Love road trips? That, and it really is a cool airport hotel, one of the best Ive stayed at. TIP: Be sure to roll down the back-seat windows so . Coming from Digby take exit 22 in the 101. While youre in Lunenburg, The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic is a must-do). Halifax Public Gardens: Located along Spring Garden Road, these Victorian gardens span 16 acres in the heart of the city and have fountains, 140 different species of trees, gardens overflowing with vibrant flowers, carpet beds and statues. What did you like about this post? Nova Scotia has been built on the back of breweries and rum distilleries so youll find something everywhere you go. Hey Susan, I hope this Nova Scotia road trip guide and video was of some use. with ten days you will have to be selective about what to visit; it would be rushed if you tried to visit both the south shore and Cape Breton if you want to go to PEI. Little kids and teenagers alike can get spooked by tales of werewolves and vampires whilst adults can still learn something at the same time. Its an experience you wont soon forget. Personally, this is just the types of area I enjoy checking out, those that are lesser known to tourists. This beautiful part of Nova Scotia is often ignored. And will we have time to go to Antagonish? You may also opt to take a boat tour of the river with captain Chester, who has been employed by the lodge for over 40 years. 4 years ago. An active family? While most people make a beeline for Peggys Point Lighthouse, its also worth spending a bit of time wandering around the tiny fishing village. You have given me some ideas for my next trip!! Click the following link for a video and more information: Peggys Cove. Here are 4 of the best road trip destinations during 7 days in Nova Scotia. Its a short drive, but there are plenty of shops and bakeries to stop into along the way such as Otis and Clementine Book Shop, Acadian Maple Products, and White Sails Bakery. Roadside fruit and vegetable stands use an honesty system where a tin, jar or ice cream container is provided to accept payment. Hit all of the spots on dry land before rolling down into the harbour a thrill for kids and adults alike. In New Brunswick, I REALLY loved Grand Manan and St. Andrews. Either way, looking forward to it! It isnt long before the boat ride feels like being on a roller coaster, as you cling to the sides to avoid being toppled out by the waves! I would add Annapolis Royal, Canadas oldest incorporated town. Like Pam, above, we are planning a driving trip to NS in May for about a week to ten days. Day 1: Halifax, Nova Scotia. in a cool space before the drive back to the airport to wave goodbye to this beautiful province. Visit the Keji Seaside Adjunct wilderness park! This first itinerary has limited time in the city of Halifax, and primarily focuses on the South Shore and its colourful towns and gorgeous beaches, and the dramatic tides of the Bay of Fundy, and quaint maritime fishing villages. Seafood, and lobster in particular, are big business in Nova Scotia. Day 3: Day trip to Peggys Cove Lighthouse, Mahone Bay and Lunenburg. The Best of Prince Edward Island: Things To Do + Itinerary Suggestions The Acadian fishing village is also the gateway to the Chticamp campground in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where visitors can pitch a tent or relax in an equipped campsite or oTENTik. Grab a beer There are some beautiful 1940s vehicles on site as well as other artifacts from the era. Thanks for any info. If time permits, spend some more time in Wolfville Blomidon Inn is only a short walk from the main street of Wolfville so you can explore the brunch spots and shopping and make sure you stop by the Annapolis Cider Company for a cider tasting (for adult passengers only!) Would you like to go there now or continue browsing Family Traveller UK. Hit the road and enjoy the scenic drive to Digby, stopping by Barrington, The Lobster Capital of Canada. Clear the cobwebs with a morning bike ride in the Annapolis Valley. Lunenburg historic district: The narrow Montague, Pelham and Lincoln streets in old town Lunenburg are lined with the bright facades of shops and restaurants, and have plaques designating heritage properties dating back over a century. Cheers Your email address will not be published. Plan an amazing trip for Nova Scotia one week itinerary. While driving the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton, spending a night in Baddeck, Ingonish and Cheticamp as you travel around the Island is ideal. You should set aside another few days (at least three or four) to explore Cape Breton and the Cabot Trail (click that link to see our epic guide to the Cabot Trail!). Hope you both have a great time. Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. Great time of year. Hi Alicethank you so much! Youll love it. Be sure to check out our full local's guide to the many things to do in Halifax. Design my custom trip. Follow the Lighthouse Rte to .. Hi Gren, thank you so much for sharing all this info, very helpful for my next trip! The Perfect 7-Day Nova Scotia Road Trip Guide, Explore Time: At least 1-2 hours depending if you go to both places, Drive From Grand Pre National Site To Halls Harbour, Explore Time: 2-3 hours in Guysborough and surrounding area. A family-friendly brewery tour! Get a lay of the land by strolling along the four-kilometre Harbourwalk, which winds along the colourful waterfront overlooking the Bedford Basin which is fed by the Atlantic Ocean. Yeah, I hear yaonly so much one can cover in a week, especially in Nova Scotia. Fun things to do in the Annapolis Valley during fall, The best things to do in Olympic National Park, Washington, Otrobanda, the colourful cultural hub in Willemstad, Curacao, 5 reasons you need to stay at The Phoenician in Arizona. This is a lesser-known area off the tourist beaten path of nearby Lunenburg. Theres a mall attached if you need to grab any essentials and its an easy 10 minute stroll to the harbour. https://mikesroadtrip.com/pei-road-trip-guide Let me know if I can answer any questions. One Week in Nova Scotia. Then, due to the current rental shortage, youre going to want to reserve your car far in advance. As you head north, there is a range of activities along Baie Sainte Marie (Saint Marys Bay), such as cycling, clam digging, stargazing, and admiring glise Sainte-Marie the largest wooden church in North America. Halifax, Cape Breton, and PEI in 7 days? - Fodor's Along the way (about 40 minutes from Pictou) you will see Big Island Road. Travel on Highway 1 all the way to Annapolis Royal, a place whose history dates to 1605! Hi Marythank you so much for sharing the tip. You might be wondering why drivers in Nova Scotia always have their lights on. The Blomidon Inn is a gorgeous mansion at the top of Wolfville that has incredible rooms and a really lovely inhouse restaurant that serves a continental breakfast in the mornings and a full dinner menu in the evenings. For a Canadian twist on this classic ingredient, pass by Capt Kats Lobster Shack for their insanely delicious lobster poutine. Want to get some expert advice if the following is feasible for only 7 days. Take a walking tour Overnight in Wolfville. Each of the authentic buildings have interpreters wearing period attire and are often working on creating goods from the era, such as a blacksmith, woodworker, crochet to a photographer using original techniques. Chticamp: Chticamp is one of the larger towns along the trail, with plenty of accommodation options, restaurants and sightseeing cruises. The charming town of Wolfville is at the centre of it all, and home to Acadia University and the Grand Pr National Historic Site which has a UNESCO designation. Either way, the last ferry of the day departs Wood Islands at 7:30 pm, and youll need to be on it to reach Pictou and your room at the waterfront Consulate Inn. LaHave Bakery is a beautiful old building built in 1896 and converted into a bakery and community hub, with a skatepark on the roof (yes really) and shared art spaces to enjoy post-lunch. In the community of Hubbards, find Lolas Landing a tiny gift shop that sells charming trinkets and souvenirs. As a resident of Nova Scotia you have hit on the tourist areas that is found on many highlights of our province. At Le Village (Historical Acadian Village of Nova Scotia), youll find old houses and buildings which showcase the lifestyle and skills of the original Acadian settlers, from weaving fishing nets to building boats. The Citadel: This star-shaped fort overlooking the harbour was built in 1749 to protect the city, and is essentially responsible for the founding of Halifax since the British military was drawn to the easily-defendable perch on what is now called Citadel Hill. The UNESCO World Heritage site of the town of Lunenburg is just a 2 hour drive from Halifax and the route winds around some of the most picturesque coastline in Canada. This Canadian province has become famous around the world as the pastoral setting of the children's book, Ann of Green Gables. Day 6: Explore the Cabot Trail. Any kind of vehicle is best for a Nova Scotia road trip, as long as it has air conditioning. The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site and the Public Gardens should be at the top of your list. Cheers, Mike. Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia - credit: Nova Scotia Tourism Distance: 977 km Timing: 5 to 7 days Suggested stops: Halifax, Lunenburg, Annapolis Valley, Digby, Saint John, Hopewell Rocks, Moncton, Shediac, Charlottetown, Cavendish, North Cape, Summerside Halifax to Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia I think Halifax would be a great home base for a few days if you like more urban stuff. Thanks for stopping by. Benjamin Bridge, Blomidon Estate, Luckett VIneyards, Domaine de Grand Pre, LAcadie Vineyards and Gaspereau Vineyards are all beautiful and provide tastings for $5-10, whilst designated drivers and little ones can explore the vineyards and enjoy the great outdoors. Water levels can raise up by 53ft (or 16m), so it can be very dangerous if you walk too far away from the entrance of a beach without knowing when the tide will come in. Sounds like you need to stop at the fossil cliffs in Joggins. The ferry from Sydney (in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia) takes about seven hours to reach Port Aux Basque on Newfoundland's west coast. You didnt even mention Issacs Harbour in the Guysborough area.This is a 7 day road trip around selected parts of NS. Day 7 Drive to Halifax. Hope you get a chance to experience it one day soon. On the second floor of the market is a coffee shop with a small deck overlooking the harborthis is a spot to start the day. Lunenburg, Nova Scotia is a quintessential Canadian Maritimes experience. Level Up Your Travel Skills With Our Newsletter. After breakfast at the Liscombe Lodge you may want to go kayaking, take a hike or partake in some of the other on-site recreational options. The rugged coastline is littered with glorious beaches that provide the perfect setting for outdoor adventure. I live on the south shore of Nova Scotia with its beautiful white sand beaches be sure to check this area and the French Shore Annapolis Valley on your next Nova Scotian Adventure. Hi Mike! Visit all three of Canada's Maritime provinces - Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. Day 6: Drive the rest of the Cabot Trail, overnight in Port Hood or Cheticamp. Welcome to Canada's Atlantic Coast and the Canadian Maritimes, a land blessed with stunning natural beauty and a relaxed way of life. There is a pullout that makes the perfect spot for photos. Day 3: From Lunenburg drive to Shubie, visit Burntcoat head or go Tidal Bore Rafting, overnight in Shubie, Day 4: Drive to Baddeck, overnight in Baddeck, Day 5: Drive half of the Cabot Trail, overnight in Ingonish, Day 6: Drive the rest of the Cabot Trail, overnight in Port Hood or Cheticamp. Oh, and get pumped for your trip to Nova Scotia by reading our 12 Reasons to Visit Nova Scotia! Next time stop by the Authentic Seacoast Destillery and Brewery in Guysborough for some delicious rum, and stay in Charles Cove at the Seawind Landing. Some of the top places to include on a Cabot Trail itinerary are: Once youve completed the Cabot Trail loop, head back to Halifax which marks the end of the ultimate, one week Nova Scotia road trip. Jump aboard this giant green amphibious vehicle for a tour of halifax with a fun and informative narration from your guide. Lunenburg is a small and walkable town, but driving through Lunenburg can be tricky because there are so many one-way streets. The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site and the Public Gardens should be at the top of your list. Book an organized Wolfville winery tour, bike or drive to the local vineyards which include: READ MORE: The best spots for fall foliage in Nova Scotias Annapolis Valley. We have about 21 to 25 days to travel Nova Scotia in our Class b van. If your host says keep the screen door shut then keep the screen door shut. Thanks for stopping by. Iconic lighthouses, impressive coastal scenery, colourful fishing villages and experiencing east coast hospitality are just a few highlights of a Nova Scotia road trip, which is why this corner of Canada is so beloved. Wine tasting in the Annapolis Valley. I road tripped around many areas of Nova Scotia and have put together what I think is the perfect 7-day Nova Scotia Road Trip. Spending the night Brier Island there are no wrong places to stay. Hope you have a wonderful trip. Follow an itinerary exactly as outline or mix and match to create your own. Or, if youre adventuring further west in Canada, take a look at our Alberta Road Trip guide! Once you reach the stunning region of Ingonish Beach (on the east coast of Cape Breton Island), you will immediately forget the many hours spent behind the wheel. I hope to take the ferry from Campobello to New Brunswick before the end of September. One of the best things to do in Nova Scotia is driving the Cabot Trail, a 300-kilometre loop that circles the coast of Cape Breton. No matter how long your trip is, make sure to choose a dependable car that is suitable for road trips. I have personally stayed at the Westin which is close to the entrance of the boardwalk. Day 2: Drive to Lunenburg and Mahone Bay, overnight in Lunenburg. Once beyond the sand bar, the caption will check his watch to see how much time until the tidal bore arrives. Touring the replica ship in the harbor really puts in perspective the arduous journey that took place over two hundred years ago. Its a great spot for seeing these majestic