Fantastic circular tour – Highlights of Nova Scotia
Circular tour of Nova Scotia: from lighthouses and lobsters
Halifax is the ideal starting point for a circular tour of Nova Scotia. From the bustling city with its rich cultural offering, many attractions and a lively gastronomic scene, you’ll head out into the vast natural scenery of Canada. The route takes you past fine sandy beaches, fishing villages and lighthouses. We'll show you the best of Atlantic Canada on a 10- to 14-day circular tour from Halifax via Prince Edward Island to Cape Breton.
Halifax via Chester to Lunenburg (134 km)
We leave Halifax towards Peggy’s Cove with its famous lighthouse while enjoying the view of the sea. From there, we continue along the coastal road towards Chester. Are you a bit hungry already? The charming small town of Hubbard features plenty of cafes, restaurants and boutiques for a short break. Suitably fortified, we then continue towards Chester. Once there, the eight-kilometre Castle Rock Loop offers breathtaking views over the East River, surrounding forests and the coastline. We continue along the coast to Lunenburg, Canada’s oldest German settlement. The colourful wooden houses and captain’s villas in the city centre have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. Another highlight is the picturesque harbour, which was once used for smuggling rum.
Detour to Kejimkujik National Park
Outdoor enthusiasts should make definitely take a trip from Lunenburg to Kejimkujik National Park. The 400-square-kilometre nature reserve extends over forest areas to the coast and is a so-called “Dark Sky Preserve”, where light pollution should be avoided. It’s therefore an ideal place to observe plenty of stars. There are of course also wild animals in the park. In addition to countless hiking trails, cycling paths and lakes for canoeing, you can also explore Canadian First Nation cultural sites, including the Mi’kmaq petroglyphs. The park is a perfect destination for nature, while it’s also worth taking a trip from here to the Annapolis Valley.
Lunenburg to Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island (419 km)
Prince Edward Island, or PEI for short, is the smallest province in Canada, but of great historical significance and full of visitor attractions. Even crossing the Confederation Bridge, one of the longest in the world, is a real experience. Charlottetown is Canada’s oldest capital, and is a must-see with its Victorian houses. You’ll find restaurants offering freshly caught lobsters and other seafood in the harbour and the popular pedestrian zone of Victoria Row. There’s often live music, and those who want even more culture can head to the Confederation Centre for the Arts, where you can attend plays and concerts, as well as visit several art galleries.
Excursion to the north coast of Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island has beautiful coasts and sandy beaches, as well as dozens of lighthouses. You can reach the iconic Cape Tryon Lighthouse in the north of the island from Charlottetown in just under an hour. From there, continue to Cavendish Beach, part of PEI National Park and an absolute highlight. This features a walking trail over the dunes where you can see lots of native plants and birds. The water on the Gulf of St Lawrence is remarkably warm thanks to the Gulf Stream. Fans of the hit TV series “Anne with an E” (based on the novel “Anne of Green Gables”) can visit Avonlea Village in Cavendish, one of the film locations. If you wish to explore the coastline from the water, we recommend a kayaking tour, which is especially interesting around Rustico Bay.
From Cavendish to Cape Breton Island (340 km, partially by ferry) and Cabot Trail (300 km)
An absolute highlight of any tour of eastern Canada is the Cabot Trail, a highway that winds along the north coast of Cape Breton Island for approximately 300 km. Depart from Inverness, a charming town with beautiful beaches and a popular golf course, Cabot Links. The best time to travel for the Cabot Trail is from spring to autumn when whales swim past in the water, while overhead you may observe eagles and other birds and enjoy a spectacular view over the Gulf of St Lawrence. Outdoor enthusiasts should plan a hike in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where the Skyline Trail is especially recommended. If you’d like to get closer to the whales, you can book a whale-watching boat tour, but please choose one with a high-quality certificate.
Baddeck to Halifax (351 km)
The small town of Baddeck on Lake Bras d’Or marks the official beginning and end of the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island. It’s worth taking a break here and spending a night at the hotel. In addition to culinary delights, boutiques and water sports, here you’ll also find the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, a museum dedicated to the inventor of the telephone. The drive back to Halifax slowly concludes the circular tour of Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada. You can enjoy more attractions in Halifax, along with museums, harbour hopping and the diverse gastronomic scene of the region.
Header - Photo by Loren Bedeli
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