province to go whale watching, with humpbacks and minkes frequently spotted offshore. The local seafood is exceptional: make time for a leisurely dinner overlooking the water.

Continue your adventure by tracing the shoreline of the Bay of Fundy, home to the world’s highest tides and some of Nova Scotia’s most awe-inspiring natural phenomena. As you make your way to Truro, keep an eye out for tidal bore sightings – where surging tides reverse the flow of rivers in dramatic fashion. With two nights here, you’ll have time to explore the town’s leafy parks, walking trails and vibrant arts scene.

From Truro, venture west to the Joggins Fossil Cliffs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where 300-million-year-old fossils are embedded in soaring sea cliffs. At low tide, walk along the beach and witness the geological layers revealed by the powerful Fundy tides. The on-site interpretive centre provides fascinating context to this prehistoric treasure trove.

Cross the causeway to Cape Breton Island, where the landscapes shift to rolling highlands, dramatic sea cliffs and remote fishing villages. Your base for two nights is Cheticamp, a French Acadian town perched on the edge of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Known for its vibrant culture, traditional hooked rugs and warm hospitality, Cheticamp makes a charming base for exploring the island’s crown jewel: the Cabot Trail.

This legendary route winds through some of Canada’s most beautiful scenery, climbing from sea level to alpine plateaus and offering breathtaking views at every turn. Spend a full day tracing the trail, with stops for short hikes, photography and wildlife spotting – moose and whales are frequently seen here.

Leave the highlands behind and follow the coastal road to Sydney, where you’ll find traces of Nova Scotia’s colonial past alongside a peaceful harbourfront and friendly maritime vibe. If time allows, detour to the Fortress of Louisbourg, the largest reconstructed 18th-century French fortified town in North America. Wander cobbled streets, meet costumed guides and get a vivid sense of life on the edge of empire.

From Sydney, the route turns south along the shores of Bras d’Or Lake, a vast inland sea home to bald eagles, sailing boats and secluded coves. As you cross back to the mainland, take the scenic road to Liscomb, where you’ll spend two nights in nature’s quiet embrace.