animals, which is a truly breathtaking experience. Nova Scotia & PEI 10 day Itinerary Help needed - Tripadvisor Heading back again this Sept. Hey Wendyme too! The bright side: if you are travelling with a partner, doing a tick check could be fun! Day 7: Drive back to Halifax. Or, do a little exploring on your own en route to the airport. Required fields are marked *. Was on quite a road trip myself last year and visited many of the spots you named. My husband and I are planning on a 2 week trip to Nova Scotia and are considering traveling the last week in August. Although daytime tours are popular, by far the most family-centric ones are the haunted tours. Glad you enjoyed. What are some places to spend a couple days and maybe relax. Thank you! It is also abundant with excellent restaurants and cafs such as The Grand Banker, Rime and The Salt Shaker Deli. Julep, on the corner of Barrington and Prince Street is also a wonderful place for a celebratory meal, in one of Halifaxs most historic buildings. That sounds like a fun trip. You have suggested some spots that I have yet to get to as a life long resident! Hi Mike! Overnight in Ingonish. The Annapolis Valley is a must! The guide will adapt based on the group so if you have really little ones, theyll be sure to try and engage them. Drive to Cheticamp, over night in Cheticamp. Nova Scotia is chalked full of stunning natural beauty, including forests, beaches, and a rocky coastline. Hi Wendythanks so much for stopping by and for the kudos. Day 4: Drive to Baddeck, overnight in Baddeck. Finally, dont forget to snap lots of photos. The inn is situated on 6 acres and dates back to 1873. Wine tasting in the Annapolis Valley After strolling down memory lane, my next suggestion will surely get your adrenal going, its called tidal bore rafting. Day 4: Drive to Digby, go whale watching and hike to the balancing rock. Now to go around the cabot trail depends on whether you travel along route 19 along the coast from the Canso Causeway up to . Day 4: Explore Wolfville in the morning, then drive to Shubie for Tidal Bore Rafting. the worlds largest food and film festival, held every October. Canadian Maritimes road trip with kids - our 7-day itinerary The road leads to Big Island, an area I did not explore, but if you have the time, it might be worth checking out. This historic inn has been nicely restored with elegant common areas and spacious rooms. Hi RaedI have not been to Cabot Trail, but have heard it is simply amazing. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A great way to know a place is by speaking to a local. All the best, Mike. This is a fantastic experience for both young and old. A couple blocks up from the harbor are streets full of additional shopping and restaurants. I will let you know when I update. You can eat surprise, surprise overlooking the water but instead of seafood, grab one of their yummy baked savouries or sweets. The Wolfville/ Grand Pr area has a lot to offer with all of the wineries and miseries along with Barreling Tide Distillery and the Wayfarers Brewery in Port Williams. ferry to PEI. Starting from the banks of the Shubenacadie River near Maitland, guests hop in a zodiac and are guided past the towering red rock formations lining the bay, and will have a chance to walk on the sandbars before they get swallowed up by the changing tide. A Prince Edward Island Road Trip Itinerary | Keep Exploring Who doesnt love seeing those majestic whales! I tried twice to stop by the distillery, but they seemed uninterested in giving me a tour. It looks like you might be looking for Family Traveller US. If youre hungry, check out the Salt Shaker Deli for some seafood chowder. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Day trip to Lunenburg and Mahone Bay from Halifax, What you need to know when visiting Cape Breton. Youll also see a slew of fishing vessels on the harbor floor patiently waiting for the tide to rise. [ NOTE: PEI road trip map below] PEI is where the land and sea collide at your table in culinary delight. Prince Edward Island is one of Canada's eastern maritime provinces. Moose sightings are frequent, and other wildlife in the area include bears, whales and eagles. Nova Scotia, which means "New Scotland" has a significant Scottish influence while also being known as Canada's ocean playground. Catch the ferry from Digby to Saint John and drive down the coast to St. Andrews, where you can do what visitors have done for over a centurybrowse through the boutiques, enjoy Kingsbrae Garden, and dine on seafood. A former flight attendant, Helen exchanged her wings for a journalism degree and never looked back. The countryside, the lighthouses, seemed the tidal bore rafting I cant wait for my next vacation. Quick question if you dont mind, instead of staying at the airport Alt Hotel, could I stay in Halifax the first night and still fit in the day one plan you described?
