Cape Breton Road Trip

8 Day Cape Breton and PEI Self-Drive

  • Independent travel
  • 8 days
  • Halifax to Halifax
  • All year
  • Tour code 8CPE

Cape Breton Road Trip

Enjoy fresh salt air, sandy beaches, mountain vistas and much more.

Trip highlights

  • Lunenburg World Heritage Site
  • Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic
  • Confederation Bridge
  • Green Gables Heritage Place
  • Prince Edward Island National Park
  • Ferry from Prince Edward Island
  • Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
  • Lobster dinner
  • Cape Breton Highlands National Park
  • Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
  • Whale watching boat tour

Day by day

  1. Day 1 Arrive Halifax

    Arrive in Halifax and check in to your accommodations which are ideally located in the downtown core of this vibrant and cosmopolitan urban centre on the Atlantic Ocean. You may wish to add additional nights in Halifax to your vacation package. Bursting with culture and rich history, Nova Scotia's capital city has much to offer.

    Overnight: Halifax
  2. Day 2 Halifax, NS - Oak Island (1 hour)

    Discover the rustic charm of the renowned fishing village of Peggy's Cove before making your way to Nova Scotia's South Shore and on to the UNESCO World Heritage Town of Lunenburg, one of the most remarkably preserved colonial settlements in the New World. Visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic to learn about the town's famous seafaring heritage before heading to postcard-perfect Mahone Bay, where a trinity of 19th century-built churches represents an iconic cultural landscape of Nova Scotia. Stroll through the town and chat with the welcoming locals who have been known to share superstitions, legends and fables that date back to the rum-running days. Arrive in the Oak Island area for the night, home of the world's longest running hunt for lost treasure.

    Overnight: Oak Island
  3. Day 3 Oak Island - Charlottetown (4 hours)

    Once only accessible by ferry, today you arrive on Prince Edward Island via the Confederation Bridge, the world's longest continuous multi-span bridge. Experience true Maritime hospitality this evening at a traditional Prince Edward Island lobster supper before checking into your Charlottetown accommodations for a two-night stay.

    Overnight: Charlottetown Meals: Dinner
  4. Day 4 Prince Edward Island Touring

    Drive by red cliffs, white beaches, gently sloping sand dunes and green fields as you make your way to Prince Edward Island National Park. Before returning to Charlottetown, visit Green Gables Heritage Site, the alluring inspiration of Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic Anne of Green Gables books.

    Overnight: Charlottetown
  5. Day 5 Charlottetown - Baddeck (5 hours)

    Ferry over the Northumberland Strait back to Nova Scotia and proceed to Cape Breton Island - the Scotland of North America "“ via the Canso Causeway. Visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in Baddeck to learn of the many accomplishments of this genius who made his home on the Island. Arrive at your accommodations on the Bras d'Or Lake where you will spend two nights.

    Overnight: Baddeck
  6. Day 6 Cabot Trail Touring

    You are 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. Also enjoy a Whale Watching Boat Tour.

    Overnight: Baddeck
  7. Day 7 Baddeck - Halifax (3½ hours)

    The Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site awaits. 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 the mainland, and back to Halifax for one last night in the Maritimes.

    Overnight: Halifax
  8. Day 8 Depart Halifax

    Atlantic Tours' arrangements end on check out from the hotel.

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What's included

  • 7 nights of accommodation
  • 8 day mid-size car rental including unlimited kilometres (special conditions apply)
  • Sightseeing and attractions as listed

What's not included

  • Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
  • Taxes as applicable
  • Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
  • Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Drivers
  • Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
  • Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
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Frequently asked questions

Tour Questions

Is this Atlantic Maritimes tour guided or self-drive?

This is an independent self-drive vacation, giving you the freedom to explore Atlantic Canada at your own pace rather than travelling with a guided group. The package includes a rental car, pre-booked accommodations, and a carefully planned route through Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Cape Breton. Along the way, you'll visit iconic destinations such as Halifax, Peggy's Cove, Lunenburg, Charlottetown, Baddeck, and Cape Breton Highlands National Park, allowing you to enjoy the convenience of an organized itinerary while travelling on your own schedule.

