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The Maritimes: Nova Scotia

The Maritimes: Nova Scotia

From $ 4,495 AUD

Description

Follow Nova Scotia’s living Celtic heritage on a week-long adventure with a small group of just 12 fellow travellers. Explore Cape Breton, where Gaelic and Celtic traditions still shape local music and culture, and hear the region’s signature fiddle music firsthand. Drive the spectacular Cabot Trail, stopping for a walk along the Skyline Trail, and visit the lakeside village of Baddeck. Join a local guide in the UNESCO-listed town of Lunenberg to uncover its colourful waterfront and maritime history, then take in the iconic lighthouse and rugged coastline of Peggy’s Cove. Along the way, spend time in charming fishing villages, connect with Mi’kmaq culture through local arts and crafts and finish your journey on Prince Edward Island.

Trip Name
The Maritimes: Nova Scotia
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
7
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Experience the famous Cabot Trail, one of North America's most spectacular coastal drives, and hike the Skyline Trail for sweeping views where the Cape Breton Highlands meet the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Discover the communities that define Nova Scotia's South Shore, from the postcard-perfect lighthouse at Peggy's Cove to a guided exploration of historic Lunenburg with a local expert.
  • Listen to a local ceilidh (pronounced KAY-lee) performance on Cape Breton – a traditional Gaelic gathering with fiddle music, piano and step dancing.
  • Taste the flavors of the Atlantic coast, including fresh oysters and opportunities to sample local seafood specialties.
  • Learn about Mi’kmaq culture and heritage at the Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre and their importance in the Maritimes.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and may be on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Halifax
Welcome to Nova Scotia! Your adventure starts today in Halifax, with a welcome meeting at 5 pm to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. Halifax is known for its maritime history and hilltop Citadel – a star-shaped fort that was completed in the 1850s. After your meeting, head out for an orientation walk with your leader to get your bearings. You’ll stroll the historic waterfront, see the harbour and get a peek at the lively pubs and seafood restaurants. Then, maybe ask your leader for their favourite place and join your group for a welcome dinner to get to know each other.
Day 2 - Halifax
Today, head to historic Lunenburg on the South Shore – one of only two urban communities in North America designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore Mahone Bay and nearby Blue Rocks on a leader-led walking tour and learn about this old fishing community that’s become a hub for artists and photographers. Then, take a locally guided walk about Lunenberg, before enjoying some free time exploring the old town centre – a UNESCO World Heritage site. See why as you take in the colourful waterfront and working fishing wharves that represent the Lunenberg’s rich seafaring and shipbuilding heritage. And since Lunenburg was a rum-running town in the days of Prohibition, make sure you take the time to sample the local brews. Head back to Halifax in the late afternoon and maybe meet your group later in the evening for dinner.
Day 3 - Halifax
Take a trip to Peggy’s Cove – a scenic fishing village that’s one of the most photographed places in all of Canada – for good reason! Rocky outcrops, the crashing Atlantic, colourful fishing boats and a classic, red-tipped lighthouse are what you’d expect to see on Maritimes postcards. Wander along the Peggy’s Cove Rock Walk, which meanders along the barren coastline that glaciers created some 12,000 years ago. After, maybe grab lunch in the village – perhaps a creamy seafood chowder or fresh lobster roll. This afternoon, you’ll have plenty of free time to explore Halifax your own way. Perhaps you’d like to head to the Canadian Museum of Immigration or the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic to soak up some local history.
Day 4 - Baddeck
Today, you’ll drive from Halifax to Baddeck, stopping at the Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre along the way. Located in the heart of a development owned by Millbrook First Nation, the centre tells the story of the Millbrook Mi’kmaq and the important role they played and continue to play in the Maritimes. Don’t miss the gift shop, which sells beautiful traditional arts and crafts. When you arrive in Baddeck, you can opt to visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site to gain insight into the life and work of the inventor, scientist and teacher best known for inventing the telephone. Tonight, head out for dinner with your group, then join a local ceilidh (pronounced KAY-lee) performance – this lively community gathering is rooted in Scottish Gaelic tradition, and you’ll get to experience an important slice of community life alongside locals as you listen to Cape Breton fiddle music and storytelling.
Day 5 - Baddeck
Spend the day along the famous Cabot Trail, winding through some of North America’s most spectacular scenery. Stop along the way in Cape Breton Highlands National Park for a leisurely walk on the Skyline Trail. With little effort, you’ll be rewarded with far-reaching views over the Cabot Trail, the sea cliffs and the rolling highlands. Keep going along the view-studded drive and stop for a picnic lunch. Then, continue to South Harbour for a hands-on oyster experience. Visit a local hatchery and learn how they’re grown and how shellfish farming connects back to the Maritimes’ coastal culture. Of course, you'll also have the chance to enjoy the fruits of your labour by tasting some of these fresh, locally grown oysters.
Day 6 - Charlottetown
This morning, depart from Baddeck and head to Charlottetown – the capital of Prince Edward Island and the smallest provincial capital in the country. Perhaps head downtown and explore on foot when you arrive in the late afternoon. Stroll alongside the picturesque harbour or take in the leafy parks and Victorian-era streets lined with gabled houses. Tonight, join your group for an included farewell dinner and toast your adventure.
Day 7 - Charlottetown
With no further activities planned, you’re free to leave at any time today. Or, maybe spend some more time exploring Charlottetown on your own. If you have time, consider adding The Maritimes: Prince Edward Island to New Brunswick trip (trip code SESMC).

