Atlantic Charms Fly Drive

Day 1 - Fly to Halifax

Arrive in Halifax, pick up your rental vehicle and explore this true maritime city. First settled in 1749, Halifax today is Nova Scotia’s capital and the largest city in Canada’s maritime provinces.

Day 2 - Halifax Sightseeing

A full day in Halifax to explore boutiques, pubs and cafes of Privateers Warehouse and Historic Properties. We also recommend a visit to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic to view the Titanic display or take one of many boat cruises from the Halifax waterfront. Get a terrific view of the city from the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site and visit York Redoubt National Historic Site. This is a a 200-year-old fortification overlooking Halifax Harbour. To help you take in the sights of Halifax we have included a 55 minute Harbour Hopper tour. 

Day 3 - Travel to Oak Island Resort (145 km/90 mi)

This morning head south to Lunenburg, visiting Peggy’s Cove along the way. Peggy’s Cove (45km) is a small village with houses built right into the granite rock and a lighthouse overlooking the Atlantic. Old Town Lunenburg (98km), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a lovingly restored Victorian town that begs you to wander and explore. We highly recommend stopping in Lunenburg for a spot of lunch, try the fresh seafood in particular the delicious seafood chowder. After which take the short 25-minute drive to Oak Island Resort, situated on the Western Shore for your 2-night stay.

Day 4 - Oak Island Resort

Enjoy the facilities on offer at the resort, you have an abundance to choose from - swimming, walking trails, bike rentals, tennis, paddle boarding, kayaking, many other sports or relax with a boat tour.

Day 5 - Travel to Annapolis Royal/Digby (133 km/83 mi)

Cross the peninsula and make a stop at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site. This is renowned for its hiking trails and incredible canoeing on wilderness lakes and rivers. Park interpretive staff conduct outings on foot to reveal the natural history of the area, including the Mi’kmaq pretoglyphs. Continue to Harbourview Inn Smiths Cove, near Digby. 

Day 6 - Whale watching and fishing villages (206 km/128 mi return)

Today drive along the Digby Neck to experience a whale watching excursion in the nutrient rich waters of the Bay of Fundy. You will likely see finback and minkes, humpbacks or even the rare North Atlantic right whale. Spend the afternoon exploring Annapolis Royal and Fort Anne.

Day 7 - Travel to Wolfville (109 km/68 mi)

Make time to stop at the Grand-Pre National Historic Site. This commemorates the Grand-Pre area as a centre of Acadian settlement from 1682 to 1755. Also commemorated is the Deportation of the Acadians, which began in 1755 and continued until 1762. The Domaine de Grand Pre is a fantastic winery in the area well worth a visit. 

Day 8 - Travel to Charlottetown (360 km/224 mi)

Enroute to Charlottetown take time to stop and see the Bay of Fundy a marvel of nature. You will cross the 13km long Confederation Bridge. Make time to stop at the Grand-Pré National Historic Site, commemorating the Grand-Pré area as a centre of Acadian settlement from 1682 to 1755 and the Deportation of the Acadians, which began in 1755 and continued until 1762. 

Day 9 - Charlottetown Sightseeing

Explore Charlottetown site of Canada’s birthplace. Province House National Historic Site was the scene of meetings that led to the formation of Canada as a country in 1867.

Charlottetown is full of energy and life with it's many festivals and events adding to its' picturesque seaside charm. For foodies this city is known for its artisan shops and world-class restaurants This city is a cultural hub, attracting performers from all over. 

Day 10 - Island Sightseeing (Approx 80-100 km/50-62 mi round trip)

Discover the stunning beauty of the Prince Edward Island National Park, located on the north shore of the Island. The Park features seven supervised beaches and over 50km of hiking and cycling trails.  Pay a visit to Green Gables Heritage Place, located in Cavendish within Prince Edward National Park. Green Gables is the fictional home of Anne, the character created by Canadian writer Lucy Maud Montgomery and loved by millions worldwide. Anne of Green Gables is visited every day by hundreds of thousands of people from around the world.

Take in some of the other many highlights this Island has to offer. You don't want to miss out :

* The land and shores surrounding Skmaqn-Port-la-Joye-Fort-Amherst, which have been part of historic Mi'kma'ki since time immermorial. The first permanent European Settlements on the Island - then called Epekwitk by the Mi'kmaq or Isle Saint-Jean by the French - established here in 1720. 

* The Farmers Bank in Rustico is one of the oldest communities established in "La Nouvelle Acadie" following the Treaty of Paris in 1763 and is the oldest Acadian settlement in Prince Edward Island.   

* Room at 3 Rivers - this historic site brings to life the story of Jean Pierre Roma, the French merchant who in 1732 established an international tradiong post at Trois Rivieres.  (Breakfast Included during your stay at The Great George)

Day 11 - Travel to Cape Breton Island (274 km/170 mi)

Depart Charlottetown taking Rte 1 to Wood Islands Ferry. You will cross to Caribou, Nova Scotia then drive to Cape Breton Island, a little piece of Scotland in North America.

Day 12 - Cabot Trail (300 km/187 mi)

Cape Breton Highlands National Park and Cabot Trail. Allow a full day to drive with time to get out and hike or observe views. Visit the park visitor center (5 km). There are 26 beautiful hiking trails in the National Park between Cheticamp and Ingonish. The most recommended one would be the Skyline Trail which is approximately located about 15 minutes drive from park entrance. Explore the fabulous Cabot Trail around Cape Breton Island for awe-inspiring views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The route winds through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Along the way visit the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre Route 19 Judique (approx 25 minutes from causeway) or the Glenora Distillery Route 19/ Ceilidh Trail, Glenville (between Inverness and Mabou about 30 minutes from Judique). Other stops may include Acadian Cultural Center & Museum (Les Trois Pignons ) or St. Ann’s Gaelic College of Arts & Crafts.

Day 13 - Louisbourg Sightseeing (220 km/137 mi return)

This morning head north to discover the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. This incredible "living museum," largest historical reconstruction in North America, is an impressive restoration of a French garrison town dating from the 1700’s. It is complete with costumed interpreters who re-enact daily life from the French colonial period. You can even sample period food in the restaurant, or take part in a mock battle. Also, don’t miss a visit to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in the village of Baddeck. This is a museum dedicated to the life and inventions of this fascinating man who spent his summers here on the shores of the Bras d'Or. Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site is located on Chebucto Street (Route 205), in a residential area on the east edge of the village of Baddeck. You may also want to visit the Highland Village Museum in Iona. 

Day 14 - Fly from Halifax

Conclude your tour by driving from Baddeck to Halifax Airport to drop off your rental vehicle before for your return flight.