This is the perfect introduction to the charms of Atlantic Canada. From breathtaking scenic drives such as the Cabot Trail, to picturesque villages on quiet shorelines, there's plenty to fall in love with here. Along the way, admission is included to ten historic sites, including the Louisbourg Fort, while a whale-watching cruise brings you up close to the nation's favourite marine mammal. Spend your nights in heritage properties across Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, after long days spent soaking up the scenery and breathing in the fresh Atlantic air.
You'll begin this journey in suitable style with VIP lounge access before your flight to Halifax. Your accommodation for the evening is a historic, early-20th-century property, opposite the charming public gardens in the centre of the city. Make the most of included entrance to the Citadel National Historic Site with a walk within its fortified walls, pausing to watch the hourly sentry change at the front gate. This evening, take a wander along the waterfront boardwalk and dine with views over the harbour before returning to your hotel for the evening.
Stay: Barrington Hotel, Halifax
After collecting your hire car today you'll hit the open road along the famed Lighthouse Route, renowned for its coastal views and, of course, its classic red-and-white landmarks. At Lunenburg, a UNESCO-listed Victorian old town, marinas are lined with bright red houses set against a backdrop of forested hills. You also have included entrance to Kejimkujik National Park, where hiking trails follow the river past thousand-year-old petroglyphs marking an ancient indigenous past. Tonight, you'll stay in Annapolis Royal, in a charming 19th-century inn surrounded by peaceful country gardens.
Stay: Hillsdale House (Superior)
From your base in Annapolis Royal, you're ideally located to make the quick, scenic drive along the Digby Neck peninsula. An included whale-watching experience in the Bay of Fundy offers the chance to spot everything from humpbacks to fin backs in the surrounding waters. This afternoon, enjoy included admission to Fort Anne, a 17th-century military stronghold designated as Canada’s very first historic site. A leisurely walk through Annapolis Royal’s tree-lined streets showcases the highest concentration of heritage buildings in Canada.
Stay: Hillsdale House (Superior)
Depart Annapolis Royal and drive to Digby to board the ferry to Saint John, world-famous for its Reversing Falls Rapids—the colossal, tidal tug-of-war between the Bay of Fundy and the St. John River. Twice daily at high tide, the powerful Fundy waters roar into the Saint John River. The titanic clash of natural forces causes the river to reverse direction
Stay: Delta Saint John
The highlight today is the scenic drive along the Bay of Fundy. Witness the power of the world’s highest tides at the Hopewell Rocks. Visit the informative Hopewell Rocks Interpretive Center and learn everything you need to know about the tidal phenomenon. Take a drive through Fundy National Park before reaching Moncton
Stay: Delta Beausejour, Moncton
Before leaving Moncton we suggest a stop at the Magnetic Hill where you can put the car in neutral to experience the illusion of being pulled up hill by a ‘magnetic force.’ Continue to Shediac, known as The Lobster Capital of the World for its lobster fishing, processing plants, live-lobster tanks and the famous Lobster Festival. Enjoy a lobster fishing cruise & dine on fresh lobster. Then follow the Confederation Bridge, the longest bridge in Canada, to Charlottetown, P.E.I
Stay: The Great George, Charlottetown
Today, you'll traverse the spectacular eight-kilometre Confederation Bridge, crossing the Northumberland Strait to Prince Edward Island. After a lunch stop in Wolfville, surrounded by picturesque rivers, ocean, valleys and hills, enjoy included entrance to the Grand-Pré National Historic Site. Natural meadows and villages bring to life the history of the region, telling the sobering story of the deportation of the Acadians in the 1700s. Tonight, you'll stay in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island's quaint capital.
Today you have an entire day to explore Charlottetown. A cultural hub, it's often referred to as the birthplace of Canada – Province House was the site of the meetings that led to the country’s establishment in 1867. It's perhaps even more famous for being the home of Anne of Green Gables – and you can visit Anne's house while you're here. For the outdoor explorers, PEI National Park is a maze of gentle hiking trails between picture-perfect beaches and tranquil bays. Tonight, return to your heritage hotel, in the heart of the city's National Historic District.
