7 Day - Best of Nova Scotia - Including Must See Cape Breton
7 Day Best of Nova Scotia Tour
Halifax, Peggy’s Cove, the Cabot Trail, and Coastal Highlights
Small Group Private Touring
Nova Scotia offers an extraordinary mix of coastal scenery, historic towns, vibrant culture, and welcoming communities. This seven day private journey explores many of the province’s most iconic destinations while allowing time to enjoy the relaxed pace that defines Atlantic Canada.
From the colourful waterfront of Halifax to the rugged cliffs of Cape Breton’s Cabot Trail, this experience brings together the highlights that make Nova Scotia one of Canada’s most memorable travel destinations.
While presented as a sample itinerary, all Down East Tours multi day journeys are fully customizable and can be adjusted based on guest interests, travel style, and preferred pace. Group sizes usually range from two to four guests.
Journey Highlights
• Halifax’s historic areas and history
• Peggy’s Cove lighthouse and Atlantic coastline
• The UNESCO town of Lunenburg
• Cape Breton Highlands National Park and world famous Cabot Trail
• Coastal villages and scenic lookoffs
• Maritime culture, music, and local cuisine
What the Experience Feels Like
This journey offers a relaxed exploration of Nova Scotia’s diverse landscapes and communities.
Beginning in Halifax, guests experience the vibrant harbour city that has welcomed travelers and sailors for centuries. From there the journey moves along the province’s scenic South Shore, where historic towns and rugged coastline create some of the most photographed landscapes in Canada.
As the tour continues north to Cape Breton Island, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic. The Cabot Trail winds along cliffs and mountains overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, offering spectacular viewpoints and unforgettable coastal drives.
Throughout the journey there are opportunities to enjoy fresh seafood, explore historic towns, take short scenic walks, and experience the welcoming hospitality that Nova Scotia is known for.
Because this is a private tour, each day remains flexible and can evolve naturally based on weather, interests, and the rhythm of the journey.
Once we hit the road to Cape Breton, our home base for a couple of days will be Baddeck, the gateway to the Cabot Trail and home to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site. Take time to explore the museum, wander the quaint town, or enjoy a boat tour. Highlights include visiting the partially reconstructed 18th-century French fortress at Louisbourg and a full day exploring the Cabot Trail’s scenic views, trails, and artisan shops. With a flexible itinerary tailored to your interests, this adventure promises discovery and unforgettable memories!
The outline created below gives that balance and a starting point for discussion for your group. The Itinerary is flexible based on customer input, interests and can be customized.
It is recommended to plan far in advance (months) to ensure availability in the touring calendar and accommodations for your private group.
Tour Overview
Day 1 Halifax local touring (6 hr)
- Pickup at local accommodations
- Local History and sights based in interests and a chance to get locally adjusted
- Halifax Citadel - Changing of the Guard, walking tour inside the fortress
- Fairview Lawn Cemetery (Titanic Connection)
- Fort Needham Park & History related to the 1917 Halifax Explosion
- Fisherman’s Cove and area
- Overnight Halifax Accommodations
- Tour Outline Details
Day 2 Annapolis Valley & Bay of Fundy (7 hrs)
- Pickup at local accommodations
- The tastes of the Valley from wineries, cideries, breweries and distilleries based on interests
- Some of the Highest Tides in the World - Walk the Ocean Floor - (depending on tide schedules)
- Driving through small towns, countryside, scenic Look Offs
- Overnight Halifax Accommodations
- Tour Outline Details
Day 3 Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, Peggy's Cove (8 hrs)
- Pickup at local accommodations
- Lunenburg - known for its narrow streets & unique architecture. Wander the old town's distinctive waterfront with its colourful buildings or visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic (additional fee will apply) on the waterfront.
- Travel through Mahone Bay, a peaceful, tranquil destination with a captivating seafaring past. We will stop for some photos of the 3 Churches from across the bay.
