Bay to Highlands: A Nova Scotia Road and Rail Adventure

Your Canadian adventure begins in Halifax. Upon arrival, you will be driven from the airport to your hotel in a private vehicle. Make your way to the Halifax, NS Centre where you can pick up your rental car.

Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, is a lively port city with a rich historic and maritime heritage. There is plenty to see here, from the iconic Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse and Halifax Citadel to the charming Old Town Clock. The picturesque waterfront, dotted with lively restaurants, museums, shops, and public art, is a great place to spend the evening.

Best of Halifax Walking Tour incl. Citadel & Maritime Museum

Discover Halifax’s iconic history on a guided walking tour that is limited to to 10 guests for a more intimate experience. The walk begins at the stunning Public Gardens, which are renowned for their beautiful landscape and Victorian-era design.

Next, accompany your expert guide to the Citadel National Historic Site, an iconic landmark where you will learn about Halifax’s military legacy. Your guide will share interesting stories and insights along the way. The tour concludes at the scenic Halifax Waterfront and Pier 21, Canada's historic ‘gateway to the world’.

Explore Peggy’s Cove on your own

If time and weather permits, you can take a short trip to Peggy’s Cove, a picturesque fishing village renowned for its rugged beauty and the iconic Peggy’s Point Lighthouse. The scenic drive takes you through lush countryside and the charming town of Mahone Bay, which is famous for its waterfront churches.

Stop for a bite at a local café before continuing along the Aspotogan Peninsula,  enjoying breathtaking views of the Atlantic. The striking white-and-red lighthouse, perched on granite rocks, is one of Canada’s most photographed landmarks. Explore the village’s art galleries and shops, and learn more about the region's history before returning.

Drive yourself from Halifax to Lunenburg in your rental car. The journey will take you about 1.5 hours.

Founded in 1753, Lunenburg is a historic port town in southern Nova Scotia, and is famous for its 19th-century architecture. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, still has most of its original colonial-era buildings, including the Knaut-Rhuland House Museum. The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic showcases the region’s maritime legacy. To experience the local flavour, visit the Farmer’s Market and the Grand Banker Bar & Grill to try the Lunenburger, and sample artisanal spirits at the Ironworks Distillery.

Personalized Mahone Bay Sailing Tour

This sailing tour from Lunenburg to Mahone Bay is the perfect way to admire the tranquil waters and serene vistas of Nova Scotia’s South Shore. Along the way, you will pass the town’s iconic trio of cathedrals - St. James Anglican, St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran, and Trinity United.

Watch the landscape change to reveal panoramic views of the rugged coastline, framed by sandy beaches and lush forests. You will also pass by some protected anchorages. Keep an eye out for seals basking in the sun, and gannets, kingfishers and bald eagles swooping over the water for some fresh catch.

During the cruise, the crew will share interesting historical facts and local legends. You can even try your hand at sailing and navigating before heading back to the dock.

Drive yourself from Lunenburg to Mabou in your rental car. The travel time is about 4.5 hours.

Mabou, located on Cape Breton Island, is famous for its Celtic artistic heritage and stunning landscapes. If you are feeling adventurous, head to the town’s harbour for some canoeing or kayaking. The Mabou Rivers Trail, passing though the village and along the coast, offers breathtaking views of the majestic Gulf of Lawrence. You can also learn about the town’s history at the local museum, or explore the interesting works displayed at the art gallery.

Explore Mabou on your own

If the weather is favourable and you have the time, we recommend discovering the assorted charms of Mabou. There is much to explore in this delightful village, which is steeped in Gaelic heritage and surrounded by beautiful landscapes. Stroll around the village centre and indulge in window shopping or enjoy a coffee at a local café. The Mabou Post Office is an interesting heritage site.

If you’re an avid hiker, Mabou will delight you. The scenic Mabou Rivers Trail passes through lush forests and treats you to serene views of the Mabou River and the surrounding hills. For postcard-perfect views of the coastline, you can take the gentle Celtic Shores Coastal Trail or the more strenuous Cape Mabou Highlands Trail.

The West Mabou Provincial Park, located along the beach, is a great place for picnics and birdwatching. You can also explore the nearby dunes or enjoy a dip in the sea. Wrap up your day with a visit to the famous Red Shoe Pub for some lively dance and music that reflects the region’s Scottish heritage.

