7 days
- Bay of Fundy & Annapolis Valley, Halifax Metro, South Shore, Yarmouth & Acadian Shores
There is no shortage of attractions, activities, eateries and more throughout Southwest Nova Scotia. As you step off The CAT ferry in Yarmouth ready for adventure, you’ll want to have this detailed road trip in-hand to make the most of your vacation.
1 Day 1: Yarmouth to Digby
If you’re travelling to Nova Scotia from southeastern Ontario, Quebec, or the northeast United States, save yourself some time behind the wheel and drive or walk aboard The CAT high-speed ferry to Nova Scotia, departing Bar Harbor, Maine, with a sailing time of only 3.5 hours one-way.
Sailing on The CAT isn’t just a way to get to Nova Scotia, it’s part of your vacation! While onboard you can sit back and enjoy the sail while sipping a coffee at Sip Café (tip: there’s also a Sip Café in downtown Yarmouth), a glass of Nova Scotian wine or craft beer in the Forchu Lounge; enjoy a meal at the cafeteria or browse the Scotia Market gift shop for souvenirs. There is plenty for the kids as well with play and movie areas. Be sure to watch from the deck for whales and other marine life who call the waters between Maine and Nova Scotia home.
Once you arrive in Yarmouth, be sure to check out Rudder’s Seafood Restaurant and Brewpub for your fill of fresh seafood and wash it down with a pint of craft beer brewed onsite. If the weather is fine, enjoy your meal on the patio overlooking the harbour while listening to live music, including Musique de la Baie kitchen parties on Friday evenings, June to September.
After dinner take an easy walk to Heritage Brewing Co. for a night cap before returning to your accommodation in the Yarmouth & Acadian Shores region.
Wake up bright and early to get a head start on the day. Walk to Sip Café for breakfast, browsing the colourful and eclectic shops you’ll find along the way. After getting re-fueled, stick around town to explore some of the incredible examples of beautifully preserved 19th century architecture on the Heritage in your Hand self-guided tour.
Hop in the car and make the 15-minute drive to Cape Forchu Lighthouse. Enjoy the incredible ocean views, onsite trails and look-off points, finish your visit by stopping into the on-site gift shop.
Then, head northeast about 40 minutes from Cape Forchu to Mavillette Beach Provincial Park. This is the perfect place to go for a swim in the summertime and to soak up the sun as you enjoy a stroll on the 1.5 km sandy beach anytime of the year.
Afterwards, hit the road for Digby, about an hour’s drive. Along the way visit Cape Saint Mary Lighthouse Park, just a short drive from Mavillette Beach and the Acadian Interpretive Centre located inside Rendez-vous de la Baie Visitor Centre in Church Point to learn more about this area’s Acadian heritage. If you happen to be visiting the area on a Friday between June and early September, be sure to check out Beaux Vendredis Seafood Suppers in Belliveaus Cove which feature dinners of local lobster, snow crab and clams.
Once you have arrived in Digby call it a night at Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa. If time allows, enjoy a round of golf or relax in the spa and be sure to indulge in the world-famous Digby scallops in the dining room.
2 Day 2: Digby to Wolfville
Depart Digby and drive about 90 minutes to Wolfville in the Annapolis Valley. This area is known as Nova Scotia’s Wine Country. Take some time to explore the wineries in the area like Lightfoot & Wolfville, Luckett Vineyards, Gaspereau Vineyards or Grand Pré Winery. Consider booking a ticket for the Magic Winery Bus, a seasonal hop-on hop-off British double decker bus or modern motorcoach that allows you to visit at up to four different wineries in the Wolfville area.
The Annapolis Valley is also world-famous for apples – enjoy the variety of creative local ciders at Annapolis Cider Company in downtown Wolfville.
This region is home to Grand-Pré National Historic Site, situated within the Landscape of Grand-Pré UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about this iconic place of remembrance of the Acadians and their historically significant story. While in the area stop in for a coffee at Just Us! Coffee Roasters.
For a taste of the Bay of Fundy, zip up to Hall’s Harbour Lobster Pound to marvel at the phenomenal Bay of Fundy tides and indulge in a wharfside lobster dinner. Or, take in a Gourmet Garden Party at Tangled Garden.
Overnight at one of the charming inns or bed and breakfasts in and around Wolfville.
