Canadian Maritimes Road Trip | Atlantic Charm

Experience the fresh salty air, unspoiled nature, rich history and warm hospitality of Atlantic Canada on this comprehensive 11-day Canadian Maritimes road trip. Traveling through Lunenburg, Annapolis Royal, Wolfville and Charlottetown, you’ll encounter National Parks, National Historic Sites, museums and more, all set to the tune of Canada’s eclectic east coast. Enjoy sightseeing, whale watching and learning about Canada’s history, ending with time on the Cabot Trail and in Nova Scotia’s capital, Halifax. 

Day 1 Travel to Lunenburg | 145 km/90 mi

Head south to Lunenburg, visiting Peggy’s Cove along the way. Peggy’s Cove (45km) is a small village with houses built right into the granite rock and a lighthouse overlooking the Atlantic. Old Town Lunenburg (98km), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a lovingly restored Victorian town that begs you to wander and explore.

Day 2 Travel to Annapolis Royal | 133 km/83 mi

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 the Mi’kmaq pretoglyphs. Continue along Route 8 to Annapolis Royal. (breakfast included)

Day 3 Whale Watching Fishing Villages Exploring | 206 km/128 mi

Today drive along 95 km 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. (breakfast included)

Day 4 Annapolis Royal to Wolfville | 109 km/68 mi

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. Also the Domaine de Grand Pré is a fantastic winery in the area well worth a visit. (breakfast included)

Day 5 Wolfville to Charlottetown | 360 km/224 mi

Enroute to Charlottetown take time to stop and see the Bay of Fundy, a marvel of nature. You will cross the 13km long Confederation Bridge. (breakfast included)

Day 6 Charlottetown | Island Sightseeing

Explore Charlottetown, the site of Canada’s birthplace – Province House National Historic Site was the scene of meetings that led to the formation of Canada as a country in 1867. (breakfast included)

Day 7 Tour PEI – The Land of Anne | 100 km/63 mi

You can 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. (breakfast included)

Day 8 Charlottetown to Cape Breton Island | 274 km/170 mi + Ferry

Depart Charlottetown taking Route 1 to the ferry crossing at Wood Islands to Caribou, Nova Scotia then drive to Cape Breton Island, a little piece of Scotland in North America. (breakfast included)

Day 9 Cabot Trail | 300 km/187 mi

You are off to experience one of the most stunningly picturesque drives in North America. The Cabot Trail winds around the rocky splendor of Cape Breton’s northern shore, ascending to the incredible plateaus of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Look-offs offer unforgettable vistas of Cape Breton’s rugged coastline so be sure to have your camera on hand.

Day 10 Louisbourg Sightseeing | 220 km/137 mi

This morning head north to discover the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. This incredible “living museum,” largest historical reconstruction in North America, is an impressive restoration of a French garrison town dating from the 1700s, complete with costumed interpreters who re-enact daily life from the French colonial period. You can even sample period food in the restaurant, or take part in a mock battle. Also, don’t miss a visit to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in the village of Baddeck, a museum dedicated to the life and inventions of this fascinating man – who spent his summers here on the shores of the Bras d’Or – Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site is located on Chebucto Street (Route 205), in a residential area on the east edge of the village of Baddeck. You may also want to visit the Highland Village Museum in Iona.

Day 11 Travel to Halifax | 357 km/222 mi

A full day for the return trip to Halifax along the scenic Bras d’Or Lakes Drive to the Canso Causeway to enter mainland Nova Scotia. At the community of Antigonish, travel southwest along Marine Drive to your destination.