Nova Scotia’s Coastal Treasures

Leave Halifax and follow the coastal road to Peggy’s Cove. Its famous red-and-white lighthouse stands above a remarkable landscape of wave-shaped granite rocks and open Atlantic water.

Continue through picturesque fishing communities towards Mahone Bay, known for its waterfront, galleries and much-photographed churches. From here, travel to UNESCO-listed Lunenburg and explore its colorful Old Town, historic harbor and maritime heritage.

Your selected hotel may be located in Lunenburg, Bridgewater or elsewhere along the South Shore. Bridgewater is approximately 12 mi/19 km from Lunenburg, making it a convenient base for exploring the area.

Driving distance: approximately 95 mi / 150 km – 3 hours, excluding stops
Overnight: Lunenburg, Bridgewater or the South Shore – 1 night

Travel inland across Nova Scotia towards the fertile Annapolis Valley, a region of orchards, vineyards, farms and historic communities.

Visit Wolfville and the nearby Grand-Pré National Historic Site, or stop at one of the valley’s wineries, cider producers or farm markets. Continue towards the Bay of Fundy coast, where the difference between high and low tide is among the greatest anywhere in the world.

Depending on the tide and available time, visit Hall’s Harbor or another Fundy coastal community before continuing to your selected hotel. Accommodation may be located in Wolfville, Windsor or elsewhere in the Annapolis Valley.

Driving distance: approximately 80 mi / 130 km – 2 hours, excluding sightseeing
Overnight: Windsor, Wolfville or the Annapolis Valley – 1 night

Today brings a longer but straightforward journey across northern Nova Scotia.

Travel past Truro and Antigonish before crossing the Canso Causeway onto Cape Breton Island. Continue through the island’s forested interior to Baddeck, an attractive village situated beside Bras d’Or Lake.

After checking in for three nights, enjoy a waterfront walk or explore the center of Baddeck. Its central location makes it an excellent and convenient base for discovering Cape Breton Island.

Driving distance: approximately 225–245 mi / 360–245 mi (395 km) – 4½ to 5 hours.

Overnight: Baddeck or Bras d’Or Lake area – night 1 of 3.

Today, explore the western side of the Cabot Trail.

Drive through the beautiful Margaree Valley to Chéticamp, a colorful Acadian fishing community overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Explore the village, enjoy its Acadian culture and continue into Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Stop at coastal viewpoints and consider a walk along one of the park’s scenic trails. The Skyline Trail is particularly well known for its elevated views over the Gulf and the winding Cabot Trail.

Return to Baddeck through the Margaree Valley in the late afternoon.

Driving distance: approximately 170 mi / 275 km – 4½ hours without sightseeing stops.

Overnight: Baddeck or Bras d’Or Lake area – night 2 of 3.

Explore the eastern side of the Cabot Trail on another scenic day trip from Baddeck.

Follow the shores of St. Ann’s Bay towards Cape Smokey and Ingonish. Discover Atlantic beaches, coastal viewpoints and the eastern entrance to Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Depending on your interests and the weather, visit Ingonish Beach, take a short nature walk or continue to additional viewpoints along the Cabot Trail. Return to Baddeck in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxed final evening beside Bras d’Or Lake.

Driving distance: approximately 125 mi / 200 km – 3½ hours without sightseeing stops.

Overnight: Baddeck or Bras d’Or Lake area – night 3 of 3.

Leave Cape Breton Island and return to mainland Nova Scotia across the Canso Causeway.

Continue through Antigonish and Truro towards Halifax. Allow time for a lunch stop along the way before arriving at your final hotel.

Spend your last evening on the Halifax Waterfront, enjoy dinner in the city center or relax after completing your Nova Scotia road trip.

Driving distance: approximately 220 mi / 355 km – 4 hours.

Overnight: Halifax – 1 night.