Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island · Route map
Maritime Treasures of Atlantic Canada
This road trip takes you from historic Halifax through Prince Edward Island and around Cape Breton's legendary Cabot Trail. Fitting both PEI and the entire Cabot Trail into seven nights requires a very brisk driving pace, but it is beautifully doable.
- 1
Halifax
2 nights
Historic waterfront, local seafood, and vibrant pubs.
- 2
Charlottetown
2 nights
Red sand beaches and farm-to-table dining.
- 3
Baddeck
2 nights
Lakeside base for the iconic Cabot Trail.
- 4
Halifax
1 night
One final evening before your flight home.
- ✦4 stops · 7 nights
A sample from our journal — written by Waypora, kept as inspiration
Use this as a starting pointThe day-by-day
Welcome to Historic Halifax
Arrive into Halifax
Flight · Morning · Halifax Airport
Land at Halifax Stanfield International Airport.
Pick up your hire car
Car hire · Morning · Halifax Airport
Opt for an SUV or crossover to handle the winding coastal roads comfortably.
Self-drive Halifax Airport to Downtown
Self-drive · Morning · Halifax
A straightforward 30-minute drive south into the city.
Stroll the Halifax Boardwalk
Excursion · Afternoon · Downtown Halifax
Grab a hot, fresh beavertail pastry from the wooden shack near the maritime museum.
Overnight in Halifax
Accommodation · Evening · Downtown Halifax
Peggy's Cove and Local Brews
Self-drive Halifax to Peggy's Cove
Self-drive · Morning · Peggy's Cove
A scenic 45-minute drive along the rocky lighthouse route.
Explore Peggy's Cove rocks
Excursion · Morning · Peggy's Cove
Arrive before 9 AM to experience the iconic lighthouse without the tour bus crowds.
Self-drive Peggy's Cove to Halifax
Self-drive · Afternoon · Halifax
North End craft beer tasting
Excursion · Afternoon · North End Halifax
Skip the big brands and try the sour beers at 2 Crows Brewing.
Overnight in Halifax
Accommodation · Evening · Downtown Halifax
Crossing to Prince Edward Island
Self-drive Halifax to Caribou Ferry Terminal
Self-drive · Morning · Caribou Terminal
Drive north for just under two hours.
Northumberland Ferry to PEI
Transfer · Morning · Northumberland Strait
A relaxing 75-minute crossing to Wood Islands.
Head to the upper deck for locally made ice cream and great ocean views.
Self-drive Wood Islands to Charlottetown
Self-drive · Afternoon · Charlottetown
A quick 40-minute drive through rolling red hills.
Wander historic downtown Charlottetown
At leisure · Afternoon · Charlottetown
Walk down Victoria Row for live music and locally crafted red clay pottery.
Overnight in Charlottetown
Accommodation · Evening · Charlottetown
Red Cliffs and Fresh Oysters
Self-drive to Prince Edward Island National Park
Self-drive · Morning · PEI National Park
A short 25-minute drive to the north shore.
Walk the red cliffs of Cavendish
Excursion · Morning · Cavendish Beach
Stay on the designated boardwalks to protect the fragile, beautiful sandstone cliffs.
Oyster tasting in North Rustico
Excursion · Afternoon · North Rustico
Order raw Raspberry Point oysters right on the docks where they are landed.
Self-drive North Rustico to Charlottetown
Self-drive · Afternoon · Charlottetown
Overnight in Charlottetown
Accommodation · Evening · Charlottetown
Heading to Cape Breton
Self-drive Charlottetown to Cape Breton
Self-drive · Morning · Baddeck
Drive across the Confederation Bridge to Baddeck, roughly 4 hours total.
Stop in Antigonish for a quick coffee and fresh pastries at the local bakery.
Alexander Graham Bell Museum
Excursion · Afternoon · Baddeck
Book the 'White Glove Tour' to handle Bell's personal photos and inventions.
Overnight in Baddeck
Accommodation · Evening · Baddeck
The Masterful Cabot Trail
Self-drive Cabot Trail Loop
Self-drive · Morning · Cabot Trail
A magnificent 5-hour driving loop around the northern peninsula.
Hike the Skyline Trail
Excursion · Afternoon · Cape Breton Highlands
Keep an eye out for moose, which frequently munch on the brush here.
Overnight in Baddeck
Accommodation · Evening · Baddeck
Return to the Capital
Self-drive Baddeck to Halifax
Self-drive · Morning · Halifax
Drive south across the Canso Causeway back to Halifax.
Break up the 3.5-hour drive with a stop at Masstown Market for fish and chips.
Historic Properties exploring
Excursion · Afternoon · Downtown Halifax
Enjoy a pint of local craft cider in these restored 1800s stone warehouse buildings.
Overnight in Halifax
Accommodation · Evening · Downtown Halifax
Farewell Eastern Shore
Self-drive Downtown to Halifax Airport
Self-drive · Morning · Halifax Airport
Drive 30 minutes to return your rental car.
Drop off your hire car
Car hire · Morning · Halifax Airport
Fly out of Halifax
Flight · Afternoon · Halifax Airport
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Make this trip yours.
Start from this plan and tell us what's different about your trip — your dates, your pace, your people. We'll rewrite it around you.