Self-Drive: Atlantic Canada and the Best of the Maritimes

14 days from £1770 per person

Spires of a church on Prince Edward Island with views of harbour and town

The Maritimes on Canada's Atlantic Coast is a world of rugged coastlines, Celtic cultures, rolling farmlands and charming seaside villages. During this self-drive journey through Nova Scotia, enjoy warm hospitality, fresh seafood, rich history and plenty of outdoor adventures. Starting in historic Halifax, enjoy the highlights of Nova Scotia with its iconic lighthouses, the colourful town of Lunenburg, scenic coastal drives along the Bay of Fundy and excellent whale watching opportunities. Travel by ferry to New Brunswick, stopping off to enjoy the tranquil landscape of Fundy National Park and extraordinary Hopewell Rocks, before driving along the 13km confederation bridge to Prince Edward Island. Walk along unusual pink sandy beaches, enjoy fresh lobster and visit Cavendish, the setting of the famous Anne of Green Gables story. Drive along the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island and end your Maritimes exploration admiring the wild and wonderful shores of Liscomb Mills.

Route: Halifax - Lunenburg – Digby – Saint John –Moncton – Charlottetown – Antigonish - Cape Breton Island – Liscomb Mills - Halifax

Itinerary Highlights

Visit the unusual Hopewell Rocks, an area where tidal erosion has caused unique rock formations. Depending when you visit, you can walk or canoe around the rocks.

Discover Cavendish, the original setting of Anne of Green Gables, one of the most notable literary landmarks in Canada.

Explore the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island, one of Canada’s most scenic drives brimming with spectacular sights including the enchanting Highlands National Park.

Itinerary: Self-Drive: Atlantic Canada and the Best of the Maritimes

Day 1 UK to Halifax

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international flight to Halifax. On arrival you will collect your hire car and drive to your centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Halifax, the capital city of Nova Scotia. Pedestrian friendly and easy to explore on foot, go for a walk along the world’s second largest natural harbour, where you will find a delightful variety of boutique shops, micro-breweries and local restaurants. (N)

Accommodation in Halifax: The Hollis by Doubletree (or similar)

Day 2 Halifax

Today is free for you to continue discovering Halifax’s true maritime heritage. Visit the citadel, wander through the public gardens, pop into museums or join a sailing tour. End the day by enjoying a glass of wine and watching the world go by from your seat outside one of the many bars along the waterfront. (N)

Accommodation in Halifax: The Hollis by Doubletree (or similar)

Day 3 Halifax to Lunenburg - 100 km

Today you will hop in your car and follow the coastal route to Lunenburg, stopping off at Peggy’s Cove to visit the majestic Peggy’s Point Lighthouse for an artistic photo opportunity enroute. After you’ve had your fill of watching the waves and exploring around the rocky shores, carry on your journey to Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site complete with colourful buildings and warm hospitality. (N)

Accommodation in Lunenburg: Mariner King Inn (or similar)

Day 4 Lunenburg to Digby - 151 km

It’s worth getting up early this morning and heading down to the harbour to watch the sunrise over the scenic boat docks. At this time in the morning the water is still and the colours in the sky are mesmerising. Today you will drive for around 2 hours to Digby, passing through the wild and wonderful Kejimkujik National Park; a great spot for hiking, boating and enjoying the peaceful Nova Scotia scenery. Digby is an active fishing community that’s central to many activities such as historic sites, hiking trails, leafy parks and some of the best whale watching in Nova Scotia. (N)

Accommodation in Digby: Coastal Inn Digby County (or similar)

Day 5 Digby to Saint John – by ferry

Today you will cross the Bay of Fundy by ferry to Saint John in New Brunswick. Saint John is a great spot for river walking, kayaking, fresh lobster and scenic drives along the beautiful Fundy coast. It’s certainly worth staying out until the sun sets to fully appreciate the picture-perfect views across the bay. (N)

Accommodation in Saint John: Chateau Saint John Hotel & Suites (or similar)

Day 6 Saint John to Moncton - 156 km

Leaving Saint John behind, you will drive through the spectacular Fundy National Park until you reach Moncton. Spend today exploring the park; amble along magnificent walking trails, admire flowing waterfalls and shallow streams, spot birds and wildlife and take a picnic to enjoy a great view point. If time allows, make a visit to the nearby Hopewell Rocks, an area where tidal erosion has caused unusual rock formations. (N)

Accommodation in Moncton: Chateau Moncton Hotel & Suites (or similar)

Day 7 Alma to Charlottetown - 233 km

Today you will drive for around 3 hours, crossing the 13km long Confederation Bridge that connects New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, to Charlottetown, the island’s history-rich and picturesque capital. (N)

Accommodation in Charlottetown: The Great George (or similar)

Day 8 Charlottetown

Today is free for you to explore Charlottetown and Prince Edward Island at your own pace. You might choose to explore the unique pink sandy beaches in North Rustico and enjoy fresh lobster for lunch, or cruise through the rolling green hills, passing scenic farmland and spotting lighthouses dotted around the island. Later on, you might choose to explore Cavendish, home to Green Gables Heritage Place. (N)

Accommodation in Charlottetown: The Great George (or similar)

Day 9 Charlottetown to Antigonish - 134 km & ferry

Today you will travel back to Nova Scotia by ferry and drive to the small town of Antigonish, rich in Gaelic history. The town is nestled inbetween rolling farmlands and soft sandy shores. Spend some time strolling around the town and through the University campus to get a feel for college life. If you’re lucky, there might be a game on tonight! (N)

Accommodation in Antigonish: Coastal Inn Antigonish (or similar)

Day 10 Antigonish to Sydney, Cape Breton Island - 195 km

Today you will drive for around two and a half hours through Cape Breton, the green getaway, skirting around the inland sea, Bras d’Or Lake, until you reach Sydney. Sydney is a wonderful place to have as your base for exploring Cape Breton, as it offers a great mix of city charm and warm hospitality on its waterfront location. (N)

Accommodation in Cape Breton: Cambridge Suites - Sydney (or similar)

Day 11 Cape Breton Island

Today is free for you to explore the sights of Cape Breton Island. You might decide to dedicate today to following The Cabot Trail, a 185-mile loop that takes you around the island’s Atlantic side, passing through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. When you reach the park, you might choose to pick a scenic picnic spot to recharge, before hiking some of the 25 trails you have to choose from. (N)

Accommodation in Cape Breton: Cambridge Suites - Sydney (or similar)

Day 12 Sydney to Liscomb Mills - 267 km

Today you will drive for around three and half hours, crossing the Canso causeway to Liscomb Mills, a wild and rugged region on Nova Scotia’s Atlantic coastline. A remarkable area for hiking and spotting wildlife in their natural habitat. (N)

Accommodation in Liscomb Mills: Liscombe Mills Lodge Resort (or similar)

Day 13 Liscomb Mills to Halifax -177 km/ Halifax to the UK

Today you will drive for around 3 hours to Halifax International Airport where you will drop off your hire car and board your international flight back to the UK. (N)

Day 14 Arrive UK

Today you will arrive back into the UK, where you will continue your journey home. (N)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

International flights from the UK
Hotel accommodation and taxes
Car hire as specified

What's not included

Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature
Meals unless specified

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.

Self-Drive: Atlantic Canada and the Best of the Maritimes

14 days from £1770 per person

Itinerary Highlights

Itinerary: Self-Drive: Atlantic Canada and the Best of the Maritimes

What To Do Next?

What's included

What's not included

Guide to Price

What Is A Tailor-Made Holiday?

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When to Visit

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