Day 1 Yarmouth to Annapolis Royal or Smith’s Cove | 107 km/67 mi to Smith’s Cove or 145 km/90 mi to Annapolis Royal
Depart Yarmouth and follow the Evangeline Trail along Nova Scotia’s Acadian Shore, where windswept coastlines, tidal inlets, fishing villages and rolling farmland tell the story of the province’s French heritage. Travel through communities such as Church Point and Weymouth, passing centuries-old churches, coastal views and quiet maritime landscapes. Continue to Smith’s Cove, a peaceful coastal haven overlooking the Bay of Fundy’s world-famous tides, or onward to Annapolis Royal, one of Nova Scotia’s most historic communities.
Day 2 Smith’s Cove or Annapolis Royal to Saint John | approx. 40 km/25 mi + Ferry
Depart the Annapolis Royal area and travel to Digby to board the ferry across the Bay of Fundy to Saint John, New Brunswick. This scenic crossing offers a relaxed way to experience the vast waters of the Bay of Fundy before arriving on New Brunswick’s southern coast. Saint John is famous for the Reversing Falls Rapids, where the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy meet the Saint John River, creating a dramatic natural tug-of-war that changes direction with the tide. Spend time exploring the waterfront, historic streets and coastal character of Canada’s first incorporated city.
Day 3 Saint John to Charlottetown via Fundy Trail & Hopewell Rocks | 378 km/234 mi
Experience the dramatic coastline, natural wonders and maritime heritage of southern New Brunswick on this full touring day to Prince Edward Island. Travel through Fundy Trail Parkway, where coastal lookouts, waterfalls, forest trails and rugged Bay of Fundy scenery create one of the province’s most rewarding drives. Recommended stops include the Big Salmon River area, Walton Glen Gorge, Fuller Falls and scenic viewpoints overlooking the Fundy coastline.
Continue to Hopewell Rocks, where massive flowerpot sea stacks rise from the ocean floor, offering a remarkable look at the power of the world-famous Fundy tides. After visiting the rocks, travel toward Moncton, with the option to stop at Magnetic Hill, where a curious optical illusion makes vehicles appear to roll uphill. Continue through Shediac, known as the “Lobster Capital of the World,” before crossing the impressive Confederation Bridge to Prince Edward Island. If time permits, stop in Victoria-by-the-Sea, a picturesque coastal village, before arriving in Charlottetown, the island’s charming capital.
Day 4 Charlottetown | Exploring
Spend the day exploring Charlottetown, a graceful small city known for its historic streets, harbourfront setting and important role in Canadian history. This is the birthplace of Confederation, where meetings held in 1864 helped lead to the formation of Canada in 1867. The city’s Confederation story can be explored through heritage interpretation, cultural attractions and historic streets. Take time to stroll the waterfront, browse local shops and enjoy the welcoming island atmosphere.
Day 5 Tour PEI - The Land of Anne | 100 km/63 mi
Explore the gentle landscapes of Prince Edward Island’s north shore, where red cliffs, white sand beaches, rolling farmland and green fields create one of Canada’s most distinctive island settings. Travel to Prince Edward Island National Park for views of dunes, shoreline and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, then continue to Green Gables Heritage Place in Cavendish. This beloved literary landmark celebrates L.M. Montgomery and the landscapes that inspired Anne of Green Gables, a story loved by readers around the world.
Day 6 Charlottetown to Baddeck | 274 km/170 mi + Ferry
Depart Charlottetown and travel east to Wood Islands for the scenic 75-minute ferry crossing across the Northumberland Strait to Caribou, Nova Scotia. After arriving on the mainland, continue to Pictou, where Hector Heritage Quay tells the story of early Scottish settlement and features a full-scale replica of the Ship Hector. From here, travel east across Nova Scotia and continue over the Canso Causeway to Cape Breton Island, a region known for its Gaelic and Celtic heritage, coastal scenery and strong musical traditions. Arrive in Baddeck, a scenic village overlooking the beautiful Bras d’Or Lake.
Day 7 Louisbourg Sightseeing | 234 km/145 mi
Travel southeast toward the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, one of the most impressive historic attractions in Atlantic Canada. This reconstructed 18th-century French fortified town brings colonial life to the present through costumed interpreters, restored buildings and immersive exhibits. Walk the streets of the fortress, learn about daily life in the 1700s and experience the scale of this remarkable coastal stronghold. On your return to Baddeck, visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, which celebrates the inventor’s life, work and summers spent on the shores of the Bras d’Or Lake.
Day 8 Cabot Trail Touring | 298 km/186 mi
Set out to experience the Cabot Trail, one of Canada’s most celebrated scenic drives. The route winds around Cape Breton’s rugged northern coast and through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where mountains rise above the Gulf of St. Lawrence and ocean lookouts reveal sweeping views of cliffs, forests and shoreline. Have your camera ready for dramatic coastal vistas, highland scenery and fishing villages tucked between sea and mountain. Time permitting, consider a walk on the Skyline Trail, one of the park’s most famous hikes, with panoramic views over the coastline and surrounding highlands.
Day 9 Baddeck to Halifax | 357 km/222 mi
Enjoy a full scenic journey from Baddeck to Halifax, following the Bras d’Or Lake region toward the Canso Causeway, with views of shimmering water, rolling hills and peaceful Cape Breton scenery along the way. Cross back onto mainland Nova Scotia and continue through Antigonish, a vibrant university town known for its Gaelic roots and cultural traditions. As the route returns toward Halifax, the scenery shifts from island lakes and highland country to forests, farms and coastal-influenced communities. Arrive in Halifax, Nova Scotia’s lively capital on the Atlantic.
Day 10 Halifax | Free Day to Explore
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Halifax, a lively harbour city steeped in maritime history and East Coast charm. Explore the historic waterfront, where heritage buildings, museums, galleries and patios line one of the world’s great natural harbours. Visit the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, stroll through the Victorian-era Public Gardens, or learn about immigration stories at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. With local dining, harbour views and a relaxed coastal atmosphere, Halifax offers a memorable stop on your Atlantic Canada journey.
Day 11 Halifax to Lunenburg | 145 km/90 mi
Head south from Halifax along Nova Scotia’s scenic Lighthouse Route, beginning with a stop at Peggy’s Cove, famous for its iconic lighthouse set against rugged granite shores and sweeping Atlantic views. Continue through coastal countryside to Mahone Bay, a charming town known for its three waterfront churches, boutique shops and artisan studios. Your day ends in Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its colourful architecture, maritime heritage and vibrant waterfront. Wander the historic streets, visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, or enjoy fresh seafood with views of the harbour in this beautifully preserved East Coast town.
Day 12 Lunenburg to Yarmouth | 227 km/141 mi
Depart Lunenburg and follow Nova Scotia’s scenic Lighthouse Route southwest along the rugged coastline. Pass through quiet seaside communities, historic shipbuilding towns such as Shelburne, and remote fishing villages where maritime traditions remain part of daily life. The drive offers ever-changing ocean views, weathered wharves, coastal inlets and classic lighthouse scenery. Arrive in Yarmouth, a historic port town known for its grand sea captains’ homes, strong Acadian roots and welcoming waterfront character.
