Nova Scotia: Treasures & Lighthouses

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. You can enjoy an included visit to the Halifax Citadel Fort and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Take the scenic Lighthouse Route along the coast and you’ll pass through Peggy’s Cove, a small fishing village with houses built right into the granite rock and where you can visit one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country. The road hugs the coastline until it reaches the town of Lunenburg. A UNESCO world heritage site where a rabble of red-painted wooden houses covers the hillside, and shops and galleries line the narrow streets of the old Victorian town.

Stay: Blue Nose Inn, Lunenburg (Superior)

Today either continue along the Lighthouse Route to Yarmouth or 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 conduct outings on foot to reveal the natural history of the area, including Mi’kmaq petroglyphs. Whichever route you choose, you will continue to Annapolis Royal.

Stay: Hillsdale House, Annapolis Royal (Superior)

After breakfast drive the Digby Neck to experience a whale watching excursion in the nutrient rich waters of the Bay of Fundy. You will likely see Finback and Minkes, Humpbacks or even the rare North Atlantic right whale, plus passing close to Brier Island Lighthouse with its characteristic red and white bands. Return to Annapolis Royal and spend the afternoon exploring the historic sites of Fort Anne, and Port-Royal, conveniently located close to the Victoria Beach Lighthouse which guards the Bay of Fundy.

Stay: Hillsdale House, Annapolis Royal (Superior)

After breakfast, make time to stop at the Grand-Pré National Historic Site, commemorating Grand-Pré area as a centre of Acadian settlement from 1682 to 1755 and the Deportation of the Acadians, which began in 1755 and continued until 1762. Also the Domaine de Grand Pré is a fantastic winery for tastings, and degustation, including a range of still and sparkling wines, plus its famous Novados Apple Brandy, a particular favourite.

Stay: Tattingstone Inn, Wolfville (Superior)

From Wolfville 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, your overnight accommodation is in the neighbouring town of New Glasgow, where your clapperboard townhouse looks out overlooking the East River of Pictou.

Stay: Riverside Inn, New Glasgow (Superior)

Depart New Glasgow 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 and museum named after him. 

Next morning 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. Return to Baddeck in the afternoon.

Stay: Inverary Resort, Baddeck (Superior)

From Baddeck head west and off Cape Breton Island. 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 perhaps 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.

This morning, drop your car back at the airport and prepare for your day flight back to the UK