- Head to Peggy's Cove with iconic Lighthouse and Fishing Village
- Overnight Halifax Accommodations
- Tour Outline Details
Day 4 Halifax to Baddeck, Cape Breton (full day)
- Pickup at local accommodations
- Travel time to Baddeck with stops avg. 4.5 hrs
- Stop at Peace by Chocolate in Antigonish
- Option to visit Alexander Graham Bell Museum, or The Gaelic College; or local hike to waterfalls; Boat Tour – or free time
- Overnight Baddeck
Day 5 Baddeck to Louisbourg to Baddeck (full day)
- Pickup at local accommodations
- Fortress Louisbourg National Historic Site
- Louisbourg Lighthouse
- Baddeck, Free time
- Overnight Baddeck
Day 6 Baddeck to the Cabot Trail to Baddeck (full day)
- Pickup at local accommodations
- Traveling the Cabot Trail
- Sightseeing, photos, short walks/hikes
- Highlight areas include Ingonish, Neil's Harbour, Pleasant Bay
- Highlight walks/hikes - Green Cove, Bog Trail
- Overnight Mabou or Cheticamp or back to Baddeck
Day 7 Baddeck to Halifax
- Travel back to Halifax accommodations
- Overnight Halifax
- Following day - guests depart on own
Accommodations:
Typically arranged in comfortable inns, boutique hotels, or seaside lodges depending on guest preference and availability.
The itinerary can easily be adjusted to include additional destinations such as the Annapolis Valley, Bay of Fundy, or Prince Edward Island.
Discover Nova Scotia at Your Own Pace
A week in Nova Scotia offers the perfect opportunity to explore the province’s most iconic landscapes while also discovering the quieter places that make the region so special.With private touring, each journey becomes a personalized experience shaped around your interests and the natural rhythm of travel.
Start Planning Your Nova Scotia Journey
Ready to explore Nova Scotia?Contact Down East Tours to begin planning your customized multi day experience.
INQUIRE ABOUT A MULTI-DAY TOUR
Pricing Overview
Itinerary Preparation Fee: $250 per couple ($125 per person).This non-refundable fee covers planning and secures your tour dates. It’s applied toward your final cost. A basic tour outline with quote is provided and dates are secured in our calendar.
2026 Daily Rate: From $1,500 per day, includes transportation, guiding, itinerary preparation, National Park Fees, and the guide’s accommodations/meals. (Rates would be lower for day tours from Halifax)
Guest Lodging: Typically $275–$400+ per night, depending on season and property type.Additional costs may include park fees, ferry crossings, bridge tolls, tastings, or seasonal surcharges.
-> All pricing in Canadian Funds + 14% Local Taxes (HST)
Does not include: All other meals, snacks, beverages and tasting fees are not included, personal expenses, additional options for boat tours, evening music events A payment schedule outlined for review and acceptance before deposit is received.
**Itinerary preparation includes any phone/video calls to discuss and adjust the outline based on interests to customize their tour. Customer will receive a detailed PDF outline of itinerary with hyperlinks, maps and general touring information via email and printed form.
***Transportation vehicle is a comfortable Ford Transit (Low Roof 150 XLT) with two rows of bench seats which can accommodate up to 3 persons per row. Room for limited luggage of one suitcase & one personal item per person. (Galley Photos)
It is recommended to plan far in advance (months) to ensure availability in the touring calendar and accommodations for your private group.
OPTION ADD ON DAYS - PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND; NEW BRUNSWICK Prince Edward Island - Incorporate w/Multi-day Cape Breton Tour & Nova Scotia
- A full day touring Prince Edward Island visiting many of the highlight areas
- Incorporate with the Multi-day Cape Breton Tour
- Dalvay-Brackley National Park - Covehead lighthouse & beach
- Rustico and North Rustico
- Cavendish and the Boardwalk via the Cavendish National Park
- Anne of Green Gables Museum at Silver Bush & Other related sights
- Overnight Charlottetown
- *** contact for details and pricing
New Brunswick - Incorporate w/Multi-day Cape Breton Tour & Nova Scotia
- Highlight areas include Hope Well Rocks - Time based on tides
- Overnight Moncton
- *** contact for details and pricing
Start Planning Your Nova Scotia Journey
Ready to explore Nova Scotia? Contact Down East Tours to begin planning your customized multi day experience.
INQUIRE ABOUT A MULTI-DAY TOUR
Gratuities are not included and are never expected but always appreciated.
INQUIRE ABOUT A MULTI-DAY TOUR
* In order to offer touring into other provinces, there are further rules and regulations. I have all the Commercial Licensing & Insurance to operate in Nova Scotia and Interprovincially to Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Newfoundland.
