Cabot Trail & Maritimes Discovery Road Trip

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 Charlottetown | 475 km/295 mi Bound for Prince Edward Island, follow the curve of the Bay of Fundy through the fertile Annapolis Valley, a region of orchards, vineyards, tidal scenery and historic communities. Stop in Wolfville, a lively university town surrounded by beautiful valley landscapes, and make time to visit Grand-Pré National Historic Site. This important site commemorates Grand-Pré as a centre of Acadian settlement from 1682 to 1755 and the Deportation of the Acadians, which began in 1755. Continue across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick before crossing the Confederation Bridge to Prince Edward Island. Arrive in Charlottetown, the island’s charming capital, known for its walkable waterfront, heritage streets and relaxed maritime atmosphere.

Day 3 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. Although Province House National Historic Site is currently closed for conservation work, the city’s Confederation story can still be explored through nearby heritage interpretation, historic streets and cultural attractions. Take time to stroll the waterfront, browse local shops and enjoy the welcoming island atmosphere.

Day 4 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 5 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 6 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 7 Baddeck to Liscomb Mills via Louisbourg | 423 km/262 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. Afterwards, continue across Cape Breton and return to mainland Nova Scotia via the Canso Causeway. Follow the Eastern Shore toward Liscomb Mills, where quiet rivers, forested landscapes and peaceful coastal scenery provide a relaxing setting for the evening.

Day 8 Liscomb Mills to Halifax | 170 km/105 mi Journey west from the peaceful riverside setting of Liscomb Mills along Nova Scotia’s rugged Eastern Shore. Follow winding coastal roads past secluded coves, tidal inlets and fishing villages where colourful boats line the docks. Along the way, consider a stop at Sherbrooke Village, a living history museum that brings 19th-century life to the present, or visit Taylor Head Provincial Park for sandy beaches, coastal trails and ocean views. Pause in Musquodoboit Harbour for fresh seafood before the scenery shifts toward rolling farmland and the historic waterfront of Halifax.

Day 9 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 finale to your Atlantic Canada journey.

Day 10 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 11 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.