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Canada is home to some of the most iconic roads anywhere in the world, from eye-catching rocky outcrops to deep-blue seascapes, there is bound to be a scenic view that tickles your Canadian fancy.
Nova Scotia is regarded as the crown jewel of Canada’s East Coast. It is Canada’s second-smallest province and one of the three Maritime Provinces, along with New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Its geographic location has put a mark on the province’s history, culture, natural wonders, and climate, making it a popular holiday destination for travellers from all over the world.
Five reasons to visit Nova Scotia on a fly-drive holiday
– The Cabot Trail, regarded as one of the most scenic roads in Canada, the Sunrise Trail, the Lighthouse route, and the Marine Drive to mention but a few of the picturesque roads in Nova Scotia.
-Experience Nova Scotia’s natural wonders– the world’s highest tides at the Bay of Fundy and one of the world’s best-preserved fossil records of the Carboniferous era at the Joggins Fossil Cliffs.
-Postcard-perfect lighthouses, charming fishing villages, pristine beaches, and parks. Visit incredible landmarks such as Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, Lunenburg UNESCO Heritage Site, Kejimkujik National and Historic Park.
-Rich history, varied and vivid culture, and warm hospitality of the locals – the traditions and spirit of the Mi’kmaq people and later of the Acadian, African Nova Scotian and Gaelic settlers have all heavily influenced the formation of nowadays unique and captivating identity of Nova Scotians.
-Feast on fresh and delicious seafood – Nova Scotia is renowned for its gigantic lobsters, tasty scallops, and fish.
In this article, we take a look at some of the best road trip holidays in Nova Scotia, the wonderful experiences you can enjoy along the way and why we think they are so iconic.
With recommendations and tips from Canada lovers included, keep on reading and start planning your very own Nova Scotia self-drive Canada holiday.
Beaches, Islands, Lobster, Moose and More
The Eastern Coast of Nova Scotia is a delight to behold and is always popular with those who are planning a self-drive holiday. If you’re looking for a road trip holiday that has sandy beaches, rocky islands, giant lobsters, moose encounters and more then this is the perfect option for you.
This 18-day extravaganza will take you on an all-encompassing round trip from Halifax through some of Nova Scotia’s unique landscapes including the rugged highlands of Cape Breton Island, the endless sandy beaches of Prince Edward Island and the fresh salmon rivers of New Brunswick. You will experience the best of all three Maritime Provinces. As the name suggests, this road trip package is the ideal choice for those who love contrasting landscapes, unique wildlife and a real taste of true Canadian culture.
Amanda, blogger at The Boutique Adventurer, loved Nova Scotia and couldn’t recommend this route enough: “Nova Scotia is a fantastic place for a road trip. The roads are high quality, well signed and the scenery is fantastic. If you’re visiting Nova Scotia for the first time, I suggest starting your road trip in the cosmopolitan capital Halifax. Head north to lovely Wolfville and enjoy the local wines then drive along the stunning coastline of the Bay of Fundy through beautiful Annapolis. Enjoy the world-famous scallops of Digby then head south to lovely Lunenburg and return to Halifax via Peggy’s Point.”
Take a look at the in-depth itinerary here and discover how you can explore the coastal wonders of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick can offer on your self-drive holiday.
Route highlights:
-Halifax – Your arrival and departure location is Halifax. A bustling city full of charming wooden houses, Victorian architecture and modern shopping centres.
-Cape Breton Island – Cape Breton Island is home to The Cabot Trail, one of the country’s most popular trails. The location is an ideal stopping point for those looking to catch a glimpse of moose and whales.
-Charlottetown – It is one of the most fascinating stops along the route due to its vast array of historic features including Victorian Row, Province House National Historic Site and a 19th-century wooden farmhouse with a famous history.
-Prince Edward Island – If you’re a lover of the beach then Prince Edward Island is an idyllic stop along the way. Home to endless sandy beaches and the white dunes of Cedar Dunes Provincial Park.