Drive yourself from Mabou to Ingonish Beach in your rental car. The travel time is about three hours.

Located in the heart of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Ingonish Beach is a charming coastal retreat where towering cliffs meet gentle sandy shores. The sparkling, clear waters are a swimmer's delight, while the surrounding wilderness offers lovely opportunities for hikes, kayaking, and bird-watching.

Explore Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site on your own

The Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site is a museum dedicated to the life and work of Alexander Graham Bell. In addition to some carefully curated artefacts donated by the Bell family, the museum also has an impressive collection of memorabilia chronicling Bell's groundbreaking experiments such as the hydrofoil boat, the HD-4, and a full-scale model of the AEA Silver Dart aircraft.

Learn how his work in the field of deaf education inspired him to design the telephone. The museum also features interactive stations dedicated to designing tetrahedrons and flying kites, an engaging playroom with animated displays, and numerous exhibits detailing Bell's inventions.

Outside, on the museum grounds, you can visit Mabel's Gardens, an outdoor project aimed at recreating and showcasing Mabel Bell's unique garden and gardening techniques. Before you leave, pop by the museum’s gift shop to pick up some interesting souvenirs.

Explore Cabot Trail on your own

The Cabot Trail is a a captivating 298-kilometre highway that winds through the heart of Cape Breton Island. The route is framed by stunning views of rugged cliffs, lush forests, and sweeping panoramas of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. As you make your way from Ingonish Beach to Cheticamp, you'll pass some lovely viewpoints and attractions.

Lakies Head is popular among fisherman during lobster season, and you can also see whales here. There is the quaint Lone Shieling hut, a sheep crofters dwelling ringed by old sugar maple trees, and the Mackenzie Mountain Lookout, another great spot for whale watching. Along the way, you can spot moose and bald eagles.

Make your way from Ingonish Beach to Cheticamp in your rental car. The journey will take you about three hours.

Chéticamp is a charming Acadian fishing village on the western shoreline of Cape Breton Island. Its culture is a mix of Acadian and Celtic influences. The village is located on the renowned Cabot Trail and serves as the entrance to the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. A popular summer destination, Chéticamp has a lively harbour, teeming with fishing boats and yachts, as well as a historic lighthouse.

Drive yourself from Cheticamp, NS to Halifax, NS in your rental car. The travel time is about five hours. Head for the Halifax centre and drop off your rental car.

Hop aboard Via Rail’s The Ocean for the scenic Canadian train journey from Halifax to Montreal. The scenic route, spanning three provinces, winds through lush forests, rolling hills, and charming towns.

During this 23-hour journey, you will travel in comfortable Sleeper Plus cars. Admire the changing landscape as you pass through different provinces on the journey to Quebec. The train’s dining car serves a variety of regional dishes prepared using local produce, which you can pair with a selection of fine Canadian wines. Relax in the service car, which has a lounge area, takeout counter, and a television.

Walk from Gare Centrale (Montreal Central Station) to your hotel.

The vibrant city of Montréal is an enchanting blend of old-world charm and modern energy. Located along the St. Lawrence River, the city is renowned for its striking architecture, lively food culture, nightlife, and exciting festivals. Visit Mount Royal Park for scenic walking trails and panoramic city views. Old Montréal’s cobblestone streets, grand Notre-Dame Basilica, and fascinating Pointe-à-Callière museum will take you back in time.

Personalised Underground City, Downtown, and Old Montreal Walking Tour

Experience the best of Montreal on this personalised tour, which starts at Dorchester Square. Visit the iconic Sun Life Building and Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Hotel, before making your way to the Renaissance-style Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral.

Marvel at Windsor Station, a masterpiece of Romanesque Revival architecture, while your knowledgeable guide shares interesting historical insights and anecdotes about the area. Swing by the Place Ville Marie, another iconic landmark before entering Promenades Cathedrale. This is the entrance to RESO, Montreal’s 32-kilometre underground city comprising train stations, museums, universities, and an ice rink.

Next, explore the magnificent Notre-Dame Basilica, and stroll along the historic cobbled streets of Old Montreal, dotted with several architectural gems and art galleries. Wrap up your day with a walk along the picturesque St. Lawrence River.

At the end of your holiday, you will be driven from your hotel to Montreal airport in a private vehicle.