The Maritimes: Nova Scotia

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).