Which provinces are included in the Atlantic Maritimes Self-Drive Tour?

The itinerary explores two of Atlantic Canada's most scenic provinces—Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. During your journey, you'll visit coastal communities including Halifax, Mahone Bay, Peggy's Cove, Lunenburg, Oak Island, Charlottetown, and Baddeck. The route also includes famous attractions such as Prince Edward Island National Park, Cape Breton Highlands National Park, the Cabot Trail, and the Fortress of Louisbourg, providing an excellent introduction to Atlantic Canada's history, coastal landscapes, wildlife, and maritime culture.

Does this Atlantic Maritimes itinerary include Peggy's Cove and Lunenburg?

Yes. The itinerary includes visits to both Peggy's Cove and Lunenburg, two of Nova Scotia's best-known destinations. At Peggy's Cove, you'll experience one of Canada's most photographed lighthouses overlooking the rugged Atlantic coastline before continuing to Mahone Bay and the historic town of Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its colourful waterfront, maritime heritage, and beautifully preserved architecture. Together, these destinations showcase the rich coastal history and scenic beauty of Nova Scotia.

Will I drive across the Confederation Bridge and take the PEI ferry?

Yes. This Atlantic Maritimes self-drive vacation allows you to experience both of Prince Edward Island's famous transportation links. You'll drive across the impressive Confederation Bridge, one of the world's longest bridges over ice-covered waters, to enter Prince Edward Island. Later in the journey, you'll return to Nova Scotia aboard the PEI ferry, giving you the opportunity to enjoy scenic coastal views while completing a circular route through Atlantic Canada without retracing your drive.

What attractions are included in Prince Edward Island?

While exploring Prince Edward Island, you'll visit many of the province's most famous attractions, including Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island National Park, and Green Gables Heritage Place, the historic site that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery's beloved Anne of Green Gables novels. The itinerary also features scenic coastal landscapes and includes a traditional Prince Edward Island lobster dinner, giving you the opportunity to experience both the island's natural beauty and its renowned culinary traditions.

What attractions are included in Cape Breton?

The Cape Breton portion of the itinerary showcases some of Nova Scotia's most spectacular natural and historic attractions. You'll travel the world-famous Cabot Trail, explore the breathtaking scenery of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, enjoy a whale watching boat excursion, visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, and discover the remarkable Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. These experiences combine dramatic coastal landscapes, fascinating history, wildlife encounters, and maritime culture into one memorable part of the journey.

Is whale watching included in the Atlantic Maritimes tour?

Yes. The itinerary includes a whale watching boat excursion during your stay in Cape Breton, giving you the opportunity to experience one of Atlantic Canada's most popular wildlife adventures. Depending on seasonal conditions, you may have the chance to observe whales in their natural habitat while enjoying spectacular views of the coastline. Combined with the Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and the Fortress of Louisbourg, this excursion is one of the tour's most memorable highlights.

Is Green Gables Heritage Place included?

Yes. The itinerary includes a visit to Green Gables Heritage Place, one of Prince Edward Island's most famous attractions and the inspiration for Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic novel Anne of Green Gables. Located within Prince Edward Island National Park, the site allows visitors to explore the historic farmhouse, gardens, and walking trails while learning about one of Canada's most celebrated literary landmarks and the island's cultural heritage.

Does this tour include the Cabot Trail?

Yes. You'll travel along the world-renowned Cabot Trail, widely recognized as one of Canada's most scenic driving routes. The drive passes through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where dramatic coastal cliffs, forested mountains, and panoramic Atlantic Ocean views create unforgettable scenery. Along the route, you'll also experience charming communities, wildlife viewing opportunities, and several of Cape Breton's most iconic attractions, making it one of the highlights of the entire self-drive vacation.

How many nights are spent in each destination?

The itinerary includes overnight stays in Halifax, Oak Island, Charlottetown, and Baddeck before returning to Halifax at the end of the tour. This carefully planned route balances driving time with sightseeing opportunities, allowing you to comfortably explore nearby attractions such as Peggy's Cove, Lunenburg, Prince Edward Island National Park, the Cabot Trail, and Cape Breton Highlands National Park without feeling rushed.

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