Nova Scotia Loop
A coastal self-drive through Nova Scotia’s lighthouses, islands, fishing villages and spectacular Cabot Trail landscapes.
This enchanting coastal loop showcases the soul of Atlantic Canada — a region steeped in maritime history, windswept beauty and welcoming small towns. Beginning and ending in Halifax, you’ll follow quiet scenic byways lined with colourful fishing villages, historic forts and over 160 iconic lighthouses. From the UNESCO-listed waterfront of Lunenburg to the ancient Mi’kmaq heritage of Kejimkujik National Park and the tidal wonders of the Bay of Fundy, every stop reveals a new layer of Nova Scotia’s rich cultural tapestry.
Your journey continues across the water to Prince Edward Island, where red-sand beaches and elegant Victorian streets create a postcard-perfect escape. The adventure deepens on Cape Breton Island, home to the legendary Cabot Trail — one of the world’s most breathtaking coastal drives. Winding through dramatic cliffs, forested highlands and charming hamlets, this scenic route is the crown jewel of any Atlantic Canada holiday. With low-mileage days and abundant opportunities to relax and explore, this itinerary blends natural splendour, timeless charm and unforgettable coastal character.
Remember: We’re UK-based, and every holiday we create is fully flexible – you can add nights, upgrade hotels, or enhance your itinerary. We love designing tailor-made self-drive adventures just for you!
14 night self drive holiday from £2,399pp including flights, accommodation & car rental
Highlights
Drive the world-famous Cabot Trail, offering dramatic coastal scenery and soaring highland vistas.
Explore UNESCO-listed Lunenburg and the historic Bay of Fundy with its record-breaking tides.
Enjoy two nights on charming Prince Edward Island, complete with beaches, seafood and heritage sites.
Discover Halifax, Wolfville’s wineries, Kejimkujik’s wilderness and the tranquil Eastern Shore.
Your itinerary
Days 1–2: Halifax
Historic harbours, seafood dining and a welcoming Atlantic coastal city
Begin your adventure in Halifax, a vibrant waterfront capital rich in maritime history and warm East Coast charm. Spend your time exploring the star-shaped Halifax Citadel, strolling the lively boardwalk, and visiting attractions such as the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic or the Victorian-era Public Gardens. With its mix of culture, great dining and ocean views, Halifax is the perfect introduction to Nova Scotia’s coastal lifestyle.
2 Nights in
Halifax, NS
Arrive &
Explore
Day 3: Lunenburg
Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse and UNESCO-listed waterfront heritage
Collect your car and follow the picturesque Lighthouse Route, stopping first at Peggy’s Cove — one of Canada’s most photographed lighthouses perched on smooth glacier-carved rocks. Continue along rugged shores and fishing villages toward Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its colourful waterfront and maritime history. Wander the streets lined with 18th-century buildings, visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, or enjoy fresh seafood overlooking the harbour.
1 Night in
Lunenburg, NS
60 miles
Day 4: Annapolis Royal
Coastal drives, forested wilderness and Kejimkujik National Park
Travel inland through the serene forests and lakes of Kejimkujik National Park, a designated Dark Sky Preserve and a special place of Mi’kmaq cultural significance. Enjoy a hike, canoe trip or gentle walk among ancient hemlock forests before continuing to Annapolis Royal, one of Canada’s oldest European settlements. Explore Fort Anne National Historic Site or stroll the heritage-rich town centre filled with boutiques and cafés.
1 Nights in
Annapolis Royal, NS
90 miles
Days 5–6: Wolfville
Winery country, Bay of Fundy tides and Grand-Pré UNESCO site
Head north to Wolfville along the Bay of Fundy, home to the world’s highest tides. Spend two nights enjoying vineyard visits, scenic lookouts and the UNESCO-listed Grand-Pré National Historic Site, telling the story of Acadian settlement. Wolfville’s relaxed pace, award-winning wineries, and sweeping views of the Minas Basin make it a charming stop for nature, culture and cuisine.
2 Nights in
Wolfville, NS
70 miles
Day 7: Truro
Historic forts, tidal wonders and rugged Fundy landscapes
Drive toward Truro, stopping first at Fort Edward National Historic Site — the oldest wooden blockhouse in North America. Continue along the Fundy coast to Burntcoat Head Park, where low tide reveals dramatic red cliffs and “flowerpot” rock formations unique to the region. In Truro, explore Victoria Park’s waterfalls and forest trails or learn about Mi’kmaq culture at the Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Centre.
1 Night in
Truro, NS
100 miles
Days 8–9: Prince Edward Island
Victorian charm, seafood, beaches and gentle island culture
Take the ferry to Prince Edward Island and settle into Charlottetown, the province’s charming seaside capital. Wander the waterfront boardwalk, enjoy fresh lobster and mussels, and explore the birthplace of Canadian Confederation. Spend your full day visiting red-sand beaches, coastal lighthouses, or the landscapes that inspired Anne of Green Gables. With its relaxed pace and maritime beauty, PEI is an unforgettable highlight.
2 Night in
Charlottetown, PE
95 miles
+ Ferry
Day 10: Antigonish (1 night)
Small-town charm, island return and scenic Northern Nova Scotia
Return to Nova Scotia by ferry and continue to Antigonish, a welcoming university town set amid rolling hills and quiet coastal inlets. Browse local shops and galleries, enjoy an easy beach walk, or sample maritime cuisine in one of the town’s cosy eateries. Antigonish offers a peaceful break before the dramatic landscapes of Cape Breton.
1 Night in
Antigonish, NS
80 miles
+ Ferry
Days 11–12: Baddeck & the Cabot Trail
Epic coastal drives, highland vistas and Cape Breton’s natural beauty
Settle into Baddeck, your base for exploring Cape Breton Island and the world-famous Cabot Trail — one of North America’s most iconic scenic drives. Spend your time winding through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where dramatic cliffs plunge into the sea and wildlife roams freely. Explore coastal fishing villages, hiking trails and panoramic viewpoints before returning to the peaceful lakeside charm of Baddeck.
2 Nights in
Baddeck, NS
85 miles
Day 13: LiscomB
Lakes, forests and the rugged Eastern Shore
Travel south along the Bras d’Or Lakes and through quiet coastal settlements to Liscomb, a peaceful retreat surrounded by forests and waterways. Walk riverside trails, enjoy local seafood, or unwind in the tranquil wilderness. This serene stop is a lovely contrast to the dramatic highlands you’ve just explored.
1 Night in
Liscomb, NS
125 miles
Day 14: Back to halifax
Lakes, forests and the rugged Eastern Shore
Your final journey takes you along the beautiful Marine Drive, a winding coastal route dotted with quiet fishing villages, untouched beaches, and rugged Atlantic viewpoints. This relaxed and scenic drive leads you back into Halifax for your last night in Nova Scotia, giving you time to enjoy one more seafood dinner, stroll the lively waterfront, or pick up a final souvenir.
On your final morning, return your car and head to the airport for your daytime flight back to the UK — ending your unforgettable adventure through Atlantic Canada’s coastlines, culture and wild landscapes.
1 Night in
Halifax, NS
115 miles
June - mid Sept: Many lodgings and transport links are only open during the Summer. Amazing wildlife including bears, bald eagles, whales, sea otters and seals can be spotted.
Daytime temperatures are usually cool but very comfortabl, generally in the 15-20°C range and even into the high 20s. Days are long during the with July being the peak month.
You’ll need a connecting flght from the UK, probably via Seattle or Vancouver, we highly recommend a couple of days to explore the connecting city. Alaska is 8 or 9 hours behind the UK.
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