Unique Properties of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island

Begin your holiday with included airport lounge access before your flight to Halifax, the provincial capital of Nova Scotia. This waterfront port city is a bustling hub of art galleries, shops, museums, restaurants, sidewalk cafes and vibrant nightlife. Officially founded in 1749 its history dates back even further, to times of the Mi’kmaq natives, European fishermen and the early Acadians, who came long before the British. Get your bearings with a city tour and then later, perhaps visit Alexander Keith’s, Canada's first independent brewery, as well as the excellent Maritime Museum of the Atlantic home to a unique collection of artefacts from the Titanic. There's also the excellent Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, a National Historic Site which was the gateway to Canada for one million immigrants between 1928 and 1971.

Collect your hire car this morning for a scenic spin along the Lighthouse Route. Along the way, you'll stop at Peggy's Cove, a picturesque fishing village surrounded by bare granite and coastal barrens and home to Nova Scotia's most iconic lighthouse. Then, continue on to the harbour town of Lunenburg, one of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nova Scotia, whose downtown buzzes with offbeat boutiques, progressive galleries and artisan shops. The town itself is dotted with pastel-coloured buildings, historic houses characterised by the unique 'Lunenburg Bump', a five-sided dormer window built over the front door.

Stay: Blue Nose Inn, Lunenburg (Superior)

Drive north along the Kejimkujik Scenic Drive to Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site; a spectacular inland National Park with walking trails and some of the best canoeing in Atlantic Canada. Continue on to Annapolis Royal, nestled in its valley namesake. Here, you'll have a free afternoon to take in the sights, from Fort Anne National Historic Site and the pretty Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens to the O'Dell House Museum and the delightful waterfront boardwalk.

Stay: Hillsdale House, Annapolis Royal (Superior)

Today make the drive along 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. Spend the afternoon exploring Annapolis Royal and Fort Anne

Stay: Hillsdale House, Annapolis Royal (Superior)

This morning make time to stop at the Grand-Pré National Historic Site, commemorating the 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. Nearby, be sure to visit Domaine de Grand-Pré winery, and sample their racy, aromatic Tidal Bay, the first wine appellation for Nova Scotia.

Stay: Tattingstone Inn, Wolfville (Superior)

Enroute to Charlottetown take time to stop and see the Bay of Fundy, a marvel of nature. Then, make your way to Caribou for the 75-minute crossing to Wood Islands on Prince Edward Island, then drive to Charlottetown, capital of Prince Edward Island. It was here that the founding fathers gathered for the Charlottetown Conference, and discussions that led to the union of British North America, which eventually became modern Canada as we know it today.

Explore picturesque Prince Edward Island National Park on the Island's north shore - see sand dunes, beaches and Green Gables, fictional home of Anne, the character created by Canadian writer Lucy Maud Montgomery and loved by millions worldwide.

Depart Charlottetown towards the ferry crossing point between Wood Islands and Caribou, then drive to Cape Breton Island, a little piece of Scotland in North America

Stay: Silver Dart Lodge, Baddeck (Superior)

A full day to drive with time to get out and hike or observe the stunning coastal views. There are 26 beautiful hiking trails in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park between Cheticamp and Ingonish. Explore the fabulous Cabot Trail around Cape Breton for awe-inspiring views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Along the way visit the Glenora Distillery and the Les Trois Pignons for a special view into Acadian culture and the history of Chéticamp.

Stay: Silver Dart Lodge, Baddeck (Superior)

This morning head north to discover the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, a restoration of a French garrison town from the 1700s. Continue to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in the village of Baddeck.

Stay: Silver Dart Lodge, Baddeck (Superior)

Take a leisurely drive back to Halifax along the scenic Bras d'Or Lakes Drive to the Canso Causeway to enter mainland Nova Scotia. At Antigonish, travel southwest along Marine Drive towards Halifax for your last night.

This morning return your hire car at the airport in time for your daytime flight home