Atlantic Canada's maritime treasures self-drive tour

Spend a day at leisure exploring Halifax. We recommend taking a water taxi across the harbor and enjoying lunch at a waterside restaurant as you watch tall ships sailing past. Today, we've included admission to the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, where you'll learn more about Canada's immigration history from 1928 in the original building where most migrants arrived in the country. We also suggest visiting the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, Halifax's famous clock and the historic properties and pubs along the water's edge.

Collect your hire car from a downtown depot this morning. All necessary insurance and an additional driver are included. You’ll then begin your drive along the ‘lighthouse route’ to Peggy's Cove and Lunenburg. After exploring the famous lighthouse perched on smooth granite rocks at Peggy’s Cove, spend the afternoon wandering through the quaint, colorful streets of Old Town Lunenburg.

Enjoy a full day at leisure in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg. The harbor is home to old historic warehouses and tall ships, such as the Bluenose II, a magnificent schooner that appears on Canada's ten-cent coin. One of the town’s most popular attractions is the Ironworks Distillery, whose brandy, gin, rum and vodka have become something of an institution throughout Nova Scotia. The seafaring history is tangible in Lunenburg, even in the art and craft shops and the lovely waterfront restaurants.

Today, your route takes you across southern Nova Scotia, through Kejimukujik National Park and Historic Site, to Annapolis Royal. The national park is well worth stopping for, with excellent walking trails, a sparkling blue coastline, and tree-lined lakes for canoeing or kayaking. In the afternoon, you have time to explore the small town of Annapolis Royal or enjoy the peaceful gardens of your inn.

Enjoy your day at leisure exploring the picturesque Annapolis Valley. Although the town of Annapolis Royal is small, the area is rich with Acadian history and there are a number of attractions in the area to keep you busy, from the historic battleground at Fort Anne and a floral showing at the Historic Gardens, to whale watching in the Bay of Fundy, and visits to local vineyards and farms. There is also a great choice of hiking trails in the area.

From Annapolis Royal, drive to nearby Digby and take the ferry to Saint John in New Brunswick. The scenic journey takes approximately two hours to cross the Bay of Fundy, and we'd suggest staying close to the windows for a possible glimpse of whales. On arrival in the city of Saint John, you then continue to hug the coast to reach the small town of Alma in Fundy National Park. You may like to stop in Saint John on the way to taste some of the local microbrewery beers.

Spend a day exploring Fundy National Park with its exceptional tides. We highly recommend visiting nearby Hopewell Rocks, where the tidal range of the region can be truly appreciated. This afternoon, you meet your guide and small group and take to the waters for a journey past ancient cliffs and sea caves, getting up close in your kayaks. Whale sightings are common in the area, so keep an eye out during the trip and listen for their gentle sprays as they come up for air.

Leaving New Brunswick, you continue north and cross the 13 kilometer-long Confederation Bridge to your next Maritime province, Prince Edward Island. On arrival in the provincial capital of Charlottetown, you'll have time to get your bearings on this small yet lively city that's credited as being Canada's birthplace. We suggest a walk along the waterfront and trying some of the fresh seafood.

Begin your time in Charlottetown by taking a lobster cruise from the dock. Your captain and his brother explain the importance of lobster fishing to the island’s economy while you head out into the ocean. Help to haul the catch from the water in the traps before continuing to anchor near the mouth of Charlottetown harbor. Taste the freshest of freshly caught lobster as you admire the harbor and chat with the fishermen. The rest of your afternoon is free to explore at your leisure.

Today you have a day at leisure to explore a little further afield on the island. We recommend heading to Cavendish, home of Anne of Green Gables, and enjoying the scenic drives along the way. There are excellent beaches to explore, including North Rustico where powder-pink beaches and fresh lobster await. Back in Charlottetown, we suggest Government and Beaconsfield Houses for a historical appetite.

Cross by ferry back to Nova Scotia and drive along the coast toward the Cape Breton Highlands. As you drive onto Cape Breton Island, you'll join the scenic Cabot Trail and see the beginnings of the island's highland scenery. You stop for the night at a whisky distillery, where you can enjoy a tasting in the evening while soaking up the peace and quiet of this tucked-away property.

Today, continue your drive north to join the start of the famed Cabot Trail. This scenic 298 kilometer road is reputed to be one of North America's most scenic coastal drives. We recommend taking your time on this journey, stopping at the many viewpoints and walking trails on your way to your next base at Ingonish, right on the coast of the island and home to some excellent whale watching.

Spend the day at your leisure exploring Cape Breton Highlands National Park with its rugged coastal landscapes to towering highland vistas, walking trails to breathtaking look-outs and where whales can sometimes be seen from the rolling cliffside. We particularly recommend the Acadian hiking trail for a more challenging option with a reward of panoramic views of the Acadian coastline, the Chéticamp River and the park’s highland interior. For something more relaxing, North Bay Beach is a tranquil spot for an afternoon picnic.

This morning, make your way down to the water for one of the region’s most popular activities; whale watching. As you admire Cape Breton from the water, you’ll also be searching for the fin, minke, humpback, pilot and blue whales that are so prolific in the region. After your tour, we suggest relaxing in the town and staying close to the water, visiting Black Brook Beach with extensive ocean views and a waterfall at one end.

Leaving Cape Breton Island today, make your way south toward the quiet village of Charlos Cove. We recommend stopping in Baddeck on your journey to visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site and in Louisbourg, where you can visit the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site to get a glimpse into one of North America's busiest 18th-century seaports. On arrival in Charlos Cove, you can take a walk along the many hidden coves or relax with a good book overlooking the ocean.

Finish your road trip today as you head south along the rugged Atlantic coast, back to Halifax. There is time for last-minute shopping and sightseeing along the way before returning to the airport to drop off your hire car and settle into your hotel before tomorrow's morning flight.