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
23-05-202729-05-2027AUD $ 4,560-
30-05-202705-06-2027AUD $ 4,560-
06-06-202712-06-2027AUD $ 4,630-
13-06-202719-06-2027AUD $ 4,960-
20-06-202726-06-2027AUD $ 4,765-
27-06-202703-07-2027AUD $ 4,765-
04-07-202710-07-2027AUD $ 4,765-
11-07-202717-07-2027AUD $ 4,765-
18-07-202724-07-2027AUD $ 4,630-
25-07-202731-07-2027AUD $ 4,630-
01-08-202707-08-2027AUD $ 4,855-
08-08-202714-08-2027AUD $ 4,855-
15-08-202721-08-2027AUD $ 4,855-
22-08-202728-08-2027AUD $ 4,855-
29-08-202704-09-2027AUD $ 4,855-
05-09-202711-09-2027AUD $ 4,630-
12-09-202718-09-2027AUD $ 4,630-
19-09-202725-09-2027AUD $ 4,495-
26-09-202702-10-2027AUD $ 4,495-
03-10-202709-10-2027AUD $ 4,495-
21-05-202827-05-2028AUD $ 4,720-
28-05-202803-06-2028AUD $ 4,720-
04-06-202810-06-2028AUD $ 4,860-
11-06-202817-06-2028AUD $ 5,005-
18-06-202824-06-2028AUD $ 5,005-
25-06-202801-07-2028AUD $ 5,005-
02-07-202808-07-2028AUD $ 5,005-
09-07-202815-07-2028AUD $ 5,005-
16-07-202822-07-2028AUD $ 4,860-
23-07-202829-07-2028AUD $ 4,860-
30-07-202805-08-2028AUD $ 5,095-
06-08-202812-08-2028AUD $ 5,095-
13-08-202819-08-2028AUD $ 5,095-
20-08-202826-08-2028AUD $ 5,095-
27-08-202802-09-2028AUD $ 5,095-
03-09-202809-09-2028AUD $ 4,860-
10-09-202816-09-2028AUD $ 4,860-
17-09-202823-09-2028AUD $ 4,720-
24-09-202830-09-2028AUD $ 4,720-
01-10-202807-10-2028AUD $ 4,720-

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights)

Transport

Private Vehicle

Map