Stay: The Great George (Superior)
Drive by red cliffs, white beaches, gently sloping sand dunes and green fields as you make your way to Prince Edward Island National Park. Before returning to Charlottetown, visit Green Gables Heritage Site, the alluring inspiration of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic Anne of Green Gables books. (Breakfast included)
Depart Charlottetown and head onwards via Orwell Corner, a meticulously restored 19th century village. An included island hop on the Woods Islands Ferry brings you back across to Nova Scotia, ready to drive over the Canso Causeway to Cape Breton Island. You'll wind your way through the mountainous interior to Baddeck, nestled on the shores of the great inland sea known as the Bras d'Or Lakes, where your resort accommodation is set on 11 acres with views across the water.
Stay: Inverary Resort (Superior)
Depart Charlottetown taking Route 1 to Wood Islands Ferry crossing to Caribou, Nova Scotia. Drive the short distance to Pictou & visit Hector Heritage Quay, where a fullscale replica of the Hector has been built using traditional ship building techniques. Depart Pictou and continue to Cape Breton via the Canso Causeway and onto Baddeck. This scenic village overlooks the beautiful Bras d’Or Lakes. (Breakfast included)
The world-famous Cabot Trail awaits, looping around Cape Breton among cragged coastlines, deep canyons and rugged mountains. As you drive, search the skies for eagles and keep an eye out for the native Canadian moose. Hiking trails abound – the Skyline Trail is a highlight, clifftop paths hug the cragged coast, and there are chances for seasonal whale sightings. There's also the Glenora Distillery, the Acadian Cultural Centre and the Music Interpretive Centre to visit, if you have the time.
Stay: Inverary Resort (Superior)
You’re off to experience one of the most stunningly picturesque drives in North America. The Cabot Trail winds around the rocky splendor of Cape Breton’s northern shore, ascending to the incredible plateaus of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Look-offs offer unforgettable vistas of Cape Breton’s rugged coastline so be sure to have your camera on hand
Today is at your leisure before this evenings overnight ferry crossing between North Sydney and Argentia.
Experience the rugged beauty of Newfoundland as you drive from the picturesque ferry port of Argentia to the lively city of St. John’s. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes, encountering serene fishing villages, dramatic cliffside vistas, and dense forests. The journey culminates in vibrant St. John’s, a city brimming with history, culture, and distinctive colourful row houses. .
Start your day with a delightful exploration of St. John’s, taking in the sights and experiences this vibrant city has to offer. Begin by visiting ‘the Rooms’ museum and gallery, where you can immerse yourself in the rich history and artistic treasures of Newfoundland and Labrador. Next, drive up Signal Hill, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Don’t forget to capture some memorable photos from this vantage point. Afterward, venture out to Cape Spear National Historic Site,the easternmost pointinNorth America. Marvel at the rugged coastal beauty and soak in the historical significance of this remarkable location. To continue your adventure, make your way to Quidi Vidi Village, a picturesque spot just 3 km from St. John’s. This charming fishing village has been featured in countless photographs,showcasing its quaint beauty and coastal charm. While you’re there, make a stop at Quidi Vidi Brewery, where you can savor a pint of Iceberg beer. This unique brew is made using iceberg water sourced directly from the shores of St. John’s, making it a truly refreshing and authentic local experience. (Breakfast included)
Today embark on your journey to the Bonavista Peninsula, known for its scenic and rugged coastlines. The peninsula also contains some of the oldest settlements in Newfoundland, particularly the towns of Bonavista and Trinity. Before settling in to your accommodation for the night, you may want to drive 20 minutes south of Trinity to New Bonaventure and visit the Random Passage Site. Constructed in 2000 for the filming of the international TV mini-series “Random Passage”, the site today provides the opportunity to step back in time and experience what life might have been like in a fishing outpost in the early 1800s. (Breakfast included)