3 Day 3: Wolfville to Halifax
Depart Wolfville for Halifax in the morning; about a 75-minute drive from Wolfville. If visiting on a weekend, make your first stop be the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market where you can park the car and enjoy shopping the local vendors. It’s a great spot for breakfast or morning coffee break.
From here continue on foot along the nearly 4km harbourfront boardwalk. Along the way stop at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, unique shops in the Bishops Landing, Queens Marque and Historic Properties shopping districts, take a tour of the harbourfront, and enjoy the many dining options situated along the route. You can easily spend several hours wandering along the Halifax waterfront.
Afterwards, venture up the hill to Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, stroll the Halifax Public Gardens and browse the shops along Spring Garden Road and Barrington Street.
If you’re ready to head out for the evening, grab a pint at one of the many venues offering up live music like Durty Nelly’s, The Lower Deck, The Seahorse Tavern, The Carleton or The Split Crow Pub.
4 Day 4: Halifax to Lunenburg
No doubt your day in Halifax was busy and filled with exploration! Enjoy a quiet breakfast and a leisurely coastal drive to the must-visit iconic lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove. Marvel at the powerful waves of the Atlantic breaking against the smooth granite (be sure to stay off the slippery, wet, black rocks!) and snap the classic lighthouse photo.
Back in the car head out to Mahone Bay, a quaint coastal town. Enjoy the colourful streetscape, unique shops, lunch at one of the charming cafés, a pint of craft brew from Saltbox Brewery, coffee from The Barn Coffee & Social House, chat with pewter artisans at Amos Pewter, and snap another classic image, The Three Churches as you enter or leave town.
Just a short 15 minutes down the road you’ll come to Old Town Lunenburg UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check in to one of the many charming bed and breakfasts or inns in town for the night. If you’re arriving around dinner time, there are plenty of options for fresh, local seafood. Visit the Beach Pea Kitchen & Bar, Grand Banker Bar & Grill (their Lunenburger is a must-try), Lincoln Street Food, Old Fish Factory, Salt Shaker Deli or The South Shore Fish Shack for a delicious meal. Most menus will also feature Nova Scotian beer and wine, perfect for pairing.
5 Day 5: Lunenburg to Liverpool
Lunenburg is the quintessential coastal Nova Scotian town and so much fun to explore. Start your day at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, enjoy a Lunenburg Walking Tour, visit Ironworks Distillery, Shipwright Brewing Company, and browse the dozens of eclectic shops. Lunenburg is also the homeport to Bluenose II. If she’s in port during your visit, the deck is often open to visitors during certain periods of the day with harbour tours also available. Check the schedule here.
Immerse yourself in the daily life of an artisan bladesmith in Lunenburg when you visit Wildertools to take part in a workshop with a master bladesmith whose work has been features in films and on TV.
If time allows drive across town to the Bluenose Golf Course where you can look back at the picturesque waterfront and snap a postcard-perfect photo. Continue your adventure down the coast to White Point Beach Resort or Quarterdeck Beachside Villas & Grill.
Both White Point and the Quarterdeck are located just outside of Liverpool and provide ideal beachside accommodations for the night. Both are popular destinations during the summer months so book in advance to avoid disappointment!
Enjoy a delightful dinner in the dining room overlooking the ocean followed by a sunset stroll along the beach.
6 Day 6: Liverpool to Yarmouth
After breakfast, continue back towards Yarmouth making sure to stop at Le village Acadien ne Nouvelle-Écosse where you can learn about fishing and farming traditions at this early-1900s seaside village overlooking Pubnico Harbour. Enjoy home-cooked Acadian cuisine, hear the Acadian dialect and meet costumed interpreters. To discover even more about the region’s Acadian heritage, drop into the nearby Musée des Acadiens des Pubnicos.
Consider spending the night at the Argyler Lodge and take advantage of their Lobster Bay Culinary Adventures where you help build a wood fire to boil your own freshly caught lobsters. Argyler chefs provide pots, lobsters and local expertise.
7 Day 7: Board The CAT ferry to Bar Harbor
Bid farewell to Nova Scotia in style back aboard The CAT ferry. Departing from Yarmouth, return stateside to Bar Harbor, Maine in just 3.5 hours. Wind down your vacation with all the same comforts you started your holiday off with as you enjoy all the amenities The CAT has to offer while someone else does the driving (sailing!)
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