-Bay of Fundy – Known for being one of the best whale-watching spots in Canada so enjoy your free days gazing out over the glistening waters.
-Hopewell Rocks – walk the ocean floor at low tide, exploring these gigantic flowerpot-shaped rock formations carved by the world’s highest tides.
-Landmarks of Nova Scotia’s South Shore – UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lunenburg and Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse.
What’s included:
-International flights from the UK
-17 nights’ accommodation
-Tour & Tasting at Grand Pre-Winery
-18-day intermediate car hire with fully inclusive insurance
-Electronic documents
READ MORE: Top Tips for Driving in Canada
Lighthouse and Hidden Treasures of Nova Scotia
If your ideal road trip is one that explores hidden gems and unspoilt outcrops then the Lighthouse and Hidden Treasures of Nova Scotia holiday package is one for you to take a look at. Again, starting in the hub of Halifax this route throws you deep into the wilderness allowing you to explore the Canadian outdoors at your own pace. Discover a selection of Nova Scotian islands, rocky peninsulas and sandy beaches as well as popular spots like The Bay of Fundy and Northumberland Strait. This road trip holiday package is perfect for families and couples alike but is the true ideal for lovers of the great outdoors.
Route highlights:
-Mahone Bay – Sitting pretty on the south shore of Nova Scotia, Mahone Bay is a picturesque town that is often noted as one of the best small-town destinations in Canada.
-Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, the most photographed lighthouse in Canada.
-Old Town Lunenburg – stroll down its vibrant waterfront gazing at its distinctive brightly-coloured 18th and 19th century buildings, lively breweries, restaurants, distilleries, and shops.
-Annapolis Valley – explore the oldest settled part of Canada, regarded as the richest agricultural region in the country. Key stops include Annapolis Royal, Digby and Wolfville.
-Sunrise Trail Region – The Sunrise Trail Region is a wonderful area of Nova Scotia and is the location of the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Joggins.
-Cabot Trail – The Cabot Trail needs no introduction and has plenty for travellers to explore including wonderful wilderness walks, stunning sea views and an abundance of wildlife.
What’s included:
-International flights from the UK
-14 nights’ accommodation
-Intermediate car hire with fully inclusive insurance included
-Tour & Tasting at Grand Pre-Winery
-Electronic documents
Nova Scotia Canada’s Ocean Playground
If you want to enjoy a road trip that allows you to see the most beautiful areas of Nova Scotia then we have the perfect holiday package for you and your family. The Nova Scotia Canada’s Ocean Playground package offers just what it says, an in-depth experience of the ocean from delicious local chowder to untouched nature and sandy coastlines.
As with many of our Atlantic Canada holiday packages, this tour starts in Halifax, passing through Kejimkujik National Park and the Digby area, north to Parrsboro and Tatamagouche and east to the iconic Cape Breton Island before finishing back in Halifax after 11 days of exploration.
Route highlights:
-Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse and scenic Lunenburg and Mahone Bay
-Kejimkujik National Park – The Kejimkujik National Park contains 380sq.km of forests, lakes and rivers and is home to a great number of reptiles and amphibians that can easily be spotted.
-Digby Area – take an optional whale watching tour in the Bay of Fundy, the perfect way to get a glimpse of Canadian wildlife.
-Tatamagouche – A village in Colchester County, Tatamagouche is situated alongside the French and Waugh Rivers making it an idyllic stopping point.
-Parrsboro – ideal place to watch Bay of Fundy’s world highest tides.
-Cape Breton Island and the Bras D’Or Lake.
What’s included:
-International flights from the UK
-10 nights’ accommodation
-Intermediate car hire, fully inclusive insurance is included
-Tour & Tasting at Grand Pre-Winery
-Electronic documents
If you’re thinking of visiting Nova Scotia then you’re not going to be disappointed. With our range of carefully curated road trip packages, you’re able to experience sandy coastlines, UNESCO national Parks, surrounding islands and wilderness walks. If you want to tailor your upcoming holiday then don’t hesitate to get in contact with our travel experts and plan your perfect Canadian trip.
