Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Island

Relax with included airport lounge access before your flight to Halifax, collect your rental car and head for your overnight accommodation, a trio of heritage townhouses, cleverly combined to create a boutique hotel and downtown retreat in the heart of Halifax.

Explore the city with its bustling hub of art galleries, shops, museums, restaurants, sidewalk cafes and vibrant nightlife centred around the picturesque waterfront. Officially founded in 1749 the history dates back even further, to times of the Mi’kmaq natives, European fishermen and the early Acadians, who came long before the British.

Depart Halifax and drive north via Truro to the historic town of Pictou - known as the birthplace of New Scotland. It was here that the province's first Scottish Highlanders landed on the ship ‘Hector’ in 1773. Pictou boasts an award-winning waterfront development that includes the Hector Heritage Quay, where a full scale replica of the Hector has been built using traditional ship building techniques. You will stay tonight in nearby New Glasgow.

Stay: Riverside Inn, New Glasgow

Depart Pictou and continue to Cape Breton via the Canso Causeway and onto Baddeck. This scenic village overlooks the beautiful Bras d'Or Lakes and the most notable resident historically was Alexander Graham Bell - you can visit the National Historic Site named after him.

Stay: Inverary Resort, Baddeck, Cape Breton Island (Superior)

This morning depart Baddeck and take time to explore the western shore of Cape Breton Island along the Ceilidh Trail. Highlights include the Provincial Parks at Long Point and Port Hood and Margaree Harbour, where you can take a nature cruise of the area. In the afternoon drive to Cheticamp and enjoy a Whale Watching Tour before returning to Baddeck.

Stay: Inverary Resort, Baddeck, Cape Breton Island (Superior)

Today follow the famous Cabot Trail - one of the most spectacular drives in all of Canada. Follow the route along to the French Acadian community of Cheticamp – which has a distinct Acadian flavour noticeable in the architecture, people, language and music. Continue along the Cabot Trail which winds around the rocky splendour of Cape Breton's northern shore, ascending to the incredible plateaus of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The park has 26 hiking trails ranging from 20-minute short walks to challenging hikes through stunning mountain and coastal landscapes. Later continue onto Ingonish, your base for the next two nights.

Stay: Keltic Lodge Resort & Spa, Ingonish, Cape Breton Island (Superior)

Depart Baddeck and continue to explore Cape Breton Island. Continue on towards Sydney & Glace Bay. Take time to visit the Miners Museum and Marconi National Historic Site. From Glace Bay follow the Marconi Trail to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, the largest historical reconstruction in North America and the town of Louisbourg. Hear the cannons and muskets fire, watch the changing of the guard and meet the villagers at this meticulously preserved and recreated French fortification of over 250 years ago. 

Stay: Louisbourg Harbour Inn, Louisbourg, Cape Breton Island (Superior)

Depart Louisbourg and continue onto Canso Causeway. From here you will drive along the Eastern Shore and follow the Marine Drive Route to discover nature, history and culture, as well as rugged coasts, tranquil bays and beaches, unspoiled forest fauna and crystal clear lakes and streams. Be sure to visit the communities en route including Guysborough - an inviting neighbourhood with distinctive architecture overlooking Chedabucto Bay and Sherbrooke Village – a typical Nova Scotian Village from the 1860’s where most of the interpreters are dressed in period costume. Continue on to Liscomb Mills where you can relax and enjoy your surroundings. You can choose from many outdoor activities such as sea kayaking, and harbour tours.

Stay: Liscombe Lodge, Liscomb Mills (Superior)

After breakfast spend more time exploring Liscomb Mills before taking a leisurely drive back to Halifax, enroute visit Musquodoboit Harbour and Valley - a haven for nature lovers, and Martinique Beach, the longest beach in Nova Scotia. Back in  Halifax take time to visit the award winning Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, or the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic on the waterfront. Your adventures conclude with a final night back in the boutique comfort of The Halliburton.

Drop your car back at the airport for your flight back to the UK arriving on Day 10