Self-Drive Tour | Halifax, Cape Breton Island & Cabot Trail

Itinerary Highlights

Explore Halifax waterfront and learn more about its rich maritime history.
Immerse yourself in the spectacular scenery as you wind your way through Cabot Trail.
Enjoy a ‘living museum’ experience at the Fortress of Louisburg National Historic Site.
Drive through the scenic Bras d’Or Lake designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Best time to travel MAY - OCT

What's Included

Accommodation Throughout
Car Hire
GPS Device
International Flights

6 nights from £1,459 per person

All of our holidays are tailor-made to your requirements by an expert Travel Specialist

01244 435 806

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Our six-night flexible self-drive is a great introduction to Nova Scotia, visiting the provincial capital of Halifax and the spectacular Cape Breton Island. Enjoy leisure time exploring Halifax, whether you’re into maritime history, the arts, outdoor adventures, a gourmand or want to try your hand at being a lumberjack at The Timber Lounge; Halifax has it all and more.

Cape Breton Island sits at the eastern end of Nova Scotia and offers cultural experiences such as the historic Louisbourg Fortress, a living museum re-enacting daily life in French colonial times and the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site. Enjoy spectacular scenic drives along the Cabot Trail and Bras d’Or Lakes or take a hike along one of the 28 beautiful trails in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Itinerary

Day 1 UK to Halifax

After arriving at Halifax airport, pick up your rental vehicle for the short drive to your hotel in this delightful maritime city. Most flights arrive early afternoon so you have the remainder of the day and evening at your leisure.Hotel – Lord Nelson Hotel

Staying at

Classic King Guestroom at Lord Nelson, Halifax

Classic Guestroom Queen double at Lord Nelson, Halifax

Day 2 Explore Halifax

Halifax was first settled in 1749, so is steeped in maritime history. The city is now Nova Scotia’s capital and is dominated by the star-shaped Citadel that sits on a hilltop overlooking the city. Explore the historic waterfront, discovering the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market, Canadian Museums of Immigration at Pier 21 and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.

Staying at

Day 3 Halifax to Cape Breton Island (222 miles)

Baddeck, Nova Scotia

Depart Halifax for your drive east to Cape Breton Island, often described as ‘a little piece of Scotland in North America’. The island offers a vast range of outdoor activities from sailing to hiking, golf, kayaking and whale watching. The island offers cultural experiences and culinary delights with fresh ‘ship to shore’ shellfish, craft beers and single malt whisky. Hotel – Inverary Resort

Day 4 Cabot Trail (187 miles)

Baddeck, Nova Scotia

Cape Breton Island is world famous for the 186 mile Cabot Trail, offering awe-inspiring views as you wind your way around the majestic coastline and through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Along the route there are several points of interest including the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre, Glenora Distillery and 28 beautiful hiking trails. We highly recommend the Skyline Trail which takes between 2 – 3 hours. Hotel – Inverary Resort

Day 5 Louisbourg Sightseeing (137 miles)

Louisbourg, Nova Scotia

Visit the Fortress of Louisburg National Historic Site. The Fortress is east of Sydney and sits on Cape Breton’s rocky shoreline, offering a ‘living museum’ experience. Founded by the French in 1713, the fortress is now North America’s largest and most impressive historical reconstruction. Costumed interpreters re-enact daily life from the French colonial period. Head for Louisburg Wharf where you will see the day’s crab and lobster catches off loaded. Hotel – Inverary Resort

Day 6 Baddeck to Halifax (222 miles)

Spend a leisurely day driving along the scenic Bras d’Or Lake, an inland sea of fresh/salt water. The area is designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and offers beaches, rocky headlands and wetlands. There are several areas where you can stop and enjoy a lakeside picnic or take a side trip for the Eskasoni Cultural Journey at the Highland Village Museum.

Staying at