Drive Atlantic Canada: Highlands and Islands

Below is a sample itinerary

From the highest tides in the world to the continent’s most spectacular coastal drive, the Maritimes have no shortage of showstopping attractions.

DAY 1: ARRIVE HALIFAX

Arrive in Halifax, pick up your rental car and transfer to your accommodations which are ideally located in the downtown core of this vibrant and cosmopolitan urban centre on the Atlantic Ocean.

Accommodation: Cambridge Suites Halifax (or similar)

DAY 2: SOUTH SHORE

Discover the rustic charm of the renowned fishing village of Peggy’s Cove where you will see one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. Continue along the South Shore and on to the UNESCO World Heritage Town of Lunenburg, renowned for her fleets of Grand Banks’ fishing schooners. Visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic to learn about the town’s famous seafaring heritage.

Meal: Continental Breakfast.
Accommodation: Cambridge Suites Halifax (or similar)

DAY 3: TIDAL BORES & THE CONFEDERATION BRIDGE

Today you will experience two of Canada’s coolest sights: the tidal bore in Truro and the Confederation Bridge that connects Prince Edward Island to mainland Canada via New Brunswick.

Leaving from Halifax, you’ll drive northeast to your ultimate destination of Charlottetown. On the way, discover the town of Truro, located on the Salmon River, and see how the power of the incoming Bay of Fundy tides creates a tidal bore – a phenomenon where the tide reverses the natural flow of a river.

Briefly cross into New Brunswick as you make your way to the Confederation Bridge. At 12.9 kilometre, it is the world’s longest bridge crossing ice-covered water. There is a turn off just before you cross that gives you access to a lookout with a spectacular view of the bridge. Once in PEI, you’ll make your way to the capital city of Charlottetown. Enjoy strolling the historic centre of the city in the evening and be sure to enjoy some of the delicious dining on offer – whether it be in the form of famous PEI potatoes or some of the fresh bounty from the sea.

Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Rodd Charlottetown (or similar)

DAY 4: PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

Today you’ll get to know Charlottetown even further and explore some of PEI’s top spots. Canada’s smallest province is well known as the land of “Anne of Green Gables”, gorgeous red sand beaches and delicious lobster dinners.

For a quick overview of the capital city, you can book the 1-hour City Highlights Tour, during which a local guide will show you the historic areas and the scenic waterfront, tell you the history of Canada’s birthplace and point out some of the most important landmarks in the city.

Then drive by red cliffs, white beaches, gently sloping sand dunes and green fields of Prince Edward Island National Park and visit Anne of Green Gables Heritage Place, the alluring inspiration of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic books. Experience true Maritime hospitality this evening at a traditional hall-style lobster supper.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner.
Accommodation: Rodd Charlottetown (or similar)

DAY 5: WOOD ISLAND FERRY & CAPE BRETON ISLAND

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Charlottetown before heading east to Wood Island where you will take the 75-min ferry crossing to Caribou in Nova Scotia. On the way, take a slight detour to visit Point Prim to see the province’s oldest lighthouse and get close to the famous red sands for which PEI is so well known.

After crossing the Northumberland Strait via ferry, make you way up Cape Breton Island to the sleepy town of Baddeck. Visit Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site to learn of the many accomplishments of this genius who made his home on the island before checking into your accommodations on the Bras d’Or Lake where you will spend the next two nights.

Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Inverary Resort (or similar)

DAY 6: CABOT TRAIL

The road that circumnavigates Cape Breton Island is known as the Cabot Trail, one of the world’s most scenic drives. For 300 km, the road winds through the Cape Breton highlands National Park, climbs 500-metre high capes, skirts rugged coastal headlands and passes through villages where ancient dialects can still be heard.

From your base in Baddeck, you’ll be able to explore the beautiful drive and stop in the many unique communities along the way. If time permits, visit Mabou and stop in for a drink at the Red Shoe Pub owned by the musical Rankin Family. Also in the area is the Glenora Distillery, which is the only distillery outside of Scotland allowed to use “Glen” in the name – an homage to Cape Breton’s Celtic and Scottish heritage.

Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Inverary Resort (or similar)

DAY 7: ENROUTE TO HALIFAX

Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site awaits today and words cannot do justice to this reconstruction depicting one fifth of the settlement of 1744 New France. Proceed along the shore of the Bras d’Or Lake to the mainland and head to the province’s capital along the route known as the Marine Drive. You’ll pass through many scenic towns and villages that speak to Nova Scotia’s seafaring heritage. We recommend a stop for lunch at Sherbrooke Village, a restored 1860s community.

Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Cambridge Suites Halifax (or similar)

DAY 8: DEPART HALIFAX

Enjoy one last morning in Halifax and return your car rental before heading home.

Meal: Continental Breakfast.