Halifax & the Celtic Trail
Self drive tour
Explore Halifax, a melting pot of history and culture, then head north to Cape Breton island, a piece of Scotland in Canada and explore the region’s strong Celtic roots.
Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
Day 1 : Arrive Halifax
On arrival in Halifax collect your rental car and make your way to your downtown hotel for a three night stay. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 2 : Halifax
Today is free to meander through the historic streets of this fascinating city. Highlights you may wish to visit include St. Paul’s Church, the Historic Properties, Halifax Explosion memorials or the Victorian Public Gardens.
Walk along the Halifax waterfront boardwalk that follows the water’s edge alongside the world’s second largest ice-free harbour. Stretching from the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, the gateway into Canada for over one million immigrants, to Casino Nova Scotia, you’ll pass unique shops, restaurants, and a bustling working harbour. Hop aboard the ferry, North America's longest running saltwater ferry in fact, and cross the harbour to the Dartmouth side which is filled with more locally-owned shops, galleries, cafés, restaurants, and pubs.
Day 3 : Peggy’s Cove (140 Km round trip)
Peggy’s Cove has been an artist and explorer's paradise for well over 150 years. This picture-postcard village, located on rugged Atlantic shoreline, stands on solid rock above the crashing surf, and its lighthouse is the most photographed lighthouse in the world. Enjoy some free time to exploring the rocks, the trails, the village and the gift shops before returning to Halifax.
Day 4 : Halifax to Cape Breton Island (356 km)
Depart Halifax for your journey to Cape Breton Island, a little piece of Scotland in North America. Arrive in Baddeck at your leisure.
Day 5 : Cabot Trail (300 km)
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. There are 28 beautiful hiking trails in the National Park between Cheticamp and Ingonish - the most recommended would be the Skyline Trail located about 15 minutes’ drive from the park entrance. Along the way visit the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre, Glenora Distillery, Acadian Cultural Centre & Museum (Les Trois Pignons) or St. Ann’s Gaelic College of Arts & Crafts.
Day 6 : Louisbourg Exploring (220km)
This morning drive north to discover the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. This incredible “living museum,” is the largest historical reconstruction in North America; it is an impressive restoration of a French garrison town dating from the 1700s, 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, 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. You may also want to visit the Highland Village Museum in Iona.
Day 7 : Baddeck to Halifax (357km)
A full day for the return trip to Halifax along the scenic Bras d’Or Lakes. Drive to the Canso Causeway to enter mainland Nova Scotia. At the community of Antigonish, travel southwest along Marine Drive to Halifax for a final night.
Day 8 : Halifax Departure
Return your rental car at the airport in time to take your return flight to the UK.