Explore the enchanting village of Trinity with its restored white and pastel coloured clapboard houses. Set along a dramatic coastline you will discover a sense of Newfoundland’s history and nature. Join the Trinity Pageant, a walking theatre that meanders through the village enticing viewers to live the history of the area. If you’re feeling active, hike the short but steep 20-minute trail up Gun Hill behind the village for spectacular 360 degree views of the village and surrounding areas. (Breakfast included)
Now that you have a sense of the area, venture to Port Rexton today and hike the Skerwink Trail. This very walkable trail will take you along the rugged coastline for a spectacular view of the surrounding villages set against the ocean. In the afternoon, head north to the town of Bonavista, where you can visit the Ryan Premises National Historic Site, a 19th century replica fish processing factory. In this small village you will also find the red and white striped Bonavista Lighthouse, and the Matthew Legacy, a replica of John Cabot’s ship which voyaged across the Atlantic to discover land in 1497. (Breakfast included)
On your journey to Twillingate, your path takes you through the verdant Terra Nova National Park. Should you feel a call towards the natural world, pausing here will immerse you in sprawling coniferous forests, serene ponds, and an abundance of picturesque walking trails. Along the Trans Canada Highway, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the North Atlantic Aviation Museum in Gander. This treasure trove showcases Gander’s significant contributions to the evolution of transatlantic aviation, tracing history from the 1930s up to the Broadway sensation, ‘Come From Away.’ The display includes a piece of steel recovered from the World Trade Center Twin Towers. As you journey towards Twillingate, consider stopping at Boyd’s Cove to explore the Beothuk Interpretive Centre. Here, you can step back in time and discover an ancient Beothuk village, unearthed by archaeologists in the 1980s.Upon reaching Twillingate, grab your camera and prepare for an unforgettable maritime experience with the Iceberg Watch afternoon boat tour. This excursion offers a chance to capture images of towering icebergs, majestic whales, stunning sunsets, and myriad other breathtaking sights that the scenic island of Twillingate generously provides. (Breakfast included)
Bound for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gros Morne National Park, words do not give the vistas justice. The park is populated by little villages, bare topped mountains, and forests inhabited by moose and caribou. (Breakfast included)
Enjoy a day exploring all of Gros Morne National Park on your own viewing glacial valleys, intriguing rock formations, magnificent sea arches and numerous types of wildlife. Don’t miss the internationally known Tablelands, a rare outcrop of the Earth’s mantle pushed skyward half a billion years ago.
Experience a breathtaking journey from Norris Point to Port Aux Basques, dominated by coastal barren landscapes and forested mountains, ending with a midday ferry ride to North Sydney arriving early evening. As the ferry sails across the Cabot Strait, keep a close watch for whales and dolphins. White puffins and birds of prey that live on the spectacular cliffs can also be seen.
This morning, you'll return to Halifax via the scenic Bras d’Or Lake Drive, with an opportunity for lunch in one of many pretty coastal towns along the way. Once in Halifax, visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic – which includes a fascinating exhibition on the Titanic – before relaxing with a beer at Keith's Brewery, one of the oldest in North America. Finish off your trip with some fresh seafood on the waterfront as the sun sets.
Stay: The Lord Nelson (Superior)
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
You have an evening flight, so there's a little more time to soak up the fresh Atlantic air before dropping off your hire car at the airport.
"Atlantic Canada is one of those rare destinations where clients can still get lost away from the tourist crowds. There's a quiet, serene beauty to this region, best taken in on a self-paced self-drive. With included admission to everything from the Citadel Historic Site in Halifax to the Louisbourg Fort, there's so much to see. A great introduction to the charms of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island."
Andy Austen
Destination Specialist
15 - 22 May 2024 from: £4,035 pp
23 May - 18 Jun 2024 from: £4,280 pp
19 Jun - 15 Sep 2024 from: £4,210 pp
Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador