Cabot Trail & Maritimes Discovery Road Trip

Day 1 Yarmouth to Annapolis Royal or Smith's Cove | 107 km/67 mi Departing Yarmouth today take the Coastal Highway 1 along the Evangelina Trail, passing windswept shores, Acadian fishing villages, and rolling farmland. Enjoy views of dramatic headlands, tidal inlets, and centuries-old churches that tell the story of Nova Scotia’s French heritage. Continue through Church Point and Weymouth before arriving in Smith’s Cove, a quiet coastal haven overlooking the Bay of Fundy’s world-famous tides.

Day 2 Smith’s Cove / Annapolis Royal to Charlottetown | 475 km/295 mi Bound for Prince Edward Island today, follow the curvature of the Bay of Fundy and stop for lunch at ‘the Library’ in the university town of Wolfville. 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 3 Charlottetown | Exploring Explore Charlottetown, the birthplace of Canada’s confederation. Province House National Historic Site was the scene of meetings that led to the formation of Canada as a country in 1867.

Day 4 Tour PEI - The Land of Anne | 100 km/63 mi Spend the morning exploring Prince Edward Island National Park where the sandstone cliffs, beaches and reddish sand dunes take your breath away. Then take in the beautiful landscapes made famous by novelist Lucy Maud Montgomery in the popular “Anne of Green Gables” series.

Day 5 Charlottetown to Baddeck | 274 km/170 mi + Ferry Depart Charlottetown taking Route 1 to Wood Islands Ferry crossing to Caribou, Nova Scotia. Drive the short distance to Pictou & visit Hector Heritage Quay, where a full scale replica of the Hector has been built using traditional ship building techniques. Depart Pictou and continue to Cape Breton via the Canso Causeway and onto Baddeck. This scenic village overlooks the beautiful Bras d’Or Lakes. (breakfast included)

Day 6 Cabot Trail Touring | 296 km/184 mi You’re off to experience one of the most stunningly picturesque drives in North America. The Cabot Trail winds around the rocky splendor of Cape Breton’s northern shore, ascending to the incredible plateaus of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Look-offs offer unforgettable vistas of Cape Breton’s rugged coastline so be sure to have your camera on hand.

Day 7 Baddeck to Liscomb Mills via Louisbourg | 423 km/262 mi The Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site awaits you today. Words cannot do justice to this reconstruction depicting one-fifth of the settlement of 1744 New France. Roam the streets and chat with authentically costumed guides. Proceed along the shore of the Bras d’Or Lake to Liscomb Mills where you can relax and enjoy your surroundings.

Day 8 Liscomb Mills to Halifax | 170 km/105 mi Journey west from the peaceful riverside retreat of Liscombe Mills along Nova Scotia’s rugged Eastern Shore. Follow winding coastal roads past secluded coves, tidal inlets, and fishing villages where colourful boats line the docks. Stop at Sherbrooke Village, a living history museum of 19th-century life, and Taylor Head Provincial Park for sandy beaches and hiking trails. Pause in Musquodoboit Harbour for fresh seafood before the scenery shifts to rolling farmland en route to Halifax’s historic waterfront and lively urban charm.

Day 9 Halifax | Free Day to Explore Enjoy a full day at leisure in Halifax, a lively harbour city steeped in maritime history and East Coast charm. Explore the historic waterfront, where heritage buildings now house boutiques, galleries, and waterfront patios. Visit the Citadel National Historic Site, stroll through the serene Public Gardens, or learn about immigration stories at Pier 21.

Day 10 Halifax to Lunenburg | 145 km/90 mi Head south from Halifax along Nova Scotia’s scenic Lighthouse Route, beginning with a stop at Peggy’s Cove—famous for its iconic lighthouse set against rugged granite shores and sweeping Atlantic views. Continue through coastal countryside to Mahone Bay, a charming town known for its three waterfront churches, boutique shops, and artisan studios. Your day ends in Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its colourful Victorian architecture, maritime heritage, and vibrant waterfront. Wander the historic streets, visit the Fisheries Museum, or enjoy fresh seafood with views of the harbour in this beautifully preserved East Coast gem.

Day 11 Lunenburg to Yarmouth | 227 km/120 mi Depart Lunenburg and follow Nova Scotia’s scenic Lighthouse Route southwest along the rugged coastline. Pass through quiet seaside communities, historic shipbuilding towns like Shelburne, and remote fishing villages where time seems to stand still. The drive offers ever-changing ocean views, weathered wharves, and iconic lighthouses, all steeped in maritime tradition. Arrive in Yarmouth, a historic port town known for its grand sea captains’ homes and strong Acadian roots.